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, Mrs. Marshall, Mr. Martin, Mrs. Miller, Mr. Newberry and Mr. Robinson present. Also present were 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 July 28, 2014 meeting was Mayor Lorentz and Councilperson Ms. Abdella.
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 June 23, 2014 and July 14, 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 was absent. No report was given in his absence.
Safety Service Director Mr. Ferguson announced that Station 2 is now open and our firefighters are now making runs out of Station 2. The old fire station is gone. Thanks to all the firefighters, their families, and all those who helped make the transition run smoothly.
I have a contract with Burgess & Niples on the engineering study of the waterline on Beach Drive that will be funded by Dupont. I talked with the auditor today and we have already received a $3,900 check. I will need a voice vote from council to go ahead and sign the contract with Burgess & Niples.
The Belpre Homecoming will begin this Thursday at 6:30 PM.
The pool slide pump is now running. There is water coming down the slide. Thanks to the gentlemen that came in and did the wiring.
At some point, I would like council to address the bus line.
This evening our fire chief would like to address council with a proposal.
The Marietta Memorial Hospital Open House was held. We had at least 500 people attend. Opening day for our new ER facility is Friday, August 1st, 2014 at 7AM.
I would also like council to talk about the 10th Officer for the Police Department. With the opening of our new ER on Farson Street, I really feel the need for an additional officer.
Mr. Neff called for a voice vote for the engineering study of the waterline on Beach Drive. Mrs. Marshall made a motion for a voice vote for the engineering study on Beach Drive. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Neff asked if there would be Security at the ER. According to Mr. Ferguson he said that he was sure they would however he couldn’t say that for sure. According to Jolene Craig that would be a State requirement.
City Auditor Miss Pittenger announced that the Cities Income Tax has been updated on the cities website. Also The Utility Adjustment Report for June is ready and is now awaiting council approval. Mrs. Miller made a motion to accept the June Utility Adjustment Report as presented. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
City Law Director Mr. Webster reported that ordinances that were passed in 2013 regarding certain documents and deeds will have to be redone because of the move to the new location on Farson Street. New documents haven been sent to Mr. Menick for signature. The demolition on the old fire station was completed in a very timely manner.
Met with Verizon in regards to them putting a tower in a city location. We have run into issues with zoning regarding the height of the tower. Verizon is to provide zoning provisions.
This morning I was reminded by my wife that today marked 35 Years of Happily Married bliss.
Treasurer Miss Martin reported that the Cash Report for June is online for viewing. A signed copy has been presented to the clerk. We now must have the approval of council. Mrs. Marshall made a motion to accept the Cash Report, as it appears online. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Communications and Petitions:
Mr. Neff announced that the Opening Ceremony for this year Belpre Homecoming is this Thursday at 6:30 PM.
Report of Standing Committee:
Ms. Abdella, Finance Audit Committee was absent. No report was given however Mr. Gilbert called a Finance/Audit Committee Meeting for August 11, 2014 at 6:30 PM for the purpose of discussing the Bus Line and Tower Sale. Mr. Martin recommended that we add additional manpower to the Police Department.
Mr. Gilbert, Police and Fire Committee reported that the meeting to discuss additional manpower to the Police Department has been forwarded to the Finance/Audit Committee. Ms. Abdella has requested a final projection for the next three years to the General Fund. I would like to call a Police and Fire Committee meeting for August 25th, 2014 at 6:30 PM for the purpose of discussing Clandestine Drug lab and Golf Carts in the city. Mr. Gilbert also addressed donating a 1984 Pumper to Washington State Community College.
Mr. Martin, Streets, Sidewalk and Storm Sewer Committee had no report. Mr. Martin presented Safety-Service Director Mr. Ferguson with a petition from residents on the 200 Block of Elm Street regarding traffic flow and speed. There were 21 signatures and there are 18 children that live on the street.
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 had no report for the Rules Committee. Mrs. Miller reminded council about her meeting that was called for August 11, 2014 at 7PM for the purpose of discussing written policy regarding city employees using social media.
Mr. Neff announced that he received two letters from Washington State and the Ohio Auditor of State Certified Records regarding training on September 19, 2014 from 10AM to 1:30PM.
Persons Appearing Before Council – Agenda items only. None
Unfinished Business: none
New Business: None
Persons Appearing Before Council-
Fire Chief Eric Sinnett, 927 Belrock Avenue appeared before council with a request that we donate a 1984 engine to Washington State Community College for their fire fighters program. Mr. Neff asked if we needed to know the value of this. According to Mr. Webster we could declare the 1984 pumper to be excess property and is no longer needed for city purposes. You don’t want to auction because it has mechanical difficulties. Miss Pittenger stated that all you would need to do is find out the tonnage and the scrap value. Once it is determined to be excess property then all we need it approval by council. Mrs. Miller asked how long it would take. Mr. Webster stated that we could do it by next meeting of council. Miss Pittenger asked if we had to do legislation. Mr. Neff stated that Mr. Ferguson should declare as excess property, Mr. Webster would draft legislation and we would have 3 threes at the next meeting of council. Mr. Webster to get title of legislation. Mr. Ferguson requested that it be added to the next agenda. . Mr. Sinnett also announced that Station 2 is open. It opened July 17, 2014. If anyone would like to follow me down after the meeting I will be glad to take you a tour. If not tonight stop by anytime you see someone there.
Mr. Neff thanked the police officers that were involved with the railroad clearance on Main Street.
Mr. Neff asked Mrs. Miller if she wanted to add the Codified Ordinance legislation to the next meeting. The clerk was directed to add to the next agenda.
Adjourn:
Mr. Robinson made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Robinson withdrew his motion.
Mr. Martin made a motion to excuse Ms. Abdella from this evenings meeting. Mr. Neff stated that Ms. Abdella called and stated that she was at work. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Robinson made a motion to adjourn at 8:10 PM. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.