Belpre City Council Minutes
The Regular Meeting of the Council of the City of Belpre, Ohio was called to order by Council President Protem Mr. Martin at 7:30 p.m. with Mr. Martin welcoming everyone to this evening’s meeting. The roll was called with the following members present: Ms. Abdella, Mr. Baker, 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 September 26, 2011 meeting were President of Council Mr. Neff, Safety-Service Director Mr. Ferguson and Council person Mrs. Boso.
At this time Mr. Martin 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 September 12, 2011 as presented and by-pass the reading. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Reports of City Officials
Below is the report that was presented by Mayor Lorentz:
Since our last meeting we have met with representatives of Marietta Memorial Hospital to discuss not only progress but possibly a town hall style meeting to make people aware of the benefits they will soon have at their disposal. Mr. Ferguson, Chief Frank and I met with the developers to discuss the fate of our fire house. Mr. Ferguson and I meet again on the 27th to discuss right away for the Farson widening.
On September 14th I attended the kick-off breakfast for the United Way. It is amazing how many people this organization touches every year. I hope that all council members will consider a contribution.
We are still actively looking for a new resident to occupy the Middleton Doll building. Mr. Ferguson and I spoke to the CEO last week hoping that our local entrepreneurs had made some positive progress in funding. Nothing to date for a report. On Saturday I spoke with another company that may be interested in the facility, they were sent to the realtor and caretaker.
On September 15th WWW met in our council chambers which went very well. The entire group enjoys our facility and hopes to return soon. Also on the 15th Mr. Ferguson and I attended the quarterly luncheon for our Belpre Area Chamber. Dana Fouss from Leavitt’s was our speaker for the day.
On September 19th Kraton Polymers held quite a reception and celebration in honor of 50 years in Belpre. Speakers for the day were Senator Troy Balderson, Representative Debbie Philips, and yours truly.
Hopefully everyone has read about or heard about the Sr. Levy being on the ballot in November. I taped a commercial for the radio stations on the 20th of this month in support.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources finally sent a letter stating that our grant for Civitan Park Boat Ramp was being held up due to state finance problems. This portion of the budget may not be finalized before year end. As you are well aware this means I will need to re-write it again next year.
On Saturday September 24th I did get to attend the kick-off for the Breast Cancer Walk in Parkersburg. Thanks to the Fire Department and our Police Officers the Cub Scouts of Pack 91 received a great tour and explanation of our ladder truck and a Patrol car. Thanks to everyone who helped with this activity.
Also before you tonight is the Ohio Public Works legislation that I would like to see passed this evening so that we can move along with our project.
Below is the Safety-Service Director’s report to Council – September 26, 2011.
Everyone should have received my e-mail today (paper copy to Mr. Robinson) of which I would appreciate your serious consideration.
Last week I met with Mr. Eric Householder a Representative from the US Department of Agriculture to discuss the growing number of Fox sights inside the City Limits. I have provided Jolene with a Factsheet on Coyotes, which according to Mr. Householder would also apply to Fox. I do appreciate the comments I received from a few of the Council members concerning this growing issue.
I would also like to ask Council to Approve the “placing of an order” to purchase two 2012 Dodge Chargers for the Police Department at a total cost of $56,252. The 2012 Chargers would not be received till well into the New Year. This approval would only be “to place the order” to get this year’s price on the new model year cars.
“No News is Good News?’ I’m not totally sure that is true. However I have heard nothing from FEMA concerning the 9 properties that I have send documentation to FEMA requesting their deletion from the “violation list”. I’m sure this is going to be a long term process!!
City Auditor Miss Pittenger reported that since our last meeting we had our first subpoena day where we had residents who had not paid back taxes or filed their taxes come and either pay or file and we waived any penalties or late fees. We had over 50 citizens show up. We still have several people who have not responded to us. Leonard and I will have a meeting on Thursday to discuss our next step for those who have not responded to their delinquent taxes. We are still continuing to collect.
City Law Director Mr. Webster had no report however he invited everyone to come and enjoy the festivities this weekend in Howe’s Grove Park where the Apple-Butter Stir Off would be held.
Treasurer Mr. McAfee had no report for the Treasurer’s Office.
Communications and Petitions:
Mr. Martin announced that before him tonight were two pieces of correspondences.
