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: 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 January 25, 2016 meeting was 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. Mrs. Marshall gave the invocation.
Mrs. Marshall made a motion to accept the minutes of January 11, 2016 as presented and by-pass the reading. Mrs. Drake pointed out a correction to the minutes on Page 3, 4th paragraph, line 5, the date should be changed to December 1, 2015. Ms. Abdella stated that the correction was made. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Neff thanked the Street Department for the job they did in clearing our city streets.
Reports of City Officials:
Mayor Lorentz reported that since our last meeting I have met with the Civil Service Commission to start the process of building a list of applicants for our city. At this point we have exhausted the lists for all departments. Should we need to hire it would take months without the list. As of this time we are looking at March or April for the test.
Council, I would like to have the first reading on the ODOT legislation for our bridge intersections tonight. We do have somewhat of a deadline of February 22nd to stay on schedule.
The Street Foreman has submitted a list of streets for us to pave this year. The Safety-Service Director and I will submit this estimate to the Finance Committee so to enter into the budget.
Council, I have a copy of the GIS map for the Ohio Avenue alley area. If you have further questions please let me know.
Belpre Scout Troop 13 has a new Eagle Scout as I was able to attend the Eagle Scout Ceremony for Bryce Gearhart held at the Legion Post.
We have received numerous comments about our street employees and their efforts this past weekend. It is nice to hear the good stuff, and especially when told our streets are the best around. Thank you David and crew for your good work.
Mayor Lorentz thanked the local businesses in town for supplying coffee to our work crew.
For those of you who do not know Ron Cross, I would like to introduce him tonight as our new Safety-Service Director.
Safety Service Director Mr. Cross had no report. Mr. Cross stated that he is looking forward to working for the City of Belpre and meeting the challenges that we may face.
City Auditor Miss Pittenger reported that last week we had the Ohio Checkbook roll out and she was pleased that we had a very good turn out. You can view the Ohio Checkbook on our cities website by going to www.cityofbelpre.com. At the bottom left of the Home Page you will see the Ohio Checkbook, click on that, type in what you are searching for and you will be able to see checks that have been written for the past five years. Also on our cities website is the Tax Report from RITA.
City Law Director Mr. Webster reported that at the last meeting I announced that I would have a report of the 2015 Criminal Case files that were opened by my office. The criminal files have been broken down by charges totaling 152 case files. In addition, we have listed the files by the different law enforcement agencies. Mr. Webster also noted that within the 152 files opened, there are numerous separate charges that require prosecution. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to discuss with me.
Mr. Webster also stated that Miss Pittenger and I met with the Payroll Department last week at Marietta Memorial regarding city income tax. There are a few things we are checking on. Meeting went very well.
City Treasurer Mrs. Kincaid was absent. No report was given in her absence.
Communications and Petitions:
Mr. Neff reported that he had received an email from the law director regarding the Ohio Avenue Alley. I hope that everyone has had the opportunity to take a look at it.
Mr. Neff asked the Mayor for an updated roster for the Belpre Volunteer Fire Department. Mr. Neff stated that we had not received one since last March.
Reminder that all 2015 Financial Disclosure Forms need to be completed prior to April 15, 2016. Mr. Webster stated that the form is extensive. Do not wait until the day before to fill it out.
I assume that everyone should have received an email from the clerk on how to present legislation.
There is a website on line for Public Records Training. Miss Pittenger stated that she had taken the training. It took her a day to complete however she was multi-tasking. You will receive a certificate once you have completed.
Report of Standing Committee:
Ms. Abdella reported that the Finance Audit Committee has met twice since our last meeting. On Friday, we met at 2:00 PM in the Conference Room to discuss the 2016 Appropriations. There are multiple categories in which to discuss. We are meeting again on February 3, 2016 at 5PM in the Conference Room to continue our discussion. My Committee also met prior to this evenings meeting to discuss the Storm Water Contract, CHIP Funding and the Manpower Ordinance. At this time I would like to add to tonight’s agenda for first reading A RESOLUTION TO ADOPT AND APPROVE FOR USE BY THE CITY OF BELPRE, OHIO, A HOUSING REVOLVING LOAN FUND ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT WITH THE OHIO DEVELOPMENT SERVICES AGENCY; A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SAFETY-SERVICE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH THE WASHINGTON SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT; AND AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING AUTHORIZED MANPOWER FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2016. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mrs. Miller had no report for the Police and Fire Committee. I will be calling a meeting with Police and Fire to see what there expectations are from us.
Mr. Colvin, Streets, Sidewalk and Storm Sewer reported about the 10 ft. alley on Ohio Alley. The alley has been called a paper alley. I believe we need the opinion of the Police and Fire Department regarding any safety issues. Mr. Webster stated that prior to the meeting this evening Mr. Colvin had asked the law directors office to draw legislation to close the alley pending discussion by the two departments. I received several calls regarding snow-blocking driveways. I explained to them that they were probably throwing the snow on city property and not necessarily in your driveway.
Mr. Neff neglected to assign to committee at the last meeting the possible closure of the Ohio Avenue alley. Mr. Neff asked Ms. Abdella to assign to Streets, Sidewalks and Storm Sewer Committee closure of an Alley on Ohio Avenue.
