Belpre City Council Meeting
Council President Miss Foster called the Regular Meeting of the Council of the City of Belpre, Ohio, to order at 7:30 p.m. The roll was called with the following members present: Mr. Wilkins, Ms. Abdella; Mr. Davis; Mr. Liao, Mrs. Marshall; Mr. Spencer, Mr. Martin; Mr. Klinger, Mrs. Miller; Mr. Newberry; Mr. Stull and Mr. Robinson present. Also present were Mayor Ross, Mayor Lorentz; Safety Service Director Mr. Allen, Mr. Ferguson; City Auditor Miss Hall, Miss Pittenger; City Law Director Mr. White, City Law Director Mr. Webster and Clerk of Council Miss Stephens, Mrs. Meredith. Absent from the December 14, 2015 meeting was Mr. Martin.
Miss Foster asked that everyone please rise for the Prayer and remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. Mr. Hinton gave the invocation.
Mr. Wilkins made a motion to accept the minutes of November 23, 2015 as presented and by-pass the reading. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Reports of City Officials:
Mayor Ross presented the report that was prepared by Mayor Lorentz. As we ready for a new year I thought it wise to try and provide council a list of committee or Commission Members for their records. On your desk tonight is a start for 2016.
On November 24th we held the second round of drug intervention meetings at the Celebration Center. Approximately 150 people were in attendance. Very good job by all who made a presentation.
On November 30th I attended the interviews for our 3rd Ward councilman. Only two showed up and the process went very well.
Karen Waller and I also took the afternoon to visit a couple interested parties for the Middleton Doll Building. It seems we are back to square one with filling this property. Very disappointing.
December 4th I attended the Sister of St. Joseph’s Health Foundation meeting in Vienna. This group is remarkable when you think of all the assistance they provide to this region.
December 7th Mr. Ferguson and I met with Alan Craig of ODOT to discuss the last round of safety issues before the bridge intersections go to construction. Hopefully this project goes smoothly and stays on schedule. Our Law Director also has the legislation for this project. This needs completed in the early February timeframe.
The re-certification for Tree City USA is in the mail so we should celebrate 18 years of continued membership in April at Arbor Day ceremonies.
My wife and I attended the Rotary Christmas party, Civitan Christmas Party, Business after hours at Grande Pointe for the Chamber, The Woman’s Club Dinner and auction, and the dinner and Night of Giving at Grande Pointe with the PM Company. With the additional dinners to come we are in January, joining Weight Watchers, as it is cheaper than new clothes.
On December 12th I took part in the Wreaths across America ceremony at Cedarville Cemetery sponsored by the Belpre Noon Rotary. Our Rotary does far more than people realize in our community. Thanks to the group for remembering the fallen soldiers of past.
Today we celebrated and held a ribbon ceremony at Miller Orthotics at the Memorial Plaza. This business is housed in the same building as the rehabilitation center. This is a very nice addition to our medical community.
Safety Service Director Mr. Allen presented the report prepared by Mr. Ferguson.
Mr. Allen announced that the Public Hearing that was originally scheduled for December 28, 2015 at 7:00 PM has been rescheduled to January 11, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers located at 715 Park Drive, Belpre, Ohio for the purpose of vacating an alley, which separates the two properties at 718 and 722 Ohio Avenue. We will also be discussing a request by property owners of 1210-1212 Washington Boulevard, Belpre, Ohio for a zoning variance on the set back regulations as per Ordinance 1149.02 (e)(2) A 1. Mr. Allen also thanked the Clerk of Council for getting the meeting set up for this evening. Mr. Allen wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy Safe New Year.
Mr. Stull presented the report that was prepared by Miss Pittenger.
Mr. Stull announced that everyone should have received a copy of the November Adjustment Report. I would like to make a motion to approve the November Adjustment Report as presented. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Per Mr. Webster, Mr. White stated that there was no report for the City Law Director. Mr. White recognized the City Prosecutor Andrew Webster.
Mr. Hinton presented the Treasurer’s Report that was prepared by Miss Pittenger.
Mr. Hinton stated that earlier this evening Miss Pittenger and I placed on your desks a copy of the November Cash Report; in addition the report is also on line. If there are no questions we would like to have the Cash Report approved by council. Mr. Davis made a motion to accept the Cash Report as presented. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Communications and Petitions:
Miss Foster reminded everyone of the Belpre Youth Chamber of Commerce Holiday Get Together on Wednesday, December 16, 2015 from 5-7PM at the Belpre Area Chamber of Commerce.
Miss Foster also reminded council about the City Christmas Potluck on Wednesday, December 23, 2015 from 11:30-1:30PM at the Belpre Senior Center.
