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: 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, and Treasurer Mr. Smith. Absent from the July 9, 2018 meeting was Council person Ms. Abdella 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.
Since the clerk is on vacation the minutes of June 25, 2018 will be approved once she has returned.
Reports of City Officials:
Mayor Lorentz reported that the Belpre Alumni Ice Cream Social is this coming Saturday from 11 until 3 at Howe’s Grove Park.
On the 4th I participated in a flag ceremony at Belpre Lodge 609 and also a flag retirement ceremony. Our Legion does a fabulous job honoring the veterans and our flag.
July 5th we interviewed for a police officer to fulfill our manpower needs. Hopefully we can fill both vacancies very soon.
The America in Bloom Judges will be here next Monday and Tuesday. Please let Ms. Pittenger or I know if you see an eye sore or violation that could be corrected prior to their visit.
Chamber Breakfast this Wednesday at 8 O’clock if you are interested. The Mayor’s Association Dinner is at 5:30 or 6PM if you plan to attend please let me know this evening so I can inform the caterer.
On the 28th at 10 AM Boy Scout Troop 91 will hold an Eagle Scout Court of Honor for 3 young scouts. This will be at Mullen Baptist Church.
Safety-Service Director Mr. Cross reported that the City of Belpre has received a two year approval for gas aggregation.
Miss Pittenger reported that the June adjustment report has been posted online and is available on the information table in the back of the room. I am requesting council’s approval of those adjustments.
I am also requesting permission from council to transfer the amounts agreed to in the 2018 budget of $92,000 to the street department and $39,000 to the pool at this time.
AIB judges will be here next Monday and Tuesday July 16th and 17th.
Today we received an Ohio BWC rebate for $24,726.85. They are offering 3-1 matches up to $40,000 for safety equipment and I will be working with department heads to apply for some of this match.
RITA has sent out non-filing letters to those who have neglected to file. Many people who move to Belpre from areas outside of Ohio don’t realize that we have an income tax and that they need to file. We will begin getting calls in the next week and information is available on the website on how to e-file.
You will notice that there is income in the EMS levy fund. That was the interest earned on the money you approved for me to move into a special account through the Ohio Treasurers office. This will help the fund continue to grow. The amount in the interest bearing account will fluctuate as expenses are appropriated.
Mr. Campbell made a motion to transfer the amounts agreed to in the 2018 budget of $92,000 to the street department and $39,000 to the pool at this time. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
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 ODOT will meet at 10 AM Friday in Council Chambers. We are also in the process of working on our Joint Health Board renewal.
City Treasurer Mr. Smith reported that a copy of the June Cash Report has been posted online and is available on the information table in the back of this room. A signed copy has been given to Judy Drake, Council President Protem for filing. Mr. President, I would like to ask for council approval this evening. Mrs. Miller made a motion to accept the Cash Report as presented. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Communications and Petitions:
Mrs. Drake, Ms. Abdella and I met with reps. from Kroger to hear their plan to solicit signatures from 1st Ward residents to put liquor sales for their location on the November ballot. If approved by the voters, this will be a store that Kroger operates as an agent of the Ohio Liquor Commission in vacant spaces adjacent to the existing Kroger store.
Report of Standing Committee:
Ms. Abdella Finance/Audit Committee was absent. No report was given in her absence.
Mrs. Miller, Police and Fire Committee had no report.
Mr. Campbell, Streets, Sidewalk and Storm Sewer had no report. Mr. Campbell called a Committee meeting for July 23, 2018 at 6:00 to further discuss a charter form of Government.
Mr. Gant Utilities Committee had no report.
Mr. Shutts, Parks and Recreation Committee had no report.
Mrs. Drake Planning and Zoning Committee reported that her committee met on June 25, 2018 at 6:30 p.m. for the purpose of discussing Ordinance 577.01-99.
We discussed the various differences from Belpre, Gallipolis, New Albany, and Cambridge.
Our ordinance lacked a height to grass or weeds that need to be cut and growing period for grass and weeds. Webster’s office was provided with the ordinances from the above cities and what we agreed on to be incorporated into our ordinance to enhance our needs are as follows:
Add: from Gallipolis – 557.04(a) (1) (2) to address excess of 8” in height and minor misdemeanor.
From New Albany – 521.15 Regulations (3) (4) growing season March 1 through October 31 of each calendar year. Also, areas exempted. Along with notice to Owner (1) from Safety-Service Director or designee.
From Cambridge – 98.03 (a) owner or occupant notified by Safety-Service Director or his or her designate to forthwith cut noxious or harmful weeds, vines or grasses growing upon his or her premises. Etc. Weed Defined.
Mrs. Drake, Economic Development reported that this committee continues to focus on Belpre and her development and growth.
We are still considering ‘theme’ or slogan’ for Belpre to help with promotional and attract new comers.
Action is being taken and moving forward with a PLAN for Belpre. Considering a 5-10-15 or 10-15-30 year PLAN.
This area has on lookers seeking space to place industrial/manufacturing activity, which would mean employment also.
Ms. Riffle Rules Committee had no report.
Persons Appearing Before Council – Agenda items only. None
Unfinished Business: –
Mr. Campbell brought before council for third reading A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE TAX BUDGET FOR 2019. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Campbell moved this be Resolution 12, 2018-2019 and duly passed. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
NEW BUSINESS:
Ms. Riffle made a motion to excuse Ms. Abdella from this evenings meeting. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
PERSONS APPEARING BEFORE COUNCIL:
Lyn Nelson, Stone Road, Belpre asked what all 1st Ward takes in? Mr. Neff explained the outline of the 1st Ward.
ADJOURN:
Ms. Riffle made a motion to adjourn at 7:53 PM. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.