City of Belpre Council Minutes
The Regular Meeting of the Council of the City ofBelpre,Ohiowas called to order by Council President Mr. Neff at7:30 p.m.with Mr. Neff welcoming everyone to this evening’s meeting. The roll was called with the following members present: Ms. Abdella, Mrs. Marshall, Mr. Martin, Mr. Newberry, Mr. Robinson, Mr. Sinnett and Mr. Wallace present. Also present were Mayor Lorentz, Safety-Service Director Mr. Ferguson, City Auditor Miss Pittenger, City Law Director Mr. Webster, Treasurer Mr. McAfee and Clerk of Council Mrs. Meredith.
At this time, Mr. Neff asked that everyone please stand for the prayer and remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. The invocation was given by Mrs. Marshall.
A motion was made by Mrs. Marshall to accept the minutes ofSeptember 23, 2013as presented and by-pass the reading. Mr. Newberry pointed out a correction to the minutes on Page 3, under Mr. Newberry’s report. The minutes should state that Mr. Newberry reported that he had received verbal communication fromRocklandUnitedMethodistChurchthat they are no longer interested in theMemoryGardens. A vote was taken on the amended minutes with all members of council present voting aye.
Reports of City Officials
Mayor Lorentz’s report.
Negotiations with the Police Department have begun. We met on Tuesday October 8th with representatives of the union and our employees. Tonight I would like an executive session to discuss the tentative agreement between the city and Local 400.
Between ODOT, Dominion, and Shelley and Sands we are receiving a few change orders on the Farson St. Project. With some cost savings thanks to the PM Company, fence work, and under drains etc. ODOT believes it will be a wash. We should see enough savings to off-set the added costs of change orders. The new completion date is nearer the middle of November.
Council, we have concluded the interviews for dispatcher. At this time I would ask for you to consider adding a part-time dispatcher to our manpower. As you know we have always ran with just four on the payroll. In my opinion this puts us in jeopardy should an employee abruptly quit or be off for extended periods of time. The addition of a relief person or part-time person will place us in a much better position to serve our area. The addition of a relief person should be no added cost to the city even through the training period due to only three on staff at this time. The Police Chief and dispatch officers would manage the schedule like the others. We are also in the process of interviews to find a replacement for Officer Jobes. Jim elected to retire and will conclude employment with us on December 15th. The department is also down an officer due to a non work related injury of one of our officers.
A new roster of volunteer firemen is on your desk tonight. I ask that you approve this tonight, and notice two new recruits. Added to the list are Dustin Maze, and Felishia Maze. These folks have been accepted by our fire department.
Along with the Apple Butter Stir-off I also attended and took part in the chili cook-off in Parkersburgon Saturday October 12th. It seemed like it would be fun until they explained 4 Gallon of chili was needed. We also managed to visit the open house at the fire house.
Government Day this year is December 9. If you can give part of your day at least it could make all the difference in the success of this exercise. Lunch is atnoonat theSr.Centeras in the past. Please let us know for dinner reservations.
Tonight you have a resolution explaining a new billing procedure for our fire department, city and MCA. This has been the topic of conversation for months, and I believe that between the finance chair and administration it is the best method of retaining around the clock coverage for our squad. We need to act quickly if you agree so that the contract changes can be made.
Safety-Service Director Mr. Ferguson reported that this evening he has two zoning request. The first property is located at715 Sycamore Street where the old car wash is located. This has been a car wash since 1967. I am requesting a voice vote or an agreement to make this piece of property commercial. There is a mistake on the cities Mylar Zoning Map that I would like to have corrected. The property has been purchased by a successful person and he would like to build storage buildings in that area but needs this correction made before he can do so. This property should have been shown as commercial on the Mylar Map however it shows residential. Mr. Webster stated that he had reviewed the zoning and he feels that it should have been listed as commercial all along and that the Mylar Map just needed corrected. At this time, Mrs. Marshall made a motion to correct the zoning error on the map to reflect commercial property. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye. The second zoning request is located at405 John Street. It has been requested to change the zoning to R2, residential.
