Belpre City Council Meeting
The Regular Meeting of the Council of the City of Belpre, Ohio was called to order by Council President Mr. Neff at 7:30 p.m. with Mr. Neff welcoming everyone to this evening’s meeting. The roll was called with the following members present: Ms. Abdella, Mr. Martin, Mr. Newberry, Mr. Robinson, and Mr. Sinnett present. Also present were Mayor Lorentz, Safety-Service Director Mr. Ferguson, City Auditor Miss Pittenger, City Law Director Mr. Webster, Treasurer Mr. McAfee, and Clerk of Council Mrs. Meredith. Absent from the January 14, 2013 meeting were Council persons Mrs. Marshall and Mr. Wallace.
At this time, Mr. Neff asked that everyone please stand for the prayer and remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. Mr. McAfee gave the invocation.
Ms. Abdella moved to accept the minutes of December 10, 2012 as presented and by-pass the reading. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Reports of City Officials
Mayor Lorentz’s presented his report:
With the end of 2012 came numerous retirement parties and dinners to honor some of our officials that have retired or left office. Our own Becky Davis retired after nearly 30 years of dispatching for Belpre. My wife and I also attended the reception for Commissioner Marshall and Vienna Mayor David Nohe.
The American Legion asked me to speak at the Ceremony for Wreaths across America on December 15th. This is a wonderful way to honor our veterans by placing the wreaths. Many of our volunteer organizations helped fund the wreaths in Belpre.
On December 19th I attended a workshop hosted by the LEPC and Jeff Lauer. As you read in the newspaper we now have funding for an EOC in Washington County.
Mr. Ferguson and I met a very nice family that is re-opening and re-furbishing the Blennerhassett RV Park on Beach Drive. This could be a welcome addition to this area in the near future.
On January 8th I met with a developer that is planning on bringing a new business to Belpre. They are in the process of purchasing two plots of ground on Washington Blvd.
With the help of Community Action I have added three houses to the list that could be condemned. At the time of this report I have no news as to whether they have been accepted or the owners have agreed.
With the New Year come a few replacements on some of our committees and commissions within the city. Marian Duvall will now sit on the Planning and Zoning Board, Darwin Mayle, John Underwood Sr. and Karen Waller will be new additions to Civil Service. This was done in accordance of ORC 124.40 and the group can decide which has the 2 year term and who will serve a four year term. As you know we are in the process of testing for all departments in the city. This hopefully will create lists long enough to last two years without testing again.
The ODOT Safe Routes to Schools Grant is due March 1st. We have granted me the authority to submit for grants but, this one could add to our manpower roster if accepted. The grant I am researching and preparing will include a resource officer for our school system. Tonight I would like the authorization to complete and submit the grant before March 1st.
AEP is planning on a huge infrastructure project in our city. AEP will replace many poles and a huge amount of electrical lines during this period. The good part of this is also going to remove a lot of poles and lines that are way out of date.
Council, I encourage you to get your elections forms in quickly if you plan on another term. If you elect not to run again think of an energetic civic minded replacement as the next couple years look to be as busy as the last couple.
The dates for the Dog Warden to be here and issue licenses have changed. New dates are January 23 from 11am until 4pm and January 24 from 4pm until 7pm.
With us tonight is our newest addition to our Police Department. Cody Greathouse has completed all the background checks, lie detector and psychological tests as well as the physicals. After all that he still wants to work for the City of Belpre. At this time I would like to swear him in and introduce him and his wife to council.
On your desk is a copy and description of properties that we need for right-a-way on Farson St. To precede I need councils approval to accept tonight so Ms. Meredith can send the minutes to Columbus for me. Acceptance just gives us the room for the third lane and is at no cost to the City of Belpre.
Mr. Neff asked about the 6th paragraph regarding Safe Route to Schools. Mayor Lorentz stated that this is for a Resource Officer. A voice vote from council is required.
Ms. Abdella asked about the Resource Officer for the Safe Route to School Grant and if there is a time limit on the position. Mayor Lorentz stated that the funding would be grant funded for a year and he wasn’t sure if it would be for a longer period.
Mr. Neff also asked if the Board appointments needed to be approved by council. According to the Mayor they do not.
Mr. Neff asked about the description of properties that we need for right-a-way. They consist of three different LLC’s. According to the law director council can sign the deeds.
Mr. Neff asked for motion from council on the two topics needing a voice vote.
At this time a motion was made by Mr. Newberry to approve the property conveyance. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Sinnett made a motion to accept by voice vote the Safe Route to School Resource Officer. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Ms. Abdella asked the Mayor what positions they are testing for in the departments. According to the Mayor they are testing for the Street, Sewer and Police Department.
Safety-Service Director Mr. Ferguson wished Cody Greathouse a safe long career with the City of Belpre and congratulated him on his new position.
We have engaged with training in the schools with everything going on.
Dudley Hardesty, Retirement Part will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday. He is very much a part of this city and will be for many years.
The Mayor talked about the Civil Service Testing.
Before me tonight is a two year agreement with MCA regarding squad runs. Everything seems to be working fine. If everyone is in agreement, I will go ahead and sign.
If you haven’t noticed additional lighting has been added to Lee Street hill. Hopefully this will give motorist a better visual of those walking up and down Lee Street.