Mrs. Marshall, Utilities Committee reported that her committee met prior to this evenings meeting for the purpose of discussing the bridge approach on both bridges. It was the decision of the committee to add this piece of legislation to tonight’s agenda. At this time Mrs. Marshall made a motion to add to tonight’s agenda for first reading A RESOLUTION ENACTED BY THE CITY OF BELPRE, WASHINGTON COUNTY, OHIO, HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AS THE LOCAL PUBLIC AGENCY; AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO RENEW AND APPROVE THE PLAN OF OPERATION AND GOVERNANCE FOR THE CITY OF BELPRE ELECTRIC GOVERNMENTAL AGGREGATION PROGRAM; AN ORDINANCE TO APPROVE THE PLAN OF OPERATION AND GOVERNANCE FOR THE CITY OF BELPRE NATURAL GAS AGGREGATION PROGRAM. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye. Mrs. Marshall thanked the Street Department for doing such a great job with our snow removal. I would also like to welcome Mr. Cross as our new Safety-Service Director.
Mrs. Sinnett, Parks and Recreation Committee had no report.
Mrs. Drake had no report for Planning and Zoning Committee.
Mrs. Drake had no report for Economic Development Committee. Mrs. Drake told council that Mrs. Miller and I attended the Economic Development meeting this evening and found it to be very informative. I would also like to welcome Mr. Cross as our new SSD.
Mr. Turrill, Rules Committee had no report.
Persons Appearing Before Council – Agenda items only. None
Unfinished Business:
Mrs. Miller brought before council for second reading A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SAFETY-SERVICE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT FOR MANAGEMENT OF THE BELPRE SENIOR CENTER. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye. This will lie over until the next meeting of council.
New Business:
Mrs. Miller brought before council for first reading AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING AUTHORIZED MANPOWER FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2016. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye. This will lie over until the next meeting of council.
Mrs. Miller brought before council for first reading A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SAFETY-SERVICE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH THE WASHINGTON SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mrs. Miller brought before council for first reading A RESOLUTION TO ADOPT AND APPROVE FOR USE BY THE CITY OF BELPRE, OHIO, A HOUSING REVOLVING LOAN FUND ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT WITH THE OHIO DEVELOPMENT SERVICES AGENCY. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye. This will lie over until the next meeting of council.
Mrs. Marshall brought before council for first reading AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO RENEW AND APPROVE THE PLAN OF OPERATION AND GOVERNANCE FOR THE CITY OF BELPRE ELECTRIC GOVERNMENTAL AGGREGATION PROGRAM. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mrs. Marshall moved to suspend the rule of council on three different days to allow for the second and third readings of AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO RENEW AND APPROVE THE PLAN OF OPERATION AND GOVERNANCE FOR THE CITY OF BELPRE ELECTRIC GOVERNMENTAL AGGREGATION PROGRAM. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mrs. Marshall brought before council for second and third readings AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO RENEW AND APPROVE THE PLAN OF OPERATION AND GOVERNANCE FOR THE CITY OF BELPRE ELECTRIC GOVERNMENTAL AGGREGATION PROGRAM. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mrs. Marshall moved this be Ordinance 1, 2016-2017 and duly passed. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mrs. Marshall brought before council for first reading AN ORDINANCE TO APPROVE THE PLAN OF OPERATION AND GOVERNANCE FOR THE CITY OF BELPRE NATURAL GAS AGGREGATION PROGRAM. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mrs. Marshall moved to suspend the rule of council on three different days to allow for the second and third readings of AN ORDINANCE TO APPROVE THE PLAN OF OPERATION AND GOVERNANCE FOR THE CITY OF BELPRE NATURAL GAS AGGREGATION PROGRAM. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mrs. Marshall brought before council for second and third readings AN ORDINANCE TO APPROVE THE PLAN OF OPERATION AND GOVERNANCE FOR THE CITY OF BELPRE NATURAL GAS AGGREGATION PROGRAM. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye
Mrs. Marshall moved this be Ordinance 2, 2016-2017 and passed. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mayor Lorentz announced that he had received a text message from the Clerk of Council that they have a Baby Girl, 6lbs 14 ounces, 19 ½ inches long.
Mrs. Marshall brought before council for first reading A RESOLUTION ENACTED BY THE CITY OF BELPRE, WASHINGTON COUNTY, OHIO, HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AS THE LOCAL PUBLIC AGENCY. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye. This will lie over until the next meeting of council.
Persons Appearing Before Council:
Steve Reynolds asked for a copy of any paperwork regarding the request to close the alleyway.
Steve Lockhart, 704 Oak Tree Lane, Belpre with the Homeowners Association appeared before council with his concerns of closing the right of way. Mr. Lockhart wants the barrier removed at the end of the alley until a decision is made.
Jason Church, 718 Ohio Avenue, stated that there are two different entrances into the property. The alleyway goes between Judy and my property. Mr. Webster stated that as long as the other owner’s property touches your property then they have the right to the use of the alley.
Mr. Webster stated that they are not going to remove any of the barriers until the issue is resolved. We don’t want anybody running over the water lines.
Steve Reynolds asked if it is okay for Mr. Church to drive in on our property? Mr. Webster stated that if there is a concern to contact them.
Tammy Bates, 218 State Route 339 appeared before council to introduce herself. She will be running for the position of County Treasurer.
Mr. Holbert, Managing Partner with Burgess & Niples was present at this evenings meeting. They have done a lot of infrastructure for the City of Belpre. The City of Belpre has a very good working relationship with these folks.
Mr. Neff welcomed Mr. Grimes that is with us this evening.
Mrs. Miller recognized the Street Department for the job they did clearing our streets.
Mr. Neff welcomed Mr. Cross.
Adjourn
Mrs. Marshall made a motion to adjourn at 8:25PM. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.