Belpre City Council Minutes
Mr. Neff called the Regular Meeting of the Council of the City of Belpre, Ohio, to order at 7:30p.m. The roll was called with the following members present: Ms. Abdella, Mr. Campbell, Mrs. Drake, Mr. Gant, Mrs. Miller, Ms. Riffle and Mr. Shutts present. Also present was Mayor Lorentz, Safety-Service Director Mr. Cross, City Auditor Miss Pittenger, City Law Director Mr. Webster, Treasurer Ms. Carpenter, and Clerk of Council Mrs. Meredith.
Mr. Neff asked that everyone please rise for the Prayer and remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. Mr. Neff gave the invocation.
Ms. Riffle made a motion to accept the minutes of April 08, 2019 meeting as presented and to 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 April 12th I presented a proclamation to Marietta Memorial to celebrate Donate Life Month in Belpre. Family members were in attendance that had received organ donations as well as some who had donated.
April 13th I took part in the Easter Parade in Parkersburg along with Mayor Joyce and Rapp.
April 16th my wife and I attended the Founders Day Dinner at the Belpre Church of Christ. This small group of volunteers are working very hard to keep this going. Anybody having time to assist will be greatly appreciated by the entire city.
Chief Williams and I are trying to find a part-time dispatcher to relieve the pressure on the full-time dispatchers. We know now that one of our younger dispatchers will be on extended leave before long and added help may very well be needed.
On Friday I will attend a program on the Arc Recovery and addiction centers. Saturday I will attend the Child abuse and Sexual assault Awareness program in Parkersburg at City Park.
Tree City USA will be here on Thursday.
Tonight we have our newest recruit in the police department. Officer Tyler Norris started this day as a probationary Patrolman. At this time I would like to swear him in formally and give council a chance to meet this young man.
Officer Tyler Norris was sworn in by Mayor Lorentz as a Probationary Patrolman.
Safety-Service Director Mr. Cross announced that the Utility Truck that was ordered should arrive within eight weeks and the new police cruiser should arrive in May. When redoing the pumps for the storm sewers we ran into some mechanical difficulties on Lois and Gene Street that needs repaired.
City Auditor Miss Pittenger announced that the March Adjustment Report is on line and needs approved by council. Also the Treasurer’s Report is on line, copies on the back table and a signed copy has been given to the clerk. I will need council’s approval on both reports. Ms. Abdella made a motion to accept the March Adjustment Report and Treasurers Report as presented. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
City Law Director Mr. Webster had no report.
Treasurer Ms. Carpenter had no report. Mr. Neff welcomed her and asked if there was anything she would like to say. Ms. Carpenter told council that it was an honor and that she appreciated the opportunity to serve the City of Belpre.
Communications and Petitions:
Superintendent of Belpre City Schools gave a presentation before Belpre City Council on the Landscape Shifts and how they impact the future of our schools.
Council President Will Neff announced his retirement effective May 31, 2019.
Report of Standing Committee:
Ms. Abdella Finance/Audit Committee informed council that she would be removing from this evening’s agenda the Supplemental Appropriation. Ms. Abdella called a Finance/Audit committee meeting for May 13, 2019 at 7PM for the purpose of discussing the Supplemental Appropriations.
Mrs. Miller, Police and Fire Committee had no report.
Mr. Campbell, Streets, Sidewalks and Storm Sewer reported that the asphalt plants are now open so we will start filling potholes. I would like to call a committee meeting for May 1st at 6PM to discuss street access of large trucks.
Mr. Gant Utilities Committee had no report.
Mr. Shutts, Parks and Recreation Committee had no report.
Mrs. Drake Planning and Zoning Committee had no report.
Mrs. Drake, Economic Development Committee reported that the committee will meet this Thursday at 6PM.
Ms. Riffle, Rules Committee reminded citizens that it’s that time of year that we must all cut our lawns. Please do not throw grass in our city streets that will go into our storm sewers. Also as a reminder all vacant lots must be mowed four times a year.
Ms. Riffle also thanked Karen Locke and the Belpre Woman’s Club for hosting the Meet the Candidates for the upcoming primary election.
Persons Appearing Before Council – Agenda items only. None
Unfinished Business: – None
NEW BUSINESS: None
PERSONS APPEARING BEFORE COUNCIL:
Len Nelson 503 Stone Road announced the Belpre High School Spring Concert on April 30th, 2019. Mr. Nelson also announced that the green house at the high school would open May 3rd, 2019 to the public.
Marty Moore 822 Walnut Street addressed council with issues of his neighbor draining her salt water pool that came over on his property killing vegetation. He wanted to know what the protocol was for draining the pool. He was informed that it could be drained into the storm sewer if dechlorinated. He also wanted to know what could be done because it had killed his vegetation. According to Mr. Webster this was not a city issue that it would be a Civil Action case. He suggested that he contact an attorney.
ADJOURN:
Ms. Abdella made a motion to adjourn at 8:34 PM. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.