Denver Horn, Developer, is here this evening regarding the rezoning of property behind the Kroger Store. The night the legislation came before council, Mr. Horn was unavailable to attend so it was placed on hold until he could appear for anyone having questions. Mr. Horn stated that the property is in the flood plain. The general intent is to build condos. Ms Abdella asked how many buildings? According to Mr. Horn it will be a two family condo with 20 units. The entrance will be closer to the 4th Street entrance. There has been a request for zoning/variance change.
City Auditor Miss Pittenger announced that before you tonight is the 2012 year end report Revenue versus Expenses and what is projected for 2013-2014. According to the Revenue Report this does not include $55,000 collected in December 2012 and paid January 2013. Miss Pittenger gave an over all review of the report. If anyone has questions please feel free to contact Miss Pittenger.
Also before you this evening is the Utility Adjustment Report for December 2012 that will need council’s approval. At this time, Ms. Abdella made a motion to accept the Utility Adjustment Report as presented. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
I would like to ask the President of Council to assign the 2013 Appropriations.
Miss Pittenger asked the President of Council to assign the opposition to the State Income Tax. (HB)
There have been 30 taxpayers turned back over to the city for delinquent taxes. The police officers are now serving warrants.
The Belpre Alumni Committee will be holding a Spaghetti Dinner and Dance at the Lawton Building on February 16, 2013 with music provided.
City Law Director Mr. Webster reported that a report is still being prepared regarding the Municipal Courts. The City Prosecutor has had several OVI cases. Discussion on the intoxilizer testing will not be available until March. Our Mayor’s Court continues to grow. Our Justice System seems to be working fine just sometimes a little slow.
Treasurer Mr. McAfee reported that each member of council should have a copy of the December Treasurers Report before you this evening awaiting council action. Mr. Sinnett made a motion to accept the Treasurers Report as presented. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye. Mr. McAfee reminded everyone about the Senior Citizen Dinner to be held at the Rockland Methodist Church.
Communications and Petitions:
1. Mr. Neff thanked Mr. Ferguson for the lighting of Lee Street.
2. Assigned to Finance/Audit Committee is the following:
1. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SAFETY-SERVICE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT FOR MANAGEMENT OF THE BELPRE SENIOR CENTER.
2. AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING AUTHORIZED MANPOWER FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2013.
3. A RESOLUTION TO ADOPT AND APPROVE FOR USE BY THE CITY OF BELPRE, OHIO, A HOUSING REVOLVING LOAN FUND ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT.
4. COLLECTION OF MUNICIPAL INCOME TAX.
5. 2013 PERMANENT APPROPRIATIONS.
3. Assigned to Planning and Zoning and Economic Development – Mrs. Marshall
1. WASHINGTON SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT.
Report of Standing Committee:
Ms. Abdella had no report for the Finance/Audit Committee. Ms. Abdella called a committee meeting for January 28, 2013 at 6:30 p.m. for the purpose of discussing the following:
1. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SAFETY-SERVICE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT FOR MANAGEMENT OF THE BELPRE SENIOR CENTER.
2. AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING AUTHORIZED MANPOWER FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2013.
3. A RESOLUTION TO ADOPT AND APPROVE FOR USE BY THE CITY OF BELPRE, OHIO, A HOUSING REVOLVING LOAN FUND ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT.
4. COLLECTION OF MUNICIPAL INCOME TAX.
Mr. Sinnett, Police and Fire Committee announced that each member of council has a copy of the Squad Runs and Fire Runs for 2012 plus the total man hours for 2012.
Mr. Wallace, Streets, Sidewalks and Storm Sewer, was absent. No report was given for his committee.
Mr. Robinson had no report for the Utilities Committee.
Mr. Martin, Parks and Recreation Committee requested to have An Ordinance regarding abandoned vehicles reassigned to committee. Mr. Martin also commented on our fire department and what a great support that they are to the City of Belpre.
Mr. Neff assigned Abandoned Vehicles to the Planning and Zoning Committee.
Mrs. Marshall, Planning and Zoning Committee, was absent. No report was given in her absence.
Mrs. Marshall, Economic Development Committee, was absent. No report was given in her absence.
Mr. Newberry had no report for the Rules Committee. Mr. Newberry congratulated our newly hired Police Officer Cody Greathouse and thanked the fire department for their support to our city.
Persons Appearing Before Council – Agenda items only. None
Unfinished Business: None
New Business: None
Persons Appearing Before Council:
Alex Lowe, 305 Maple Street, Belpre, Ohio appeared before council asking support of council and the administration in the upcoming Easter Egg Hunt on March 30th, 2013. We are in need of donations for candy, eggs and volunteer hours on March 22nd 6:00 p.m. at the Rockland United Methodist Church. If you are free that evening please come and support this event.
Mr. Neff announced that anyone petitioning for a place on council must have their petition filed by February 7, 2013. The Board of Elections is open from 8:00 am until 4:00 p.m.
Mr. Martin made a motion to excuse Mrs. Marshall and Mr. Wallace from this evenings meeting. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Adjourn:
Mr. Robinson made a motion to adjourn at 8:35 p.m. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.