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. Newberry, Mrs. Marshall, Mr. Martin, Mr. Robinson, Mr. Sinnett, and Mr. Wallace present. Also present were City Auditor Miss Pittenger, City Law Director Mr. Webster, Treasurer Mr. McAfee and Clerk of Council Mrs. Meredith. Absent from theMarch 12, 2012meeting were Mayor Lorentz, and Safety-Service Director Mr.Ferguson.
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 made a motion to accept the minutes ofFebruary 27, 2012andMarch 5, 2012as presented and by pass the reading. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Reports of City Officials
Leonard Wiggins presented the Mayor’s report in his absence:
Since our last meeting I have talked with Chrysler Corporation about the problems with our patrol cars. Our entire list of maintenance repair bills has been sent for their review. It sounds at this time like we may get some financial assistance for the headaches.
Mr. Ferguson, Chief Clevenger and I researched, discussed, and priced all options for new patrol cars. On March 2nd, Chief Clevenger ordered two 2013 Ford Interceptors to add to the fleet. The used car option sounds good until you add $5,000 for equipment, $400 to mark up and delivery. At this point your cost is way over the worth of the vehicle.
On February 28th, I attended the Annual Southeastern Port Authority Board meeting. Our city was mentioned quite a few times reflecting on development, and roadway improvements.
On the 28th we also escorted ODOT in a Grant walk down for our Belpre in Bloom effort. Hopefully we will be the recipient of another Gateway Grant to assist our effort in cleanup.
Mr. Ferguson and I met with Marietta Ambulance Service to discuss them assisting Belpre with Ambulance service.
On March 3rd we had the western firehouse appraised for future sale or negotiations in relocation. As I gather information it will be passed on to council.
Do not forget that the Belpre Lion’s Club will hold their circus on the east side of CivitanParkon July 4th.
Council Chamber roof is in terrible condition. It will be replaced due to poor installation and or a combination of poor workmanship. On Saturday, March 3rd Dave Williams Construction made temporary repairs to the chamber roof to limit further damage.
Letters have been sent to recoup our clean up money on theFlorence Streetfire site.
We had a pretty bad house fire offRoselawn Avenue. The house is a loss. Nobody hurt thanks to our firemen.
The Civil Service Commission held the tests for our police officer. Hopefully soon we can get the info and move toward replacing the officer we are short. The waiting period of ten days will allow us time to set up the rest of our procedures for hiring.
Thanks to Chief Clevenger who located good phone numbers for me and Officer Kirby who takes care of the maintenance records on the police fleet we were able to register a complaint with Chrysler corporation about our Chargers. On Monday at about5PM, I received an e-mail from them and a $2,300 plus bill will be taken care of by Chrysler. They are at this time reviewing the other repair orders and I expect we will get refunds on some of the past problems. Council, this is the kind of cooperation we get from our officers. Good Work Mr. Kirby!
I would at this time like to thank Mr. Baker for all he has done for our city and I would like to Welcome Mr. Newberry.
Miss Pittenger presented a report prepared by our Safety-Service Director Mr. Ferguson.
For your information and use as you see the need:
White Truck from the water department was involved in an accident onFebruary 27, 2012. The City EE was not injured nor at fault and the truck is at Matheny Motors for repairs.
Blue Truck from the Water Department has a bad transmission, with a repair estimate of $1,800.
The Street Department is currently searching for repair parts for the City’s bucket truck which is in the pits at this time. At the same time we are also looking at used bucket trucks in the area.
The Civil Service Commission has provided the Mayor with a list of individuals that have passed the test for hiring a new police officer. Background checks, interview will be scheduled in the next couple of weeks.
Third Sun, the company that installed the Solar Panels on the roof have checked them (at the request of the Insurance Company) and everything is in good working order.
The roof on the Council Chamber has not faired as well, and there is moisture behind the wall behind Mr. Martin’s position at the round table. Sometime in the near future the drywall in that area will need to be replaced and we are still talking about the roof on theCityBuilding.
In the near future the Water Department will begin working on the west end ofRockland Avenuearea changing the residents “3/4” water supply lines from a 2” line to an existing 6” line.
And now for the good news; the weather has been very kind to us thus far this year!!!!
Congratulations and Welcome to Mr. John Newberry!!
My first Council Meeting back should be April 9th.
Discussion followed regarding issues with police cruisers and the leak in the roof.
City Auditor Miss Pittenger stated that before you tonight is the Utility Adjustment Report for the Month of February. Miss Pittenger stated that the February adjustments were a result of adjusting for leaks and credit for deposits. At this time Ms. Abdella made a motion to accept the Adjustment Report as presented. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Miss Pittenger reported that it is Grant Applying Time and she would like approval for the Mayor and City Auditor to write grants. Mr. Neff stated that this could be done by a voice vote. Ms. Abdella made a motion to approve the Mayor and City Auditor to write grants. A voice vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Americain Bloom is coming toBelpre,Ohio! Miss Pittenger is looking for sponsors who would like to purchase a Hanging Basket at a cost of $125 or Streetscape Banners at $200 each. Americain Bloom is a not for profit organization dedicated to improving and celebrating communities through beautification and volunteerism. Cities across the nation take part inAmericain Bloom every year and are judged in a variety of categories. This year, Belpre will be participating. We need your help as we work together to Plant Pride in Belpre”.
