Belpre City Council Minutes
President of Council Mr. Martin called the Regular Meeting of the Council of the City of Belpre, Ohio, to order at 7:30 p.m. The roll was called with the following members present: Ms. Abdella, Mrs. Drake, Mr. Gant, Mrs. Miller, Ms. Riffle and Mr. Shutts present. Also present was Mayor Lorentz, City Auditor Miss Pittenger, City Law Director Mr. Webster, City Treasurer Ms. Carpenter and Clerk of Council Mrs. Meredith. Absent from the meeting was Councilman Campbell.
Mr. Martin asked that everyone please rise for the Prayer and remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance Mayor Lorentz gave the invocation.
Mr. Gant made a motion to accept the minutes of September 9, 2019 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 if you have noticed surveyors in the west end of town they are under contract with Dominion Gas prior to the installation of a new gas line to eliminate some of our shortages.
The new State Store at Kroger Plaza is now open. The Chamber and city officials officially cut the ribbon and opened as of Friday morning at 9am.
Karen Waller and I met with the Census representatives on Thursday. Amber Kohler of the United States Census Bureau will be here to address council October 28th. We met again today and compiled a list of folks that could fill the committee that will insure our success in a good census collection. Amber will most likely present a resolution at this time. I have asked Councilman Gant if he would sit on this panel.
We are again having issues with the county sewer meter and the Commissioners being willing to pay their bill. I have set up a meeting with them at 10am on the 25th to discuss our next step.
The UFWC Representatives were in this past week and want to start the process of negotiations with us. A few dates were sent to our attorney in Columbus for his approval.
Saturday was Heritage Day in Belpre. The Historical Society does a wonderful job of preserving our history and Belpre heritage. If any of you have time to volunteer or know of anyone interested please give me a call. This is something we do not want to neglect.
This week I will meet with a property owner to have a pre-construction meeting for a new nursing and rehabilitation facility in our city. As I understand it will be a short term facility more than long term.
On your desk I have provided two flyers for upcoming events. One is the Mayor’s Challenge for Habitat in which I need your help if we want the fabulous trophy in our city. The other is an opportunity to attend a safety seminar at the Memorial Campus this Thursday.
Safety-Service Director report consisted of Well 1. The screen should be in next week and we will close the park and pump the water into the pond.
City Auditor Miss Pittenger reported that the Adjustment Report for Utilities is before you this evening. Copies are on the back table and report is posted on-line. Miss Pittenger requested council approval. Mrs. Miller asked the city auditor how many pools there are in the City of Belpre. According to Miss Pittenger she did not know. Ms. Riffle made a motion to accept the Adjustment Report as presented. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
City Law Director Mr. Webster announced that the sidewalk on Walnut Street has been installed. Mr. Webster stated that everyone should have received an email today from my office regarding the Economic Plan. It was received from the consultants this week. This will need to be assigned to committee.
City Treasurer Ms. Carpenter had no report for the Treasurer’s Office.
Communications and Petitions:
Mr. Martin stated that he had one piece of communication that was from Josh Campbell submitting his resignation from his 1st Ward Council position effective September 30, 2019. He stated that he and his wife both have accepted jobs in the Columbus, Ohio area and felt it necessary to relocate closer to Columbus, Ohio. Since I will no longer be a resident of the City of Belpre, it is with deep sorrow that I must submit this resignation. Josh had contacted Mr. Martin and stated that he was in a meeting at work and would be late getting to the meeting this evening Mr. Martin stated that due to his work he didn’t want Josh rushing here to get to the meeting. It is up to council whether or not you wish to excuse Mr. Campbell from this evenings meeting.
Mr. Martin stated that he would reassign his committee assignments.
Report of Standing Committee:
Ms. Abdella Finance/Audit Committee reported that her committee met prior to this evenings meeting to discuss impound yard guidelines and the 2019 Supplemental appropriations. There was also a request from the fire department for more funding. The fire department is to get more information then they will add to the next meeting. The meeting adjourned at 7:24 p.m.
Mrs. Miller, Police and Fire Committee reported that she is working on the golf cart legislation and also working on the nuisance ordinance. I should have something by next meeting to present to the committee.
Mr. Campbell, Streets, Sidewalks and Storm Sewer was absent. No report was given in his absence.
Mr. Gant Utilities Committee had no report.
Mr. Shutts, Parks and Recreation Committee announced that he spoke with Mrs. O’Donnell regarding the Cross Country Race for the Year 2020. Mr. Shutts would like to reserve the park for next year but wasn’t sure how to do so. Miss Pittenger stated that there would be a calendar at the front desk on January 2nd for making reservations. The Cross Country Race would be held September 12, 2020 and October 10, 2020.
