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 Law Director Mr. Webster, Treasurer Mr. McAfee and Clerk of Council Mrs. Meredith. Absent from the 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.
Mrs. Marshall made a motion to accept the minutes ofMay 14, 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:
On the 28th I attended the Memorial Day Services at Leavitt’s Funeral Home. Our Legion and our own employees that were involved did a very good job honoring and remembering our veterans.
The Belpre in Bloom effort is in full swing. If anybody would like to help us even with the watering of plants let Leslie or I know. It takes just about four hours to complete this task. Hopefully you have noticed the planters in Howe’s Grove Park as well as the new entry sign on the four lanes just before Farson St. Thanks to Councilman Martin this was completed in one morning. All the banners are now up throughout town. Thanks to our Belpre Art Students they look great.
Chief Clevenger, Mr. Ferguson and I have completed the interviews and testing for our new Police Officer. To replace Officer Stump we have hired Garry Freed as a patrolman. Since we last met Officer Hunter has resigned to join the county. We have hired Kellen Ruble to replace him. Both gentlemen have completed all requirements to join our force. Please wish them well and also Officer Hunter in his new role.
You will notice that we have numerous lights out in the parks due to someone backing over a pole with their vehicle. Some lights are out on the boat ramp area due to our bucket truck still in the repair shop. If you get complaints from park users tell them to be patient as our folks are going as fast as they can.
As a reminder CivitanParkwill be close next week on June 20th, 21st and 22nd. It will reopen on Saturday evening the 23rd this is due to the Boy Scouts of America Day Camp for the Cub Scouts.
Thanks to Terry Zdrale we have completed two different grants to assist with completing the expansion to theSeniorCenter. If all goes well I would like to advertise for bids and break ground next month.
½ of the Farson and Braun Intersections are complete. The Field Supervisor tells that all should be complete in a month.
The north end ofFlorence Streetneeds to be voted on tonight so the property owners can complete their sale. Mr. President I ask that we bypass rules of council to allow multiple readings this evening.
At this time, Mayor Lorentz swore in Garry Freed, our newest police officer on the force.
Safety-Service Director Mr. Ferguson announced that before you tonight is legislation regarding the agreement with theBlennerhassettIslandHistoricalState Park. With council approval I would like to have this piece of legislation ran three times this evening.
I would also like the President of Council to assign the Cell Tower Lease Extension to committee. This lease agreement expires onAugust 31, 2012, unless the city exercises the sixth option to extend for another five year period. There are a total of nine possible 5-year options in the original lease which was assigned to the City by MCI World Com Network Services, Inc.
The family of Ray Emerick would like to donate a piece of property that is crossingRoselawn Avenueto the city. This portion of the property is actually part of the street. The family would like not to have to pay taxes on this property since it is part of the street.
Under New Business this evening the Albright family would like to address council regarding vacating an alley that is located on 5th Street that goes in 80 ft behind the Main Street School Property. This piece of property should have been a commercial piece of property. After looking at the city map it is believed that this may have been overlooked and that a correction needs to be made to the Mylar copy.
There is a copy of Ordinance 145.05 regarding Residency of Police Officers that work in the City ofBelpre. I would like the President of Council assign this piece of legislation to the Rules Committee and request thatWoodCountybe added as an adjacent county.
There is a letter also on your desk from FirstEnergy Solutions referencing the effect of recent PUCO action on your electric aggregation costs.
City Auditor was absent. No report given.
City Law Director Mr. Webster reported that 77 ft. of Florence Street Property that was conveyed back to the city about one month ago has been recorded. It now needs to be ACCEPTED AS A SECTION OF FLORENCE STREET AS A DEDICATEDCITYSTREET.
City Treasurer Mr. McAfee reported that the April Treasurer’s Report has been submitted and is awaiting approval by council. A signed copy of the report has been given to each member of council. At this time, Mr. Robinson made a motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report as presented. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. McAfee also announced that the Alumni Association presented $25,000 in Scholarships to our local seniors this year. On July 14, 2012we will be holding our annual Ice Cream Social at the Belpre Fire Department Training Center. Also on July 4th, the Circus is coming to town.
Communications and Petitions:
Mr. Neff addressed the condition of our water supply and that our drinking water is safe. The 20th Annual Belpre City Golf Outing is underway. This year’s proceeds will go the BHS Scholarship Fund.
Mr. Neff assigned the following to committee:
Emergency Squad Vehicle to Finance/Audit Committee/Ms. Abdella.
BlennerhassettIslandState Parkto Parks and Recreation Committee/Mr. Martin.
North End ofFlorence Streetto Planning and Zoning/Mrs.Marshall.
Residency of Police Officer andCellTowerto Police and Fire/Mr. Sinnett.
