Belpre City Council Minutes
September 10, 2012
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. Sinnett, and Mr. Wallace present. Also present were Mayor Lorentz, Safety-Service Director Mr. Ferguson, City Auditor Miss Pittenger, City Law Director Mr. Webster, and Clerk of Council Mrs. Meredith. Absent from the September 10, 2012 meeting was Councilman Robinson and Treasurer Mr. McAfee.
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 of August 27, 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:
We received a very nice thank you and picture from the Mid-Ohio Valley Work Camp for our assistance with the painting of house this year. You have the picture going around now to view. Forty homes were painted this year and a total of six so far in our city. Representatives from the work camp want to attend our next meeting to make a presentation to council.
Tomorrow night at 6 PM there is an informational meeting about the future of a professional baseball team in Parkersburg. The meeting will hopefully answer all the questions you may have plus give an opportunity to offer your opinion.
Our County Engineer is applying for a grant to upgrade the GIS program in our county. This is a valuable tool when discussing growth and development in our city. The Auditor and I have been asked to provide a letter of support from our city.
On August 29th I received word that another one of our young Police Officers has decided to leave employment with the city and join the Sheriff’s dept. Eric Augenstein’s last day was September 9th. I was able to talk with Eric and wish him well in his new role. On September 1st. Kellen Ruble also turned in his resignation for personal reasons. Kellen is a fine young man and we will miss him but wish him the best.
The FEMA Declaration Briefing was held on August 31st in Marietta. The Auditor represented Belpre to make sure we were aware of all eligible assistance.
The new Patrol Cars for the Police Department have arrived. Although different than past vehicles everyone is excited and glad to have new and dependable equipment.
The Alzheimer’s Walk was held this past Saturday. The organizers asked that I prepare and read a proclamation for the start of activities. We also went to Marietta for the Stern wheel Kick-off on Friday night.
Over the past couple weeks my wife and I have been overwhelmed with notes and calls of concern. Please know how much we appreciate your support and prayers during my illness. For now the worst part is not smoking, and watching the list of things I like to eat and now cannot eat grow.
Safety-Service Director Mr. Ferguson announced that FEMA representatives will be in the City Building to go over a list of items that we obtained during our power outage in June.
City Auditor Miss Pittenger had no report. Miss Pittenger stated that before you tonight is the Utility Adjustment Report for August 2012 that is awaiting approval. Ms. Abdella made a motion to accept the Utility Adjustment Report for August 2012 as presented. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
City Law Director Mr. Webster had no report.
City Treasurer Mr. McAfee was absent. Miss Pittenger stated that everyone should have received a copy of the August 2012 Treasurer’s Report. She informed council that a new line had been added to the Fund Column. It is 830 Deposit Held. This fund is used to hold money received to demolish homes. Once the demolition meets approval the money can be sent to the owner. A motion was made 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 stated that the only correspondence he received was from the Ohio Division of Liquor Control regarding 7 Eleven Inc DBA 7 Eleven 35958H. Mr. Webster informed Mr. Neff that the only thing we needed to do was to send it back if we object otherwise it stands approved.
Report of Standing Committee:
Ms. Abdella had no report for the Finance/Audit Committee. Ms. Abdella reminded council that she has called a committee meeting for September 24, 2012 at 7:00 PM for the purpose of discussing Credit Card Policy for City Employees
Mr. Sinnett, Police and Fire Committee had no report. Mr. Sinnett announced that we have one of our new police cars on the lot this evening. Chief Clevenger stated that they were received Friday night.
Mr. Wallace, Streets, Sidewalks and Storm Sewer, reported that his committee met prior to this evenings meeting to discuss Dana Drive. It was requested that we get a cost for surveying the area. Mr. Wallace called a committee meeting for 6:45 PM, September 24, 2012 for the purpose of further discussion regarding Dana Drive.
Mr. Robinson was absent. No report was given for the Utilities Committee.
Mr. Martin had no report for Parks and Recreation Committee.
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. Neff assigned AN ORDINANCE APPROVING THE EDITION AND INCLUSION OF CERTAIN ORDINANCES AS PARTS OF THE VARIOUS COMPONENT CODES OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF BELPRE, OHIO to the Rules Committee.
Persons Appearing Before Council – Agenda items only. None
Unfinished Business:
Ms. Abdella brought before council for third reading A RESOLUTION SUPPLEMENTING YEAR 2012 APPROPRIATIONS. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Ms. Abdella moved this be Resolution 13, 2012-2013 and duly passed. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mrs. Marshall brought before council for third reading AN ORDINANCE TO VACATE THE ENTIRE UNNAMED ALLEY LOCATED BETWEEN PARCELS IN LOT #69 OF O’NEAL’S 2ND ADDITION. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye
Mrs. Marshall moved this be Ordinance 11, 2012-2013 and duly passed. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Ms. Abdella brought before council for second 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. This will lie over until the next meeting of council.
New Business:
Mr. Neff informed the clerk to add to the next meeting of council AN ORDINANCE TO ACCEPT A TEN (10) FOOT SECTION OF ROSELAWN AVENUE AS A DEDICATED CITY STREET.
Persons Appearing Before Council:
Mr. Martin made a motion to excuse Mr. Robinson from this evening’s meeting. Mr. Robinson called Mr. Neff to inform him that he would not be at the meeting. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Adjourn:
Ms. Abdella moved to adjourn at 8:10 p.m. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.