Mr. Shutts also stated that he had a documented paper from Kristen Hannah stating that there is a leak in the pool. She was the manager of the pool this year. At the meeting we had in August I informed council that we had a leak in the pool. The Ex-Safety-Service Director walked over and stated that there was no leak in the pool. Ms. Hannah did a bucket test and assessed whether or not it was evaporation or there truly was a leak. Her findings was that there was a hole in the pool. According to Mayor Lorentz Dave Schaffer said there is no leak in the pool.
Mrs. Drake Planning and Zoning Committee reported that her committee met on September 23, 2019 at 6:30 P.M. for the purpose of discussing AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND SAFETY SERVICE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE A DEED OF CERTAIN CITY REAL ESTATE TO THE SOUTHEASTERN OHIO PORT AUTHORITY FOR TRANSFER TO RAUCH AUTOMOTIVE GROUP, LLC. The discussion consisted of Lot 110 and Lot 246 at the South end of Main Street leading to the river. The discussion of city options was (1) to sell the land but would need to take bids or (2) give deed to port authority to deed to Rauch or (3) city keep and maintain the property.
Mr. Rauch explained his building plans for his lot,
Mr. Irvine maintains lots 107 and 108 that is in front of his lot 110 and 246.
Following the discussion it was decided to meet at the property Monday, September 30th at 6 p.m. to walk the property and discuss.
Mrs. Drake, Economic Development Committee had no report other than the committee will meet this Thursday evening.
Ms. Riffle, Rules Committee had no report.
Persons Appearing Before Council – Agenda items only. None
Unfinished Business: –
Ms. Riffle made a motion for third reading AN ORDINANCE APPROVING THE EDITION & 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.
Ms. Riffle moved this be Ordinance #15, 2018-2019 and duly passed. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Ms. Abdella made a motion for second reading RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE AMOUNTS AND RATES AS DETERMINED BY THE BUDGET COMMISSION AND AUTHORIZING THE NECESSARY TAX LEVIES AND CERTIFYING THEM TO THE COUNTY AUDITOR. Miss Pittenger requested that this piece of legislation be completed this evening.
Ms. Abdella made a motion to suspend the rule of council on three different days to allow for the third reading of RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE AMOUNTS AND RATES AS DETERMINED BY THE BUDGET COMMISSION AND AUTHORIZING THE NECESSARY TAX LEVIES AND CERTIFYING THEM TO THE COUNTY AUDITOR. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Ms. Abdella made a motion for third reading RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE AMOUNTS AND RATES AS DETERMINED BY THE BUDGET COMMISSION AND AUTHORIZING THE NECESSARY TAX LEVIES AND CERTIFYING THEM TO THE COUNTY AUDITOR. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Ms. Abdella moved this be Resolution 27, 2018-2019 and duly passed. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Ms. Abdella brought before council for first reading A RESOLUTION SUPPLEMENTING YEAR 2019 APPROPRIATIONS. Discussion followed. Ms. Abdella informed council that the attachment has been modified for State Rt. 7 and 618. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye. This will lie over until the next meeting of council.
Mr. Martin informed council to see the clerk after the meeting as she needs signatures from all voting members of council.
NEW BUSINESS:
Ms. Abdella asked the auditor if there was any action necessary on the Fiscal certificate for State Route 7 and Braun Road. According to Mr. Webster there is no action necessary as it makes reference to the ordinance already passed.
Ms. Abdella asked if the Economic Plan was going to be assigned to committee. Mr. Martin stated that he hadn’t got to that yet.
PERSONS APPEARING BEFORE COUNCIL:
Bill Locke 726 Tuttle Street, Belpre stated that he was glad to see sidewalk issue resolved on Walnut Street. Mr. Locke thanked everyone for their efforts.
Karen Locke 726 Tuttle Street Belpre stated that she would like to see sidewalks on Stone Road on one side or the other. Also sidewalks are needed on Lee Street and Rockland Avenue. Ms. Riffle asked for a point of clarification. Also addressed was a car blocking sidewalk at body shop. Mayor Lorentz to stop and talk with him.
Mrs. Drake would also like to see the city fix hole in front of the IGA. According to the Mayor it would be fixed tomorrow if there was no rain.
Ms. Abdella asked if there was any funding available for the sidewalks. Discussed was the Safe Routes to Schools.
Mr. Martin assigned the Economic Plan to Ms. Abdella’s Finance/Audit Committee and to add to the next agenda for first reading.
Mr. Martin would also like to move Mr. Campbell’s committee assignments: Mr. Gant was assigned the four way stop on Hill Street and Ms. Riffle was assigned abandoned cars/vehicles.
ADJOURN:
Ms. Riffle made a motion to adjourn. Ms. Riffle moved to withdraw her motion as Mrs. Miller pointed out that Mr. Campbell had not been excused.
Mrs. Miller made a motion to excuse Mr. Campbell from this evenings meeting. Mr. Campbell informed the President of Council that he was working late and would be late for the meeting since he was driving from Columbus. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Ms. Riffle made a motion to adjourn at 8:08 PM. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.