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, Mrs. Miller, Mr. Newberry and Mr. Robinson present.   Also present were Mayor Lorentz, Safety Service Director Mr. Ferguson, and City Law Director Mr. Webster.  Absent from the July 14, 2014 meeting was City Auditor Miss Pittenger, Treasurer Miss Martin, Councilperson Mr. Martin and 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.  Mrs. Marshall gave the invocation.

The minutes of June 23, 2014 were by-passed for this evenings meeting.

 Reports of City Officials

 Mayor Lorentz’s Report presented by Mr. Neff:

The Mid-Ohio-Valley work camp is complete. All the homes painted within our city look great. My wife and I met some wonderful young people while they were here.

On June 25th I attended the ribbon cutting for Kraton’s new Semi Works operation. This research and development unit will just enhance their effort to meet customer needs as well as provide great jobs.

On June 26th I met with Marietta officials as well as our Belpre leadership to discuss the EMS issues you have read about in the paper. No decision has been made as of yet about the leadership changes. More will be communicated as time goes on.

On Saturday the 28th of June I assisted Mayor Newell, and Mayor Rapp with the motorcycle show and judging at the Parkersburg American Legion.

Mr. Webster and the Port Authority, Buckeye Hills and I are still working on a plan to assist our northern businesses with sanitary sewer. This may be a lot longer process than originally thought. Just today I received a note asking me if council had approved the project. You have not due to not knowing the full scope of commitment and needs from the city.

The soccer club now has two or three local business people working with them to purchase the 11 acres they now use. Hopefully this will be over soon and a success for all concerned.

July 1st Mr. Ferguson and I also met with the Commissioners, Marietta and the Sheriff’s Department to discuss the 911 for our county. Although some feel a county 911 is best, I still believe we need the redundancy with Belpre being the backup system.

July 2nd was the annual Belpre Boat ride for the Mayor’s Association. We had approximately 80 people attend and enjoyed perfect weather. Becky Hennon from the Sr. Center was our cook and dinner was delicious.

July 6th, 7th, and 8th was spent with the America in Bloom judges, as I was their tour guide. They were impressed with our little city and had very complimentary remarks about the people they met and our efforts. October will be when we receive our scores for this year. Belpre had very personable and enjoyable judges this year.

Mr. Ferguson and I met with the Mid-Ohio-Valley Transit Authority to further discuss the bus line running through Belpre. After speaking with the seniors, a few residents and some of our business owners I believe this is something we need to pursue. Our cost is less than I anticipated as ODOT has urban funding available to match 50/50. On your desk is a small report for you to look over describing the ridership etc. for P-Burg. The cost to Belpre is approximately $40,000.00 a year. ODOT will have to tell me if we can do a one-year trial.

 Safety Service Director Mr. Ferguson thanked all the departments and personnel that were involved with the cleanup in Belpre after the storm.  The response was very much appreciated.  I have a contract with Burgess and Niples for engineering for the Beach Drive Water Line.  The corporation will pay the $3,900 in cost.  Also the new fire station on Farson Street is close to completion.  There are some legal matters that need to be taken care of before it can be turned over to us. There had been communication regarding the purchase of our K2 tower that we may want to check into.  The Belpre pool has had some maintenance issues that are being addressed.  Also we need to provide feed back to our citizens regarding the property-zoning meeting that was held this evening.

City Auditor Miss Pittenger was absent.  No report was given in her absence.

City Law Director Mr. Webster announced that the two pieces of city property came back exempt from the County Auditor’s Office.  They will be refunding money to the city for 2013.

Treasurer Miss Martin was absent.  No report was given in her absence.

Communications and Petitions:

 Mr. Neff announced that prior to this evening’s meeting a Public Hearing was held to discuss the zoning changes of three parcels of land.  The 3 parcels are 125 Main Street and 2 parcels located at 1600 Hill Street.  At this time I would entertain a motion for a voice vote on the zoning changes.  Ms. Abdella moved the approval of the zoning changes of three parcels.  A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.

On your desk this evening is a copy of AN ORDINANCE TO APPROVE THE CITY OF BELPRE PUBLIC RECORDS POLICY.  This ordinance also appears on-line.

Assigned to Mrs. Miller’s Rules Committee was the Codification of Ordinances.

 Received Notice of Legislative Authority regarding Ohio Division of Liquor Control.

Also received an updated Belpre Senior Center Calendar for the Month of July.

Report of Standing Committee:

Ms. Abdella, Finance Audit Committee had no report.

Mr. Gilbert, Police and Fire Committee had no report.

Mr. Martin, Streets, Sidewalk and Storm Sewer Committee was absent.  No report was given in his absence.

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 met prior to this evening’s meeting to discuss the written policy regarding city employees using social media.  Further discussion is needed. Mrs. Miller called a committee meeting for August 11, 2014 at 7PM for the purpose of discussing written policy regarding city employees using social media.

Persons Appearing Before Council – Agenda items only. None

Unfinished Business

Mr. Gilbert brought before council for third reading A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE TAX BUDGET FOR THE YEAR 2015.  A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.

Mr. Gilbert moved this be Resolution 7, 2014-2015 and duly passed.  A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.

Mrs. Miller brought before council for second reading AN ORDINANCE TO APPROVE THE CITY OF BELPRE PUBLIC RECORDS POLICY.  A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.

Mrs. Miller moved to suspend the rule of council on three different days to allow for the third reading of AN ORDINANCE TO APPROVE THE CITY OF BELPRE PUBLIC RECORDS POLICY.  A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.

Mrs. Miller brought before council for third reading AN ORDINANCE TO APPROVE THE CITY OF BELPRE PUBLIC RECORDS POLICY.  A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.

Mrs. Miller moved this be Ordinance 7, 2014-1015 and duly passed.  A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.

New Business: none

Persons Appearing Before Council-

Tom Logston, Middle Street, Belpre appeared before council with a request to allow golf carts on Belpre City Streets.  According to code golf carts are not allowed on city streets.  I would like the city to consider allowing these carts on City Street as long as they are up to code.

Tim Vaughn with the Belpre Soccer Club appeared before Belpre City Council with concern about the soccer field.  At this time the soccer field is under new ownership and is not available to the Soccer Club.  They are in need of 7/8 Acers.  I would like to know if City Council would have any recommendation regarding any property available for use for fall soccer until a resolution is met.  Discussion followed regarding property that might be available.  It was mentioned that Nelson’s Field on Blennerhassett Avenue could be a possibility. Mrs. Duvall also mentioned the land on Hill Street.

Mr. Gilbert made a motion to excuse Mr. Martin from this evenings meeting.  A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.

Mr. Neff assigned Golf Carts on City Streets to Police and Fire Committee. 

 Mr. Neff assigned Bus Line and Tower Sale to Finance/Audit Committee, Ms. Abdella, and Chairperson.

Mr. Neff reminded everyone about MMH Open House on July 27, 2013 from 1-3PM.

Opening Ceremony for the Belpre Homecoming is July 31, 2014.

Mrs. Miller announced the gathering of churches at Civitan Park for all to enjoy.

 Adjourn:

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