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, Mr. Baker, Mrs. Boso, Mrs. Marshall, Mr. Martin, Mr. Robinson, and Mr. Sinnett 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 October 24, 2011 meeting was 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 of October 10, 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:
On October 13th I attended the ODOT Metro Planning meeting at District 10 offices. Brad Biggs, the new Regional Manager for Governor Kasich Office of Jobs and Commerce was in attendance. We are attempting to prioritize projects on the books as well as discuss future projects for our region. At this meeting I also asked to have Washington Blvd. and Main Street added to the TIP for Ohio.
The Mayor’s Partnership in Athens the same day discussed the Marcellus Shale issues that are coming to our area. We as a city have been contacted to supply some 100 million gallons of water each year for the fracking process.
The Chevrolet Volt I was privileged to drive for a couple days was very nice. During my test drive state dignitaries as well as Belpre High School students got a peak.
Our area Mayor’s met here on Monday October 17th to elect a Mayor’s Representative for the upcoming round of grants.
On October 15th I attended the opening for Heritage Days at our museum. The same day our Volunteer Fire Department held an open house for all to tour the facilities.
Sunday October 16th one of Matt Kenneth’s race cars and one of the race trucks were in Howe’s Grove Park for the area youngsters to see. The drivers and crew supplied hot dogs for the visitors and Boy Scouts.
During the day on Monday I received a visit from the family of a Belpre high School Student. It seems that we have the only delegate from Ohio to People to People. I have the letter of invitation for Emily Montgomery and would like to encourage council to assist in her adventure if possible.
Over the weekend I joined Mayor Newell in Parkersburg to present proclamations and support for Alzheimer’s. If I heard correctly over $45,000 was raised this weekend. Today I joined the children at our Elementary School to kick-off Red Ribbon Week. This is an effort to eliminate the abuse of drugs and alcohol in our society.
Upcoming Activities:
Council should remember to attend the Meet the Candidate Night at the Board of Education Building 7PM. Mayor’s Forum will be October 27th, Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner November 3rd, and Mayor’s Court Training November 4th.
Trick or Treat will be held October 31st from 6-7:30 PM.
Safety-Service Director Mr. Ferguson was absent.
City Auditor Miss Pittenger reported that each member of council should have a copy of the 3rd Quarter Report before you this evening. There is a spreadsheet showing Income Tax Collection over the past three years. The collection has improved by 100,000 since 2010. There is also a spreadsheet showing Operating Funds for Expenses and Revenues and finally the Expenses VS Revenue Comparison through 09/30/2011. If anyone has any questions please feel free to contact me. I would like to clear up something that was on the 6:00 News regarding alcohol in our city. I was quoted saying that are total revenue in the city on sales was $153.00. This is the cities revenue however we do not get anything from the sale of alcohol. Also each of you should have received a pack of seeds. I have been asked to be on a committee called Belpre in Bloom. Planting seeds, planting pride will make our city look nicer.
City Law Director Mr. Webster reported that we will be holding the 1st Special Mayor’s Court for Income Tax Collection. There will be a total of four special courts. We are making every effort to catch up with citizens who have failed to file their taxes.
City Treasurer Mr. McAfee had no report. Mr. McAfee reminded everyone to vote for our Senior Citizens and Mental Health issue on our upcoming election.
Communications and Petitions:
Mr. Neff assigned the following to committee:
1. Purchase of two new police cruisers. – Police and Fire Committee – Mr. Baker.
2. Justice Assistance Group Grant – Police and Fire Committee – Mr. Baker.
3. Authorized Manpower – Finance Audit Committee – Ms. Abdella
4. 2012 Temporary Appropriation Ordinance – Finance Audit Committee – Ms. Abdella.
You also have received seeds from our City Auditor.
November 3rd, 2011 is our Chamber Dinner.
Thank you note was received from our Consumer Council.
Report of Standing Committee:
Ms. Abdella reported that the Finance Audit Committee met to discuss Temporary Appropriation Ordinance for 2012. We discussed increases to different city departments. At this time I would like to make a motion to add to tonight’s agenda for first reading TEMPORARY APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE FOR CALENDAR AND FISCAL YEAR 2012. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye. I would also like to call a Finance Audit Committee meeting for November 14th, 7:00 PM, Belpre City Council Chambers, for the purpose of discussing temporary appropriations in more details.
Mr. Baker had no report for the Police and Fire Committee.
Mrs. Marshall had no report for Streets, Sidewalks and Storm Sewers.
Mr. Robinson had no report for the Utilities Committee.
Mr. Martin, Parks and Recreation Committee had no report. Mr. Martin stated that he would not be available for Meet the Candidate night as he would be working.
Mrs. Boso had no report for Planning and Zoning Committee.
Mrs. Boso had no report for the Economic Development Committee.
Mr. Sinnett, Rules Committee had no report.
Persons Appearing Before Council – Agenda items only. None
Unfinished Business:
Ms. Abdella brought before council for third reading A RESOLUTION SUPPLEMENTING YEAR 2011 APPROPRIATIONS. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye. Ms. Abdella moved this be Resolution 45, 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 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND HEALTH COMMISSIONER TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH THE MARIETTA CITY BOARD OF HEALTH TO PROVIDE NURSING SERVICES. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Ms. Abdella moved to suspend the rule of council requiring reading on three different days to allow the third reading of A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND HEALTH COMMISSIONER TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH THE MARIETTA CITY BOARD OF HEALTH TO PROVIDE NURSING SERVICES. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Ms. Abdella brought before council for third reading A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND HEALTH COMMISSIONER TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH THE MARIETTA CITY BOARD OF HEALTH TO PROVIDE NURSING SERVICES. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Ms. Abdella moved this be Resolution 46, 2010-2011 and duly passed. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
New Business:
Ms. Abdella brought before council for first reading TEMPORARY 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.
Persons Appearing Before Council:
Denise Parson, 996 Dana Drive, Belpre appeared before council requesting that council and the administration take a look at closing an unpaved portion of Dana Drive. Council members are to take a look at the problem and get back with Mrs. Parsons.
I would like to remind everyone that October 27th, 2011 is Meet the Candidate and School Board at Stone School. November 8th, 2011 is Election Day. Mayor Lorentz asked about the legislation regarding the Justice Assistance Grant. He stated that we really needed this passed this evening.
Mr. Baker made a motion to by-pass committee and add to tonight’s agenda for first reading A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND/OR SAFETY SERVICE DIRECTOR TO APPLY FOR A JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GROUP GRANT. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Baker moved to suspend the rule of council requiring reading of this resolution on three different days to allow the second and third readings of A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND/OR SAFETY SERVICE DIRECTOR TO APPLY FOR A JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GROUP GRANT. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Baker brought before council for second and third readings A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND/OR SAFETY SERVICE DIRECTOR TO APPLY FOR A JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GROUP GRANT. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Baker moved this be Resolution #47, 2010-2011. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
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.