- A pamphlet and a payroll copy where you can choose to donate to The United Way through payroll deduction or by a direct gift.
- Also before you is the legislation regarding the Ohio Public Works Commission State Capital Improvement Program for which I would like to assign to Mrs. Marshall’s Committee.
Report of Standing Committee:
Ms. Abdella had no report for the Finance/Audit Committee
Mr. Baker, Police and Fire Committee had no report.
Mrs. Marshall had no report for Streets, Sidewalks and Storm Sewers. At this time, Mrs. Marshall made a motion to by-pass committee and add to tonight’s agenda for first reading A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO PREPARE AND SUBMIT AN APPLICATION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE OHIO PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION STATE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM AND TO EXECUTE CONTRACTS AS REQURIED. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Robinson had no report for the Utilities Committee.
Mr. Martin, Parks and Recreation Committee had no report.
Mrs. Boso was absent. No report was given for Planning and Zoning Committee.
Mrs. Boso was absent. No report was given for Economic Development Committee.
Mr. Sinnett, Rules Committee had no report.
Persons Appearing Before Council – Agenda items only. None
Unfinished Business:
Mr. Sinnett brought before council for third reading AN ORDINANCE APPROVING THE EDITION AND INCLUSION OF CERTAIN ORDINANCES AS PARTS OF THE VARIOUS COMPONENT CODES OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF BELPRE, OHIO. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Sinnett moved this be Ordinance 32, 2010-2011 and duly passed. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Baker brought before council for second reading AN ORDINANCE APPOINTING ANDREW S. WEBSTER AS CITY PROSECUTOR AND ESTABLISHING COMPENSATION THEREFORE. 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 AN ORDINANCE TO PROHIBIT GRASS, WEEDS AND OTHER SUBSTANCES BEING BLOWN OR DEPOSITED INTO CITY STREETS. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye. This will lie over until the next meeting of council.
New Business:
Mrs. Marshall brought before council for first reading A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO PREPARE AND SUBMIT AN APPLICATION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE OHIO PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION STATE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM AND TO EXECUTE CONTRACTS AS REQURIED.
Ms. Abdella made a motion to amend the second paragraph of this legislation to include the below language: (Verbiage was provided by our Law Director, Mr. Webster)
WHEREAS the City of Belpre is planning to make capital improvements to its roadway system, namely Farson Street Widening Project, in the amount of $399,999,99; and to provide for City match of 26% of the Grant award; and,
A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
A vote was then taken on A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO PREPARE AND SUBMIT AN APPLICATION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE OHIO PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION STATE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM AND TO EXECUTE CONTRACTS AS REQURIED as amended. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mrs. Marshall made a motion to suspend the rule of council requiring reading of this resolution on three different days to allow the second and third reading of A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO PREPARE AND SUBMIT AN APPLICATION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE OHIO PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION STATE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM AND TO EXECUTE CONTRACTS AS REQURIED as amended. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mrs. Marshall brought before council for second and third readings of A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO PREPARE AND SUBMIT AN APPLICATION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE OHIO PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION STATE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM AND TO EXECUTE CONTRACTS AS REQURIED as amended. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mrs. Marshall moved this be Resolution 44, 2010-2011 and duly passed. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
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.
Ms. Abdella brought before council for first reading A RESOLUTION SUPPLEMENTING YEAR 2011 APPROPRIATIONS. 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, appeared before council with a request to close Dana Drive.
Richard Briggs, 2520 Underwood Drive, Belpre appeared before council wanting to know the procedure for reserving and using the City Council Chamber for a Press Release from experts in support of Issue 2 where a Yes vote means that the law is approved. Mr. Brigg’s was told that he should contact the City Clerk to see if the room is available. Mr. Brigg’s made a comment that the Mayor used the City Council Chamber for a Press Release where he expressed his personal opinion against Issue 2 and thus to not approve SB5.
Mr. Robinson made a motion to excuse Mrs. Boso was tonight’s meeting. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Miss Pittenger recognized students from the Civic Class at Belpre High School.
Mr. Baker spoke briefly about the primary concern of our police officers.
Mayor Lorentz thanked council for their immediate attention to the legislation regarding the Ohio Public Works Program.
Adjourn:
Mr. Robinson made a motion to adjourn at 8:05 p.m… A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.