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 Prosecutor Mr. Webster, Treasurer Mr. Smith and Clerk of Council Mrs. Meredith. Absent from the March 26, 2018 meeting was Safety-Service Director Mr. Cross and City Law Director Mr. Webster,
Mr. Neff asked that everyone please rise for the Prayer and remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. Mrs. Drake gave the invocation.
Mrs. Miller made a motion to accept the minutes of March 12, 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 since our last meeting the fire department association has pulled their bid for ambulance service to our city. On your desk tonight is information pertaining to Pro-Care Contract extension or renewal.
Chief Williams, Sergeant Kirby, Sergeant Heddleston, Mr. Cross and myself interviewed for a police officer for Belpre. The exercise did not go well and we are again starting the search for a fit for our department. This could take as long as July or August to complete.
My wife and I did attend the fundraiser for Right Path of Washington County. I believe we had supper with more Belpre folks than Marietta, I appreciate everyone supporting this group.
Mr. Cross and I met with SOPEC representatives trying to finalize the Aggregation for Gas. As soon as all the data comes in and he returns we will move forward.
The Mayor of Parkersburg, Vienna and I met with a rather large group from The Department of Fiscal Services looking to transfer to the area. Hopefully our presentation will help them feel better about the transfer options to our area.
Saturday March 24th I took part in the Parkersburg Easter Parade. Cold & windy but lots of fun.
Sunday March 25th I attended an Eagle Court of Honor Ceremony for Nick Hampton. This is a hard earned award and given to the best of the best in scouting. Please extend a congratulations to Nick should you see him.
Council I am asking for the Sanitarian Contract to be ran tonight so that we can move forward with services. The Health Board has decided to partner with Marietta Health Board in lieu of just contracting. Grant monies are available to us if we partner and try to get accreditation. Dr. Brocket our boards and I believe this is the only option we have for achieving Accreditation. Mr. Webster and Marietta Law Director are helping with the transition.
Council, we are continually getting vandalism at Depot Park. Last weekend Civitan bathrooms were damaged and tables. If damage and vandalism continues at Depot Park I am going to advise the maintenance crew and police officers to close the entire park. Maybe then if people see something they will say something.
American Legion Post 495 presented Sergeant Tyler Heddelston and Patrolman Jesse Whittington a Silver Metal of Merrit for getting the Post Commander and his wife out of their burning house. The award was presented by Past Commander Bob Hadfield. They were also given a red ribbon to wear on their uniforms. Tommy and Marlene Logston were not able to make it this evening as Mr. Logston had surgery but they wanted Mr. Hadfield to extend their appreciation to these fine young gentlemen.
Safety-Service Director Mr. Cross was absent. No report was given in his absence.
Miss Pittenger had no report for the Auditor’s Office.
Mr. Neff announced that he has signed off on the bank reconciliation.
City Law Director Mr. Webster was absent. Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Webster announced that the sheriff is not going to have us enter into a jail contract.
City Treasurer Mr. Smith reported that a copy of the February 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 announced that all legislation has been added to tonight’s agenda.
I also wanted to mention that at the last meeting we had first reading on the Washington Soil and Water District and it was left off the agenda for tonight’s meeting. It has since been added under Unfinished Business for the second reading.
Report of Standing Committee:
Ms. Abdella Finance/Audit Committee announced that her committee met on Wednesday March 14th at 6PM for the purpose of discussing EMS contract and whether or not we were going to put it back out for bid. The conversation lasted for about an hour with a lot of going back and forth as to what is best for the city. It was the decision of the committee to leave it in the hands of ProCare.
Mrs. Miller, Police and Fire Committee reported that her committee met on Thursday, March 15 at 6PM for the purpose of discussing false alarms and nuisance calls. I should have something to present at the April 23rd, 2018 meeting.
Mrs. Miller stated that she is really ticked off as to the way the fire department is being treated. We talk about the police risking their lives which they do as well as First Responders. The brochure we passed out to pass the levy stated to Good Friends, Family and Neighbors. We could work harder to keep this in house. When the fire department was in here we said we would get them what they needed. We could have this in house if we would all pull together and work. If it is too much trouble we will pay ProCare $89,000 to come in here and do the job. I know figures don’t lie but liars will. It is wrong what you’ve done to them. They have worked hard getting EMT’s in here. These are our people, our neighbors, they take care of us. They don’t complain about getting up at night to go on a run. I don’t think they have been treated fairly.
