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 Law Director Mr. Webster, Treasurer Mr. Smith and Clerk of Council Mrs. Meredith. Absent from the April 23, 2018 meeting was City Auditor Miss Pittenger.
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 April 09, 2018 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 on April 10th I attended the ribbon cutting for Ohio Home Health as well as the Historical Society Dinner for Founders Day celebration.
April 11th I called a recreation commission meeting to discuss the activities at Civitan as well as our lease with the Civitan Club. I’m not sure all in attendance understands the lease so we are still working to accommodate all involved.
Harrisville was the host for the Mayor’s Association meeting this month and furnished a delicious meal at North Bend Lodge. Our meeting is July 11th and will be held at the Sr. Center at 6PM.
April 12th a group of six and I travelled to Portsmouth for the annual Tree City Awards. Belpre was honored with the 22nd year plaque and the Growth Award which is a big deal among tree people.
I have been meeting with Dr. Brocket on a regular basis to keep the ball rolling on our Health Board Merger. We are in play for around $108,000 to work toward accreditation if successful in meeting the deadlines. Mr. Webster is working with Paul Bertram Marietta Counsel to finalize all the details.
Council, please do not forget the Business Expo coming up. This will be held at Boxers Bed and Biscuits in the old doll building on April 30th from 4pm until 7pm. These events can be, and are the good part of your duties as a council representative.
On Friday the 17th try and join us at Civitan Park at 10 am. We will be celebrating Arbor Day by planting 6 new trees around the gazebo area of the park. Approximately 20 students will be joining us from the Botany Class to assist with planting.
Council I need for you to pass the CHIP Contract tonight with the county so that we can meet deadlines with the Commissioners meetings.
Some of you wanted to meet the person I have spoken of for our grant writer. Tonight we have Toni Tiano with us to introduce herself and answer any questions you may have.
Ms. Tiano introduced herself to council and discussed briefly the services that she can provide in Grant Writing. She has been doing this for about 30 years. She is located in Parkersburg. Ms. Tiano stated that she meets with applicants and finds out what their needs are. She researches the data base based on our needs in order to get possible grants that would best suit our city.
Mr. Neff asked Ms. Tiano if she was serving any other municipalities in Ohio. Ms. Tiano said that she was not. He also asked if she was serving any other level of government in Ohio. Ms. Tiano said that she was not. Mr. Neff asked how many people she has in her firm. Ms. Tiano stated that she was the only one.
Ms. Abdella stated that she knows we are paying you a fee for the year. What does that bring to us? It is an inclusive fee. It doesn’t matter how many grants you ask me to write it is the same amount. If you ask for one grant is would be the same as if you asked me to write ten grants. Does that include the administration? Ms. Tiano stated that yes it does.
Mrs. Drake asked if we need to tell you what we want. Ms. Tiano stated that she likes brainstorming sessions to get potential projects that you may want. At that point you would need to direct me as to whether you wanted me to pursue the grant.
Ms. Abdella asked if she had any brainstorming sessions with the city yet. Ms. Tiano stated that she had an informal one with the Mayor.
Mr. Campbell asked how much experience she had working with governments in Ohio? Ms. Tiano stated that Government is Government and are similar. Mr. Campbell asked how many municipalities she works with right now. According to Ms. Tiano she is working with four different municipalities.
Safety-Service Director Mr. Cross reported that with all the flooding we have had it has held up the process a bit of getting our boat docks put in however we will get them in ASAP. Also before you this evening is legislation regarding Gas Aggregations. If possible I would like for council to run this legislation all three readings this evening.
Miss Pittenger was absent. No report was given in her absence.
City Law Director Mr. Webster announced that the Mayor mentioned in his report about meeting with Dr. Brocket in regards to our Health Board Merger. Dr. Brocket stopped by my office on Friday and delivered a document from those involved in the State of Ohio and the accreditation process. I haven’t had time to look at it as I was in Charleston all day however I will take a look at it tomorrow and see what it entails and the process to combine the two boards. We would have no control as to who would be on the board. Dr. Brocket would like for us to have sometime in place in the month of May. I will get copies of the document so everyone will have a chance to look at it.
