Belpre City Council Minutes
March 28, 2016
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: Ms. Abdella, Mr. Colvin, Mrs. Drake, Mrs. Marshall, Mrs. Miller, Mrs. Sinnett, and Mr. Turrill present. Also present were Mayor Lorentz; Safety Service Director Mr. Cross; City Auditor Miss Pittenger; and City Law Director Mr. Webster. Absent from the March 28, 2016 meeting was City Treasurer Mrs. Kincaid and Clerk of Council Mrs. Meredith.
Mr. Neff asked that everyone please rise for the Prayer and remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. Mr. Neff gave the invocation.
Mrs. Marshall made a motion to accept the minutes of March 14, 2016 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 reported that tonight the Belpre Tree Commission would make a short presentation to council. This will help you understand our reason for being, and inform you of our Tree City Status and why this is important for all.
Friday March 18th was an interesting day as the repair work on the electrical lines caused a spike in power at the Sr. Center. It looks like we lost numerous pieces of equipment or at least will incur quite a sum in repair to equipment that can be saved. AEP is quite aware and has been very responsive to our needs.
On Monday March 21st we held a ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the Opening of a bike path through our city. With the assistance of grants we now have three bike repair stations located in town to assist people travelling through that may have problems with their equipment. Although this seems like a small thing to some it really does bring people to our little city.
Our Rotary Club of Belpre hosted John Molinaro from APEG on Wednesday. As you know, John and group are one of the many assisting us with our sewer line expansions and/or repairs. APEG will take on economic development that is quite important to our receiving grants or aid when entering into large projects.
Mr. Cross and I are still working the issues with EMT coverage for our city. It looks to me as if we have two or three options. As they progress I will communicate to committee or council as a whole depending on timeline.
Mr. Neff asked about the Wirt Street Bridge. Mayor Lorentz stated that the Wirt Street Bridge was blocked to traffic but will be fixed for a designated walkway. Mayor is waiting to hear back from CSX regarding the bridge project.
At this time, Maxine Mobbs, Chairman of the Belpre Tree Commission gave a presentation about the commission and its activities.
Safety Service Director Mr. Cross addressed the issue of cars parked on 4th Street. Mr. Cross encourages residents to park some of the vehicles in their yards or in their driveways.
City Auditor Miss Pittenger announced that the State Auditor’s are in house. You all should be getting notification from the State Auditor asking questions about the city finances.
Miss Pittenger announced that we are working on getting the fitness stations completed at Civitan Park. Hopefully they will be complete by the end of May.
I have received the Back Tax Collection Report from R.I.T.A. Please let me know if you would like to review or have any questions regarding the report.
The Adjustment Report for the month of March has been placed on line for your review. Copies are on the back table. I would like to have a motion from council to have the Adjustment Report for the Month of March approved. Ms. Abdella made a motion to approve the Adjustment Report as presented. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye except Mrs. Miller whom voted nay.
Mr. Neff asked that the minutes reflect that he had signed the bank reconciliation for the month of February.
City Law Director Mr. Webster announced that the Public Notice is being sent out this week for the purpose of vacating an alley on Ohio Avenue. Mr. Webster also thanked Becky and the Sr. Center for the Chocolate Easter Eggs.
City Treasurer Mrs. Kincaid was absent. No report was given in her absence.
Communications and Petitions:
Mr. Neff announced that he had received a copy of the letter addressed to the Safety-Service Director regarding dangerous condition of trees along the street on the 300 block of Florence.
Mr. Neff announced that a copy of the Sunshine Law appears on-line. Judy Drake and Brian Turrill have both committed to taking the on-line class for the council. Once they are certified a copy needs to be given to the City Auditor to be forwarded on to the State Auditors.
Report of Standing Committee:
Ms. Abdella announced that the Finance Audit Committee did not meet prior to this evenings meeting at 7:15 due to information not provided by the administration. Ms. Abdella rescheduled the meeting for April 11 at 7:15PM to discuss changes to the Manpower Roster.
Mrs. Miller, Police and Fire Committee spoke briefly about Rail to Trails Bike Path Ribbon Cutting Ceremony that was held on Monday, March 21st at 5:30 PM at the Chamber.
Mr. Colvin, Streets, Sidewalk and Storm Sewer had no report.
Mrs. Marshall, Utilities Committee had no report. Mrs. Marshall announced that the Belpre Lions Club would hold their Pancake Dinner, Saturday, April 2nd, 2016 beginning at 4PM. Come out and support your local Lions Club.
Mrs. Sinnett, Parks and Recreation Committee had no report.
Mrs. Drake, Planning and Zoning Committee had no report.
Mrs. Drake reported that Economic Development Committee reported that the Chamber had an event for the Youth Chamber. There were several 6th graders putting on a presentation. These young folks are very interested in our Chamber.
Mr. Turrill, Rules Committee had no report for the Rules Committee.
Persons Appearing Before Council – Agenda items only. None
Unfinished Business:
Ms. Abdella brought before council for second reading A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A COMMUNITY HOUSING IMPACT AND PRESERVATION PROGRAM PARTNER AGREEMENT WITH THE WASHINGTON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Ms. Abdella made a motion to suspend the rule of council on three different days to allow for the third reading of A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A COMMUNITY HOUSING IMPACT AND PRESERVATION PROGRAM PARTNER AGREEMENT WITH THE WASHINGTON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Ms. Abdella brought before council for third reading A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A COMMUNITY HOUSING IMPACT AND PRESERVATION PROGRAM PARTNER AGREEMENT WITH THE WASHINGTON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Ms. Abdella moved this be Resolution 7, 2016-2017 and duly passed. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
New Business: None
Persons Appearing Before Council: None
Adjourn
A motion was made by Mrs. Miller to adjourn. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.