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, 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 Auditor Miss Pittenger, City Law Director Mr. Webster, Treasurer Mr. McAfee and Clerk of Council Mrs. Meredith.
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 of April 09, 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:
Since our last meeting I received a letter from Congressman Johnson stating that he has instructed the Corp of Engineers to hold our money for Civitan Park. The project is still in jeopardy however as we do not have authorization from Congress. On the same note Charlie Wilson met with me and the Civitan Club to discuss the future of the project. Both Former Congressman Wilson and I encouraged the Congressman to support our project and area. As of this point I have sent letters to Rob Portman, Debbie Phillips, Sherrod Brown and the Governor’s Office. It will take effort from all of us to find someone interested in Southeastern Ohio if we are to be successful in completing this project.
Hopefully you noticed the difference in the appearance of the city building and grounds. We had a work day with Belpre in Bloom to start at home with the city wide clean up. Plots have been marked for the Community Garden. Darwin Mayle of Mayle of Belpre has donated a tank for watering the different plantings. If you see Mr. Mayle remember to thank him.
My wife and I attended the Historical Society Annual Dinner on the 10th. This active group is in the process of adding on to our museum.
April 13th I spent time with the Elementary School Children celebrating Ohio’s Birthday. Both Mr. Dunn and I spoke to the kids.
April 16th was proclaimed Ray Blackburn Day in Belpre to honor his work for children and the Right Path. Ray was given the Humanitarian Award for Service from Right Path.
Mr. McCauley reviewed the deed and paperwork so the City could accept the most northern end of Florence St. As it turns out this was still considered a state right-of-way and technically the land at the end of the street was land locked. Belpre has always maintained this area in the past so this was just a housekeeping issue.
On your desk tonight you will find a copy of the PUCO Certification as well as a copy of the letter from the Congressman to the Corp of Engineers.
Mr. McCauley has prepared another piece of legislation for Aggregation. This will give him everything to pursue our final cost. The rate may be lower than we originally thought. If possible I would like to run this legislation three times tonight so to complete this process.
Safety-Service Director Mr. Ferguson reported that he had received the O’Neil Center Annual Report for anyone interested. Memorial Health System’s is sponsoring the Medication Disposal Event on Saturday, April 28th, 2012 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. The Collection Site for Belpre is the Belpre Senior Center. For more information on the Medication Take Back Day event, contact the Washington County Sheriff’s Office at 740-376-7070, ext. 0. Mr. Ferguson stated that he needed some direction from council on which way to move on the closure of Dana Drive. He will need to provide adequate description to the Auditor’s Office.
City Auditor Miss Pittenger reported that beginning this Friday we will have the scholarship pool passes. Funding from United Way paid 75%. Application to rent a community garden will be available soon for anyone interested. Belpre in Bloom continues their fund raising projects. At this time Bob’s Market is allowing us to benefit from the sale on their Dahlias. It is a limited offer so please place your orders by May 12, 2012. Thanks also to Jon Neff for all his help. On you desk this evening is the 1st quarter 2012 Expenses vs. Revenue worksheet along with the Operating Fund Expenses and Revenues for 2012. The question was asked if the pool rates have been posted for this year. Miss Pittenger stated that there would be a meeting held this week to determine the rate.
City Law Director Mr. Webster reported that the issue with the State of Ohio has been resolved. The title will be in the City of Belpre’s name.
Treasurer Mr. McAfee had no report. Mr. McAfee announced the Circus coming to town July 4th, 2012 at Civitan Park.
Communications and Petitions:
Mr. Neff announced that he has received the following correspondence:
Letter from Bill Johnson, Member of Congress on his formal objection to the US Army Corps of Engineers potential request to reprogram funds appropriated to build the Belpre, Ohio Riverfront Park for other purposes. He wants to make sure that this funding stays in place for our area. The final piece of legislation regarding the aggregation project is before you this evening. At this time Mr. Neff assigned AN ORDINANCE TO APPROVE THE MASTER AGREEMENT TO PROVIDE SERVICES FOR THE CITY OF BELPRE ELECTRIC AGGREGATION PROGRAM to Mr. Robinson’s committee. Mr. Neff also assigned to committee the Manpower for 2012 to the Finance/Audit Committee.
