Belpre City Council Minutes
Mr. Plummer 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: Mr. Cox, Ms. Abdella; Mr. Williams, Mr. Campbell; Miss Sprague, Mrs. Drake; Miss White, Mr. Gant; Mrs. Miller, Ms. Riffle and Mr. Shutts present. Also present was Council President Will Neff, Student Government Mayor Hasley, Mayor Lorentz; Safety-Service Director Mr. Cross, City Auditor Miss Pittenger, Student Law Director Miss Dalton, City Law Director Mr. Webster; Student Treasurer Miss Eakle, Treasurer Mr. Smith; Student Clerk Miss Davis, Clerk of Council Mrs. Meredith. Absent was Student Mr. Meredith.
Mr. Plummer asked that everyone please rise for the Prayer and remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Lorentz gave the invocation.
Student Mr. Cox made a motion to accept the minutes of January 28, 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:
Student Mayor Hasley presented report prepared by Mayor Lorentz. Chief Williams, Mr. Cross and I conducted an interview for our opening in the Police Department. We had just two candidates left on our active list. Hopefully we can fill this by the end of March, Friday I received word that our candidate is declining employment with us.
Hopefully you have noticed the progress on the firehouse as Pickering is starting the installation of solar panels.
On January 31st I attended the retirement party for Superintendent Dunn. Quite a few people attended to wish him well in retirement.
Mr. Cross and I met with our new AEP representatives. They explained that the work schedule for Belpre this year is tree trimming and in some cases tree removal.
The Recreation Commission met last Monday and we discussed roles for both the city workers as well as the association. We also started the process of writing two separate grants to begin fence replacement at all fields.
On the 31st I again met with people representing the property owner next to the city building. We have a ways to go but, with just a little cooperation construction can begin.
January 7th I attended the Street Smart Presentation at the Presbyterian Church. This was about the 5th time they have visited Belpre, hopefully all of council should have seen this.
On February 8th I attended the Opiate Hub meeting in Marietta. Our task is to help with employment for those far enough along in treatment and rehab both benefitting the addicted as well as the employers.
Today we received the Jail Contract from our County Commissioners. I have placed this on the Law Directors desk so that legislation can be written.
Safety-Service Director Mr. Cross reported that you may have noticed that there was an accident at the fire department. The middle support was damaged. We have been in contact with our insurance company regarding repairs to the facility.
City Auditor Miss Pittenger announced that on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. our State Auditors will begin their audit for 2018. Members of council should have received an invitation to attend the Pre-Audit Meeting. Also a copy of the Adjustment Report for January has been posted on-line and a copy is on the back table for anyone wishing to review. I would like to ask council to approve the Adjustment Report as presented. Ms. Riffle made a motion to accept the Adjustment Report for January as presented. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Student Law Director Miss Dalton presented City Law Director Mr. Webster’s report. The report was as follows: While on patrol on January 3, 2019, in the City of Belpre, State of Ohio, I observed a white Ford SUV bearing Ohio license 011ABC traveling at what appeared to be greater than the posted speed limit of 50mph traveling WB on state Route 7. I activated the python radar and a high audio Doppler return was heard and a readout of 54 mph was obtained which corresponded with the visual estimation of the speed of the vehicle. I observed a small baggy of what appeared to be a green, leafy substance in the Defendant’s cup holder. I asked the Defendant what was in the baggy and he said he didn’t know. I gave a warning on the speeding and charged Defendant with an offense of possession of marijuana under 100 grams in violation of BCO513.03(A)(c)(2).
Student Treasurer Miss Eakle, City Treasurer Mr. Smith announced that a copy of the January 2019 Treasurer’s report is online and copies appear on the table in the back of the room for your review. I would ask that Council approve the Cash Report as presented. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Communications and Petitions:
Mr. Neff announced that he had no Communications or Petitions this evening. He did remind everyone to please remove your hats.
Report of Standing Committee:
Student Mr. Cox, Ms. Abdella Finance/Audit reported that the Finance Audit committee met on February 5, 2019 to discuss the permanent appropriations. All members of council participated in the discussions. David Shaffer, Street department superintendent was present to discuss the state of the street department and the needs of the city in the area of street repairs, equipment needs, personnel, opportunities and barriers.
The discussion was very productive and we appreciate the time David spent with us. We look forward to meeting with the other departments to determine their needs and priorities.
Reminder: We will be meeting tomorrow at 6PM to continue the discussion of the 2019 appropriations. One of the topics to be covered will be the Fire Department and we have invited Chief Cronin.
I will have an update timeline for everyone tomorrow and will get it to the clerk for communication to the public.
Mrs. Miller, Police and Fire Committee had no report.
Student Mr. Williams, Mr. Campbell, Streets, Sidewalks and Storm Sewer announced that he had received several phone calls regarding high water within the city. After conversation with the Safety-Service Director I was informed that the city is working on cleaning out all city storm sewers. Due to freezing temperatures and amount of rain we received our storm sewers were unable to keep up with the amount of drainage. I would also like to commend our street department for the great job of clearing our streets.
Student Miss White, Mr. Gant Utilities Committee had no report. Miss White did call a Utilities committee meeting for February 12, 2019 at 6PM for the purpose of discussing rate increase of 60 cents.
Mr. Shutts, Parks and Recreation Committee reported that his report was the same as the Mayors regarding parks.
Student Miss Sprague, Mrs. Drake Planning and Zoning Committee announced that she is calling a Planning and Zoning Committee meeting for February 25, 2019 at 7PM. The purpose is so Contractor Mr. Ron Eddy, and Safety Service Director Mr. Cross may inform Council what the issues are that prohibit the Contractor from building the homes along Park Drive between Gene Street and Putnam Howe Drive. There are so many conflicting stories for Council that members need clarity so they may respond to our citizens more accurately. People are wanting to downsize and purchase these homes, and the selling of their homes will help the city with housing, revenue, and most of all free up home’s others are seeking to purchase.
Student Miss Sprague, Mrs. Drake, Economic Development Committee had no report.
Ms. Riffle had no report for the Rules Committee.
Persons Appearing Before Council – Agenda items only. None
Unfinished Business: –
Student Mr. Cox, Ms. Abdella announced that we would hold the legislation regarding AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING AUTHORIZED MANPOWER FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2019 until the next meeting. The legislation was pulled because they had not received updated information.
New Business: None
PERSONS APPEARING BEFORE COUNCIL:
Mr. Plummer asked if there was anyone wishing to speak before council at this time.
Mr. Jeff Totten was recognized along with his students from his Broadcasting class.
Ms. Pintz, Government Teacher at Belpre High School stood and expressed her appreciation to students, council and the administration for the job they did preparing for this evenings meeting.
Karen Locke 726 Tuttle Street addressed council regarding a Meet the Candidate Night with the League of Women Voters. It was suggested that they hold this before the Primary/General Election.
ADJOURN:
Student Mr. Williams/Mr. Campbell made a motion to adjourn at 7:50PM. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.