Mr. Campbell, Streets, Sidewalk and Storm Sewer announced that he had met with some of the employees from the street department. We went for a drive and they showed me some of the streets and some issues that the streets are having that they are aware of. I know by us passing the appropriations it is going to help them fix somethings. We really can’t make significant changes until the hot mix plants open again. Right now we are using cold patch which continues to come out. Also there is probably some room for some improvement in the street department with various administration issues. We will be getting with the Mayor and other people about these issues as well.
Mr. Gant Utilities Committee reported that the generator down at the sewer plant is moving right along. I understand now why they are moving it from the outside of the building to the inside of the building. There are a few water leaks that they are working on. Other than that everything is moving right along.
Mr. Shutts, Parks and Recreation Committee reported that we are going to have to get together regarding contracts in the park such as the pool contract, etc.
Mrs. Drake Planning and Zoning Committee had no report. Mrs. Drake made a motion to by-pass committee and add to tonight’s agenda for first reading AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 741 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF BELPRE REGARDING YARD OR GARAGE SALES. Ms. Abdella asked if we have the ordinance. Mrs. Drake announced that she had sent it to all members of council by email. Miss Pittenger announced that it was on-line also. Mr. Neff stated that this will appear on tonight’s agenda under New Business.
Mrs. Drake, Economic Development Committee reported that Economic Development committee met on March 22, 2018 with Mayor Lorentz, Mr. Campbell and Mrs. Drake present.
Some of the committee members will be meeting with Jeff Chaddock in May to see what his interest is in Belpre and what he may have to offer, suggest or invest in.
The committee discussed ‘Grant Writing’ and is anxiously waiting for City Budget to be approved so action can be taken on grants to be written to make progress for the City.
We discussed the fact it is a year later from the Town Hall meeting and Ohio University Study and there still is not a plan for the City. We are in hopes that this will soon begin to form.
It was discussed without a conclusion a ‘Theme’ for Belpre to known by and for. We need a Title/Label, and the committee is open for suggestions. We will continue to work on this.
This committee is in place for the betterment of the community and help make progress.
The Business Expo is April 30th and if it is not well attended it will probably be the last one.
Meeting adjourned a little later than usual as we had great discussion.
Ms. Riffle Rules Committee had no report.
Persons Appearing Before Council – Agenda items only. None
Unfinished Business: –
Ms. Abdella brought before council for third reading ANNUAL APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE FOR CALENDAR & FISCAL YEAR 2018. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Ms. Abdella moved this be Ordinance 1, 2018-2019 and duly passed. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Ms. Abdella brought before council for second reading AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING AUTHORIZED MANPOWER FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2018. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Ms. Abdella moved to suspend the rule of council for the third reading of AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING AUTHORIZED MANPOWER FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2018. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Ms. Abdella brought before council for third reading AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING AUTHORIZED MANPOWER FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2018. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Ms. Abdella moved this be Ordinance #2, 2018-2019 and duly passed. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Gant brought before council for second reading A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SSD TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH THE WASHINGTON, SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Gant moved to suspend the rule of council for the third reading of A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SSD TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH THE WASHINGTON, SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT. Mr. Campbell asked about the importance of passing for the third reading. Mr. Campbell was told it was due to the time frame. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Gant brought before council for third reading A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SSD TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH THE WASHINGTON, SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting.
Mr. Gant moved this be Resolution 4, 2018-2019 and duly passed. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
NEW BUSINESS:
Ms. Abdella brought before council for first reading A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SAFETY-SERVICE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT FOR MANAGEMENT OF THE BELPRE SENIOR CENTER. Mrs. Miller asked if we did anything to shorten the days. Ms. Abdella stated that it was not a recommendation. Mr. Campbell asked what the amount of the contract was. According to Ms. Abdella it was $48,000. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye. This will lie over until the next meeting of council.