City Treasurer Mr. Smith reported that a copy of the March 2018 Treasurer’s Report is before you this evening. The report appears on-line with copies placed on the table in the back. Also a signed copy has been given to the clerk. I would like to have council’s approval this evening. Ms. Abdella made a motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report as presented. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Communications and Petitions:
Mr. Neff also reminded Council of the Business Expo that is coming up on April 30th, 2018 from 4PM until 7PM at Boxers Bed and Biscuits. He encouraged all council to attend.
Mr. Neff assigned the following to Finance/Audit Committee, Ms. Abdella Chairperson A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SAFETY-SERVICE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH H-GAC TO PARTICIPATE IN THEIR COOPERATIVE PURCHASING PROGRAM and A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A COMMUNITY HOUSING IMPACT AND PRESERVATION PROGRAM PARTNER AGREEMENT WITH THE WASHINGTON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.
Mr. Neff assigned to the Utility Committee, Mr. Gant Chairperson AN ORDINANCE TO APPROVE THE PLAN OF OPERATION AND GOVERNANCE FOR THE CITY OF BELPRE NATURAL GAS AGGREGATION PROGRAM.
Report of Standing Committee:
Ms. Abdella Finance/Audit Committee had no report. Ms. Abdella made a motion to add to tonight’s agenda for first reading A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SAFETY-SERVICE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH H-GAC TO PARTICIPATE IN THEIR COOPERATIVE PURCHASING PROGRAM and A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A COMMUNITY HOUSING IMPACT AND PRESERVATION PROGRAM PARTNER AGREEMENT WITH THE WASHINGTON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mrs. Miller, Police and Fire Committee reported that her committee met April 23, 2018 at 7PM for the purpose of further discussing AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING AND IMPLEMENTING A PROGRAM TO CHARGE USER FEES FOR THE DEPLOYMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY SERVIES RENDERED BY THE CITY OF BELPRE FOR MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENTS AND RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL STRUCTURE FIRES, Section A of this Ordinance. This is regarding soft billing and false alarms. Mrs. Miller stated that there was questions regarding insurance coverage. At this time, I am not going to call another meeting.
Mr. Campbell, Streets, Sidewalk and Storm Sewer announced that our Street Department has been working very hard to fix all the pot holes in our streets. They started by fixing the more detrimental holes especially the one on Walnut Street. They are also working on the possible impound lot and getting that ready for what we potentially might do.
Mr. Gant Utilities Committee had no report. Mr. Gant made a motion to add to tonight’s agenda for first reading AN ORDINANCE TO APPROVE THE PLAN OF OPERATION AND GOVERNANCE FOR THE CITY OF BELPRE NATURAL GAS AGGREGATION PROGRAM. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Shutts, Parks and Recreation had no report.
Mrs. Drake Planning and Zoning Committee had no report.
Mrs. Drake, Economic Development Committee had no report. Mrs. Drake stated that the committee would meet this Thursday at 6PM. Mrs. Drake also echoed the Mayor regarding the Business Expo on April 30th from 4-7PM at Boxers Bed and Biscuits. Mrs. Drake called a Committee Meeting for May 1st at 6:30 pm for the purpose of discussing Chapter 741 regarding Garage and Yard Sales.
Ms. Riffle Rules Committee had no report.
Persons Appearing Before Council – Agenda items only.
Eddie Smith addressed council regarding Natural Gas Aggregation Program. Mr. Smith would like to meet and further discuss with council in a committee meeting.
Mr. Campbell asked the opinion of the law director as far as passage of this legislation tonight. According to the law director we can do either. Mr. Campbell asked if we would delay this what would that do. According to Mr. Cross it would just delay the process.
Ms. Riffle asked if our previous aggregation supplier had run out. She was informed that it would run out May 4, 2018.
