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, 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 ofSeptember 24, 2012as 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:
Our grant for Ohio Public Works has been turned in. The road work planned for next year will be approximately $ 187,000.00 with about $48,000.00 being our share. The road work will be on Rich Miller, Drag Strip, Depot, and Blennerhassett if successful in the scoring round.
As I reported last month I did file a grant with the McDonough Foundation to apply toward theSr.Center. We were notified last week we will receive the full $20,000.00 in the grant.
Mayor Newell and I kicked off the Breast Cancer Walk on the 29th. The fundraiser was a success from everything I read in the paper.
Last week I met with our new Chamber of Commerce Executive to discuss the arrival of people for Public Debt and the possibility of creating another Belpre Brochure that is more up to date. Karen and I will work on this so that visitors and prospective businesses have the information and numbers needed.
Council, do not forget that the seniors fund raiser is this Thursday evening at the Catholic Church. Tickets are available at the Center.
Council, please take a look at the walkway in front of theLawtonBuildingthat runs to Maple St. Larry Brandeberry and Harlen Colvin took it upon them to clean up this area. Pictures are going around for you to see the difference.
Safety-Service Director Mr. Ferguson announced at Monday night’s meeting that there were three requests for re-zoning. They are as follows:
1) A request from a developer to re-zone the 48 acres at the west end of Hill Street, from R-1 to R-2 for the purpose of building a Nursing Home.
2) A request from the Pastor of New Life Christian Center, (Church at the corner ofDana RoadandLee Street) to rezone the large lot (one parcel) behind Kroger’s, alongLee Street, from R-1 to R-2. A buyer is interested in building duplex apartments on the property.
3) A request from Mr. Hoselton, 415 John Street to re-zone the property at 405 John Street, (White building on John Street and property to the river) from C-3 to R-2. This will include 5 or 6 different parcels according to the current plat map. Possible buyer is interested in building a house behind the white building.
Mr. Ferguson stated that the Planning Commission would meet between now and next meeting to discuss the three requests. Once that meeting takes place I will share the results with you. If the Planning Commission recommends to Council to approve any of the three, I will send out the letters to property owners within 150 ft of the proposed parcels to be changed. A Public meeting would be scheduled onNovember 12, 2012at6:45for property owners to provide input. If everything is approved, council will then need to pass the legislation on three readings.
I also have a request for a variance to permit a home to be built on a lot 95.00 wide by 87.72 deep on Putnam Place (possibly 705, first lot on left). The current requirements are 50’ wide by 100’ deep.
Ms. Abdella requested information regarding the above.
City Auditor Miss Pittenger announced that Belpre in Bloom is beginning a new fund raiser. I have before me tonight several bags of (4) Delia’s bulbs along with fertilizer that we are selling to help fund Belpre in Bloom. The bulbs are 4 for $10.00 for anyone wishing to purchase. You can also purchase them here at the city building for anyone interested.
Each member of council should have received a copy of the September 2012 Utility Adjustment Report that needs council approval. At this time, Ms. Abdella made a motion to approve the September 2012 Utility Adjustment Report. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Miss Pittenger welcomed the Senior Class of Belpre High School to tonight’s meeting.
City Law Director Mr. Webster reported that the hearing continues on the Breath Testing. Mr. Webster thanked the Mayor and Safety-Service Director for getting the shelter completed prior to the Apple Butter Stir-Off. Mr. Webster spoke briefly to the students about the zoning issues and invited them back to see how their city government works in regards to these zoning issues. He also requested addresses from Mr. Ferguson for the Public Notice.
City Treasurer Mr. McAfee reported that the September Treasurer’s Report is before you this evening and is awaiting council approval. Mr. Newberry made a motion to accept the September Treasurer’s Report as presented. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye. Mr. McAfee also thanked the administration for getting the shelter in the park completed.
Communications and Petitions:
None
Report of Standing Committee:
Ms. Abdella reported that the Finance/Audit Committee and the Recreation Committee met prior to this evening’s meeting to discuss the necessary repairs at the pool. It was agreed that we ask the City Auditor to add this to the 2013 Appropriations. I have also requested that the Law Director begin preparing legislation regarding the credit cards. I would like to call a meeting for October 17, 2012at6:00 p.m.for the purpose of discussing the 2013 Temporary Appropriations. Also I would like to call a meeting for October 22, 2012 at 7:00 p.m.for the purpose of discussing Quarterly Tax Payments.
Mr. Sinnett, Police and Fire Committee had no report. Mr. Sinnett did inform the audience that there would be an Air Show on Sunday at the Wood County Air Port and our ladder truck would be displaying the American Flag. Open House at the Fire House will be on Saturday and the Fire Department Haunted House at the end of the month.
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 was in agreement with Ms. Abdella’ Finance Audit Report.
On October 22, 2012 at 7:15 p.m.there will be a committee meeting to discuss the Green Scape Ordinance.
Mrs. Marshall had no report for the Planning and Zoning Committee.
Mrs. Marshall had no report for Economic Development.
Mr. Newberry had no report for the Rules Committee. Mr. Newberry welcomedBelpreHigh Schoolstudents.
Persons Appearing Before Council – Agenda items only. None
Unfinished Business: None
New Business: None
Persons Appearing Before Council:
Mr. Robinson thanked the students’ for coming out this evening.
Mayor Lorentz and Mr. Newberry attended the Ohio Tree Care Conference. There were several topics of discussion.
Mr. Neff announced that Student Government Day will be December 10th, 2012.
Mr. McAfee announced that Mr. Baker had a very bad infection and was sent toRubyHospitalfor treatment. Mr. McAfee stated that he was sure that Mr. Baker would appreciate us thinking about him. Sending a card would be nice.
Ms. Abdella asked for a status update for a router for Council Chambers.
(A copy of the students present at tonight’s meeting is on file in my desk drawer)
Adjourn:
Mr. Robinson made a motion to adjourn at7:50 p.m. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.