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. Newberry, Mr. Robinson, Mr. Sinnett, and Mr. Wallace present. Also present were Mayor Lorentz, Safety-Service Director Mr. Ferguson, City Auditor Miss Pittenger, City Law Director Mr. Webster, Treasurer Mr. McAfee, 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. Mr. Neff gave the invocation.
Mrs. Marshall moved to accept the minutes ofOctober 22, 2012as presented and by-pass the reading. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Reports of City Officials
Clerk of Council presented Mayor Lorentz’s report:
Council please prepare for the upcoming Government Day here next month. It would be nice to have the council present for at least part of the day, and our court session. We also need to be aware of the last minute legislation needs prior to this meeting.
Our fine city was spared from storm damage, and an October snow. The worst part to date is my decision on Trick-or Treat. Even my family wanted a piece of me, or at least the ones who would speak. The haunted house at the fire department as well as the spook night atFarmersCastle, were both a success.
Council, I have asked Mr. McCauley to look over an agreement with Resource International for theFarson Streetproject. Tonight I need your approval to contract almost $8,000 for environmental testing in the roadway. Hopefully this is all that will be needed for us to comply and continue to move forward. If you look to the west end of the hospital you can see the progress toward the next buildings. The roadway improvements are still slated for March-April time frame.
November 1st and 2nd completed my Mayor’s Court Training inColumbus for another year. Some of the changes will not be favorable or make sense if you are on my side of the fence.
The final day to advertise was Saturday November 10th for Civil Service and the testing for our Police Department will be next Saturday November 17th, 2012.
Terry Tamburini and I met wit the New Plant Manager at Kraton. Scott Oran is new to the area and could be a great resource in the area of economic development as he would bring a fresh set of eyes.
On Wednesday of this week I am traveling toZanesvillewith a few of our teachers and administrators from Belpre and surrounding schools. Battelle for kids is to help bring clarity to school improvement. It seems to be a part of the Race to the Top series of programs.
Thursday the 15th another group of Public Debt employees will be visiting from theWashingtonDC area. At this time I am planning on attending the information workshop with Karen Waller from our Chamber.
This Friday Mayor Matthews and I will have the pleasure of attending class with all the sophomores inWashingtonCounty. Mayor Joe and I will be talking to the students about career paths they may choose.
Safety-Service Director Mr. Ferguson announced that FEMA has finalized our claims with the city. There is approximately $80,000 in funding from our June 29th storm.
Mr. Ferguson stated that Mr. Barker of 1448 Boulevard Dr. requested lot variance by 3 to 4 feet depth in lot. The request for variance at1414 Putnam Howe Drivefailed. At this time I would like to request a Public Hearing for7:15 PMfor the purpose of discussing lot variance located at 1448 Boulevard Drive. Mr. McCauley asked Mr. Ferguson why he was requesting a Public Hearing. Mr. Ferguson thought he was supposed to. Mr. McCauley stated that this should be requested by the Board of Appeals. At this time, Mr. Ferguson requested a Public Hearing before the Board of Public Appeals onNovember 26, 2012at7:25 PMregarding the variance of lot located at 1448 Boulevard Drive.
City Auditor Miss Pittenger stated that she wasn’t sure whether or not she would make it back in time this evening fromVirginia however she requested that the Utility Adjustment Report for the Month of October be approved by Council. Mr. Sinnett made a motion to accept the Utility Adjustment Report for the Month of October. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Neff proceeded with the remaining report for the auditor. Mr. Neff stated that we should all have the revised 2012 Supplemental Appropriations (November) before you this evening. Also the auditor would like council to take action by voice vote to approve the transfers of $20,000 from the General Fund (101) to Park Fund (401) to cover expenses thru the end of 2012. Please move to approve the transfer of $20,000 from the General Fund (101) to Pool Fund (601) to cover expenses thru the end of 2012. Both of these amounts were included in the 2012 budget. The transfer of funds needs to be approved by council before they can be done by the auditor. Finally we have a Water Tap Costs for 2013 spreadsheet that was prepared by the auditor. Council will also need to take action on this. This is for fee structure for 2013. Mr. Sinnett made a motion to accept the Water Tap Costs for 2013. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye. Ms. Abdella made a motion for a voice vote to transfer funds of $20,000 from the General Fund (101) to Park Fund (401), $20,000 from the General Fund (101) to Pool Fund (601) to cover expenses thru the end of 2012. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
City Law Director Mr. Webster reported that Mr. Oran, Secretary/Treasurer of the Port Authority has asked me to be a part of the Port Authority. Mr. Webster also stated that he would have an Annual Report for November and December on the number of cases that is spent inMayors Court and Municipal Court and the amount of time that the City Prosecutor spends on these cases.
Treasurer Mr. McAfee reported that each member of council should have received a copy of the Treasurer’s Report for the Month of September. Mr. McAfee requested approval by council on this report. Mrs. Marshall made a motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report for the Month of September. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye. Mr. McAfee also announced that the Belpre Lions would be hosting a Secret Santa Christmas Auction onSaturday November 17, 2012 at6 PM at theLionsBuilding. “All new items” Come and Help Secret Santa.
Communications and Petitions:
Mr. Neff assigned the following three pieces of legislation:
Planning and Zoning – Mrs. Marshall
1. AN ORDINANCE CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION OF CERTAINREALESTATE BY JAMES C HOSELTONANDLINDA J HOSELTON.
