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, Mr. Martin, Mr. Newberry, Mr. Robinson, Mr. Sinnett, 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 September 24, 2012 meeting was Council Person Mrs. Marshall, and City Auditor Miss Pittenger.
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.
Ms. Abdella moved to accept the minutes of September 10, 2012 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:
At your desk tonight you will find information packets for the United Way. It is my hope that everyone can contribute something to an organization that gives much to our city.
We have received a formal request from Mr. Casey and Continuing Healthcare Solutions to change the Zoning on Hill Street. As you know this is the group that wants to build the nursing home and assisted living facility on the 48 acres that lies along the four lanes between Braun and Farson. This area is zoned R-1 and should be R-2 to accommodate the facility. This request will need to go to council for approval. Mr. McCauley and Mr. Webster are aware of the timelines and needs to assure we do this correctly.
The shelter is down as well as the garage at the Sr. Center. Hopefully weather will hold and the shelter will be complete for the Apple Butter.
Council, I have received a notice for an alcohol permit to change hands. 711 are going to take over the Shell Station on Main Street. The Prima Marketing LLC was the former owner now 711 DBA. It is up to council if they would like a hearing on the advisability of issuing a permit. If we do not respond it just happens.
Mr. McCauley has prepared legislation for me to apply to OPWC for funding to refurbish some of our streets. We will need to conclude all three readings tonight so to allow mailing by 10/01/2012.
On Thursday at the Chamber Luncheon Marietta Memorial Hospital announced a 50,000 square foot expansion to their complex on Farson. With this announcement CEO Scott Cantley also announced an ear, nose, and throat specialist as well as a pediatrician joining us in Belpre.
This coming weekend is the Barlow Fair as well as the Breast Cancer Walk at Parkersburg City Park.
Chief Clevenger and I have certificates of recognition for our law enforcement friends to recognize them for their efforts in drug interdiction. Our Officers and Dispatchers along with the Sheriff’s Department put a huge dent in the illegal prescription problem that plagues our area.
Mr. Martin gave a brief presentation about the Mayor and his wife for going above and beyond their call of duty during the terrible storm that left many of us without power in June. They were able to provide food and shelter for many of our citizens throughout our city that were without power and food. They also helped those with medical conditions. Other helpers were recognized during this presentation.
Officers of the Belpre Police Department, Washington County Sheriffs Department and Dispatchers for all presented their awards for seizing a Drug Cartel out of Memphis, TN, 26 felony counts. Those receiving awards were Peter Senchyshak, Druggist, Bill Wilson, Sgt. Stump, Patrolman Freed, Sgt. Joe Fields, Deputy Sheriff Augustine, Scott Minkens, Cody Huffer, and Jeremiah McConnell. Scott Minkens received the Mayor’s Metal. Also recognized was Becky, our cities dispatcher. Awarded also was the Chief’s Citation Award for Deputy Sheriff Larry Minck’s of Washington County.
On behalf of the City of Belpre and the Police Department, Mayor Lorentz thanked each and every one for their help in getting these people off the streets.
Safety-Service Director Mr. Ferguson announced that the Mayor and himself has met with FEMA representatives and presented items for FEMA assistance. There were a couple of inquires regarding the list of items. We are now awaiting their decision.
We are looking about hiring two new police officers for the City of Belpre. I would like to resent 145.05 regarding Residency of our Belpre police officers. We would like to hire officers with experience. We are looking for experience not necessarily new officers. I would like to have this assigned to committee with immediate turn around.
Also before you tonight is paperwork regarding 737.02 General duties, records and contracts that states under the direction of the mayor, the director of public safety shall be the executive head of the police and fire departments and the chief administrative authority of the charity, correction and building departments. He shall have all powers and duties connected with an incident to the appointment, regulation, and government of such departments except as otherwise provided by law. He shall keep a record of his proceedings, a copy of which, certified by him, shall be competent evident in all courts.
Such director shall make all contracts in the name of the city with reference to the management of such departments, for the erection or repair of all buildings or improvements in connection therewith, and for the purchase of all supplies necessary for such departments.
Mr. Ferguson stated that we will be hiring a new dispatcher due to the retiring of one at the end of the year.
After all business has been conducted at this evening’s meeting I would like to request that council go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing Personnel.
Mr. Ferguson also discussed the Residency regarding Police Officers.
City Auditor Miss Pittenger was absent. No report was given.
City Law Director Mr. Webster had no report.
City Treasurer Mr. McAfee had no report. Mr. McAfee announced the Apple Butter Stir Off on October 6th and 7th. This year the Belpre Lions Club along with Mrs. Marshall and Mr. Newberry will be selling raffle tickets. The price is 1 for 10.00 and 3 for 25. There are a lot of great prizes to be had. Also the Democratic Office is now open at 2005 Washington Boulevard.