Report of Standing Committee:
Ms. Abdella had no report for the Finance Audit Committee. Ms. Abdella called a Finance Audit Committee meeting for May 14, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. for the purpose of discussing the Note for the Water Line Project. At this time, 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 INSTALLATION OF NEW WATER LINES. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye. Ms. Abdella asked that the Manpower Ordinance be added to the May 14th, 2012 agenda.
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. Robinson made a motion to add to tonight’s agenda for first reading AN ORDINANCE TO APPROVE THE MASTER AGREEMENT TO PROVIDE SERVICES FOR THE CITY OF BELPRE ELECTRIC AGGREGATION PROGRAM. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Martin, Parks and Recreation Chairman had no report. Mr. Martin did ask Leonard Wiggins about the clean up of properties in Belpre. Mr. Wiggins informed Mr. Martin that he contacted the Washington County Auditor’s Office and was informed that there are 2795 different parcels within the city. On April 1st there were 378 letters sent out to property owners that the Belpre address did not match the mailing address. On April 23rd, we received 264 responses or 70% with 114 or 30% no response. 178 are landlords which account for 820 rental units. 86 are not landlords or 32%. There were 26 violation letters as of March 8, 2012. These letters were a 30 day letter that their properties must be taken care of within 30 days or charged with a minor misdemeanor. There were also 5 certified letters sent. Most of the letters are for inoperable vehicles, old tires and general clean up. If these properties are not cleaned up within the time given further action will be taken. The first cutting of grass is due May 1, 2012 per Ordinance 557.02 and must be cut 4 times per year. Please do not blow grass in city streets. Also discussed was the importance of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Mrs. Marshall had no report for Planning and Zoning Committee
Mrs. Marshall had no report for Economic Development. Mrs. Marshall stated that she has had several calls about houses with abandoned cars.
Mr. Newberry had no report for the Rules Committee.
Persons Appearing Before Council – Agenda items only. None
Unfinished Business:
Mr. Sinnett brought before council for second reading A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND THE CHIEF OF POLICE TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY FOR THE CARE AND SUSTENANCE OF PRISONERS. 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 third reading of A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND THE CHIEF OF POLICE TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY FOR THE CARE AND SUSTENANCE OF PRISONERS. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Sinnett brought before council for third reading A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND THE CHIEF OF POLICE TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY FOR THE CARE AND SUSTENANCE OF PRISONERS. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Sinnett moved this be Resolution #10, 2012-2013 and duly passed. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
NEW BUSINESS:
Mr. Robinson brought before council for first reading AN ORDINANCE TO APPROVE THE MASTER AGREEMENT TO PROVIDE SERVICES FOR THE CITY OF BELPRE ELECTRIC AGGREGATION PROGRAM. 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 APPROVE THE MASTER AGREEMENT TO PROVIDE SERVICES FOR THE CITY OF BELPRE ELECTRIC AGGREGATION PROGRAM. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Robinson brought before council for second and third readings AN ORDINANCE TO APPROVE THE MASTER AGREEMENT TO PROVIDE SERVICES FOR THE CITY OF BELPRE ELECTRIC AGGREGATION PROGRAM. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Robinson moved this be Ordinance 6, 2012-2012 and duly passed. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Ms. Abdella brought before council for first reading AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF A NOTE TO FINANCE INSTALLATION OF NEW WATER LINES. 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:
Mr. Sinnett announced that the fire department issues smoke detector free of charge to the Citizens of Belpre. He announced that they would also install them if needed.
An elderly lady on Main Street is in need of a smoke detector. Mr. Wiggins discussed the importance of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and that he has checked with other communities about them being hard wired.
Tom Webster, 938 Pine Street, Belpre, reminded everyone that Saturday will be opening day at the Park. Mayor Lorentz is to throw out the first pitch. There will also be a Pancake Breakfast at Civitan Park.
Adjourn:
Mr. Robinson moved to adjourn at 8:18 p.m. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.