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 08, 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.
Mrs. Miller made a motion to accept the minutes of May 11, 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 on May 14th I accepted Fire Chief Eric Sinnett’s resignation as Chief. Eric really gave no reason other than time commitments. Eric has done a good job as Chief and will be missed. Mr. Ferguson and I will work the process to obtain his replacement.
As of May 20th I swore in Asst. Chief Tony Cronin and James Mason as Interim Chief until such time Mr. Ferguson and I have time to come to a decision on an appointment. Three people have expressed a desire to move up.
As of now we are waiting on test results from our Police Chief test. We had two Sergeants take this test; results will be approximately 10 days coming. Next council meeting should be interesting as we should be able to announce promotions.
The Mayor’s Partnership for Progress met in Belpre on the 14th. Sheriff Mincks was our speaker for the evening. The sheriff was very interesting and his talk generated many questions from the group.
The Marietta Chamber held a question and answer session with the City Manager of Dickinson North Dakota on Friday May 15th. A lot of our elected officials were there as well as Chamber members and the Port Authority. Hopefully we are still alive for the cracker plant in Washington W.V.
Relay for Life was held again at Civitan Park. The park looked beautiful and all seemed to enjoy their time of fund raising and remembrance. It is my understanding that the group met their goal for 2015. Congratulations!
CAS Cable sent a letter stating they were beginning to sell service and advertising in the City of Belpre. On the 18th of May I sent the letter to our Law Director so that a Notice of Franchise Fee could be directed to their company.
Sergeant Williams and I attended a training session for the Everbridge Communications System on Friday May 15th. Dispatcher Hubbard and I again attended another session on May22nd. Council, we need to make up our minds soon if we are to participate. This can be quite an addition for emergencies and alerts for our city.
Memorial Day Ceremonies were held at Leavitt’s again this year. Our Legion Post done a very good job on the program as usual. Our local Legion Post really casts a good light on our city.
We have received new pledge cards for the Southeastern Ohio Port Authority. The current invoice completes our three (3) year commitment but I ask council to renew for another 3. The Port has been instrumental in Belpre acquiring some grants for development as well as The Alcazar Property, The hospital development, Middleton Doll and others. The commitment remains the same $2,500 per year. Unless I hear different I will budget for next year.
Safety-Service Director Mr. Ferguson added to the Mayor’s Report by stating that one of our city workers has been in Intensive Care for almost a week and they have since taken him on to Columbus. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.
The cost of the Everbridge Communication System is $2,800. It is my understanding that this system will alert the community when there is a disaster. It will do everything but knock on your front door.
I would also like to thank the police force for recovering a stolen car. They also caught a robbery suspect from Parkersburg. Later on in the week they were able to apprehend the robber from Peddler Junction. The robber walked by the city building and past the Mayor and SSD. They caught a photo of him on camera.
The Inaugural Highland Games were held this past weekend. It was exciting to know that we had someone attempt to throw 76 ft. for the World Record. It didn’t happened however it was a great attempt right here in Belpre.
The green containers will be available on June 22, 2015 for recycling. Put all your recycle material in it. It doesn’t have to be sorted. Mr. Ferguson had a display of recyclable items. The start of the new trash pick up is now. Trash will be picked up on Thursday and Friday’s. The last day for the 30 yard dumpster at Civitan Park is June 26, 2015. By that time everyone should have his or her green trash can.
We are making the final touches on the contract with Kimball and Company. It appears that we will have a 26% increase on the overall contract. The other two companies that we looked at had a 50% increase or higher. I think we are getting a heck of a deal, as there is no limit on the amount of trash that they will take.
City Auditor Miss Pittenger informed Council that she was requesting council to approve a transfer of $220,000 from the general fund to the street fund and a transfer of $35,000 from the general fund to the pool fund. This would be a total of $255,000 transferred out of the General Fund.