2. AN ORDINANCE CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION OF CERTAINREALESTATE BYNEWLIFECHRISTIANCENTERCHURCH.
3. AN ORDINANCE CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION OF CERTAINREALESTATE BY CONTINUING HEALTHCARE SOLUTIONS.
Finance/Audit – Ms. Abdella
1. A RESOLUTION SUPPLEMENTING YEAR 2012 APPROPRIATIONS.
Mr. Neff made sure that there was no action needed on an agreement with Resource International for theFarson Streetproject. According to the Mayor there was no action needed.
Report of Standing Committee:
Ms. Abdella had no report for the Finance/Audit Committee. Ms. Abdella called a committee meeting for7:00 PMonNovember 26, 2012for the purpose of discussing Supplemental Appropriations.
Mr. Sinnett, Police and Fire Committee had no report. Mr. Sinnett wished our City Auditor a “Happy Birthday” followed by council singing “Happy Birthday”.
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 stated that he has been in contact with the City Auditor about going paperless. We are going to put a budget together on it. I have also been asked to take a look at the shelter rental cost. At this time, I would like to call a meeting forNovember 26, 2012at6:50 PMfor the purpose of discussing increasing rental on our shelters. Mr. Martin also asked about the Putting Greens onWashington Boulevard. “Bent Links”. Mr. Martin asked if this is something that the city can get back. According to Mr. McCauley the option was for 5 years and should expireJuly 13, 2013. Mr. Martin asked if Mr. Daugherty has shown any interest in leasing this space again. Mr. Ferguson is to keep Mr. Martin informed of any communication on the space.
Mrs. Marshall had no report for the Planning and Zoning Committee. Mrs. Marshall made a motion to add to tonight’s agenda for first reading:
1. AN ORDINANCE CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION OF CERTAINREALESTATE BYNEWLIFECHRISTIANCENTERCHURCH.
2. AN ORDINANCE CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION OF CERTAINREALESTATE BY JAMES C HOSELTONANDLINDA J HOSELTON.
3. AN ORDINANCE CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION OF CERTAINREALESTATE BY CONTINUING HEALTHCARE SOLUTIONS.
Mr. Newberry had no report for the Rules Committee.
Persons Appearing Before Council – Agenda items only. None
Unfinished Business:
Ms. Abdella brought before council for second reading TEMPORARY APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE FOR CALENDAR AND FISCAL YEAR 2013 and AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING A CREDIT CARD USE POLICY. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye. This will lie over until the next meeting of council.
Ms. Abdella brought before council for second reading AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING A CREDIT CARD USE POLICY. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye. This will lie over until the next meeting of council.
Mr. Sinnett brought before council for second reading AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CODIFIED ORDINANCE AS TO DRUG PARAPHERNALIA. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye. This will lie over until the next meeting of council.
Mr. Newberry brought before council for second reading AN ORDINANCE APPROVING THE EDITION AND INCLUSION OF CERTAIN ORDINANCES AS PARTS OF THE VARIOUS COMPONENT CODES OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF BELPRE, OHIO. 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. Marshall brought before council for first reading AN ORDINANCE CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION OF CERTAIN REAL ESTATE BY JAMES C HOSELTON AND LINDA J HOSELTON. Discussion followed by Mr. Martin. According to Mr. Martin he has received numerous letters from the residents that they prefer that it remains as C3. There are multiple concerns expressing the same concerns. Request that they be present at the next meeting. Reason they contacted Mr. Martin was because they are intimidated by the land owners. Mr. Martin requested that this not be printed in the newspaper. Mr. McCauley stated that we have directed Mr. Martin to have these residents present at the next meeting to express their concerns. A vote was taken with Ms. Abdella abstaining because she is a family member and it is family property, five members voting nay, and one voting aye. Motion failed.
Mrs. Marshall brought before council for first reading AN ORDINANCE CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION OF CERTAIN REAL ESTATE BY NEW LIFE CHRISTIAN CENTER CHURCH. According to Mr. Martin there was no one appearing on the topic. After some discussion it was the decision of Mrs. Marshall to withdraw the motion.
Mrs. Marshall brought before council for first reading AN ORDINANCE CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION OF CERTAIN REAL ESTATE BY CONTINUING HEALTHCARE SOLUTIONS. Discussion followed. Mr. Martin stated that he supports the project. Can we get road access? Mayor has information supporting the access road. According to the Mayor the Planning Director stated that there is a letter in place that an access road could be opened. Ms. Abdella asked if it would be a service road. According to the Mayor it would not. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye. This will lie over until the next meeting of council.
Persons Appearing Before Council: none
December 10th is Student Government Day. I would ask members of council to try and be present that day for the students. There will be an itinerary for the day.
Mr. Neff asked who you should call if there is a Street Light Out. According to Mr. Ferguson you should contact the Police Department. Other discussion followed. Mr. McCauley was told to contact AEP.
December 24th is Christmas Eve and we have council meeting that evening. I would like a motion from council to cancel the last meeting of the year. Ms. Abdella made a motion to cancel the last meeting of the year. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye except Mr. Martin who voted nay.
Adjourn:
Mr. Robinson made a motion to adjourn at8:30 p.m. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.