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, City Law Director Mr. Webster, Treasurer Mr. McAfee and Clerk of Council Mrs. Meredith. Absent from the March 26, 2012 meeting were Safety-Service Director Mr. Ferguson and 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. Mayor Lorentz gave the invocation.
Mr. Sinnett made a motion to accept the minutes of March 12, 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:
Legislation for the Farson Street intersections is complete. As I understand it, this project will start Mid April. Safe Routes to Schools will start next spring as schedules are pretty tight for 2012.
The Farson Street widening part will start this fall. We are in the process of designing a plan for traffic access while under construction. Construction will start long after the hospital opens. Mr. Ferguson and I meet with ODOT this Thursday to discuss the start on intersections at Farson and Braun.
On March 17th we officially kicked off the Belpre in Bloom with a work day at the west end of town on 618. The interest seems to still be running high for this effort.
March 19th we started the interview process for our police department. Chief Clevenger, Mr. Ferguson and I started the process. After we determine through interviews, lie detector tests, and background checks that will go on, the candidates will then go to the officers for final approval and hiring after physicals. All agree that we have a good group of candidates to choose from. Our current patrolmen are finished at this time testing for the Sergeants position. When the results are in I would like to award the new Sergeant his stripes at our council meeting.
As we go through all the projects slated for the upcoming months, I realized that we do not know much about the prevailing wage issues within our state. The Columbus folks with The Ohio Department of Commerce Compliance and Labor are willing to come to Belpre to provide training. So far I have about 20 wanting to attend. April 5th at 1 PM will be our date in Council Chambers.
The Auditor has received checks totaling over $3,000 to reimburse the city for repairs on our Charger Patrol cars. After the letters were sent we did get rapid response and good service.
My wife and I were able to attend the recognition dinner for the Barlow Volunteer Fire Dept. on March 17th. We had the opportunity to inspect their new pumper truck. I attended the School Board meeting on March 19th as well as the AERO Banquet on the 20th.
Belpre City Council held its 2nd hearing for the public to discuss the aggregation issues on the 20th of March. There were 0 attendances.
Congressman Johnson was in Belpre, Saturday March 24th to speak to the State Women’s Club group at the wine guild. I was asked to provide opening remarks for the meeting.
Parkersburg held its Easter Parade the same day.
All council members and elected officials need to fill out their financial disclosure forms before April 15th. They are online this year so let me know if you need help or access to a computer.
The Southeast Solid Waste Authority has asked us to contribute to the Household Hazardous Waste Day on April 14th. Marietta has committed $2,500, GP&S committed $5,000 etc. I would suggest we as the City of Belpre could commit $1,000 toward the cause. Council I am asking for your approval tonight so that we can inform the Solid Waste Authority.
Mr. Martin and I met with the Recreation Committee last week and he may have a report to share. Our parks will be extremely busy this summer with a few very large and demanding events being planned.
A few letters are being sent to residents in our community to clean up around their homes. Letters are also being sent to residents that continually blow huge amounts of grass into the streets. So far I have cleaned up two messes but, NO MORE.
Safety-Service Director Mr. Ferguson was absent. No report was given in his absence.
City Auditor Miss Pittenger was absent. No report was given in her absence.
City Law Director Mr. Webster reported that the litigation between Garvey versus the City of Belpre has been dismissed. Mr. Garvey has one year to file a rebuttal. Also Mr. Ferguson and I have been working on a letter for the closure of Dana Drive.
Treasurer Mr. McAfee had no report. Mr. McAfee reminded everyone about the Circus coming to town on July 4th, 2012, sponsored by the Belpre Lion’s Club.
Communications and Petitions:
Mr. Neff had no correspondence. Mr. Neff also reminded everyone on council that they must have their completed Financial Disclosure Form filed no later than April 16, 2012. The forms can be found on line this year under the Ohio Ethic’s Commission.
Report of Standing Committee:
Ms. Abdella had no report for the Finance Audit Committee.
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 reported that last Wednesday he with the Mayor to go over some scheduled activities in the Civitan Park. The Easter Egg Hunt will be held on April 7th, 2012. Anyone wishing to help with candy donations for this event please feel free to drop the candy off at the City Building. July 4th, 2012 the circus will be coming to town. This event is sponsored by the Belpre Lion’s Club. On June 21st through the 23rd the Boy Scout’s will be holding a Day Camp. Relay for Life is schedule for May 18th and 19th. The Homecoming will be held August 2nd through the 4th. Rain or shine the Belpre Pool will open on May 23rd.
Mrs. Marshall had no report for Planning and Zoning Committee.
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 third reading ANNUAL APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE FOR CALENDAR AND FISCAL YEAR 2012. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Ms. Abdella moved this be Ordinance 4, 2012-2013 and duly passed. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Martin brought before council for second reading AN ORDINANCE REPEALING SECTION 965.01 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF BELPRE REGARDING MUNICIPAL SWIMMING POOL RATES. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye. This will lie over until the next meeting of council.
NEW BUSINESS: none
Persons Appearing Before Council:
Mark Cunningham was with us this evening from the Solid Waste Management Authority requesting funding to help with the removal of waste from our homes and throughout the city. Funding comes from Kraton, Southeast Waste District, Solvay, etc. and will be held on April 14th from 9 am until 3:00 p.m. At this time Ms. Abdella made a motion that the city donates $1,000 to help with the funding. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Neff announced that the 20th Annual Belpre City Golf Outing will be held this year if anyone is interested in taking it over.
Adjourn:
Mr. Robinson moved to adjourn at 7:55 p.m. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.