Report of Standing Committee:
Mr. Wilkins presented the Finance Audit Report that was prepared by Ms. Abdella.
Mr. Wilkins stated that the Finance Audit Committee met prior to this evenings meeting to discuss the Dog Warden Contract. Cost will be $200 per month. Mayor Lorentz is in favor of a Dog Warden.
Mr. Wilkins stated that the Finance/Audit Committee would like to request that the new committee assignments be completed as soon as possible. We have significant work to complete between January 1st and the first meeting.
I would also like to acknowledge the receipt of communications from the law director related to 2016. Income and expenses for the appropriation, as well as a request to look deeper into Income Tax receipts. We would like to see how employees working in Belpre at the Marietta Memorial campus pay city tax.
Mr. Davis had no report for the Police and Fire Committee.
Mr. Spencer standing in for Mr. Martin, Streets, Sidewalk and Storm Sewer had no report.
Mr. Stull standing in for Mr. Robinson, Utilities Committee had no report.
Mr. Liao standing in for Mrs. Marshall, Parks and Recreation Committee had no report.
Mr. Newberry had no report for Planning and Zoning Committee.
Mr. Newberry, Economic Development Committee reported that the BACC met on November 30, 2015 at 6PM at the Chamber Office. A brief introduction by the attendees was given. Mayor Lorentz and myself were among those attending. Pat Minnick Sr. and Pat Minnick Jr. were the guest speakers. They were asked what the Belpre Area Chamber of Commerce could do to further help economic development in the Belpre Area. Also what they could suggest for further Economic Development Growth in the Belpre Area. They addressed these concerns from their point of view.
Mr. Klinger standing in for Mrs. Miller, Rules Committee had no report.
Persons Appearing Before Council – Agenda items only.
Miss Foster asked if there is anyone wishing to address City Council concerning the one item on the agenda this evening. If so, they may stand, state their name and address and their concern. The item appearing this evening is the TEMPORARY APPROPRIATIONS ORDINANCE FOR CALENDAR AND FISCAL YEAR 2016. Hearing none Miss Foster moved to Unfinished Business.
Unfinished Business:
Mr. Wilkins brought before council for second reading TEMPORARY APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE FOR CALENDAR AND FISCAL YEAR 2016. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Wilkins moved to suspend the rule of council on three different days to allow for the third reading TEMPORARY APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE FOR CALENDAR AND FISCAL YEAR 2016. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Wilkins brought before council for third reading TEMPORARY APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE FOR CALENDAR AND FISCAL YEAR 2016. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Wilkins moved this be Ordinance 22, 2014-2015 and passed. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Neff declared this be Ordinance 22, 2014-2015 and duly passed.
New Business:
Miss Foster asked council if anyone would like to make a motion to cancel the last meeting of the year on December 28, 2015. Mr. Liao made a motion to cancel the December 28, 2015. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Persons Appearing Before Council-
Mr. Robinson stood and announced that after 30 years of service he would not be back. He spoke briefly about his time in office and the enjoyment it brought to him serving on this council.
Mayor Lorentz recognized Mr. Robinson for his service to the City of Belpre. Mayor Lorentz presented Mr. Robinson a plaque for his 30 years of service; I would also like to wish council a very Merry Christmas.
Mr. Neff recognized Mr. Martin, Mr. Newberry and Mr. Robinson for their service to the City of Belpre. Mr. Neff shared some stories about Mr. Robinson and his years on council.
Mr. Klinger made a motion to excuse Mr. Martin from this evening’s meeting. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Ms. Abdella wished everyone a Merry Christmas and recognized Mr. Robinson and Mr. Newberry for their service to the City of Belpre.
Mrs. Marshall wished everyone a Merry Christmas and safe travels. Mrs. Marshall recognized Mr. Robinson, Mr. Newberry and Mr. Martin for their service to the City of Belpre.
Mr. Neff reminded council that January 1st swearing in ceremony would be held at 10 AM.
Mrs. Miller wished everyone a Merry Christmas and said that she is looking forward working together with the new members.
Mr. Newberry congratulated the students. Mr. Newberry stated that it was a pleasure to serve on council. Mr. Newberry wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Mr. Neff congratulated Miss Foster for stepping up to the plate and filling in for Mr. Hardman that couldn’t be here this evening. Miss Foster also held the role of Fire Chief.
Mr. Webster invited everyone back to a new council to see how it all works. Watch council grow like these students have grown today.
Mr. Robinson wished everyone a Merry Christmas.
Adjourn
Mr. Stull filling in for Mr. Robinson made a motion to adjourn at 8:06PM. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.