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 Law Director Mr. Webster, Treasurer Mr. McAfee, and Clerk of Council Mrs. Meredith. Absent from the meeting was City Auditor Miss Pittenger.
At this time Mr. Neff asked that everyone please stand for the prayer and remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mrs. Marshall made a motion to accept the minutes of June 13, 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 several organizations celebrated Memorial Day and I was able to participate in a remembrance at the O’Neill Center on the 26th, one at Leavitt’s on the 30th and the unveiling of the Civil War Monument on the 31st at Rockland Cemetery.
On the 27th I attended the business breakfast at the Chamber and a formal Grand Opening at the Churn. The Wotring family has re-opened this building and has very good meals. I encourage everyone to try and support this business as well as all the businesses in our city.
On May 31st I was invited to Marietta to a meeting with the Governor as Heassley Hardwoods. Topics for discussion were the budget, Senate Bill 5, and of course education needs in our region.
On June 1st Kris Ruggles from Strand and I attended the OPWC training session in Marietta. As you know it is very important that we are competitive this year in obtaining funding for Farson Street widening project.
Opening day for the pool went very well. The Auditor’s Office and YMCA offered a free day and drew a nice crowd. The count was over 200 at one point.
On June 2nd we experienced a power outage in a couple areas of town. Thanks to Mike Betz, Bill Harpold, and Matt Bremar we averted any damage from backups into homes. Mr. Ferguson and Darien Lorentz took care of the pool and saved the ice cream. Good Work!!!!
The weekend of June 4th and 5th was a busy one for our parks. The local tractor club held their largest tractor show ever in Howe’s Grove, and the Train Club managed to fill Depot Park full with visitors.
This morning Belpre Masonic Lodge 609 was recognized and received their Flag Award Certificate for proper and prominent display of the American Flag. Jean Yost was present from the SAR to present the award from the Marietta Chapter. I was asked to attend and recognize this good group of men that serve our community.
Chief Frank has asked that we add two names to the roles of the firefighters. Please add Rick Plummer and Nathan Smith as firefighters only. I will try and get you an updated list before our next meeting for your records.
On the 2nd I also attended a town meeting in Marietta to again discuss the power rate increases that are starting in January. The public hearing with the PUCO is on the 13th at 6 PM at Washington State Community College. I have been asked to testify so Mr. Ferguson will be giving my report.
Safety-Service Director Mr. Ferguson reported that the last two and a half weeks have been very hectic at the pool. We lost power at the pool, got generators in place; six valves need replaced in the baby pool. On Saturday there was no power in the pumps. Found squirrel at bottom of telephone pole. The pool has been a challenge.
We replaced a compressor in the Police Department two months ago. It is being replaced again however it is under warranty.
There is a problem with a sewer line on Pomeroy Pike. What started out as a sink hole now has a bad odor coming from the sink hole. Pomeroy Pike is closed. We are in hopes to have it repaired by the end of the week.
Everyone should have received a copy of a letter from Debbie Phillips regarding the current budget in the State of Ohio.
We also held a Public Hearing tonight for the purpose of discussing a zoning variance request.
City Law Director Tom Webster discussed the cities responsibility on Drag Strip Road. One-half belongs to the Township and the other half belongs to the city. The electric sub-station is South of Ridgewood Heights. The septic system is within the city. We are also having exciting times in Mayor’s Court.
Treasurer Mr. McAfee announced that a copy of the May 2011 Treasurer’s Report is before you tonight awaiting council approval. Mrs. Marshall made a motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report as presented. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye. Mr. McAfee also stated that as you probably have heard there were large quantities of animals taken to the Humane Society recently. I have placed a list of items that the Humane Society could use to help with these animals.
Communications and Petitions:
Mr. Neff announced that he has been getting phone calls regarding the problem on Drag Strip. I have received a petition from residents on George Street requesting a 4-way stop for the safety of our children and for our citizens. Copies of the petition were given to Mr. Neff and the administration. There are several pieces of legislation on the agenda this evening. Also I would like to remind everyone that there is only 86 days left until the Belpre City Golf Outing. This year all proceeds will go to Belpre Area Ministries.
Report of Standing Committee:
Ms. Abdella had no report for the Finance/Audit Committee. Ms. Abdella stated that the Exit Interview for the State Auditor’s will be prior to June 24th, 2011.
Mr. Baker, Police and Fire Committee had no report for his committee.
Mrs. Marshall had no report for Streets, Sidewalks and Storm Sewers.
Mr. Robinson reported that the Utilities Committee met prior to this evening’s meeting to discuss gas and electric aggregation. I would like to call a committee meeting for June 27, 2011 at 6:45 p.m. for the purpose of furthering our discussion of the gas and electric aggregation.
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. None
Unfinished Business:
Ms. Abdella brought before council for second 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.
Ms. Abdella brought before council for second reading A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE TAX BUDGET FOR THE YEAR 2012. 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 PRELIMINARY LEGISLATION (for ODOT Project). A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mrs. Marshall moved to suspend the rule of council on three different days to allow the third reading of PRELIMINARY LEGISLATION (for ODOT Project). A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mrs. Marshall brought before council for third reading PRELIMINARY LEGISLATION (for ODOT Project). A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mrs. Marshall moved this be Resolution 36, 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 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. This will lie over until the next meeting of council.
Mr. Robinson brought before council for first 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. This will lie over until the next meeting of council.
Mr. Robinson brought before council for first 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. This will lie over until the next meeting of council.
A motion was made to table A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE A GOVERNMENTAL AGGREGATION SERVICE AGREEMENT. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Robinson made a motion to add Rick Plummer and Nathan Smith as firefighters. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Persons Appearing Before Council:
Beverly Conty, 1645 Drag Strip Road appeared before council regarding some property she purchased near the Belpre Pool. There seems to be some discrepancies in the deed. She is asking the city if she can purchase some of the property from the city. Mr. Ferguson stated that it must be surveyed. Mr. Webster stated that it would have to either go through the bid process or through the Port Authority.
Adjourn:
Mr. Robinson moved to adjourn at 8:25 p.m. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.