Communications and Petitions:
Mr. Neff stated that the only correspondence he has tonight is some literature regarding the AIR EVAC LIFETEAM.
Report of Standing Committee:
Ms. Abdella reported that the Finance/Audit Committee met prior to this evening’s meeting to discuss credit cards for the city. It was the decision of the committee to pass along information to our law director to draft legislation.
Mr. Sinnett, Police and Fire Committee had no report however he congratulated all those receiving awards this evening. He also recognized Chris Pedersen, with AIR EVAC LIFETEAM and spoke briefly about their service. At this time, Mr. Sinnett made a motion to add to tonight’s agenda AN ORDINANCE REGARDING RESIDENCY OF CITY POLICE OFFICERS. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Wallace, Streets, Sidewalks and Storm Sewer, reported that he has received the cost to survey Dana Road. The cost is $3,000.
Mr. Robinson had no report for the Utilities Committee.
Mr. Martin had no report for Parks and Recreation Committee.
Mrs. Marshall was absent. No report was given for the Planning and Zoning Committee.
Mrs. Marshall was absent. No report was given for Economic Development.
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 third reading RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE AMOUNTS AND RATES AS DETERMINED BY THE BUDGET COMMISSION AND AUTHORIZING THE NECESSARY TAX LEVIES AND CERTIFYING THEM TO THE COUNTY AUDITOR. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Ms. Abdella moved this be Resolution 14, 2012-2013 and duly passed. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
New Business:
Ms. Abdella brought before council for first reading A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO PREPARE AND SUBMIT AN APPLICATION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE OHIO PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION STATE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM AND TO EXECUTE CONTRACTS AS REQUIRED. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Ms. Abdella made a motion to suspend the rule of council on three different days to allow for the second and third readings of A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO PREPARE AND SUBMIT AN APPLICATION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE OHIO PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION STATE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM AND TO EXECUTE CONTRACTS AS REQUIRED. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Ms. Abdella made a motion for second and third readings of A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO PREPARE AND SUBMIT AN APPLICATION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE OHIO PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION STATE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM AND TO EXECUTE CONTRACTS AS REQUIRED. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Ms. Abdella moved this be Resolution 15, 2012-2013 and duly passed. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Robinson brought before council for first reading AN ORDINANCE TO ACCEPT A TEN (10) FOOT SECTION OF ROSELAWN AVENUE AS A DEDICATED CITY STREET. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Robinson moved to suspend the rule of council on three different days to allow for the second and third readings of AN ORDINANCE TO ACCEPT A TEN (10) FOOT SECTION OF ROSELAWN AVENUE AS A DEDICATED CITY STREET. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Robinson moved the second and third readings of AN ORDINANCE TO ACCEPT A TEN (10) FOOT SECTION OF ROSELAWN AVENUE AS A DEDICATED CITY STREET. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Robinson moved this be Ordinance 12, 2012-2013 and duly passed. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Sinnett brought before council for first reading AN ORDINANCE REGARDING RESIDENCY OF CITY POLICE OFFICERS. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Sinnett moved to suspend the rule of council on three different days to allow for the second and third readings of AN ORDINANCE REGARDING RESIDENCY OF CITY POLICE OFFICERS. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Sinnett moved the second and third readings of AN ORDINANCE REGARDING RESIDENCY OF CITY POLICE OFFICERS. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Sinnett moved this be Ordinance 13, 2012-2013 and duly passed. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Persons Appearing Before Council:
Elmer Lee Shutts, 830 Walnut Street, appeared before council with a safety issue at the corner of Walnut Street. There are two open ditches that he would like to see fixed.
Jesseca Caplinger, Elizabeth Street, suggested that mesh wiring be put around the ditches.
Chris Pedersen with AIR EVAC LIFETEAM expressed his feeling to the Mayor and his wife for everything they did after the June storm. Also Mr. Pedersen stated that if anyone has any questions regarding AIR EVAC LIFETEAM, can contact him. His information is on the front of the pamphlet.
Mr. Martin made a motion to excuse Mrs. Marshall from this evenings meeting. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Ms. Abdella and Mr. Martin have called a committee meeting for October 8, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. for the purpose of discussing the repair to the slide at the Belpre Pool.
Mr. McAfee reminded everyone about the raffle tickets.
Ms. Abdella made a motion to go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing Personnel Issues. There will be no further business conducted at tonight’s meeting. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Adjourn:
Mr. Robinson made a motion to adjourn. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.