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, City Auditor Miss Pittenger, City Law Director Mr. Webster, and Clerk of Council Mrs. Meredith. Absent from the January 14, 2019 meeting was Safety-Service Director Mr. Cross and Treasurer Mr. Smith.
Mr. Neff asked that everyone please rise for the Prayer and remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Lorentz gave the invocation.
Ms. Riffle made a motion to accept the minutes of December 10 and December 27th Special 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 announced that our Voluntary Fire Department provided council with a list of equipment and other items they have assisted with over the 2018 year. We should feel blessed our volunteers are willing to do so much for our city.
Since we last met I have attended Wreaths across America, Ribbon Cutting at Perfeet Shoe Store, WWW quarterly meeting, and a meeting with the Port Authority trying to locate a new business in Belpre.
Friday January 11th was Mike Betz last day before retiring. If you see him please wish him well.
Thursday January 10th was Patrolman Derek Tewanger’s last day with Belpre. Derek will now be employed with Marietta City.
Becky Hennen sent us a report from the Senior Center. The rental income for the building in 2018 was $7565.00, and we have decided to use the levy money for a new HVAC unit for the original side of building. The unit being replaced has been a draw on their budget over the last two years. On Friday Becky also announced that she would be retiring at the end of May. This will be a huge pair of shoes to fill but, Connie and I will do our best.
Council, I just received a notice of our Financial Disclosure Statements coming due in May. This is a good thing to do now and not take a chance of forgetting later.
Also note that if you decide you run for office the deadline for petitions is February 6th.
On Wednesday of next week I asked for a couple of you to meet with the Port Authority and me to discuss possible tax incentives within our city. Some new activity may be coming but, they have asked for possible assistance with construction and or rehab.
Our Civil Service Commission and I met to discuss testing for 2019. As of now we have two patrolmen and one laborer left on our active list. With the retirements and employment moves I have instructed them to start the process of testing for all positions. Laborer II, Waste Water I, Dispatch, Patrolman, and clerical will be included.
Boards and Commissions for 2019
Civil Service:
John Underwood, Ron Duvall, Karen Waller
Recreation Commission
Bill Locke, Karen Locke, Zach Carte, Michelle Carte, Elmer Lee Shutts (Council), Terry Mullen
Zoning Commission, Marian Duvall, Ralph Holder, Mayor
Tree Commission
Sheila McCloud, Mary Jo Slater, Paul Mobbs, Maxine Mobbs, Joyce Lorentz Marcus McCartney
Safety-Service Director Mr. Cross was absent. No report was given in his absence.
City Auditor Miss Pittenger reported that she will be presenting a 2018 recap at the next meeting. Ms. Pittenger reported that the Adjustment Report for December is on the back desk and appears on-line. I would like to have council’s approval this evening. Ms. Abdella 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 reported that the 2018 report on criminal cases would be available at the next meeting. He stated that his office is in the middle of a transition since the retirement of Mr. Emrick on December 31, 2018.
City Treasurer Mr. Smith was absent. No report was given in his absence.
Communications and Petitions:
Mr. Neff announced that the filing deadline for anyone running for a position on Council is February 6th at 4PM.
Mr. Neff also announced that the deadline for filing the Ohio Ethics Commission paperwork is May 16th, 2019. Please have your form filed by that date or they will fine you.
Report of Standing Committee:
Ms. Abdella Finance/Audit had no report. Ms. Abdella made a motion to add to tonight’s agenda for first reading AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING AUTHORIZED MANPOWER FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2019. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mrs. Miller, Police and Fire Committee had no report.
Mr. Campbell, Streets, Sidewalks and Storm Sewer had no report.
Mr. Gant Utilities Committee had no report.
Mr. Shutts, Parks and Recreation Committee had no report. He did say that he would be getting with the Mayor regarding two grants for the parks.
Mrs. Drake Planning and Zoning Committee had no report.
Mrs. Drake, Economic Development Committee had no report. Mrs. Drake did announce that Jesse Roush is the new Chairman for the Chamber.
Ms. Riffle had no report for the Rules Committee.
Persons Appearing Before Council – Agenda items only. None
Unfinished Business: – None
New Business:
Ms. Abdella brought before council for first reading AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING AUTHORIZED MANPWOER FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2019. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye. This will lie over until the next meeting of council.
PERSONS APPEARING BEFORE COUNCIL:
There was no one appearing before council.
Mr. Neff went over committee assignments removing Temporary Appropriations and the Special Exploratory Committee and adding Annual Appropriation Ordinance and Manpower Ordinance to the Finance/Audit Committee, Ms. Abdella Chairperson.
Mr. Gant announced that the Aggregate Program is being updated and a new form is being prepared.
Mr. Neff asked Mr. Grant what the rate was for the Gas Aggregation through AEP. Mr. Neff was informed that the rate is $3.39.
Mrs. Drake announced that on February 7th there will be a 2-4 hour class held at the Pioneer Presbyterian Church regarding Street Smart. For more information you can go to the Chamber Website for more detail.
Mrs. Drake also mentioned that someone saying they were from the Belpre Volunteer Fire Department was going door to door soliciting money for the Jaws of Life and collecting donations.
Mr. Neff informed council that the Belpre Tree Commission would be present at the next meeting of council to make a presentation.
Mrs. Meredith asked for a list of students that would be taking positions for Student Government Day. Mayor Lorentz informed council that he would stop by the school to get a list.
ADJOURN:
Ms. Abdella made a motion to adjourn at 7:57PM. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.