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, 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, and Clerk of Council Mrs. Meredith. Absent from the meeting was City Auditor Miss Pittenger and Councilperson Mrs. Marshall.
At this time, Mr. Neff asked that everyone please stand for the prayer and remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Ms. Abdella made a motion to accept the minutes ofJune 11, 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:
A lot of digging and planting has taken place since our last meeting. TheAmericain Bloom judges has come and gone, and it seems that all went well. A lot of people deserve a big thank you for helping us get ready for the week. When the report comes out we will have a base line to work from. I want to thank Elmer Lee Shutts, our committee, and Street Department workers for their help. What a difference this has made!
The motel onWashington Boulevardhas been sold. The new owners are readying for demolition and hopefully new construction. It is exciting to have new growth and promise at both ends of our city. To assist with some of the growth we are now seeing and hoping to bring more, I have asked ODOT to loan us a traffic counter so when developers ask we have sufficient and correct information. You will see this set up onWashington Boulevard, and Farson.
The Cub Scout Day Camp was a success although the numbers were less than expected. The kids seemed to enjoy our facilities and time together to learn. The Pack has provided us with four new park benches strategically located for the frequent walkers. The only real complaint I got was from a walker that does not live in the city and feels that the scouts should be in the woods and not interfering with his walk.
July 11 will be Belpre’s night to host the area Mayors. I have reserved the Ruble’s Sternwheeler for an evening cruise and dinner. If you would like to attend please let myself or Lisa know. The boarding time will be5:30atCivitanPark. We will depart at6 PMand return at8PM
On June 19th I met with the fire department to discuss the Farson St. Station. After the meeting we still have two or three options to choose from. Tonight I will meet with the school officials to discuss theMiddle Street property that could work.
Safety-Service Director Mr. Ferguson announced that since he was the Safety-Service Director for the City ofBelprethat he is allowed to extend the lease on the cell tower with a letter from Mr. McCauley or Mr. Webster. The price will go up to $335 per month. We pay $319 now. I believe it is wise to extend the contract.
I would like to thank those individuals who were involved in house painting within our community. There were 6 homes painted at no cost to the city.
Mr. Ferguson gave a list of items that needed to be increased. At the time of the budget, TAP fees will raise 5% per year. This has already been approved. We may have to increase more than 5%. Per Susie, this needs assigned to committee.
Mr. Wiggins is out however before you tonight a list of homes is provided by our Code Enforcement Officer that need attention.
Ms. Abdella presented the Auditor’s Report in the absence of Miss Pittenger. Belpre in Bloom judging went well on June 18th and 19th. Thank you to Council members Susan Abdella, Larry Martin and John Newberry for helping us get the final touches on our entrance projects. We were able to show our community pride and involvement with well attended luncheons and a picnic on Tuesday,. We will get our report and final bloom rating at the 2012 Symposium inFayetteville,Arkansas held September 20-22.
Friday June 22, 2012, I attended the Regional Council of Governments annual meeting inWorthington,Ohio. I met severalRITAemployees and other members that are part of the council. 15 new members were added in 2012. A financial presentation showed a reduction in costs which will reduce our fee to participate from 3% to approximately 2%. A possible savings of $10,000 for us this year!
City Law Director Mr. Webster reported that the term of lease is effective on the Wildman Property.
City Treasurer Mr. McAfee was absent. Mr. Sinnett made a motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report for the Month of May. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Communications and Petitions: None
Report of Standing Committee:
Ms. Abdella had no report for the Finance Audit Committee. Ms. Abdella reported on the Dana Drive Committee of the Whole meeting prior to this evening’s meeting. TheSSDhas secured pricing on survey. Further communication on this topic will be held at a later time
Mr. Sinnett, Police and Fire Committee had no report.
Mr. Wallace had no report for Streets, Sidewalks and Storm Sewer.
Mr. Robinson had no report for the Utilities Committee.
Mr. Martin, Parks and Recreation Chairman, thanked all the Work Camp Kids that were involved in painting 6 different homes throughout our city. We had a terrific report about the children. Parks are busy and the pool is doing well. Mr. Martin stated that the Code Enforcement Officer needs to take action on some of these properties that are not up to code.
Mrs. Marshall was absent. No report was given for 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 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AUTHORIZED MANPOWER FOR CALENDAR AND FISCAL YEAR 2012. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Ms. Abdella moved this be Ordinance 10, 2012-2013 and duly passed. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
New Business: None
Persons Appearing Before Council:
Victoria Higgins appeared before council regarding Boulevard Sands. Several issues of concern were addressed. Some of the issues were playground in Boulevard Sands for the children. Mr. Ferguson had told Mrs. Higgins that there are not enough funds to care for a playground. She also addressed wanting a pole moved from the middle of a piece of property so that a home could be built on the land. The cost of moving the pole would be $2,000. She also addressed access for emergency vehicles. It was mentioned that an accesses fromMoore AvenuetoAdobe Circlewas a possibility.
Ms. Abdella made a motion to excuse from tonight’s meeting Mrs. Marshall. Mrs. Marshall stated at the last meeting of council that she would not be present. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Ms. Abdella made a motion to go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing land acquisitions. No further action will come before this council this evening. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Adjourn:
A motion was made to adjourn. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.