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: Mr. Gilbert, Mr. Martin, 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, Treasurer Miss Martin and Clerk of Council Mrs. Meredith. Absent from the October 13, 2014 meeting was Councilpersons Ms. Abdella and Mrs. Marshall.
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.
Mr. Martin made a motion to accept the minutes of September 22, 2014, 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 presented his report.
Our Civil Service Commission tested for Police Officers and Laborer positions on October 2nd. As we receive results we can start interviews for open positions in our department. Along with the Police Officer we now need a replacement at the water department due to an upcoming retirement.
Mrs. Martin and I are conducting interviews for the part time position in the clerk’s office. This position is needed to assist our clerk with court and to assist during vacations etc.
On October 8th we along with the Chamber of Commerce held a groundbreaking ceremony on Hill Street at the new nursing home site. Our city was represented well as we had approximately 50 in attendance.
This past weekend was the 36th Annual Apple Butter Stir Off. A combination of Lion’s Club members as well as Boy Scouts from Troop 91 and Pioneer Presbyterian Church provided our city with good entertainment, good food and apple butter. A special thank you goes to all involved.
Today we held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the New Food for Thought Restaurant. Thanks to the Chamber of Commerce and business owners along with Councilperson Miller we were well represented.
October 16th is the 2nd Town Talk driven by the Chamber and Port Authority. We have speakers scheduled to discuss the Fracking issues that go on in our area plus, you can meet and talk with business owners as well as prospective owners looking at our city. Times are from 4PM until 6PM at the Sr. Center. The prior one held this year was very successfully and well attended.
On Saturday the 18th we will dedicate the new museum annex as well as Givens Trading Post. These activities are scheduled for 11 and 12 respectively.
Trick or Treat is scheduled for October 30th from 6PM till 7:30 PM. This will also coincide with Parkersburg and Vienna.
Safety Service Director Mr. Ferguson stated that he hopes that the storm that is headed our way tomorrow is not an indication of what the weather is going to be like this winter.
Mr. Ferguson announced that the cost of salt for city streets this winter would be $141 per ton. This is a 65% increase from last year.
City Auditor Miss Pittenger announced that the cities Health Department would be giving Flu Shots on Friday’s from 9AM to 2PM.
Mr. Neff informed Miss Pittenger that he had reviewed and signed off on the September Bank reconciliation.
City Law Director Mr. Webster was not present in time to give his report.
Treasurer Miss Martin had no report.
Communications and Petitions:
Mr. Neff announced that he had received an invitation for the Dedication Ceremony of the Farmers “Castle Museum Education Center addition to the campus at 509 Ridge Street, Belpre, Ohio.
The Dedication will be the first event after the Flag Raising for the traditional “Heritage Day” on October 18, 2014 at 11:00 AM.
Nancy Sams asked that Mr. Neff inform Council.
Report of Standing Committee:
Ms. Abdella, Finance Audit Committee was absent. No report was given in her absence.
Mr.. Gilbert, Police and Fire Committee had no report.
Mr. Martin, Streets, Sidewalk and Storm Sewer Committee had no report.
Mr. Robinson, Utilities Committee had no report.
Mrs. Marshall, Parks and Recreation Committee was absence. No report was given in her absence.
Mr. Newberry had no report for Planning and Zoning Committee.
Mr. Newberry had no report for the Economic Development Committee.
Mrs. Miller had no report for the Rules Committee. Mrs. Miller did state that she is gathering information on inoperable vehicles that she feels will be helpful
Persons Appearing Before Council – Agenda items only. None
Unfinished Business: none
New Business:
Mr. Gilbert brought before council for first reading AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE AUTHORIZED MANPOWER FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2014. 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- None
Mr. Neff assigned to Finance Audit Committee TEMPORARY APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE FOR CALENDAR AND FISCAL YEAR 2015. Mr. Neff instructed the clerk to add to the next meeting of council for first reading.
Mr. Martin informed council that he has spoken to quite a few people regarding Scenario’s within our school system. He stated that he is going to start pushing for this to improve safety in our school system for our children.
Mr. Neff announced that the Open House at the Belpre Fire Department was very nice. It was a little cold though.
Mr. Neff recognized Joyce Lorentz and welcomed her back with us this evening.
Mr. Martin made a motion to excuse Ms. Abdella and Mrs. Marshall from this evening’s meeting. Mr. Neff informed council that they both had an excusable absence. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Adjourn
Mr. Robinson made a motion to adjourn at 7:40. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.