Belpre City Council Minutes
August 13, 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. 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 August 13, 2012 meeting was 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.
Mrs. Marshall moved to accept the minutes of July 23, 2012 and July 30, 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:
The Homecoming was here and gone. It seems that everyone had a good time and nobody was hurt. The Chamber of Commerce did a very good job of organizing and our officers and city employees likewise were very responsive to the needs of all. During the opening ceremonies the Emily Spence Foundation presented the city with another De-fibulator to be used where we see fit. We have placed it in the Police Department which allows us one on each shift.
As of yesterday the advertisement for bids to erect the new addition to the Sr. Center has ran for the two weeks. Mr. Ferguson and I will open the bids later this week and make plans to start the project. Later this week I will make an announcement to the press explaining the project as well as the status of funding needed to complete.
The Street Department Foreman and I have started the process of choosing streets that need paved. The OPWC Grant will be for next year if successful.
Since we last met I did have lunch with our Congressman. During lunch we discussed what needs to be done with the drug problems in our area. My concern is that if you come to my court the penalty for drugs is less than that of the paraphernalia penalty. Since this time I have tried to get our legislators once again to listen, and make the penalty fit the crime. Drugs are illegal and marijuana is a drug.
Kris Ruggles from Strand Associates delivered the construction plans for Farson Street. These have since been delivered to the PM Company for review and surveying so that the right-a-way can be deeded to the city.
Mr. Ferguson and I did interview with FEMA to discuss the damages and costs of our June storm. As of now we have no answer on what assistance if any we will receive to recoup our expenses.
Safety-Service Director Mr. Ferguson announced before council that there is five pending Insurance Claims that the city has. One is from the storm damage.
The last day for the pool is August 19, 2012.
On August the 22nd we had the Annual Belpre Dog Swim for our furry friends.
Our city department heads have provided input for our Emergency Response. It was suggested to cap sewer lines that run into our main sewer. They would like to see council make this a part of the demolition permit and to put in the form of a requirement.
Mr. Ferguson went over the How to Read Your AEP Ohio Bill hand-out that is before you this evening. According to Mr. Ferguson the only changes that will be made on your bill is the Generation Service and the Transmission Service. If you are a customer that is on the budget and wants to remain on the budget you must opt. out. At this time you will not have that choice. Mr. Ferguson stated that if anyone has any questions regarding this hand out please feel free to see him.
Our Code Enforcement Officer Mr. Wiggins presented a report before council this evening. He has been working with Kathy Davis who is with the Washington Soil and Water Conservation District regarding the grass in our city streets. Our goal is to help keep Belpre Clean One Street at a Time. Avoid a fine and clean up cost. Please clean the area indicated above. The majority of the problems we are having are excessive grass, leaves, moving debris, etc. The excessive grass leaves and mowing debris slows down the street sweeper, adding cost. It also plugs storm drainage, adds to flooding and costly cleaning. It also causes vehicle, pedestrian and bike hazards. Suggestions to keep are cost down is to discharge to lawn with mower and blower. Collect and compost for your future use. Collect and dispose of these items with your trash.
Mr. Wiggins also wanted to thank the Belpre and Little Hocking Fire Departments for working so well together. On two different occasions we have worked together with the drowning victim and the house that was struck by lightening and also the fire on Maple Street.
City Auditor Miss Pittenger was absent from this evening’s meeting. Ms. Abdella announced that before you tonight is the Utility Adjustment Report for the Month of July which needs approval by council. Mr. Sinnett made a motion to accept the Utility Adjustment Report for the Month of July. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
City Law Director Mr. Webster reported that the city may no longer be able to continue use of the intoxilizer. I will keep council informed.
City Treasurer Mr. McAfee reported that a copy of the July Treasurer’s Report is before you tonight and is awaiting council approval. Ms. Abdella 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 assigned the following to committee:
1. AN ORDINANCE TO VACATE THE ENTIRE UNNAMED ALLEY LOCATED BETWEEN PARCELS IN LOT #69 OF O’NEAL’S 2ND ADDITION. – Mrs. Marshall
2. 2012 Appropriations – Ms. Abdella, Finance and Audit Committee
3. Demolition Requirements Capping Sewer Lines. – Mrs. Marshall
4. Quarterly Income Tax Payments – Ms. Abdella, Finance and Audit Committee
Report of Standing Committee:
Ms. Abdella had no report for the Finance/Audit Committee. Ms. Abdella made a motion to add to tonight’s agenda for first reading A RESOLUTION SUPPLEMENTING YEAR 2012 APPROPRIATIONS. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Sinnett, Police and Fire Committee reported that his committee met prior to this evening meeting to discuss Ordinance 145.05 Residency for Police Officers. According to the discussion the Ordinance that we have in place at this time may be wrong. We are waiting on the Supreme Court Ruling. I would like to have Mr. Webster look into the law to see if it is legal and report back to use. The meeting adjourned at 7:26 p.m.
Mr. Wallace had no report for Streets, Sidewalks and Storm Sewer.
Mr. Robinson had no report for the Utilities Committee.
Mr. Martin had no report for Parks and Recreation Committee. Mr. Martin thanked the administration for all their hard work in getting some of the properties on Washington Boulevard cleaned up.
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 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 had no report for Economic Development.
Mr. Newberry had no report for the Rules Committee. Mr. Newberry also thanked the city workers for the gathering of the debris from the storm.
Persons Appearing Before Council – Agenda items only. None
Unfinished Business: None
New Business:
Ms. Abdella brought before council for first reading A RESOLUTION SUPPLEMENTING YEAR 2012 APPROPRIATIONS. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye. This will lie over until the next meeting of council.
Mrs. Marshall brought before council for first 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. This will lie over until the next meeting of council.
Persons Appearing Before Council: None from the audience.
Mr. Neff announced that the 20th Annual Belpre City Golf Outing will be held on September 5, 2012 at 11:00 A.M. We are struggling to field teams this year. If you would like to be a sponsor or donate a gift for the occasion please let me know.
Ms. Abdella asked the Mayor if the Senior Center had an AED in it. According to the Mayor it does.
The new Police cars are due to be here in September.
Adjourn:
Mr. Robinson made a motion to adjourn at 8:15 p.m. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.