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. Miller, Mr. Newberry, and Mr. Robinson present. Also present were Mayor Lorentz, Safety Service Director Mr. Ferguson, City Auditor Miss Pittenger, City Law Director Mr. Webster and Clerk of Council Mrs. Meredith. Absent from the June 22, 2015 meeting was City Treasurer Miss Martin, Council persons; Mrs. Marshall and Mr. Martin.
At this time, Mr. Neff asked that everyone please stand for the prayer and remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. Mr. Neff gave the invocation.
Ms. Abdella made a motion to accept the minutes of June 08, 2015 as presented and by-pass the reading. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
At this time, Ms. Abdella made a motion at 7:35 PM to go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing Personnel Matters. Council meeting resumed at 7:40 PM.
Reports of City Officials
Mayor Lorentz reported that since our last meeting Mr. Ferguson and I have tried to explain to everyone that is confused or concerned how our trash and recycle is supposed to work. My last formal stop was at the St. Center. Hopefully your recycle bins will be delivered in the next few working days.
On June 15th I attended the RSVP Dinner and recognition in Marietta. Our city was well represented as Charlotte Powell recorded 900 hours at the museum followed by Nancy Sam’s and Sandi Fuller. We are blessed as a city to have such dedicated people.
Cub Scout Day Camp for the Allohak Council was again held at our Civitan Park on June 18th through June 20th. Weather was not very cooperative but, they all had fun. The project they completed for us this year was to assemble the new benches for the park.
Council, Everbridge Mass Communications System goes on line July 1st.
Hopefully, council knows just how shorthanded we have been over the past few months. Mr. Ferguson believes we have a new recruit coming pending a physical. It is my opinion that we add a laborer to the manpower sheet until such time that retirement’s level out then if council agrees takes it out.
As I announced at our last meeting, the results of a Civil Service Test is in. Tonight I would like to swear in our new Police Chief, and our newest Sergeant. Also for your information Mr. Ferguson and I completed interviews and have started the process of bringing in a new officer for the department. Hopefully we will have him on duty by mid-July.
At this time, Mayor Lorentz swore in Police Chief Terrance Williams and Sergeant Joseph Kerby.
Safety-Service Director Mr. Ferguson had no report but congratulated the newest selected Chief to the Police Department, Terrance Williams and the newest selected Sergeant, Joseph Kerby. I am very proud of our police officers. Also I would like to recognize all the officers and dispatchers present here this evening.
City Auditor Miss Pittenger extended her congratulations to the newly elected Chief and Sergeant.
City Law Director Mr. Webster congratulated the newly elected officers to the police department. I know that the department will do a good job. The Law Director’s Office appreciates the Police Department for making things work well for the Prosecuting Attorney and the Law Director.
Treasurer Miss Martin was absent. No report was given in her absence.
Communications and Petitions:
Mr. Neff announced the Mid-Ohio Valley Mayor’s Association Boat Ride on Wednesday, July 8, 2015 on the Valley Gem Sternwheeler, 601 Front Street, Marietta, Ohio. The boat leaves promptly at 6:00 p.m. Boarding begins at 5:30 p.m. RSVP to Lisa Rankin at 740-423-7592 by noon on June 30th if you plan to attend.
Mr. Neff also asked the SSD about the email he had received regarding Insurance Pooling. Mr. Ferguson to forward a copy to the Law Director.
Report of Standing Committee:
Ms. Abdella, Finance Audit Committee reported that her committee met prior to this evenings meeting at Boulevard Sands to discuss the access road and drainage easement. Council has no action. At this time we will move it on to the Zoning Board of Appeals for consideration of changing the sub-division plat. Homeowners in that area are concerned about the high grass. Ms. Abdella suggested that Mr. Ferguson contact Mrs. Higgins and have the grass mowed. Ms. Abdella also congratulated the newly selected Chief and Sergeant.
Mr. Gilbert, Police and Fire Committee had no report.
Mr. Martin, Streets, Sidewalk and Storm Sewer was absent. No report was given in his absence.
Mr. Robinson, Utilities Committee had no report.
Mrs. Marshall, Parks and Recreation Committee was absent. No report was given in her absence.
Mr. Newberry had no report for Planning and Zoning Committee. Mr. Newberry congratulated the Chief and Sergeant.
Mr. Newberry, Economic Development Committee reported that he had lunch with Bob McCloy who is heading up the Economic Development for the Chamber of Commerce. Mr. McCloy would like to recruit new members. His tentative mission is to recruit businesses and retain businesses for the City of Belpre. In turn this should help our schools.
Mrs. Miller, Rules Committee had no report.
Mr. Neff reported that in the absence of the Mayor he attended the Opening Ceremonies for the 20th Annual Multicultural Festival.
Persons Appearing Before Council – Agenda items only. None
Unfinished Business:
Ms. Abdella brought before council for second 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. This will lie over until the next meeting of council.
Ms. Abdella brought before council for second reading A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE TAX BUDGET FOR THE YEAR 2016. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye. This will lie over until the next meeting of council.
New Business: None
Persons Appearing Before Council-
Mr. Robinson congratulated the new Chief and Sergeant.
Ms. Abdella made a motion to excuse Mrs. Marshall and Mr. Martin from this evenings meeting. Both members had contacted the President of Council and had a legitimate excuse for missing this evenings meeting. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Gilbert discussed recycling and the importance of using the recycling bins for only recycling and not garbage.
Mayor Lorentz stated that the recycling bin at Civitan Park would be removed and that anyone caught dumping trash in our park will receive a visit from our Police Department.
Mr. Robinson asked if our trash pick-up could run on the same time schedule.
Mayor Lorentz stated that right now they are getting used to a new route and folks will need to be patient.
Mr. Neff stated that they are trying to get up to speed. They are completely revamping their new routes.
Miss Pittenger said that trash would be picked up between the hours of 6AM and 8PM.
Mrs. Miller brought to the SSD attention a telephone pole that is located at her end of town. There is half a pole with cable and electric attached to it. AEP has come out and checked the pole however the pole belongs to the telephone company. AEP will replace pole if it is not taken care of by Telephone Company. Mr. Ferguson to take a look at the problem.
Mr. Newberry said that Mr. McCloy is looking forward to coming to council.
Adjourn
Mr. Robinson made a motion to adjourn at 8:08. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.