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. 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. Absent from the meeting was Councilman Martin.
At this time, Mr. Neff asked that everyone please stand for the prayer and remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mrs. Marshall made a motion to accept the minutes ofApril 23, 2012as presented and by pass the reading. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Reports of City Officials
Mayor Lorentz presented his report:
On April 24th I met with a group of Belpre residents to discuss scholarships to the I Believe Leadership Camp that Pat Cline started. The enrollment is $250.00 per student and the High School Principal will choose the recipients. If anyone on council is interested in sponsoring I have information that could be sent to you.
Mr. Ferguson and I met with the Planning and Zoning Committee to discuss numerous issues. Mr. Ferguson will expound on these during his report.
The Belpre Tree Commission and Belpre in Bloom worked in the green space at theMemorialBridge. A tree was planted to commemorate Arbor Day and my wife read a proclamation I prepared for the day. Miss Pittenger cleaned and weeded the beds at theSr.Center, and she along with my wife and I cleaned, mulched and planted the beds at our Street Department garage. Thanks to the Woman’s Club we cleaned, weeded and readied the gazebo all before prom night for the kids.
The Tree Commission traveled to Chillicotheon May 2nd to accept ourTreeCityU.S.A. award for 2012. This year marks 16 consecutive years we have been successful in attaining this award.
On Monday May 7th, I was able to attend the RSVP Awards at the O’Neill Center inMarietta. Our Sr. Volunteers really set the standard when you start talking about volunteerism.
On Wednesday of last week, I received the deed to the northern most end ofFlorence Street. It seems that this has remained with the state since the four-lane went through leaving a couple houses land locked. The roadway and small portion of ground is already being maintained by the city. You will see no change in responsibility.
Mr. Ferguson, Leonard Wiggins and I met with Dr. Anderson and a contingent from Marietta Ambulance service. They would like to contract with us in some capacity to assist with ambulance service for our residents as well as the new hospital facility. We meet again on Wednesday to discuss the options. If the Police and Fire Chairman would like to join us please let me know.
The Annual Ox Roast at Oxbow was held on May 12. Belpre Rotary done a wonderful job as usual providing this year’s golf outing. All proceeds from this will provide community improvements and scholarships for area seniors.
Belpre will again host the WWWmeeting on the 16th of May in these chambers. If you wish to attend, the meeting will start promptly at10 AM.
Today I attended the ground breaking ceremony for a new People’s Bank facility inVienna. The new building will be in front of the Lowe’s Store.
The facilities at the Farson Streetcomplex continue to grow. The last word I received is the Urgent Care Facility opens May 21st. Our intersections at Farson and Braun are moving at a pretty good pace with some traffic issues each day. Our widening part of the project goes to sale in March of 2013 with construction starting in May. This timing is ODOT’s schedule and should be correct. This will put the brunt of construction during the time school is out for summer break
On Sunday I met the owner of the old motel. During the conversation he assures me the buildings will be torn down and property sold. This will be an amazing improvement to our downtown when this is complete.
The Electrical rate for our aggregation is still up in the air. As soon as Fred Holmes has a concrete price he will be here to explain to council.
Belpre will be getting three students to assist with the parks and street department this summer. This program is good training for the youth as well as an asset to our city.
The Fire Chief has asked me to add Charles Chandler to their roles as a fire fighter. Mr. Chandler lives within our city and wants to serve. The manpower will allow this addition and I ask for a voice vote to accept tonight.
Washington County Sheriff Larry Mincks is with us tonight and I would like to give him the floor at this time.
Sheriff Mincks conferred honor to Safety-Service Director Dave Ferguson who has graduated from the Ohio Police Officer Academy and was #1 in his class. Mr. Ferguson did an outstanding job for which I am very proud of him. At this time I would like to swear in Mr. Ferguson as a Special Deputy. I am in hopes to put him in our narcotics unit.
Safety-Service Director Mr. Ferguson asked thatDana Road be added back on to the committee assignments.
