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, Treasurer Miss Martin and Clerk of Council Mrs. Meredith.  Absent from the March 9, 2015 meeting was City Law Director Mr. Webster.

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. Marshall made a motion to accept the minutes of February 23, 2015, as presented and by-pass the reading.  Mr. Neff stated that Mr. Webster informed him that the minutes should reflect that Mr. Martin was present before any voting took place.  A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.

Reports of City Officials

Mayor Lorentz reported the past week has been a test of endurance and scheduling for our street employees. I for one would like to thank them for the great job of clearing our streets of ice and snow. Travel around our area and you will find very quickly how fortunate we are to have such committed employees working to keep us safe.

At our last meeting I mentioned the Everbridge Communication program. Mr. Wiggins attended the initial meeting for Belpre. Commissioner White called on Friday to give me the Belpre cost for our inclusion. Belpre City would be responsible for $2883.00 this year and hopefully less next year as more people sign on. Mr. President I would like this to be assigned to committee so it could be finalized in time for us to join other parties in Washington County should council elect to do so.

Chief Clevenger’s last day before retirement is March 13th. I would like to invite all interested to stop on the 13th have a piece of cake and wish him well on the next chapter of his life. I would like to thank Ernie for his service to our city.

Mr. Ferguson and I elected to use the credits allowed by ODOT to eliminate the match dollars for both bridge approaches next year. We also can remove the small stipend for the Dog Warden from committee.

Saturday March 7th marked the formal opening of the new Greenhouse classroom at the Hi-School. Approximately 75 people attended and were quite impressed with the facility. This is a good example of teamwork and volunteers in Belpre.

The group of area leaders that travelled to North Dakota held the first question and answer time in Parkersburg last Monday. The time for our Ohio constituents to ask questions about our economic future is March 16th at 5:30 at Washington State Community College in the Arts and Science Center.

Mr. Ferguson and I meet with the engineers and stakeholders tomorrow for a 30% progress report on the Route 7 sewer line. As information or grant progress comes to light I will report to council.

Mr. Neff assigned Everbridge Communication to the Finance/Audit Committee.

Mr. Neff acknowledged Chief Clevenger and when he began his years of service with the City of Belpre in September 1982.

Safety Service Director Mr. Ferguson reported that he did come out with the street crew on Thursday.  The street crew did an outstanding job clearing our city streets.  These gentlemen worked lots of hours.  We received a lot of compliments on the job that they did.

We are in the midst of an employee shuffle.  Steve Lowe is transferring to the Sewer Plant.  Eddie Richardson will move to the Water Department to replace Bill Harpold.  We hired Tobi Workman for the Street Department.  Tobi will begin his employment on Monday, March 16, 2015.  There will be a test coming up for a Laborer Position on March 16, 2015.

Mike Bishman is our successful bidder on the Pool Contract this year. Mike ran the pool for us approximately five years.  May 23, 2015 should be the opening date for the pool.  Mike does manage most of the area pools.

Mr. Ferguson addressed the Mayor’s North Dakota trip and one of the topic’s that came up for discussion.  The topic was RV’s being parked in front of homes on city streets or in driveways.  I noticed that this has already been assigned to committee.  I highly recommend we get ahead of this project and get some kind of ordinance in place.

I would also like to congratulate Ernie on his 32 plus years of service with the City of Belpre.  This number of years is a long time to work in any capacity.  On Friday we will be having cake around 12:30 PM in Council Chambers.  Please stop by and wish Ernie well in his new chapter of his life.

Last but not least is the budget line item for the generator at the Sewer Plant.  I would ask that this be removed.  The generator is a must.  Should we have another duracio this is a very vital piece of equipment to avoid sewage back up in homes.   The cost of the equipment is $220,000 plus.  Mr. Ferguson asked that the minutes reflect that council has been informed.

City Auditor Miss Pittenger announced that she had conversation with Chief Clevenger about his employment with the city. Chief Clevenger started to work on Labor Day, became Chief on Ground Hog Day and is retiring on Friday the 13^th.  I would like to congratulate Chief Clevenger on his upcoming retirement and wished him well.

The Adjustment Report is on line and needs approval from council.  Ms. Abdella made a motion to accept the Adjustment Report as presented.  A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.

Mr. Neff asked that the minutes reflect that he has signed the bank reconciliation for the month for the City of Belpre.

City Law Director Mr. Webster was absent. No report was given in his absence.

Treasurer Miss Martin reported that the February Cash Report is now available on-line.  A signed copy has been presented to the clerk for file.  I would ask that council please approve the report this evening.  Mr. Marshall made a motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report as presented.   A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.

Communications and Petitions:

Mr. Neff stated that the only communication he received was a letter from Mr. McCauley stating that he has filed a request to change his registration status with the Ohio State Bar from active to inactive.  Thus, he will no longer be able to practice law, and that requires that he resign as the Associate Law Director for the City of Belpre.  Mr. McCauley stated that he has enjoyed his long service to the City of Belpre and it is with some regret that he submits his resignation.  Mr. McCauley will continue to assist Tom in the performance of his duties as Law Director if he wishes, but any work he performs hereafter on behalf of the City will be in the capacity of a paralegal and will have to be reviewed and approved by Tom as the Law Director.  Mr. Neff accepted Mr. McCauley’s request.  All legislative actions will now need to go through Mr. Webster.