City Law Director Mr. Webster reported that letters are ready to send to residents aroundDana Roadregarding the closure.
Treasurer Mr. McAfee welcomed Mr. Newberry. He reminded council that the circus is coming to townJuly 4, 2012. This event is sponsored by the Belpre Lion’s Club. Mr. McAfee stated that a copy of the Treasurer’s Report was distributed prior to this evenings meeting and is awaiting council approval. 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. A signed copy has been presented to the Clerk.
Communications and Petitions:
The following correspondence was received:
Mr. Neff announced that the Barbershop Quartet would be at the Belpre Senior Center St. Patrick’s Day Party on Thursday, March 15,11:00 AM.
Oath of Office for the City of Belpre, Ohiowas presented to the Clerk. This was for the swearing in of Mr. John P. Newberry.
Report of Standing Committee:
Ms. Abdella had no report for the Finance Audit Committee. Ms. Abdella asked about the number of banners that would be sold for Belpre in Bloom. Miss Pittenger said that there would be 40 banners
Mr. Sinnett, Police and Fire Committee had no report but welcomed Mr. Newberry.
Mr. Wallace had no report for Streets, Sidewalks and Storm Sewer.
Mr. Robinson had no report for the Utilities Committee however he stated that there would be a Public Hearing onMarch 20, 2012.
Mr. Martin had no report for Parks and Recreation Committee. Mr. Martin announced that he was still getting opinions regarding I PADS and ideas of still going paperless. Mr. Martin has been working with Mr. Roddy. .
Mrs. Marshall had no report for Planning and Zoning Committee.
Mrs. Marshall had no report for Economic Development. Mrs. Marshall stated that a Public Hearing was held at7:00 p.m.for the purpose of CHIP. Mrs. Marshall welcomed Mr. Newberry
Mr. Neff welcomed Mr. Newberry and stated that he has great expectations.
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 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH THE ATHENS CITY-COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT FOR A PART-TIME SANITARIAN. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Ms. Abdella moved this be Resolution #4, 2012-2013 and duly passed. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Martin brought before council for third reading A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SAFETY-SERVICE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT FOR MANAGEMENT OF THE BELPRE SENIOR CENTER. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye
Mr. Martin moved this be Resolution #5, 2012-2013 and duly passed. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Wallace brought before council for third reading A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SAFETY-SERVICE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH THE WASHINGTON SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Wallace moved this be Resolution #6, 2012-2013 and duly passed. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Wallace brought before council for third reading AN ORDINANCE CONTROLLING CONSTRUCTION SITE AND POST CONSTRUCTION SOIL EROSION, SEDIMENT, AND OTHER WASTES AND STORM WATER RUNOFF. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Wallace moved this be Ordinance 2, 2012-2013 and duly passed. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Wallace brought before council for third reading PRELIMINARY RESOLUTION REGARDING FARSON STREET TURN LANE. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Wallace moved this be Resolution #7, 2012-2013 and duly passed. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Wallace brought before council for third reading PRELIMINARY RESOLUTION REGARDING BELPRE SIDEWALK SRTS. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Wallace moved this be Resolution #8, 2012-2013 and duly passed. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Robinson brought before council for third reading AN ORDINANCE TO APPROVE THE PLAN OF OPERATION AND GOVERNANCE FOR THE CITY OF BELPRE NATURAL GAS AGGREGATION PROGRAM. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Robinson moved this be Ordinance #3, 2012-2013 and duly passed. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Ms. Abdella brought before council for second reading ANNUAL APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE 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.
Mrs. Marshall brought before council for second reading A RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE AND DIRECT THE MAYOR TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION FOR A GRANT TO CONDUCT A COMMUNITY HOUSING IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mrs. Marshall moved to suspend the rule of council on three different days to allow the third reading of A RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE AND DIRECT THE MAYOR TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION FOR A GRANT TO CONDUCT A COMMUNITY HOUSING IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mrs. Marshall brought before council for third reading A RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE AND DIRECT THE MAYOR TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION FOR A GRANT TO CONDUCT A COMMUNITY HOUSING IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye
Mrs. Marshall moved this be Resolution #9, 2012-2013 and duly passed. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
NEW BUSINESS:
Mr. Martin brought before council for first 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.
Legislation has been drafted on two pieces of legislation. They are as follows: Manpower Ordinance and Master Agreement on the Aggregation. Mr. Neff assigned Manpower to Ms. Abdella who asked why we need manpower. She was informed that the hourly rate was incorrect. Master Agreement on the Aggregation was assigned to Mr. Robinson Utilities Committee.
Mr. Neff went over the committee assignments.
Persons Appearing Before Council:
Mr. Martin requested that as part of the minutes he wanted106 Blennerhassett Avenueentered into the minutes. Mr. Martin has had many complaints about the appearance and condition of the property. Mr. Wiggins assured Mr. Martin that a letter was sent out to the property owner that it is time to clean up your property.
Adjourn:
Mr. Robinson moved to adjourn at8:20 p.m. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.