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, Safety-Service Director Mr. Ferguson, City Auditor Miss Pittenger, City Law Director Mr. Webster, Treasurer Mr. McAfee, and Clerk of Council Mrs. Meredith. .
At this time Mr. Neff asked that everyone please stand for the prayer and remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Ms. Abdella made a motion to accept the minutes of August 09, 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 reported that on August 10th the Auditor and I attended the Positioning Appalachia Economic Growth Conference in Athens. Approximately 150 people had signed up for this event given the state of our economy. It was an interesting day and a good change to network with area officials. Senator Sherrod Brown was our keynote speaker.
August 10th, Belpre again hosed the Mayor’s Association with 22 attending the event at Colombo’s Restaurant.
August 11th, Mr. Ferguson, Chief Clevenger and I attended the Sheriff’s Association meeting in Marietta. BCI had the program assisted by the Ohio EPA.
Belpre Elementary Schools invited me to the back to school kick-off on August 11th. As you know we were unsuccessful at the mini grant to encourage youngsters to ride their bikes and walk to school. Karen Waller and I found volunteers to provide bikes and helmets so to complete what the grant was meant to do. Over 400 people were at the kick-off. The elementary teachers and Karen are committed to making it easier for our youth to be healthy.
If any member of council is interested in the Fracking procedure or Marcellus Shale drilling let me know. The Mayor’s Partnership is hosting a presentation on Sept. 8th in Athens.
On August 19th we had a visit from a Dominion Gas Representative who explained to Mr. Ferguson and I that Belpre will be getting almost 16,000 feet of new gas lines starting in March. The S. D. has the map and streets that will be involved. More to come when time gets closer.
Mrs. Marshall and Mr. McCauley have information that I provided pertaining to grass being blown into our streets in numerous places all over town. This is not only an eye sore but, causes damage to our new sweeper and plugs storm drains. An example has been provided to show just how bad this is becoming in our city. I am asking the streets and sidewalk committee to promptly act on this new amendment to our ordinances.
Safety-Service Director Mr. Ferguson reported that he has been contacted by residents on Walnut Street in regards to properties that need cleaned up. The property is located at 315 and 318 Walnut Street. Mr. Ferguson also reported that he has spoken to 30-35 citizens in Belpre regarding the flood plain issues.
City Auditor Miss Pittenger announced that a copy of the Utility Adjustment Report for July is before you tonight awaiting council approval. There is a large adjustment due to the leak at the school. At this time, Mrs. Marshall made a motion to accept the Utility Adjustment Report as presented. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye. Miss Pittenger also announced that the Auditor’s Office has been very busy collecting income tax money. The collection this year is about $75,000 more then last year.
City Law Director Mr. McCauley had no report.
Treasurer Mr. McAfee had no report for the Treasurer’s Office.
Communications and Petitions:
Mr. Neff announced that he had received the following correspondences.
- An invitation to meet the President Reception, Dr. Harold Shank, is the new Ohio Valley University President. The reception will be held September 12, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. on the OVU Campus, Alumni Gymnasium.
- Also received was a copy of the letter that was sent from Mr. Webster to Mr. Brigg’s with answers to questions regarding the Gas and Electric Aggregation.
- I received some information regarding ALZHEIMER’S Caregiver Support Group. This group meets every second Wednesday of every month at 1 p.m. at the Rockland United Methodist Church.
Mr. Neff assigned to Mrs. Marshall’s Street, Sidewalks & Storm Sewer, mowed grass that is being blown in our city streets causing damage to our storm sewers and City Street cleaner.
Report of Standing Committee:
Ms. Abdella had no report for the Finance/Audit Committee. Ms. Abdella called a committee meeting for Monday, September 12, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. for the purpose of an amendment to the Supplemental Appropriations.
Mr. Baker, Police and Fire Committee reported that he will be working with Chief Clevenger regarding the needs of the police department. Ms. Abdella stated that she understands that we have an outstanding order for a Crown Vic. Has this order been cancelled? According to Chief Clevenger it has not arrived and we do no have a firm date when we will receive it.
Mrs. Marshall had no report for Streets, Sidewalks and Storm Sewers. Mrs. Marshall called a committee meeting for September 12, 2011 at 6:30 p.m. for the purpose of discussing the problem with grass in our city streets.
Mr. Robinson had no report for the Utilities Committee.
Mr. Martin, Parks and Recreation Committee had no report.
Mrs. Boso reported that her committee met prior to this evening’s meeting to discuss the sale of city property. It was the decision of her committee not to sell the property however they could discuss other various options. Mrs. Boso called a committee meeting for September 12, 2011 at 6:45 p.m. for the purpose of discussing various options pertaining to city property.
Mrs. Boso had no report for Economic Development Committee.
Mr. Sinnett, Rules Committee had no report. At this time, Mr. Sinnett made a motion to add to tonight’s agenda for first reading A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SAFETY-SERVICE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE A LICENSE AGREEMENT ALLOWING BELPRE CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT TO USE CITY COMMUNICATIONS TOWER. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Persons Appearing Before Council – Agenda items only. none
Unfinished Business:
Ms. Abdella brought before council for second reading AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CITY INCOME TAX ORDINANCE AS TO INTEREST AND PENALTIES AND TO CORRECT ALLOCATION OF FUNDS. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye. This will lie over until the next meeting of council.
New Business:
Mr. Sinnett brought before council for first reading A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SAFETY-SERVICE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE A LICENSE AGREEMENT ALLOWING BELPRE CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT TO USE CITY COMMUNICATIONS TOWER. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Sinnett a motion to suspend the rule of council requiring reading on three different days to allow the second and third readings on A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SAFETY-SERVICE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE A LICENSE AGREEMENT ALLOWING BELPRE CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT TO USE CITY COMMUNICATIONS TOWER. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Sinnett brought before council for second and third readings A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SAFETY-SERVICE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE A LICENSE AGREEMENT ALLOWING BELPRE CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT TO USE CITY COMMUNICATIONS TOWER. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Sinnett moved this be Resolution 42, 2010-2011 and duly passed. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Sinnett made a motion to add to tonight’s agenda for first 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 brought before council for first 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. This will lie over until the next meeting of council.
Persons Appearing Before Council:
Richard G. Briggs, 2520 Underwood Drive, Belpre, Ohio appeared before council thanking Mr. Webster for his time spent answering his questions regarding the Gas and Electric Aggregation.
Mr. Fox, 316 Walnut Street, Belpre, appeared before council regarding properties located at 315 and 318 Walnut Street. Not only is it affecting the value of his property but he feels that the foul odor coming from these properties could be affecting others. Mr. Ferguson stated that the owner has been talked to and is trying to gain access but wants to do it legally since locks are on the structure . He is waiting for legal access. Mr. Ferguson also stated that Mr. Fox is absolutely correct on everything he has stated.
Ms. Abdella asked if there has been any information regarding CHIP assistance for the flood plain issues. According to the administration Don and Cheyenne are checking about this.
Mr. Robinson stated that he was pleased with council for passing legislation for our schools.
Mr. Neff stated that there are 16 days left until the Belpre City Golf Outing for anyone interested it is not too late.
Adjourn:
Mr. Robinson moved to adjourn at 8:03 p.m. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.