These amounts were both included in revenue and expenses in all three funds in the permanent appropriations approved by council earlier this year.
This action needs a voice vote to be recorded in the minutes.
Ms. Abdella made a motion for a voice vote on the transfer of funds. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
The adjustment report has been made available on the Council Reports page of the website. I am requesting council approve the adjustments made in May.
Ms. Abdella made a motion to accept the Adjustment Report for the month of May. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
In the absence of the Treasurer I ask that council approve the treasurer’s cash report for the month of May. A signed copy is on the Clerk of Council’s desk.
Ms. Abdella made a motion to accept the Treasurer’s Cash Report as presented. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
July 20 and July 21st, judges will be in town judging Belpre in Bloom.
Lastly, the State Auditor’s report and Belpre’s audited financial statement are currently on the website. For the second year we have been awarded the Ohio Auditor of State Award for excellence in financial reporting.
City Law Director Mr. Webster reported that he has with him this evening two-pieces of legislation that needs council action: A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE TAX BUDGET FOR THE YEAR 2016 and A RESOLUTION DECLARING THE ESTIMATED AGGREGATE AMOUNTS OF PUBLIC FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR DEPOSIT DURING NEXT FIVE (5) YEARS FOR DESIGNATION OF PUBLIC DEPOSITORY.
Treasurer Miss Martin was absent. Miss Pittenger presented her report under the Auditor’s Report.
Communications and Petitions:
Mr. Neff assigned to the Finance/Audit Committee A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE TAX BUDGET FOR THE YEAR 2016 and A RESOLUTION DECLARING THE ESTIMATED AGGREGATE AMOUNTS OF PUBLIC FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR DEPOSIT DURING NEXT FIVE (5) YEARS FOR DESIGNATION OF PUBLIC DEPOSITORY.
Report of Standing Committee:
Ms. Abdella, Finance Audit Committee reported that her committee met prior to this evenings meeting for the purpose of discussing Clandestine Drug Labs and Boulevard Sands right away. It was the decision of council to add Clandestine Drug Labs to the next agenda and they will meet prior to the next meeting of council to further discuss the property in question located at the East End of Boulevard Sands. Ms. Abdella called a Finance/Audit Committee meeting for June 22, 2015 at 6:45 PM for the purpose of discussing property in question located at the East End of Boulevard Sands. They will meet at the Boulevard Sands property. Ms. Abdella made a motion to add to tonight’s agenda for first reading A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE TAX BUDGET FOR THE YEAR 2016 and 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, 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 his absence.
Mr. Newberry had no report for Planning and Zoning Committee.
Mr. Newberry had no report for Economic Development Committee.
Mr. Neff asked Mr. Newberry if he had been in contact with Bob McCloy to talk about a game plan for Economic Development. Mr. Newberry had not been in contact with him. Mayor Lorentz was to get Mr. Newberry his phone number.
Mrs. Miller, Rules Committee had no report. Mrs. Miller reported that she attended the Athens to Belpre Rail Trails. A map is located in the Chamber Office if you would like to see how the trails would run.
Unfinished Business: None
Persons Appearing Before Council – Agenda items only. None
Unfinished Business: None
New Business:
Ms. Abdella brought before council for first 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 first 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.
Mr. Neff requested the approval by voice vote on the variance on the height regulations as per Ordinance 1149.02 located at 1451 Boulevard Drive. Ms. Abdella made a motion for the approval. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Persons Appearing Before Council-
Mike Meredith, 1102 Blennerhassett Avenue addressed council about a 5-10 year contract with the new cable company.
Mr. Robinson made a motion to excuse Mrs. Marshall and Mr. Martin from this evenings meeting. Both members had contacted the President of Council and were excused. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Webster informed council that the Depository Agreement must be completed by August 10th, 2015.
Mr. Neff asked if there were any comments from council. Hearing none.
Adjourn
Mr. Robinson made a motion to adjourn at 8:15. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.