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. Boso, Mrs. Marshall, Mr. Martin, and Mr. Robinson present. Also present were Mayor Lorentz, City Auditor Miss Pittenger, City Law Director Mr. Webster, Treasurer Mr. McAfee, and Clerk of Council Mrs. Meredith. Absent from the November 28, 2011 meeting were Safety-Service Director Mr. Ferguson and Council persons Mr. Baker and Mr. Sinnett.
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 of November 14, 2011 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:
Chief Frank has asked me to add a Mr. James Satterfield to the roles of Fire Fighter. This addition still leaves vacancies if more should volunteer.
December 15th, the Elementary School will be here at 10AM to sing Christmas Carols for us.
On November 21st I was invited to the high school to visit with the government class. The classes were very interested in just what we go through each day in the city. Many wanted my take on what is happening on the national level. The students are getting geared up for the election to decide city officials to take over on December 12th.
November 23rd David and I met with the Farson Street Carwash owner to discuss an expansion there as well as storm run-off issues. With construction on both sides of the railroad we need to pay close attention so to retain access or right-away for storm sewer repairs from Washington Blvd. to the rail.
The Holiday Lights Committee has the city up and running for Christmas. The Lights Parade on Saturday Night was one of the longest and very well attended.
The Belpre in Bloom Committee held the first Beauty Pageant on Saturday at the Elementary School. Miss Bayley Collins is our 1st Miss Belpre in Bloom for 2012.
Mr. Ferguson and I will start negotiations with our Police Department at 10AM. At the same time my wife will fill-in for me at the Blennerhassett judging the Christmas Trees for the Easter Seals. The Auction for Easter Seals is this Friday night at 6PM at the Blennerhassett.
Please try to make yourselves available on the 12th of December for Student Government Day. Lunch will be served at noon in the Sr. Center for all participants. Mrs. Meredith, I would ask that we get the minutes and agenda for this meeting right away so to allow the kids time to review and Mr. Ferguson and I time to put a script together.
Mayor Lorentz introduced Miss Bayley Collins, the 1st Miss Belpre in Bloom for 2012.
There was no report for the Safety-Service Director.
City Auditor Miss Pittenger reported that as the Mayor mentioned the 1st Miss Belpre in Bloom was chosen. The judges chose a great winner Miss Bayley Collins. Miss Pittenger invited the community to join us for our inaugural Belpre in Bloom activity as we Light up the Town on Friday, December 23, 2011. We are selling luminary kits, and hope to have neighborhoods throughout the city join us in lighting their luminaries at 6 pm on the 23rd. Kits are available for sale for $20 for ten sets, and may be purchased at Bob’s Market or the Belpre City Building up until Wednesday, December 22 at noon. You are welcome to light your luminaries each night throughout the season if you wish. We are simply designating one night that we know to be a popular “tour the lights” night as our Light up the Town date.
City Law Director Mr. Webster spoke briefly about vacating an alley. I also did some research on Dana Road. Dana Road originated in 1940 and was part of Dodges Addition. At that time there was no acceptance by the city. It was dedicated by the owner. It is on the plat and it is a location; however, the ordinance is not part of the code today.
City Treasurer Mr. McAfee had no report. Mr. McAfee thanked everyone who took part in the Light’s Parade in Belpre.
Communications and Petitions:
Mr. Neff presented the following to council:
1. You have until December 16, 2011 to complete post election report with the Board of Election. You can do so by going on line or at the Board of Elections.
2. On December 12, 2011, I will have a list of the new Committee Assignments for the 2012-2013 terms.
3. Just as a reminder newly elected officials for 2012-2013 will be sworn in the 1st day of the New Year. Judge Dyar Welch will be swearing us in on the first day of the New Year. The time is to be announced.
Report of Standing Committee:
Ms. Abdella had no report for the Finance Audit Committee however; Ms. Abdella made a motion to add to tonight’s agenda for first reading A RESOLUTION SUPPLEMENTING YEAR 2011 APPROPRIATIONS. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Baker was absent. No report was given for the Police and Fire Committee.
Mrs. Marshall had no report for Streets, Sidewalks and Storm Sewers Committee.
Mr. Robinson had no report for the Utilities Committee.
Mr. Martin had no report for the Parks and Recreation Committee.
Mrs. Boso had no report for the Planning and Zoning Committee.
Mrs. Boso had no report for the Economic Development Committee.
Mr. Sinnett was absent. There was no report given for the Rules Committee.
Persons Appearing Before Council – Agenda items only. None
Unfinished Business:
Ms. Abdella brought before council for third reading TEMPORARY APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE FOR CALENDAR AND FISCAL YEAR 2012. Ms. Abdella told council that each member of council should have received a change to the exhibit. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Ms. Abdella moved this be Ordinance 35, 2010-2011 and duly passed. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Ms. Abdella brought before council for second reading AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING AUTHORIZED MANPOWER FOR CALENDAR & 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 A RESOLUTION SUPPLEMENTING YEAR 2011 APPROPRIATIONS. Discussion followed. Miss Pittenger explained that the reason we have to do this is because of the ODOT Project. They are requesting $75,000 that we thought we were going to pay in 2012. If we don’t do a supplemental, the State Auditor would have a critical finding on our audit next year. The confusion was due to the bidding process. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Persons Appearing Before Council:
Mrs. Marshall made a motion to excuse from tonight’s meeting Mr. Sinnett and Mr. Baker and Mrs. Boso from the November 14, 2011 meeting. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye. Mr. Neff stated that Mr. Sinnett was working, Mr. Baker had a medical issue and Mrs. Boso had family that was ill.
Mr. Neff requested that all students participating in Student Government Day should contact their council member that they will be working with for instructions.
Mrs. Marshall asked the law director questions regarding the closure of Dana Road and what she needed to do. Mr. Webster is to submit a map and legal description. Mr. Ferguson will notify the land owners if the committee decides to vacate.
Adjourn:
Mr. Robinson made a motion to adjourn at 8:10 p.m… A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.