I would like to have a Public Hearing regarding this request either prior to the next meeting on October 28, 2013 or prior to the council meeting on November 11, 2013.. Mr. Webster is to get the names of area residents for Mr. Ferguson and they will let the clerk know when the Public Hearing will be.
City Auditor Miss Pittenger reported that I have placed before you this evening the 2013 Supplemental Appropriations and the Temporary Appropriations for 2014. The Temporary Appropriations are very vague because I have been trying to get the departments to tell me what their needs are however I have not received much information regarding this. It is my best guess for right now. Also on your desk is the third quarter report for the City ofBelpre, Budgetary Compliance. If anyone has any questions please feel free to ask. My biggest concern is the column that shows expenditures plus carryovers exceed appropriations plus carryover that all show okay. Also before you is the September 2013 Utility Adjustment Report that is awaiting approval by council. At this time, Ms. Abdella made a motion to accept the September Adjustment Report for 2013. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
City Law Director Mr. Webster thanked Jolene for the recognition of the Law Director’s Office. Mr. Webster also thanked all those whom attended the Apple Butter Stir-Off. The Police Prosecutors job continues to grow in Municipal Court. The Police Department continues to be active in the pursued of justice in our city. All but 2 court cases have been resolved in our city.
Treasurer Mr. McAfee reported that a copy of the September’s Treasurer Report is before you tonight awaiting council action. At this time 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. Mr. McAfee welcomed the students fromBelpreHigh School this evening.
Communications and Petitions:
Assigned to Committee was the following:
Finance/Audit Committee – Ms. Abdella – TEMPORARY APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE FOR 2014 and a Part-Time Dispatcher to our Manpower.
Police/Fire Committee – Mr. Wallace – New Fire Station on Farson for an exchange of Real Estate and Deed of Real Estate to Southeastern Ohio Port Authority.
Mrs. Marshall made a motion to accept the roster for the Belpre Volunteer Fire Department for October 2013. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Also received was a Community Letter in regards to Aggregation.
Mr. Neff also welcomed the students fromBelpreHigh School. Some of these students will be participating in Student Government Day.
Report of Standing Committee:
Ms. Abdella, Finance Audit Committee reported that her committee met prior to this evening meeting to discuss the Supplemental Appropriations. The Supplemental Appropriations appears on the Agenda for this evening. Ms. Abdella called a Finance/Audit Committee Meeting for7PMonOctober 28, 2013.
Mr. Wallace, Police and Fire Committee announced that he has been in contact with Chief Clevenger to discuss the Police Department and their needs. This was a very informational meeting.
Mr. Sinnett, Streets, Sidewalks and Storm Sewer had no report.
Mr. Robinson had no report for the Utilities Committee.
Mr. Martin, Parks and Recreation Committee had no report.
Mrs. Marshall, Planning and Zoning Committee had no report.
Mrs. Marshall, Economic Development Committee had no report.
Mr. Newberry reported that his committee met at6:30 PMthis evening to discuss Local Income Tax Payments throughRITA. It was the consensus of his committee to continue to make quarterly payments. Also discussed was Ground/Water Protection. It was in the Parkersburg News that Marietta Council has legislation that they are tweaking regarding theOhio RiverValley. I think that once they put it in place that we should review and possibly get a Wellhead Protection Ordinance in place for our Ground/Water Protection. There were also (7) of us that attended the Southeast Ohio Tree Care Conference.
Persons Appearing Before Council – Agenda items only. None
Unfinished Business: none
New Business:
Ms. Abdella brought before council for first reading TEMPORARY APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE FOR CALENDAR AND FISCAL YEAR 2014. Ms. Abdella stated that this piece of legislation would be discussed prior to the next meeting of council. Mr. Neff stated that this piece of legislation has to be in place before the beginning of the next year so that we can pay bills. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye. This will lie over until the next meeting of council.
