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, Mrs. Miller, Ms. Riffle and Mr. Shutts present. Also present was Mayor Lorentz, City Auditor Miss Pittenger, City Prosecutor Mr. Andrew Webster, and Treasurer Mr. Smith. Absent from the March 12, 2018 meeting was Safety-Service Director Mr. Cross, City Law Director Mr. Webster, Councilman Mr. Gant 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.
Ms. Riffle made a motion to accept the minutes of February 26, 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 March 1st I attended an Open House at Hopewell. The counseling center is very well laid out and busy. Belpre is blessed to have this resource so close.
On March 2nd I helped judge the High School science fair. It seems the projects this year improved from last year. We met some very nice teen age students with a bright future.
The PM Company has asked for a variance on their property for the next phase of construction. This is a minor change that only effects their land. If any action needs taken by council I will get all the Info. To Mr. Webster for council action.
Our water department employees are installing a new water line on Mead Street where we have heard so many concerns. Hopefully this will be complete this weeks and issues resolved.
The Parkersburg Easter Parade is on April 24th at 2PM. As you know this runs the length of Market Street.
Our American Legion Post 495 has communicated to me that the new veteran’s walk in front of Howe’s Grove is now added to the National Veterans website. It will now be able to be seen worldwide with some 1500 memorials. Our veterans are proud of this as we all should be. www.legion.org/memorials.
Council, you have the paperwork for Pro-Care to continue as our ambulance service. If we choose to go with another LLC there are a lot of un-answered issues to resolve. This cannot lay on our desks for very long as our contract is soon to run out. Let me know ASAP so to work out an extension or whatever.
My family and I appreciate all the concern during the time of my Fathers passing. It was nice of you to come to the funeral home or call.
A representative from Pierce Fire Trucks is in attendance this evening along with Chief Cronin to explain the process started to obtain a new truck for Belpre. John Finley was present to answer any questions. Ms. Abdella stated that she would like Chief Cronin to address what he is looking for so we know what to ask Mr. Finley. The truck’s purchase is expected to be made from Finley Fire Equipment of McConnelsville through funds generated by the emergency services levy approved by voters in November. Chief Cronin stated that he is looking for a truck that does everything that our engine truck does now. He would also like it to pump water from our hydrants and provide foam. Mr. Cronin stated that the cost of the truck is $499,000 with an approximate $20,000 discount. A question was asked if there were any Federal Grants available that could help defray the cost of the truck. According to Mayor Lorentz he had not yet checked about this but planned to do so. Ms. Riffle asked if there is any additional training required on the new truck. According to Mr. Finley there is additional training and it would be provided at no additional cost. They also asked if the truck would fit in our fire house. According to Chief Cronin it would fit in Station 1. Ms. Abdella asked how long it would take to get this truck. Mr. Finley informed Ms. Abdella that the trucks are built to order and would take 10-11 months to complete once the contract is approved and signed. Chief Cronin stated that the lettering would come with the truck and some of the equipment on the old truck will be transferable to the new unit. The city would then be required to put the old truck out for bid, although not much is expected to be received in bids for it due to its age.
Safety-Service Director Mr. Cross was absent. No report was given in his absence.
Miss Pittenger announced that we have the February Adjustment Report before us this evening that needs council approval. Copies appear on the back table and the report appears on-line. I also have placed literature on the back table in regards to the IRS Dirty Dozen for you to see. These are schemes that are out there to take peoples returns. There is a link that gives specific information. Also the Mayor of Marietta lost his wife last week. Her funeral is Saturday if anyone would like to send Mayor Matthews a card. Ms. Abdella made a motion to accept the February Adjustment Report as presented. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Neff announced that he has signed off on the bank reconciliation.
City Law Director Mr. Webster was absent. Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Webster had no report.
