Belpre City Council Minutes
The Regular Meeting of the Council of the City of Belpre, Ohio was called to order by Council President Mr. Neff at 7:30 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 and Mr. Wallace present. Also present were Mayor Lorentz, Safety-Service Director Mr. Ferguson, City Law Director Mr. Webster, Treasurer Mr. McAfee and Clerk of Council Mrs. Meredith. Absent from the meeting was City Auditor Miss Pittenger and Council person Mr. Sinnett.
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 Mrs. Marshall to accept the minutes of May 20, 2013 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:
Starting Wednesday morning the Cub Scouts will again hold their day camp at Civitan Park. Please note that the park and walking track will be closed due to security. Hopefully we can keep the confusion to a minimum on Tuesday night for Music in the Park.
Just over a week ago I wrote a letter in opposition to our loss of municipal funds. The letter was read on the Senate Floor last Thursday. The letter will probably fall on deaf ears but, I felt better for making the effort. The Mayor’s Partnership is responsible for the content and the Mayor’s from the entire group sent their version of the letter to their respective representatives.
The feasibility meeting for the area baseball team was held here in chambers on the 21st. The meeting went well with some interest from our city. As this moves forward I will try to keep everyone informed.
The Leo Club is almost complete with their painting of the underpass. Hopefully some of you noticed this difference. The next step as I understand will be a mural on one side.
On May 27th I attended the Memorial Day services at Leavitt’s. Our Legion post, along with Leavitt’s take the lead every year and presents a very good program.
We are beginning the Ohio Public Works Grant process for next year. I am leaning toward a partnership with Beverly so to aid us in points. Our normal allotment for the most part is $200,000.00 per grant cycle so it should work out well. Our match to qualify will be 26% or just over $50,000. We qualify for a 0% loan as well.
The latest word is that our sidewalk project will be complete this week. We have had a few little issues but it has really gone pretty smooth.
The O’Neill Center has announced the opening of the new addition. This will be held June 19th at 1PM. You are invited to the dedication.
We are going to start on the new playground equipment tomorrow evening around 4pm here in Howe’s Grove Park. The Auditor and I will fix hotdogs for anyone willing to assist in this project. Come out and have a little fun while working on equipment the area youth will enjoy for years.
Safety-Service Director Mr. Ferguson asked that someone please report about the Public Hearing that was held this evening. Mr. Neff stated that it would be discussed under Communications and Petitions. The Landscape Ordinance has been passed out again. I ask that council please take a look at the Chart 1.8, Walls and fences before the committee meeting. Also, this evening we will have the third reading on the 2013 Appropriations. We have a pump at the Sewer Department that needs replaced and it will require additional $14,000 additional money. Our Street Department is now fully staffed with the hiring of Chris Barringer. Before the end of the meeting this evening I would ask that someone request an Executive Session for the purpose of discussing personnel.
City Auditor Miss Pittenger was absent. Mr. McAfee report that before you tonight is the May 2013 Adjust Report that needs approval by council. At this time Ms. Abdella made a motion to accept the Utilities Adjustment Report as presented. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye. The auditor would like to report that the new buildings have been accepted by the public.
City Law Director Mr. Webster had no report.
Treasurer Mr. McAfee reported that a copy of the May’s Treasurer Report is before you tonight awaiting council approval. Ms. Abdella asked about the negative balance on the Recreation Fund. According to Mr. McAfee there will be a transfer at the end of the year. Mr. Newberry 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 reported that there was a Public Hearing held this evening prior to the Regular Meeting for the purpose of discussing Gas Aggregation. There was no input from the public. Also we have received an invitation from Ohio University to attend Belpre Day. We also received an invitation for June 19, from the Senior Center, to celebrate their new expansion and to recognize all those who participated in making the expansion possible.
Report of Standing Committee:
Ms. Abdella, Finance Audit Committee had no report. Ms. Abdella however asked if the media would make the citizens aware that the track at the park would be closed from June 12th to June 15th. Ms. Abdella also asked if there was something that could be done to fill our pond at the park. Mayor Lorentz told Ms. Abdella that they are looking for a grant to fix the pond.
Mr. Sinnett, Police and Fire Committee was absent. No report was given.
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.
Mrs. Marshall, Planning and Zoning Committee had no report. Mrs. Marshall announced that she would be changing her Committee Meetings from June 24, 2013 at 7:05 PM, to June 19th at 6:30 PM. Mrs. Marshall stated that she would be on vacation on June 24th.
Mrs. Marshall, Economic Development Committee had no report.
Mr. Newberry had no report for the Rules Committee. Mr. Newberry made a comment on Drilling and Fracking. He stated that they were going to regulate the process. There was a recent pole taken on Fracking and hydraulic drilling. There was 40% against and 60% for.
Persons Appearing Before Council – Agenda items only. None
Unfinished Business:
Ms. Abdella brought before council for third reading A RESOLUTION SUPPLEMENTING YEAR 2013 APPROPRIATIONS.
Ms. Abdella asked about the delivery time on the tractor. Mayor Lorentz wasn’t sure of the date.
Ms. Abdella made a motion to amend the Resolution and add an additional $14,000 for equipment at the Sewer Department. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Ms. Abdella brought before council for third reading A RESOLUTION SUPPLEMENTING YEAR 2013 APPROPRIATIONS as amended. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Ms. Abdella moved this be Resolution 28, 2012-2013 and duly passed. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
New Business:
Mr. Robinson made a motion to excuse Mr. Sinnett from this evening’s meeting as he was working. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Persons Appearing Before Council:
Mr. Ferguson briefly spoke about the landscaping ordinance and privacy fences.
Mrs. Marshall showed her concern regarding the switching of the water bills and taking jobs away from citizens in our community.
Adjourn:
Mr. Robinson made a motion to adjourn. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.