Belpre City Council Minutes
Council President Mr. Neff 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. Colvin, Mrs. Drake, Mrs. Marshall, Mrs. Miller, and Mrs. Sinnett, present. Also present were Mayor Lorentz, Safety- Service Director Mr. Cross, City Law Director Mr. Webster, Treasurer Mrs. Kincaid and Clerk of Council Mrs. Meredith. Absent from the July 11, 2016 meeting was City Auditor Miss Pittenger and Councilperson Ms. Abdella and Mr. Turrill.
Mr. Neff asked that everyone please rise for the Prayer and remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. Mr. Neff gave the invocation.
Mr. Neff informed council, administration and citizens that the minutes of June 27, 2016 would be presented at the next meeting of council as the clerk had been on vacation.
Reports of City Officials:
Mayor Lorentz reported that on June 30th we met with a medical group’s architect to discuss a facility on Main Street. Since that time surveying and core samples have been done. On your desk tonight is a simple drawing explaining a variance that will need approved to proceed? This is just for a 40X80 section on one corner that is still R-2 and not commercial.
Mr. Cross and I have also talked with a group that is interested in the old motel site and our Washington Boulevard Fire house. At this point I am working with the fire department to see if moving and building on their training center site makes sense. As we finalize or move forward communications will be sent.
For the last couple years the Recreation Commission has been somewhat dormant. With all the activity in the parks as of late I am asking council to approve a new slate of volunteers for the commission. Ms. Sinnett, Mr. Cross, Bill and Karen Locke as well as myself will now try to resurrect this activity to better communicate to council. As needed I may add another name or two to the mix. As long as we meet and are productive this can be a benefit to Belpre.
Late last week I received the list from Civil Service. We will start the process of hiring a laborer position for the city.
Tomorrow evening Senator Lou Gentile and I are hosting a town hall style meeting here in council chambers at 6:30. The main emphasis will be Economic Development, education, and infrastructure.
Our park was full this weekend with the Alumni Ice Cream Social. This weekend is the Sweet Corn Festival in Marietta as well as the Broughton’s Ice Cream Social. Homecoming is just around the corner so be aware of extra needs in the parks as well as the fishing pond. It will be closed the entire week of homecoming to accommodate the kids.
The Safety-Service Director and I met with ODOT about the bridge approaches. We start removing the barriers in the middle of bridge and traffic control will start on Wednesday of this week. Take your time and pay attention during this busy period of time.
Mr. Neff asked the Mayor if the facility on Main Street requiring a variance would need to be approved by the Board of Zoning Appeals. According to the Mayor they would need to approve it.
Safety Service Director Mr. Cross reported that asphalt would be used to repair where waterline cuts were needed.
Detour signs will be placed for pedestrian traffic to get across the bridge.
Mr. Neff asked Mr. Cross if he had received any numbers regarding recycling. Mr. Cross is to get back with Mr. Neff regarding this issue. He was going to check with Lisa.
City Auditor Miss Pittenger was absent. No report was given in her absence.
City Law Director Mr. Webster had no report.
City Treasurer Mrs. Kincaid had no report for the Treasurer’s Report.
Communications and Petitions:
Mr. Neff had no Communications or Petitions.
Report of Standing Committee:
Ms. Abdella Finance Audit Committee was absent. No report was given in her absence.
Mrs. Miller, Police and Fire Committee had no report.
Mr. Colvin, Streets, Sidewalk and Storm Sewer asked Mr. Cross about the asphalt base material used for patching where they had waterline breaks. Mr. Cross stated that they are going to try to use the asphalt base material. Mr. Cross stated that the asphalt base material was less expensive. Mr. Colvin stated that he understands that we don’t have a lot of money to do the streets but he was wondering if they would be doing 4th Street, Depot Street and Beauseaux Street. Mr. Colvin stated that he is still receiving calls from citizens regarding street stripping. Mr. Cross stated that he was in hopes to work with the state for street stripping. Mr. Colvin asked for a point of clarification regarding the replacing an employee at the water department. Mayor Lorentz stated it was for a laborer.
Mr. Neff asked for a motion to add back on tonight’s meeting for third reading A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE TAX BUDGET FOR THE YEAR 2017. Mrs. Drake made a motion to add to tonight’s agenda for third reading A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE TAX BUDGET FOR THE YEAR 2017. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Colvin stated that he would like to table AN ORDINANCE TO VACATE THE ENTIRE UNNAMED ALLEY LOCATED ON OHIO AVENUE IN OLD AMHERST ADDITION. Mr. Colvin stated that the reason to table the legislation was that we have two members of council not present with us this evening.
Mrs. Marshall, Utilities Committee had no report.
Mrs. Sinnett, Parks and Recreation Committee had no report.
Mrs. Drake, Planning and Zoning Committee had no report.
Mrs. Drake, Economic Development Committee had no report.
Mr. Turrill, Rules Committee was absent. No report was given in his absence.
Persons Appearing Before Council – Agenda items only.
None
Unfinished Business:
Mrs. Marshall brought before council for third reading A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE TAX BUDGET FOR THE YEAR 2017. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mrs. Marshall moved this be Resolution 13, 2016-2017 and duly passed. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
New Business: None
Persons Appearing Before Council:
Kenneth Cobb from Parkersburg requested an 8 ft. variance at the north end of Florence Street. He has asked for this variance numerous times and has not received an answer. Mr. Neff told Mr. Cobb to talk with Mr. Cross regarding this issue.
Albert Nelson, Blennerhassett Avenue addressed council regarding selling corn on an Agricultural piece of property. Mr. Webster to check about this and will get back with Mr. Nelson. Mr. Webster stated that the only restriction might be a roadside market.
Mr. Nelson wanted to know whom he could see about having a residential piece of property changed to commercial. Mr. Neff told Mr. Nelson that he should check with Mr. Cross.
Mrs. Marshall made a motion to excuse Ms. Abdella and Mr. Turrill from tonight’s meeting. Ms. Abdella is on vacation and Mr. Turrill is working. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Webster informed council that this weekend there would be a Baseball Tournament held at Civitan Park with about 20 teams participating. Come down and hear the crack of the bat.
Adjourn
Mrs. Marshall made a motion to adjourn at 7:55 PM. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.