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. Mr. Smith stated that he would like council to approve the Treasurer’s Report for February as presented. Miss Pittenger stated that the Capital Fund 301 receives money when Income Tax is collected up to $250.000. The General fund collects 60% and the Capital Fund collects 40%. Ms. Riffle made a motion to accept the report as presented. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Communications and Petitions:
Mr. Neff assigned the following to committee:
Ms. Abdella – Finance/Audit Committee – Note to Finance Generator for Treatment Plant and Contract with Washington County for Dog Warden Services.
I was also handed a contract from Mike Matheny regarding EMS. This was assigned to Ms. Abdella.
Report of Standing Committee:
Ms. Abdella Finance Audit Committee had no report. Ms. Abdella called a Finance/Audit Committee meeting for Wednesday March 14th at 6PM for the purpose of discussing EMS contract and the final appropriations, generator and the dog warden.
Mrs. Miller, Police and Fire Committee had no report. Mrs. Miller called a Police and Fire Committee meeting for Thursday, March 15 at 6PM for the purpose of discussing false alarms and nuisance calls.
Mr. Campbell, Streets, Sidewalk and Storm Sewer had no report. Mr. Campbell made a motion to add to tonight’s agenda A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SAFETY-SERVICE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH THE WASHINGTON, SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Gant Utilities Committee was absent. No report was given in his absence.
Mr. Shutts, Parks and Recreation Committee had no report.
Mrs. Drake Planning and Zoning Committee had no report.
Mrs. Drake asked what the date was for the grant writer. Mayor Lorentz stated that once the appropriations are passed it would be the following month.
Mrs. Drake, Economic Development Committee had no report.
Ms. Riffle Rules Committee had no report.
Persons Appearing Before Council – Agenda items only. None
Unfinished Business: –
Ms. Abdella brought before council for second reading ANNUAL APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE FOR CALENDAR & FISCAL YEAR 2018. Mr. Campbell commended the Auditor, Mayor and Safety-Service Director for coming up with a proposed budget that works for the city. Mr. Shutts asked when the permanent appropriations expire. According to the Auditor they expire May 31, 2018. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye. This will lie over until the next meeting of council.
Mr. Campbell brought before council for second reading A RESOLUTION FOR THE RESURFACING PROJECT OF SR32/MAIN STREET. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Campbell moved to suspend the rule of council on three different days to allow for the third reading of A RESOLUTION FOR THE RESURFACING PROJECT OF SR32/MAIN STREET. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Campbell brought before council for third reading A RESOLUTION FOR THE RESURFACING PROJECT OF SR32/MAIN STREET. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Campbell moved this be Resolution 3, 2018-2019 and duly passed. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
NEW BUSINESS:
Mr. Campbell brought before council for first reading A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SAFETY-SERVICE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH THE WASHINGTON, SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT. Mr. Neff stated that this is something we are required to do. Ms. Abdella asked what the cost of the contract was. According to Mr. Campbell the cost is $16,317. Miss Pittenger stated that it went up two percent. 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 ESTABLISHING AUTHORIZED MANPOWER FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2018. Ms. Abdella stated that the manpower will remain at 38 the same as last year. This must be passed by end of first quarter. 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:
Linda Shutts of Walnut Street addressed the IRS Scams. She stated that they have come in on some friend’s private messages also.
Bill Locke of Tuttle Street asked if we are borrowing money to pay for the fire truck. He was informed that yes we are.
Bill Locke of Tuttle Street asked if we are paying for the resurfacing of Main Street. According to Mr. Neff a portion of it is paid for by the FHA (Federal Highway Association). We will pay only 3% that will come out of our Permissive Tax Funds. The money has already been budgeted.
Bill Locke of Tuttle Street asked what other paving projects will happen this year. Mr. Cross was absent but Mr. Campbell stated that he didn’t think there would be any other paving projects done this year.
Mayor Lorentz stated that Mr. Cross is at a class this evening for the Washington County Soil and Water Conservation District.
Mr. Campbell made a motion to excuse Mr. Gant from this evenings meeting. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.