Ms. Abdella brought before council for first reading A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH THE MARIETTA CITY HEALTH DEPARTMENT FOR REGISTERED SANITARIAN SERVICES. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Ms. Abdella stated that the administration asked that we run all three readings this evening due to time sensitivity.
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 EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH THE MARIETTA CITY HEALTH DEPARTMENT FOR REGISTERED SANITARIAN SERVICES. Mrs. Miller asked what they were going to charge us. She was informed by the Mayor that it would remain the same as last year being $30. Miss Pittenger stated that this was $30 an hour. Ms. Abdella asked if we control the amount of hours. Mayor Lorentz stated that we usually get one day a week. Mr. Campbell asked what if we weren’t accredited. Mayor Lorentz stated we would then be a county health board. 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 EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH THE MARIETTA CITY HEALTH DEPARTMENT FOR REGISTERED SANITARIAN SERVICES. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Ms. Abdella moved this be Resolution 5, 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 CONTRACT WITH THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY FOR DOG WARDEN SERVICES. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye. This will lie over until the next meeting of council.
Ms. Abdella brought before council for first reading AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF A NOTE TO FINANCE THE PURCHASE OF A GENERATOR FOR THE WASTE WATER TREATMENT PLANT. 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 AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF A NOTE TO FINANCE THE PURCHASE OF A GENERATOR FOR THE WASTE WATER TREATMENT PLANT. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Ms. Abdella brought before council for second and third readings of AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF A NOTE TO FINANCE THE PURCHASE OF A GENERATOR FOR THE WASTE WATER TREATMENT PLANT. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Ms. Abdella moved this be Ordinance 3, 2018-2019 and duly passed. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mrs. Drake brought before council for first reading AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 741 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BELPRE REGARDING YARD OR GARAGE SALES. Ms. Abdella stated that she was good with the legislation up to the point of putting the amount in for the rate scale. Ms. Abdella stated that she didn’t like it being subject up to $150 fine for garage sale. . Mrs. Miller stated that she didn’t care if her neighbors had a sale every day. Mr. Webster stated that this could go to Municipal Court or into Common Pleas Court. Mr. Smith asked about garage sales in an apartment complex. Mr. Neff stated that we might not be able to do anything on Commercial Property other then they may have to have a Business License. Mr. Campbell asked who would be enforcing the fine. Mr. Neff stated that it would be our police officers. It was suggested to leave at the rate schedule with the administration. Ms. Abdella asked if this doesn’t pass by majority does it have to sit for a year. It would have to sit for a year. Mrs. Drake tabled the legislation pending further action.
PERSONS APPEARING BEFORE COUNCIL:
Linda Shutts 830 Walnut Street addressed posting signs on utility poles. Mrs. Shutts stated she understands Judy’s concern. Mrs. Shutts stated that she was going to post a sign on a utility pole and she was informed by a police officer that this was a violation of Federal Law.
Karen Locke 726 Tuttle Street stated that she thought this was a good idea but she also stated that she wondered if residents didn’t realize they needed yard sale permits. She stated that a church on Farson Street was going to have a big yard sale in a couple of weeks which is a good fund raiser but I don’t know if they have a permit. Mrs. Locke was informed that non-profit organizations are exempt of having a permit.
Mrs. Locke also addressed our Belpre City Schools and the importance of passing a levy in May for survival. We are in bad financial shape. We are considered a rich city because of Kraton. We need your help. I will send out an email when our next meeting is. The meetings are held at the fire station.
Ms. Abdella called a Finance/Audit committee meeting on April 9, 2018 at 7PM to discuss the length of contract with ProCare.
Mr. Campbell stated that the appropriations that we passed tonight is $250,000 over what we are going to bring in this year. With that being said I would like to challenge council and the administration to think of ways we can potentially fix this issue going forward for next year.
Mrs. Shutts stated that he wants to have a meeting and come up with a solution to get EMS back in-house.
Mrs. Miller called a Police and Fire Committee meeting for Wednesday April 4th at 6PM in Council Chambers for the purpose of discussing a solution to get EMS back in house. We would like to extend an invitation to the fire chief.
ADJOURN:
Mr. Campbell made a motion to adjourn at 8:41 PM. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting.