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, City Law Director Mr. Webster, and Treasurer Miss Martin. Absent from the June 23, 2014 meeting was Clerk of Council Mrs. Meredith.
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. Neff asked for a motion to accept the minutes of June 09,2014. Mr. Gilbert made a motion to accept the minutes of June 09, 2014 as presented. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Reports of City Officials
Mayor Lorentz’s Report presented by Mr. Neff:
The Municipal League held their annual classes this year in Marietta. On Thursday June 12th the spouses and some Mayors visited Belpre for lunch. My wife and I were able to greet them and direct them to a couple shops and the museum for the afternoon.
On June 22nd the Annual Historical Society Golf Outing was held at Oxbow. They had around 20 teams participate and enjoy the beautiful weather. Also on this day the Mid-Ohio Valley work camp starts. There are 4 homes being painted this year in Belpre. My wife and I are in charge of snacks Tuesday for one of the crews. If you pass one of the projects please stop and thank them for their efforts.
On Wednesday the 25th we will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony at Kraton for the new Semi-Works facility on the north side of the plant. Kraton is continually re-tooling and improving to secure their place in a global market.
Please let me know soon if you plan to attend the Mayor’s dinner next week. Planning the meal needs to be completed soon.
My late arrival tonight is due to the RSVP Dinner in Marietta.
Safety Service Director Mr. Ferguson announced that he would like to once again thank everyone for the referrals regarding the Aggregation Program.
The price of a new generator at the Sewer Department that I mentioned at the last meeting came in at a cost of $94,000, which does not include the removal, or the installation of the generator. In order to meet State regulations this is a much-needed item.
Discussion regarding additional police officers was a much needed meeting for which I thank you.
The slide at the Belpre Pool is in need of a new pump and is not operational. I have been in the process of getting the cost of a new pump. It has been a terrible season for the pool this year.
Over the weekend we had an episode with our DSI response regarding a computer outage. We contacted the police department in Marietta to see if they had an IT person that could help us. They did have an IT person who did come down to help us get back up and running. We are in the process of getting a quote to get the software updated.
Ms. Abdella asked Mr. Ferguson if he would have a quote on the installation of the generator soon. Mr. Ferguson stated that he would get her a quote soon.
City Auditor Miss Pittenger announced that tax collections have been posted. Sixty percent has been posted to General Revenue and $250,000 has been posted to Capital Improvement (Fund 301). Normally this isn’t completed until August. RITA is working for us. The Utility Adjustment Report for the month of May is before you this evening awaiting council approval. Ms. Abdella made a motion to accept the May Utility Adjustment Report as presented. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
City Law Director Mr. Webster announced that notice was received from the Auditor’s Office that the Senior Center is Tax Exempt for 2013.
Treasurer Miss Martin was not present at the time of her report. Miss Pittenger stated that a copy of the Treasurers Report was posted on line for the public to see. At this time Mrs. 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 assigned AN ORDINANCE TO APPROVE THE CITY OF BELPRE PUBLIC RECORDS POLICY to the Rules Committee. This piece of legislation was a request by the State Auditors.
You all should have received a copy of a letter regarding zoning change request for two properties. A Public Hearing has been scheduled for July 14, 2014 at 7PM.
The Mayor’s Association Boat Ride is scheduled for July 2nd, 2014. Please contact Lisa by noon on June 30, 2014 if you plan to attend.
The 82nd Annual Belpre Homecoming will be opened July 31, 2014.
The State Auditor is requesting a place of employment for all council members. I am passing along a sheet for everyone to complete so I can return to the City Auditor.
Mr. Neff announced that all council members should have received a notice from the Mayor regarding Manpower issues for Steve Lowe and David Shaffer. If you have any questions please direct them to the Mayor.
Report of Standing Committee:
Ms. Abdella, Finance Audit Committee met in a joint session with Police and Fire Committee to discuss the need for a 10th police officer. Ms. Abdella stated that a request for projection to be completed pending financials.
Mr. Gilbert, Police and Fire Committee stated ditto to the report given by Ms. Abdella.
Mr. Martin, Streets, Sidewalk and Storm Sewer Committee reported that work has been completed on Drag Strip. The road looks really good. Mr. Neff addresses a drain issue on the right. Mr. Martin also stated that there has been a nice turn out at the racetrack in the park.
Mr. Robinson had no report for the Utilities Committee.
Mrs. Marshall had no report for the Parks and Recreation Committee.
Mr. Newberry had no report for Planning and Zoning Committee.
Mr. Newberry had no report for the Economic Development Committee.
Mrs. Miller reported that the Rules Committee is still working on the written policy regarding city employees using social media. Mrs. Miller called a committee meeting for July 14th at 6:30 PM for the purpose of discussing written policy regarding city employees using social media.
Mrs. Miller made a motion to place on the agenda for first reading AN ORDINANCE TO APPROVE THE CITY OF BELPRE PUBLIC RECORDS POLICY. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye except Mr. Martin whom voted nay.
Persons Appearing Before Council – Agenda items only. None
Unfinished Business
Mr. Gilbert brought before council for second reading A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE TAX BUDGET FOR THE YEAR 2015. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye. This will lie over until the next meeting of council.
New Business:
Mrs. Miller brought before council for first reading AN ORDINANCE TO APPROVE THE CITY OF BELPRE PUBLIC RECORDS POLICY. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye except Mr. Martin whom voted nay. This will lie over until the next meeting of council.
Persons Appearing Before Council- None
Mr. Neff spoke briefly about the four houses that are being painted in Belpre. I have visited two of these homes. It is remarkable the job that these folks are doing on these homes.
Ms. Abdella asked for a report from the fire chief on the Squad Run billing.
Mrs. Marshall stated that the new fountain looks beautiful.
Mr. Neff stated that the flowers throughout our city look great.
Mr. Martin congratulated the Treasurer on her recent engagement.
Adjourn:
Mr. Robinson made a motion to adjourn at 8:15 PM. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.