 Report of Standing Committee:

Ms. Abdella, Finance Audit Committee announced that her committee met on Tuesday evening to discuss the 2015 appropriations.  It was the decision of the committee to add this piece of legislation to tonight’s agenda.  At this time, Ms. Abdella made a motion to add to tonight’s agenda for first reading ANNUAL APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE FOR CALENDAR & FISCAL YEAR 2015.  A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.

Mr. Gilbert, Police and Fire Committee reported that his committee met prior to this evenings meeting for the purpose of discussing the Jail Contract.  At this time, Mr. Gilbert made a motion to add to tonight’s agenda for first reading A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR & THE CHIEF OF POLICE TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY FOR THE CARE & SUSTENANCE OF PRISONERS.  A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.

Mr. Martin, Streets, Sidewalk and Storm Sewer had no report.

Mr. Robinson, Utilities Committee had no report.

Mrs. Marshall, Parks and Recreation Committee had no report.  Mrs. Marshall thanked Chief Clevenger for his service to the City of Belpre.

Mr. Newberry had no report for Planning and Zoning Committee.  Mr. Newberry congratulated Chief Clevenger on his retirement and wished him well.

Mr. Newberry had no report for Economic Development Committee.

Mrs. Miller had no report for the Rules Committee. Mrs. Miller gave an explanation of the Park Fund legislation.  Mrs. Miller congratulated Chief Clevenger on his retirement.

Persons Appearing Before Council – Agenda items only.

Items that appear on the agenda for this evening are:

1. AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING AUTHORIZED MANPOWER FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2015.
2. AN ORDINANCE REGARDING THE PARK FUND.
3. ANNUAL APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE FOR CALENDAR & FISCAL YEAR 2015.
4. A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR & CHIEF OF POLICE TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY FOR THE CARE & SUSTENANCE OF PRISONERS.

Unfinished Business:

Ms. Abdella brought before council for third reading AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING AUTHORIZED MANPOWER FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2015.  A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.

Ms. Abdella moved this be Ordinance 16, 2014-2015 and duly passed.  A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.

Ms. Abdella brought before council for second reading AN ORDINANCE REGARDING THE PARK FUND.  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 AN ORDINANCE REGARDING THE PARK FUND.  A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.

Ms. Abdella brought before council for third reading AN ORDINANCE REGARDING THE PARK FUND.  A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.

Ms. Abdella moved this be Ordinance 17, 2014-2015 and duly passed.  A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.

New Business:

Ms. Abdella brought before council for first reading ANNUAL APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE FOR CALENDAR & FISCAL YEAR 2015.  A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.

Ms. Abdella moved to suspend the rule of council on three different days to allow for the second reading of ANNUAL APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE FOR CALENDAR & FISCAL YEAR 2015.  A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.

Ms. Abdella brought before council for second reading ANNUAL APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE FOR CALENDAR & FISCAL YEAR 2015.  A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.  This will lie over until the next meeting of council.

Mr. Gilbert brought before council for first reading A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR & THE CHIEF OF POLICE TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY FOR THE CARE & SUSTENANCE OF PRISONERS.  Mr. Ferguson asked about the wording of the legislation, as the chief will already be retired.  Mr. Ferguson was to check with the law director before passage.  A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.

Mr. Gilbert moved to suspend the rule of council on three different days to allow for the second reading of A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR & THE CHIEF OF POLICE TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY FOR THE CARE & SUSTENANCE OF PRISONERS.  Miss Pittenger suggested that we go ahead and have the third reading.  A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.

Mr. Gilbert brought before council for second reading A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR & THE CHIEF OF POLICE TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY FOR THE CARE & SUSTENANCE OF PRISONERS.  A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.

Mr. Gilbert moved to suspend the rule of council on three different days to allow for the third reading of A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR & THE CHIEF OF POLICE TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY FOR THE CARE & SUSTENANCE OF PRISONERS.  A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.

Mr. Gilbert brought before council for third reading A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR & THE CHIEF OF POLICE TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY FOR THE CARE & SUSTENANCE OF PRISONERS.  A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.

Mr. Gilbert moved this be Resolution 16, 2014-2015 and duly passed.  A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.

Mr. Ferguson apologized for the confusion.

Mr. Martin recognized Chief Clevenger and his service with the City of Belpre.

Mr. Newberry asked about trash collection due to the snow.  Mr. Ferguson stated that the trash should have already been collected.  Mr. Newberry stated that his street must have been missed. Mr. Ferguson to call about collection.

Ms. Abdella to inform the clerk if she calls a meeting on the 2015 Appropriations.

Persons Appearing Before Council-

Mr. Ferguson stated that an 80 year old gentleman came out and helped shovel snow.

Adjourn

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