The Planning and Zoning Commission has met to discuss several different issues. They are as follows:
1. 1450 Blvd Dr. is asking for a 5 feet Variance on the rear of the lot to build a house.
2. 405 John Streetis requesting a variance on the C-3 zoning restrictions to operating an Auto Repair business.
3. The Historical Society would like to build a new building next to the Historical Society.
4. Andrew Hughes, #4 Fifth Streetwanted to add a 21 ft roof to an unattached roof. This was turned down by the commission.
There will be a Public Hearing at7:00 p.m.prior to the next council meeting to discuss the above. Mr. Ferguson will send out letters to neighbors within 100 feet of each request.
Mr. Ferguson briefly discussed the Mid-Ohio Valley Work Camp. These folks will be painting (6) homes in Belpre at no cost. If you know of anyone that can use this service please contact theChurchofChrist.
City Auditor Miss Pittenger invited everyone to Wendy’s on Tuesday evening to help support Belpre in Bloom. Once again they are doing a fund raiser to help with there projects. Anyone that can donate their time please feel free to help.
I am passing out forms for anyone wishing to attend the Auditor’s Exit Conference. You must sign and date the form.
Tonight, I ask that the Fee Schedule collected in 2012 be approved by council.
Pool rates were announced. There will also be a Community Free Day held on May 25th, 2012 at the pool.
City Law Director Mr. Webster announced that the deed for the property at the end ofFlorence Streetis at the court house and is being assigned a tax parcel. This must be dedicated as a city street. I would like to also thank the Mayor for coming to opening day at the ball field.
Treasurer Mr. McAfee had no report for the Treasurer’s Office. Mr. McAfee announced that the circus is coming to town on July 4th, 2012. Mr. McAfee spoke about Belpre Lion’s scholarships and Safety-Town.
Communications and Petitions:
Mr. Neff announced that he was in contact with Mr. Fred Holmes and he has asked for some time at the next meeting of council to discuss the Electrical rate for our Aggregation.
Report of Standing Committee:
Ms. Abdella reported that the Finance Audit Committee met prior to council meeting to discuss the water line project, use of funds and the necessity of the legislation. Ms. Abdella stated that this piece of legislation must be passed this evening. At this time Ms. Abdella made a motion to approve the Fee Schedule for 2012. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Sinnett, Police and Fire Committee had no report. Mr. Sinnett asked the time of the meeting with the Marietta Ambulance Service. The time is1:15 a.m.on Wednesday.
Mr. Wallace had no report for Streets, Sidewalks and Storm Sewer. Congratulations to Mr. Ferguson.
Mr. Robinson had no report for the Utilities Committee. Congrats to Mr. Ferguson.
Mr. Martin, Parks and Recreation Chairman, was absent. No report given.
Mrs. Marshall had no report for Planning and Zoning Committee
Mrs. Marshall had no report for Economic Development. Mrs. Marshall congratulated Mr. Ferguson.
Mr. Newberry had no report for the Rules Committee. Congrats to Mr. Ferguson
Persons Appearing Before Council – Agenda items only. None
Unfinished Business:
Ms. Abdella brought before council for second reading AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF A NOTE TO FINANCE INSTALLATION OF NEW WATER LINES. 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 third reading of AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF A NOTE TO FINANCE INSTALLATION OF NEW WATER LINES. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Ms. Abdella brought before council for third reading AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF A NOTE TO FINANCE INSTALLATION OF NEW WATER LINES. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Ms. Abdella moved this be Ordinance 7, 2012-2013 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 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AUTHORIZED MANPOWER FOR CALENDAR AND FISCAL YEAR 2012.
Ms. Abdella made a motion to amend C2 to 1 and C1 to 0. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
A vote was then taken on AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF A NOTE TO FINANCE INSTALLATION OF NEW WATER LINES as amended. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye. This will lie over until the next meeting of council.
A motion was made to allow ODOT to add guardrails to 618. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Persons Appearing Before Council:
None
Adjourn:
Mr. Robinson moved to adjourn at8:16 p.m. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.