Mr. Wallace brought before council for first reading A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND SAFETY-SERVICE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT REGARDING EMT SERVICE AND FEES. Discussion followed regarding the expectation for the squad. Mr. Sinnett Jr. stated that they would continue 8-4, M-F, until we see how much money comes in. At that time, we may add 2 additionalEMT’s to make6PM to 6AM coverage. Mr. Sinnett asked what would happen to the 20% that will be used for the squad vehicle once it was paid off. According to Ms. Abdella it would be used for other needs of the department. The city is to get enough funds to pay for squad and expenses. The additional 10% will be set aside for future purchases of new vehicles for the fire department. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye except Mr. Sinnett whom abstained due to conflict of interest.
Mr. Wallace moved to suspend the rule of council on three different days to allow for multiple readings of A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND SAFETY-SERVICE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT REGARDING EMT SERVICE AND FEES. Mr. Martin and Ms. Abdella both suggested that we go forth with the second reading only so that we can understand the legislation better. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye except for Mr. Sinnett whom abstained due to conflict of interest.
Mr. Wallace brought before council for second reading A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND SAFETY-SERVICE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT REGARDING EMT SERVICE AND FEES. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye except Mr. Sinnett whom abstained due to conflict of interest. This will lie over until the next meeting of council.
Mr. Wallace brought before council for first reading AN ORDINANCE REPEALING SECTION II OF ORDINANCE NO. 16, (2008-2009), REGARDING DISTRIBUTION OF INCOME FROM EMERGENCY MEDICAL TRANSPORT SERVICES. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye except Mr. Sinnett whom abstained due to conflict of interest.
Mr. Wallace moved to suspend the rule of council of three different days to allow for the second reading of AN ORDINANCE REPEALING SECTION II OF ORDINANCE NO. 16, (2008-2009), REGARDING DISTRIBUTION OF INCOME FROM EMERGENCY MEDICAL TRANSPORT SERVICES. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye except Mr. Sinnett whom abstained due to conflict of interest.
Mr. Wallace brought before council for second reading AN ORDINANCE REPEALING SECTION II OF ORDINANCE NO. 16, (2008-2009), REGARDING DISTRIBUTION OF INCOME FROM EMERGENCY MEDICAL TRANSPORT SERVICES. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye except Mr. Sinnett whom abstained due to conflict of interest. This will lie over until the next meeting of council.
Mr. Wallace brought before council for first reading A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND SAFETY-SERVICE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE AGREEMENTS WITH 601 PLAZA LLC, FOR A NEW FIRE STATION ON FARSON STREET AND FOR AN EXCHANGE OF REAL ESTATE. Discussion followed. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye except Mr. Sinnett whom abstained due to conflict of interest. This will lie over until the next meeting of council.
Mr. Wallace brought before council for first reading AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND SAFETY-SERVICE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE A DEED OF CERTAIN CITY REAL ESTATE TO THE SOUTHEASTERN OHIO PORT AUTHORITY FOR TRANSFER TO 601 PLAZA LLC. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye except Mr. Sinnett whom abstained due to conflict of interest. This will lie over until the next meeting of council.
Ms. Abdella brought before council for first reading A RESOLUTION SUPPLEMENTING YEAR 2013 APPROPRIATIONS. Discussion followed with an amendment needed. 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: none
Mr. Neff went over committee assignments removing Amounts and Rates as Determined by the Budget Commission from Ms. Abdella’s assignment.
Mr. Neff stated that at the end of the meeting we will go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing the Police contract. There will be no further business discussed at this evenings meeting.
Mr. Sinnett announced that onOctober 26, 2013at6:30 PMthere will be a Fire Department Parade fromParkersburgtoCivitanPark. Also the Belpre Fire Department will be selling t-shirts in observance of Breast Cancer Month. The shirts are $10.00 with $1.50 for each sale going to theStreckerCancerCenter.
Mr. Martin made a motion to go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing the Police Department. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Adjourn:
Mr. Robinson made a motion to adjourn. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.