City Council Minutes
The Regular Meeting of the Council of the City of Belpre, Ohio was called to order by Council President Mr. Neff at 7:30 p.m. with Mr. Neff welcoming everyone to this evening’s meeting. The roll was called with the following members present: Ms. Abdella, Mr. Baker, Mrs. Boso, Mrs. Marshall, Mr. Robinson, and Mr. Sinnett present. Also present were Mayor Lorentz, Safety-Service Director Mr. Ferguson, City Auditor Miss Pittenger, City Law Director Mr. Webster, and Treasurer Mr. McAfee. Absent from the July 25, 2011 meeting was Councilman Mr. Martin 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 Mayor Lorentz.
Mrs. Marshall made a motion to accept the minutes of July 11, 2011 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 Mr. Ferguson and I did meet with the Farson Street developer as well as the Port Authority on July 12th. The project is progressing well but, we really need to start the process of relocating the western fire house. This is an issue that will need resolved in a timely manner to appease all involved.
We hosted the monthly Mid-Ohio Valley Mayor’s Association on July 13th at the Sr. Center. Everyone had a very good time and a delicious meal prepared by our own Becky Hennen.
The Mayor’s Partnership for Progress invited Sgt. Michael Powell to speak on the drug issues that plague our area. Sgt. Powell if you remember was here a couple years ago at my request. Do you believe it is time to address this problem again? If so, I will try to schedule an evening and place for these folks to present to everyone interested. The Right Path for Washington County is also holding a town hall style meeting to address the same issue on the 27th of this month.
Our Chamber of Commerce held a breakfast meeting on July 22nd with around 20 business owners and members in attendance. It is interesting and concerning when all have the same story. As with most of the country our small business are hanging on but profiting little. Please remember this while shopping or dining out.
Belpre Homecoming is just around the corner. Mr. Ferguson has the work on Civitan Road complete so we must take care not to damage it while setting up the booths and trailers. The Homecoming committee has worked very hard to provide enjoyable entertainment and delicious food for all to enjoy. Opening Ceremonies are Thursday August 4th at 6PM at the Gazebo
Council I would like to add Craig Meredith to the fire department membership list. Chief Frank assures me he is still within the manpower limits. I will provide and updated list for next month’s meeting.
I have provided each member a list of programs that will be lost or reduced through Community Action. One of the lost services will be the nurse that visits each Monday for immunizations etc.
Mr. Ferguson reported that on July 31, 2011, officials for the City of Belpre received a letter from representatives of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region V and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), which summarized their findings during a Community Assistance Visit (CAV) of the City which was conducted on December 3, 2009.
During the Community Assistance Visit on December 3, 2009 it was determined that property owned by you is located in the flood plain area, as designated in the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) dated February 16, 2006, as well as the previously effective FIRM, dated August 1st, 1980.
In addition, it was determined that your property may be in violation of the City of Belpre Floodplain Damage Reduction Ordinance 1309.01-1309.06. FEMA and ODNR are insisting that the City of Belpre take action to remedy all such violations. To better understand the possible violation/s and possible resolution/s to your individual situation, it would be best to discuss your case in person. Please contact me at the City Building (740)423-7592 to make arrangements to meet with me.
In some cases, completing a “Flood Hazard Area Development Permit Application” (attached) may be the most efficient way to document the majority of the required information. Please complete this permit application and bring it with you when you meet with me.
Proper administration of the City’s floodplain management regulations, including enforcement provisions, must occur to allow residents and business in the City to continue to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
I look forward to working with you to arrive at a mutually agreeable resolution of this problem.
City Auditor Miss Pittenger reported that before you this evening is worksheets showing the 2011 2nd Quarter Expenses vs. Revenue Comparison for the City of Belpre. Also provided was the Utility Adjustment Report from 06/01/2011 to 06/30/2011 awaiting approval. Mr. Robinson made a motion to accept the Utility Adjustment Report as presented. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
City Law Director Mr. Webster discussed foreclosure of property related to a loan from the Washington – Morgan County Community Action.
Treasurer Mr. McAfee reported that a copy of the June 2011 Treasurer’s Report is before you this evening awaiting council approval. Mr. Robinson 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 reminded everyone that the Mental Health Levy would appear on the ballot in November.
Communications and Petitions:
Mr. Neff announced that he had received the following correspondences.
- Letter from David E Brightbill, Executive Director, regarding Family Planning or Child and Family Health Services grants for the period July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012. The letter states that they were unable to fund our proposal.
- Received also was a flyer titled Positioning Appalachia Economic Growth Strategies for Success. Learn about industry trends and opportunities in Appalachia. Register now at 740-593-1786 or email craycraf@ohio.edu. The Networking reception will be held August 9, 2011 and the Conference on August 10, 2011.
- Assigned to Mrs. Boso Committee was the use of the tower to allow school to use for an antenna and the sale of city property.
- Everyone should also have a Calendar of Events for our Senior Citizens for the Month of August.
Report of Standing Committee:
Ms. Abdella reported that the Finance/Audit Committee met prior to this evening’s meeting to discuss change in the tax legislation. The legislation is to be ready for the next meeting of council.
Mr. Baker, Police and Fire Committee had no report. Mr. Baker thanked the administration for replacing the flags.
Mrs. Marshall had no report for Streets, Sidewalks and Storm Sewers.
Mr. Robinson had no report for the Utilities Committee.
Mr. Martin, Parks and Recreation Committee was absent. No report was given in his absence.
Mrs. Boso had no report for Planning and Zoning Committee.
Mrs. Boso had no report for Economic Development Committee. Mrs. Boso announced that she was calling a committee meeting for August 8, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. for the purpose of discussing the tower and the sale of city property.
Mr. Sinnett, Rules Committee had no report.
Persons Appearing Before Council – Agenda items only.
Richard G. Briggs, 2520 Underwood Drive, Belpre, Ohio appeared before council opposing Aggregation. A copy of his presentation is on file.
Unfinished Business:
Mr. Robinson brought before council for third reading A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE A GOVERNMENTAL AGGREGATION SERVICE AGREEMENT. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Robinson moved this be Resolution 40, 2010-2011 and duly passed. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
New Business:
Mr. Sinnett made a motion to accept Craig Meredith as a member of the Belpre Volunteer Fire Department. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mrs. Marshall made a motion to excuse Mr. Martin from this evening’s meeting. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Persons Appearing Before Council:
Mr. Fox, 316 Walnut Street appeared before council regarding potential property uninhabitable next door to his property. The house address would be 318 Walnut Street.
Also discussed was the total loss of the Cities Health Nurse. Citizens will now have to go the County Health Nurse for immunizations etc. It was also discussed contracting with Athens County for a potential Health Nurse.
Adjourn:
Mr. Robinson moved to adjourn. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.