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. Gilbert, Mrs. Marshall, Mr. Martin, Mrs. Miller, Mr. Newberry, and Mr. Robinson present.  Also present were Mayor Lorentz, Safety Service Director Mr. Ferguson, City Auditor Miss Pittenger, and City Law Director Mr. Webster. Absent from the July 13, 2015 meeting was City Treasurer Miss Martin and Clerk of Council Mrs. Meredith.

Mrs. Marshall made a motion to accept the minutes of June 22, 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 Lorentz reported that The Chamber of Commerce held a quarterly luncheon on June 23rd, hosted by Marietta Memorial. Marietta Memorial announced their newest expansion at our Belpre campus. Steel is going up and all looks good at this point.

As reported earlier we had prepared an ARC Grant for Farson Street water supply and a generator at the sewer plant. The generator did pass the test and will move to the next round. I should have word of authorization the week of the 20th.

Mr. Ferguson and Chief Williams have hired a new recruit for the police department. This gentleman is with us this evening, and I would like to swear him in as a new officer for our city.

Along with the new officer we have hired a new employee who started today as a laborer II with the city. Please welcome Austin Ford as our newest employee when you see him.

Before we meet again the judges will be here from America in Bloom. The weather has not cooperated but with some cooperation from volunteers we will be ready. Please give your neighborhoods a quick look and if you can, make sure we are ready for visitors.

Safety-Service Director Mr. Ferguson congratulated the newest patrolman Jason Campbell.  Then Mr. Ferguson explained the intergovernmental insurance plan for the pool.  This is a plan that is used by a group of cities to achieve better rates.  This should be approximately a $6,000 a year savings for the city.  The Law Director has prepared the legislation and I would like to have it passed as soon as possible.

City Auditor Miss Pittenger reported that the adjustment report has been posted to the website and a signed copy has been given to the clerk.  She would like the adjustment report approved at this time.  Mrs. Marshall made a motion to approve the adjustment report as presented.  A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye except for Mrs. Miller whom voted nay.

City Law Director Mr. Webster had no report at this time.

Treasurer Miss Martin was absent. City Auditor Ms. Pittenger presented the Cash Report with a request to approve as presented.  Ms. Pittenger stated that a signed copy of the report has been given to the Council Clerk Protem for file. Ms. Marshall made a motion to accept the Cash Report as presented.  All seven members of council present voted aye.  Motion passed.

Communications and Petitions:

Council President Mr. Neff assigned to committee A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SAFETY SERVICE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL CONTRACT FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE PUBLIC ENTITIES POOL” to the Finance Audit Committee for consideration.  He encouraged that this be placed on the next meeting agenda for first reading.

Report of Standing Committee:

Ms. Abdella, Finance Audit Committee had no report at this time however she questioned the Safety Service Director about all the equipment outside the sewer plant and if the funds to install the generator that was mentioned in the Mayor’s Report had been included in the Grant proposal.  The Mayor stated that the funds were included in the Grant proposal to install the generator.

Mr. Gilbert, Police and Fire Committee had no report.

Mr. Martin, Streets, Sidewalk and Storm Sewer had no report.  Mr. Martin thanked the Street Department for checking the storm drains prior to the recent heavy rains.

Mr. Robinson, Utilities Committee had no report.

Mrs. Marshall, Parks and Recreation Committee had no report.

Mr. Newberry had no report for Planning and Zoning Committee.

Mr. Newberry, Economic Development Committee had no report.  Mr. Newberry stated that he had attended the Economic Development Meeting held by the Belpre Chamber of Commerce.  He also requested that Bob McCloy be allowed to speak during the next council meeting regarding Economic Development.

Mrs. Miller, Rules Committee had no report, but stated that she also had attended the Economic Development Committee Meeting.

Persons Appearing Before Council – Agenda items only. None

Unfinished Business:

Mr. Gilbert brought before council for third reading A RESOLUTION DECLARING THE ESTIMATED AGGREGATE AMOUNTS OF PUBLIC FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR DEPOSIT DURING NEXT FIVE (5) YEARS FOR DESIGNATION OF PUBLIC DEPOSITORY.  A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.

Mr. Gilbert moved this be Resolution 18, 2014-2015 and passed.  A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye. Motion passed.

Mr. Gilbert brought before council for third reading A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE TAX BUDGET FOR THE YEAR 2016.  A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.

Mr. Gilbert moved this be Resolution 19, 2014-2015 and passed.  A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.  Motion passed.

New Business:  None

Persons Appearing Before Council-

Elizabeth Wile 1598 Lois Street Belpre voiced her concern related to “Lake Lois” water run off from Park Drive to Lois Street.  Her concern was about the water runoff plan for the property adjacent to the City Building.  She requested to see the plan.

Sue Christman 310 Florence Street Belpre voiced concern related to property on Florence Street that has junk tires, weeds, barrels with an unknown substance, and rodents encroaching on her property.  A copy of her statement was given to the clerk and is on file in Council Chambers.

Mrs. Miller asked if any complaints had been received about the Kimble Company and trash being left in the street once trash collection was completed.  The Mayor and Safety-Service Director stated they would follow up with the Kimble Company.  No complaints had been received.  They also stated that the owner had been in the City with his personal vehicle picking up citizens trash that had been missed.  He also stated they are trying very hard to provide good service even during their staffing issues.

Adjourn

Mr. Robinson made a motion to adjourn at 8:30.  A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.