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. 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.

Mr. Ferguson pointed out a correction to theJune 27, 2011minutes.  On Page 2, 7 paragraphs’ down, the sentence should read, “Mr. Ferguson discussed the resurfacing of theCivitan Park Road”, instead of hill.  Mr. Sinnett made a motion to accept the minutes ofJune 27, 2011as amended 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 the lighting project is complete at Civitan Boat Ramp.  Due to weather and material deliveries I did ask for an extension until July 8^th, 2011.  The work completed on the 7^th.  You should see a vast difference when walking the area or exiting or approaching the ramp.

Shelley & Sands called today to schedule the park roadway for late next week.  This will make it nice to have all new blacktop before homecoming.  Please be aware the roadway through the park will be closed for a couple days while this is being completed.  Hopefully you have noticed the flower plantings around the pond area.  Give a special thank you to Jon Neff and Bob’s Market for their assistance in this effort.

Last week I met with the O.S.U. Extension Office to discuss the Fair Housing Report that needs submitted to the state.  The information in the letter will explain better what we have to offer plus make sure we comply with all fair housing regulations.  Darlene Lukshin will complete the research on our behalf.

Mr. Ferguson and I met with the developers and engineers tomorrow for a progress report on theFarson Streetproject.  Mr. Ferguson received a request for a demolition permit to remove the abandoned BP Station on the corner of Farson and St. Rt. 7.

This Wednesday July 13^th is the monthly Mayor’s Association meeting in Belpre.  If any of council plans on attending please let me know tonight so your names can be added to the dinner reservations.  Dinner is at6PM.

We just received word today the price on the Middleton Doll building has been reduced.  Hopefully we can find a suitable tenant soon.

Safety-Service Director Mr. Ferguson reported that the city and I have received notification from the United Food and Commercial Worker’s Unionof the upcoming negotiations with the Police Union.  This will probably take place the latter part of August or the first part of September.  I also received notification from the Federal Emergency Management Association concerning a meeting they held with us on December 3^rd, 2009.  It is approximately 18 months since that date.  I wish someone had forgotten about this by now however they did not.  It has certain stipulation that must be met by the City ofBelpre concerning different residents within the City ofBelpre.  If anyone would like to discuss we can at a later time.

City Auditor Miss Pittenger reported that the Exit Conference to review the 2010 Audit and Financial Statements with members of Julian and Grube, Inc. will be held in the conference room on Tuesday, July 12, at4:00 PM.

A copy of the Un-audited 2010 Financial Statement is available for review from9 amto4 pmMonday thru Friday in the Auditor’s office.  There has been a Public Notice published in the paper.

I will be attending the Ohio GFOA (Government Financial Officers Association) State Budget Seminar on Thursday July 14^th in Huron,Ohio.  This will be an overview of the State Budget and how it will effect local governments with roundtable discussion by entity.  This will be very important in planning realistic revenue for the 2012 budget.

Mr. Neff stated that if there is any legislative actions necessary please pass it on to me.

City Law Director stated that if you happen to see our name in the Marietta Times as a plaintiff in a foreclosure action we normally don’t do those types of things.  We are the plaintiff in a foreclosure action involving a default with some funding through some Community Action Programs.  We have a default based on insurance and leaving the premises.  We will follow-up with that and let you know what happens.

Treasurer Mr. McAfee had no report for the Treasurer’s Office.  Mr. McAfee reported that the Belpre Alumni Association Ice Cream Social was a success.  We missed seeing many of you.

 Communications and Petitions:

Mr. Neff announced that the two communications he has received is as follows:

E-mail from Tom Belish stating that he will be by his phone this evening regarding any questions you may have about this evening’s legislation.

1. E-mail from Richard Briggs regarding a 17 page Communication to Belpre City Council about “Not for Aggregation”.  This was forwarded to each member of council.  A hard copy has been placed on your desk this evening.

Report of Standing Committee:

 Ms. Abdella had no report for the Finance/Audit Committee.   Ms. Abdella called a committee meeting forJuly 25, 2011at7:00 p.m.for the purpose of discussing changes to our tax legislation.

Mr. Baker, Police and Fire Committee had no report.

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.

Mrs. Boso had no report for Planning and Zoning Committee.

Mrs. Boso had no report for Economic Development Committee.

Mr. Sinnett, Rules Committee had no report.

Persons Appearing Before Council – Agenda items only.

Richard G. Briggs,2520 Underwood Drive,Belpre,Ohioappeared before council opposing Aggregation.  A copy of his presentation is on file.

Unfinished Business:

Ms. Abdella brought before council for third reading A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE TAX BUDGET FOR THE YEAR 2012.  A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.

Ms. Abdella moved this be Resolution 38, 2010-2011 and duly passed.  A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.

The next item calls for the third reading of AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND AUDITOR TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE REGIONAL INCOME TAX AGENCY OR THE REGIONAL COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE INCOME TAX LAWS OF THE CITY OF BELPRE AND FOR THE COLLECTION OF SAID TAXES.  There was a vote at the last meeting for second reading.  I was advised that I must declare that motion out of order.  We will need to vote on this piece of legislation for second and third readings this evening.

Ms. Abdella brought before council for second reading AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND AUDITOR TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE REGIONAL INCOME TAX AGENCY OR THE REGIONAL COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE INCOME TAX LAWS OF THE CITY OF BELPRE AND FOR THE COLLECTION OF SAID TAXES.  A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.