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 AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF A NOTE TO FINANCE PURCHASE OF AN EMERGENCY SQUAD VEHICLE. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye. Ms. Abdella stated that we would need to complete this tonight as it is required by the bank.
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, reported that the pool was open and everything is running well. The Race Track is off to a good season and our parks are doing well. At this time I would like to add to tonight’s agenda for first reading A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SAFETY-SERVICE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH THE BLENNERHASSETT ISLAND HISTORICAL STATE PARK. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mrs. Marshall reported on the Planning and Zoning Commission findings and has brought them before council for voice votes. Legislation has been prepared for the North End of Florence Street that will not require a voice vote.
A voice vote was taken regarding a garage located onJohn Streetowned by Mark Hinton to repair vehicles. A vote was taken with 2 members of council voting aye, 4 members voting nay and 1 member abstained as it was a conflict of interest due to the fact that it was family property. Request denied.
A voice vote was taken for a request to build on an extension to property owned by Michael Barker, located on Boulevard Drive. 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.
Persons Appearing Before Council – Agenda items only. None
Unfinished Business:
Ms. Abdella brought before council for second reading AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AUTHORIZED MANPOWER FOR CALENDAR AND FISCAL YEAR 2012. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye. This will lie over until the next meeting of council.
New Business:
Ms. Abdella brought before council for first reading AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF A NOTE TO FINANCE PURCHASE OF AN EMERGENCY SQUAD VEHICLE. 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 AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF A NOTE TO FINANCE PURCHASE OF AN EMERGENCY SQUAD VEHICLE. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Ms. Abdella brought before council for second and third readings AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF A NOTE TO FINANCE PURCHASE OF AN EMERGENCY SQUAD VEHICLE. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Ms. Abdella moved this be Ordinance 8, 2012-2013 and duly passed. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Martin brought before council for first reading A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SAFETY-SERVICE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH THE BLENNERHASSETT ISLAND HISTORICAL STATE PARK. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Martin a made a motion to suspend the rule of council on three different days to allow for the second and third readings A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SAFETY-SERVICE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH THE BLENNERHASSETT ISLAND HISTORICAL STATE PARK. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Martin brought before council for second and third readings A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SAFETY-SERVICE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH THE BLENNERHASSETT ISLAND HISTORICAL STATE PARK. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Martin moved this be Resolution 11, 2012-2013 and duly passed. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mrs. Marshall brought before council for first reading AN ORDINANCE TO ACCEPT A SECTION OF FLORENCE STREET AS A DEDICATED CITY STREET. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mrs. Marshall made a motion to suspend the rule of council on three different days to allow for the second and third readings AN ORDINANCE TO ACCEPT A SECTION OF FLORENCE STREET AS A DEDICATED CITY STREET. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mrs. Marshall brought before council for second and third readings AN ORDINANCE TO ACCEPT A SECTION OF FLORENCE STREET AS A DEDICATED CITY STREET. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mrs. Marshall moved this be Ordinance 9, 2012-2013 and duly passed. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Persons Appearing Before Council:
The Albright’s, Owners of Belpre Furniture, appeared before council with a request to vacate alley north of 5th Street. A Public Hearing is being called for June 25th, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. for the purpose of vacating the alley north of 5th Street with the property being owned by the Albright’s.
City Law Director will be in contact with the Emerick’s regarding the property that they would like to donate to the city.
Mr. Fred Holmes addressed PUCO and the need to urge PUCO to opposeAEPOhio’s request for above-market capacity prices and ensure your right to shop and save through unobstructed access to a competitive electricity market. FirstEnergy Solutions will not pass along the increased capacity costs throughJuly 2, 2012, meaning that you and the rest of our customers are avoiding a significant increase in capacity charges through July 2. However, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to continue to absorb these higher capacity costs beyond the July 2 date. PUCO needs to hear your concerns that inflated capacity charges could significantly affect your business. FirstEnergy Solutions will continue to be a strong advocate for electric choice inOhioand work to provide you the savings and other benefits that competitive markets bring. Mr. Holmes suggested that we do not move forward until a decision is made. He will not put the city in jeopardy.
Mr. Martin addressed the condition of properties located onBlennerhassett Avenue. He would like the Code Enforcement Office to provide an update as to the status of these properties of concern at the next meeting of council.
Ms. Abdella and Mr. Robinson both informed council that they would not be present for the July 10th meeting and Mrs. Meredith would be on vacation July 23rd meeting.
Ms. Abdella called a Committee Meeting of the Whole at 6:30 p.m., July 25th, 2012 to discuss the Dana Drive Issue and the possibility of vacating the street. This area will need to be surveyed.
Adjourn:
Mr. Robinson moved to adjourn at9:06 p.m. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.