Karen Locke 726 Tuttle Street asked what the purchasing ordinance was for that we are getting ready to pass. Ms. Abdella stated that the purchasing agreement is where the fire chief talked to us about purchasing the fire truck. They were looking for the best purchase at the best price. So by getting this you can get the best pricing, the best discount and the best financing to get the price down. Mrs. Locke also asked about the impound lot. Ms. Abdella state that this is something that needs added to my committee for us to discuss and determine whether we could put in an impound lot so that we could collect revenue versus someone else collecting the revenue.
Unfinished Business: –
Ms. Abdella brought before council for third reading A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SAFETY-SERVICE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT FOR MANAGEMENT OF THE BELPRE SENIOR CENTER. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Ms. Abdella moved this be Resolution 6, 2018-2019 and duly passed. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Ms. Abdella brought before council for third reading A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY FOR DOG WARDEN SERVICES. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Ms. Abdella moved this be Resolution 7, 2018-2019 and duly passed. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mrs. Miller brought before council for second reading AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING AND MPLEMENTING A PROGRAM TO CHARGE USER FEES FOR THE DEPLOYMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY SERVICES RENDERED BY THE CITY OF BELPRE FOR MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENTS AND RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL STRUCTURE FIRES. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye. This will lie over until the next meeting of council.
NEW BUSINESS:
Ms. Abdella brought before council for first reading A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SAFETY-SERVICE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH H-GAC TO PARTICIPATE IN THEIR COOPERATIVE PURCHASING PROGRAM. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Ms. Abdella moved to suspend the rule of council on three different days to allow for the second and third readings of A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SAFETY SERVICE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH H-GAC TO PARTICIPATE IN THEIR COOPERATIVE PURCHASING PROGRAM. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Ms. Abdella brought before council for the second and third readings A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SAFETY-SERVICE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH H-GAC TO PARTICIPATE IN THEIR COOPERATIVE PURCHASING PROGRAM. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Ms. Abdella moved this be Resolution 8, 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 AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A COMMUNITY HOUSING IMPACT AND PRESERVATION PROGRAM PARTNER AGREEMENT WITH THE WASHINGTON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.
Mr. Campbell stated that he feels that it is very disrespectful and inconsiderate that we have two weeks to prepare an agenda and we walk into this room and are handed pieces of legislation that we haven’t seen before and are expected to pass on all three readings and we don’t even know what is on the paper. I would like to see this changed. I would like to know before I walk into the room the night of council what to expect. I’m here an hour and a half before every meeting so I can go through everything to see what is to take place. I find this very irritating. Mayor Lorentz explained what this legislation entails and the importance of this legislation with additional discussion. Mr. Webster informed Mr. Campbell that he would take the responsibility of this not getting to council. Carol told Tom that Mr. Neff was to pick up legislation on Wednesday. Mr. Neff was never informed. Mr. Campbell stated that the comment was not directed to anyone. He would just like to see the legislation get to us in a more timely manner. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Ms. Abdella moved to suspend the rule of council on three different days to allow for the second and third readings of A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A COMMUNITY HOUSING IMPACT AND PRESERVATION PROGRAM PARTNER AGREEMENT WITH THE WASHINGTON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Ms. Abdella brought before council for second and third readings A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A COMMUNITY HOUSING IMPACT AND PRESERVATION PROGRAM PARTNER AGREEMENT WITH THE WASHINGTON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Ms. Abdella moved this be Resolution 9, 2018-2019 and duly passed. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Gant brought before council for first reading AN ORDINANCE TO APPROVE THE PLAN OF OPERATION AND GOVERNANCE FOR THE CITY OF BELPRE NATURAL GAS AGGREGATION PROGRAM. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye. This will lie over until the next meeting of council.
Mr. Gant called a Utilities Committee meeting for April 25th at 7PM for the purpose of discussing Gas Aggregation.
Mr. Neff apologized to the Council Clerk for loading her down five minutes before the council meeting starts.
PERSONS APPEARING BEFORE COUNCIL: None
ADJOURN:
Ms. Riffle made a motion to adjourn at 8:43 PM. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting.