Belpre City Council Minutes
The Regular Meeting of the Council of the City ofBelpre,Ohiowas called to order by Council President Mr. Neff at7:30 p.m.with Mr. Neff welcoming everyone to this evening’s meeting. The roll was called with the following members present: Ms. Abdella, Mrs. Marshall, Mr. Martin, Mr. Newberry, Mr. Robinson, Mr. Sinnett and Mr. Wallace present. Also present were Mayor Lorentz, City Auditor Miss Pittenger, City Law Director Mr. Webster, and Treasurer Mr. McAfee. Absent from the meeting was Safety-Service Director Mr. Ferguson 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. The invocation was given by Mr. Neff.
A motion was made by Mr. Sinnett to accept the minutes ofJuly 08, 2013andJuly 18, 2013as 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.
At the Mayor’s Partnership inAthensI was given sample legislation for us to consider. One is an ordinance requiring the cleanup and decontamination of meth labs etc. to be the responsibility of the property owners. As it stands now Belpre city could be responsible for the expense for clean up. With this in mind we really need to do some in house training with employees as to how they would handle such material and how to avoid exposure. On your desk tonight is an example to work from.
Another piece of legislation is in opposition of HB5. With all the changes in the bill since this started we may want to revise another to match what is before us. On your desk tonight are two examples we can choose from. In my opinion it is worth the effort sending this to our reps just to show them that someone is watching. This piece of legislation was not on council’s desk this evening.
If you plan to attend the opening ceremony for Homecoming please let Karen know as soon as possible. If you have not purchased your Duck Pluck tickets see me after the meeting.
On July 25th, I joined the Chamber of Commerce in welcoming Smitty’s Pizza to Belpre. The Chamber held a ribbon cutting event on this day.
The long periods of rain and storms caused power outages to some of our lift stations north of town. When our crew showed up to start pumps they found fuses had also been removed. We placed one generator city owned and rented another to comply with EPA. The Plant Manager at Orion (Degussa) has agreed to run power to our lift station in case of power outages in the future. This act of kindness will free up a generator and assist our customers north of town.
Council, if you get calls about Home Serve let your constituents know that this is not a city sponsored service. Home Serve is out ofNew YorkI believe, and wants to provide line repair service for our water customers. Contact will be by mail as far as I can tell from the communication.
July 16th, I met with a group of business owners and operators to start the study for sewer and water to the Blue Knob area of Route 7. The interest and need is there but, as of yet we have no idea of the number of customers. The Port Authority is assisting us with the engineering and feasibility studies. Being the only municipality involved I believe we would be responsible for easements and right of ways.
With the large amount of rain we have another issue with run-off that will need some attention. In the Bob’s Market Car Wash and storage area our line is not handling the amount of water we have been seeing. Residents of the trailer park called Kathy Davis and is seems that between property owners and the city we will have some corrections to make in the near future.
Safety-Service Director Mr. Ferguson was absent. No report was given in his absence.
City Auditor Miss Pittenger had no report for the Auditor’s Office.
City Law Director Mr. Webster reported that he had received a call from Walter Drane regarding our texting while driving legislation. He wanted to know if the city wanted to change their legislation to match the State Code Section. Mr. Neff asked Mr. Webster his opinion. According to Mr. Webster he would suggest that we follow the State Statue. With no objections from council it was agreed on to follow the State Statue.
Treasurer Mr. McAfee reported that a copy of the June 2013 Treasurer’s Report is before you tonight and is awaiting council approval. Mr. Wallace made a motion to accept the June 2013 Treasurer’s Report as presented. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Communications and Petitions:
There were no new Communication and Petitions. Mr. Neff reminded Council that the most recent adjustments to our appropriations are before you this evening.
Report of Standing Committee:
Ms. Abdella, Finance Audit Committee reported that her committee met prior to this evening’s meeting to discuss the attachments for A RESOLUTION SUPPLEMENTING YEAR 2013 APPROPRIAITONS. According to Ms. Abdella, Mr. Martin would handle the motion to amend the Appropriations before the second reading this evening.
Mr. Sinnett, Police and Fire Committee had no report. Mr. Sinnett asked the Mayor if those working with the Drug Houses would have to be Hazmat-certified. According to the Mayor they do have to be certified. There is a copy of the Sample Meth Lab Legislation available.
Mr. Wallace, Streets, Sidewalks and Storm Sewer had no report.
Mr. Robinson had no report for the Utilities Committee.
Mr. Martin, Parks and Recreation Committee had no report. Mr. Martin had questions regarding Bent Links onWashington Boulevard. According to Mr. McCauley the lease is twice as long as we thought. Mr. Martin stated that since they are not keeping up on their end of the deal can the city step in and do something about the land? Research is being done on this topic. Mr. Martin asked about the water line onLocust Street. According to the Mayor we are okay for now. The Water Department is checking about having this line replaced.
Mrs. Marshall, Planning and Zoning Committee had no report.
Mrs. Marshall, Economic Development Committee had no report.
Mr. Newberry had no report for the Rules Committee.
Persons Appearing Before Council – Agenda items only. None
Unfinished Business:
Mr. Martin brought before council for second reading A RESOLUTION TRANSFERRING FUNDS. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Martin moved this be Resolution #30, 2012-2013 and duly passed. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Robinson brought before council for second reading AN ORDINANCE TO APPROVE THE PLAN OF OPERATION AND GOVERNANCE FOR THE CITY OF BELPRE NATURAL GAS AGGREGATION PROGRAM. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye. This will lie over until the next meeting of council.
Mr. Martin brought before council for second reading A RESOLUTION SUPPLEMENTING YEAR 2013 APPROPRIATIONS.
Mr. Martin made a motion to amend the attachment on the appropriations as presented. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Martin brought before council for second reading as amended A RESOLUTION SUPPLEMENTING YEAR 2013 APPROPRIATIONS as amended. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Martin moved to suspend the Rule of council on three different days to allow for the third reading of A RESOLUTION SUPPLEMENTING YEAR 2013 APPROPRIATIONS. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Martin brought before council for third reading of A RESOLUTION SUPPLEMENTING YEAR 2013 APPROPRIATIONS. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Martin moved this be Resolution 31, 2012-2013 and duly passed. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
New Business: None
Persons Appearing Before Council:
Mr. Neff assigned to the Police and Fire Committee Clandestine Drug Labs. Mr. Webster will be reviewing a sample copy of the Meth Lab Legislation prior to the next meeting.
Mr. Neff went over the Committee Assignments. Removed from the Finance/Audit committee were Transferring Funds and Supplemental Appropriations. Removed from the Planning and Zoning and Economic Development Committee was the Demolition Requirements Capping Sewer Lines.
Mr. Neff reminded everyone that the Belpre Homecoming would be held before our next meeting of council.