Ms. Abdella made a motion to suspend the rule of council requiring reading of this ordinance on three different days to allow the third reading of AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND AUDITOR TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE REGIONAL INCOME TAX AGENCY OR THE REGIONAL COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE INCOME TAX LAWS OF THE CITY OF BELPRE AND FOR THE COLLECTION OF SAID TAXES.  A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.

Ms. Abdella brought before council for third reading AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND AUDITOR TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE REGIONAL INCOME TAX AGENCY OR THE REGIONAL COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE INCOME TAX LAWS OF THE CITY OF BELPRE AND FOR THE COLLECTION OF SAID TAXES.  A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.

Ms. Abdella moved this be Ordinance 27, 2010-2011 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 AUTHORIZE ALL ACTION NECESSARY TO AFFECT AN OPT-OUT NATURAL GAS AGGREGATION PROGRAM PURSUANT TO SECTION 4929.26 OF THE OHIO REVISED CODE.  A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.

Mr. Robinson moved this be Ordinance 28, 2010-2011 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 AUTHORIZE ALL ACTION NECESSARY TO AFFECT AN OPT-OUT ELECTRIC AGGREGATION PROGRAM PURSUANT TO SECTION 4928.20 OF THE OHIO REVISED CODE.  A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.

Mr. Robinson moved this be Ordinance 29, 2010-2011 and duly passed.  A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.

Mr. Robinson brought before council for second reading A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE A GOVERNMENTAL AGGREGATION SERVICE AGREEMENT.  A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.  This will lie over until the next meeting of council.

Miss Pittenger pointed out that the RESOLUTION SUPPLEMENTING YEAR 2011 APPROPRIATIONS was not passed at the last meeting and does not appear on the agenda this evening.

Point of clarification was made by Mr. McCauley stating that the minutes of the previous meeting is not accurate because the legislation referenced was regarding the tax budget not the 2011 Appropriations. It should have been that the RESOLUTION SUPPLEMENTING YEAR 2011 APPROPRIATIONS that was passed was declared out of order due to the emergency clause and the number of council members present required to pass the legislation.

Ms. Abdella made a motion to add to the agenda for third 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 third reading A RESOLUTION SUPPLEMENTING YEAR 2011 APPROPRIATIONS.  Miss Pittenger stated that the Mayor had requested an additional $20,000 for the Farson Street Project.  Discussion followed regarding the transfer of $20,000 from Capital funds 31250 to 51250.

 Ms. Abdella made a motion to amend the legislation and add $20,000 to fund 301 Capital for roadway onFarson Streetengineering.  A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.

Ms. Abdella brought before council for third reading A RESOLUTION SUPPLEMENTING YEAR 2011 APPROPRIATIONS as amended.  A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.

Ms. Abdella moved this be Resolution 39, 2010-2011 and duly passed.  A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.

New Business:

Mr. Robinson brought before council for first reading AN ORDINANCE SPECIFYING THE FRANCHISE FEE PERCENTAGE TO BE IMPOSED UNDER STATEWIDE CABLE FRANCHISE AND REQUIRING THAT ADVERTISING REVENUES BE INCLUDED IN FRANCHISE FEE PAYMENTS.  Ms. Abdella asked Mr. Robinson if this meant it was time to start negotiating the cable franchise again. Discussion followed by Mr. McCauley regarding the cable franchise.  A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.

Mr. Robinson moved to suspend the rule of council requiring reading of this ordinance on three different days to allow the second and third readings of AN ORDINANCE SPECIFYING THE FRANCHISE FEE PERCENTAGE TO BE IMPOSED UNDER STATEWIDE CABLE FRANCHISE AND REQUIRING THAT ADVERTISING REVENUES BE INCLUDED IN FRANCHISE FEE PAYMENTS.  A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.

Mr. Robinson brought before council for second and third readings AN ORDINANCE SPECIFYING THE FRANCHISE FEE PERCENTAGE TO BE IMPOSED UNDER STATEWIDE CABLE FRANCHISE AND REQUIRING THAT ADVERTISING REVENUES BE INCLUDED IN FRANCHISE FEE PAYMENTS.  A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.

Mr. Robinson moved this be Ordinance 30, 2010-2011 and duly passed.  A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.

Mr. McCauley raised the issue to revisit the minutes on page 4.  The clerk is to get with Mr. McCauley for point of clarification.

Mr. Webster stated that he forgot to mention the issue regarding bath salts.  The City of Marietta has passed a criminal section regarding bath salts.  At this time we don’t know anyone in town selling bath salts. The State statute becomes effective 90 days after it was passed.  We may want to wait until the State Ordinance becomes effective.

Mr. McAfee asked the SSD who is responsible for taking care of the grass at the old car wash in the Kroger Shopping Center.  Mr. Ferguson stated that it would be the owner.  Mr. McAfee stated that the weeds are as tall as he is.

Mr. Robinson stated he had a list of cities involved with the gas and electric aggregation however the citizens will have to make the deciding vote.

Mr. Baker asked that the Mayor and Safety-Service Director take a look at our flags.  They are getting tattered. Mayor Lorentz stated that he would take a look at them.

Persons Appearing Before Council:  None

Adjourn:

 Mr. Robinson moved to adjourn at8:20 p.m.A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.