June 08, 2015
Council President Mr. Neff called the Regular Meeting of the Council of the City of
Belpre, Ohio, to order at 7:30 p.m. The roll was called with the following members
present: Ms. Abdella, Mr. Gilbert, Mrs. Miller, Mr. Newberry, and Mr. Robinson
present. Also present were Mayor Lorentz, Safety Service Director Mr. Ferguson,
City Auditor Miss Pittenger, City Law Director Mr. Webster and Clerk of Council Mrs.
Meredith. Absent from the June 08, 2015 meeting was City Treasurer Miss Martin,
Council persons; Mrs. Marshall and Mr. Martin.
At this time, Mr. Neff asked that everyone please stand for the prayer and remain
standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. Mr. Neff gave the invocation.
Mrs. Miller made a motion to accept the minutes of May 11, 2015 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 May 14th I accepted Fire Chief Eric Sinnett’s
resignation as Chief. Eric really gave no reason other than time commitments. Eric has
done a good job as Chief and will be missed. Mr. Ferguson and I will work the process to
obtain his replacement.
As of May 20th I swore in Asst. Chief Tony Cronin and James Mason as Interim Chief
until such time Mr. Ferguson and I have time to come to a decision on an appointment.
Three people have expressed a desire to move up.
As of now we are waiting on test results from our Police Chief test. We had two
Sergeants take this test; results will be approximately 10 days coming. Next council
meeting should be interesting as we should be able to announce promotions.
The Mayor’s Partnership for Progress met in Belpre on the 14th. Sheriff Mincks was our
speaker for the evening. The sheriff was very interesting and his talk generated many
questions from the group.
The Marietta Chamber held a question and answer session with the City Manager of
Dickinson North Dakota on Friday May 15th. A lot of our elected officials were there as
well as Chamber members and the Port Authority. Hopefully we are still alive for the
cracker plant in Washington W.V.
Relay for Life was held again at Civitan Park. The park looked beautiful and all seemed
to enjoy their time of fund raising and remembrance. It is my understanding that the
group met their goal for 2015. Congratulations!
1
CAS Cable sent a letter stating they were beginning to sell service and advertising in the
City of Belpre. On the 18th of May I sent the letter to our Law Director so that a Notice
of Franchise Fee could be directed to their company.
Sergeant Williams and I attended a training session for the Everbridge Communications
System on Friday May 15th. Dispatcher Hubbard and I again attended another session on
May22nd. Council, we need to make up our minds soon if we are to participate. This can
be quite an addition for emergencies and alerts for our city.
Memorial Day Ceremonies were held at Leavitt’s again this year. Our Legion Post done a
very good job on the program as usual. Our local Legion Post really casts a good light on
our city.
We have received new pledge cards for the Southeastern Ohio Port Authority. The
current invoice completes our three (3) year commitment but I ask council to renew for
another 3. The Port has been instrumental in Belpre acquiring some grants for
development as well as The Alcazar Property, The hospital development, Middleton Doll
and others. The commitment remains the same $2,500 per year. Unless I hear different I
will budget for next year.
Safety-Service Director Mr. Ferguson added to the Mayor’s Report by stating that one
of our city workers has been in Intensive Care for almost a week and they have since
taken him on to Columbus. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.
The cost of the Everbridge Communication System is $2,800. It is my understanding that
this system will alert the community when there is a disaster. It will do everything but
knock on your front door.
I would also like to thank the police force for recovering a stolen car. They also caught a
robbery suspect from Parkersburg. Later on in the week they were able to apprehend the
robber from Peddler Junction. The robber walked by the city building and past the
Mayor and SSD. They caught a photo of him on camera.
The Inaugural Highland Games were held this past weekend. It was exciting to know
that we had someone attempt to throw 76 ft. for the World Record. It didn’t happened
however it was a great attempt right here in Belpre.
The green containers will be available on June 22, 2015 for recycling. Put all your
recycle material in it. It doesn’t have to be sorted. Mr. Ferguson had a display of
recyclable items. The start of the new trash pick up is now. Trash will be picked up on
Thursday and Friday’s. The last day for the 30 yard dumpster at Civitan Park is June 26,
2015. By that time everyone should have his or her green trash can.
We are making the final touches on the contract with Kimball and Company. It appears
that we will have a 26% increase on the overall contract. The other two companies that
we looked at had a 50% increase or higher. I think we are getting a heck of a deal, as
2
there is no limit on the amount of trash that they will take.
City Auditor Miss Pittenger informed Council that she was requesting council to
approve a transfer of $220,000 from the general fund to the street fund and a transfer of
$35,000 from the general fund to the pool fund. This would be a total of $255,000
transferred out of the General Fund.
These amounts were both included in revenue and expenses in all three funds in the
permanent appropriations approved by council earlier this year.
This action needs a voice vote to be recorded in the minutes.
Ms. Abdella made a motion for a voice vote on the transfer of funds. A vote was taken
with all members of council present voting aye.
The adjustment report has been made available on the Council Reports page of the
website. I am requesting council approve the adjustments made in May.
Ms. Abdella made a motion to accept the Adjustment Report for the month of May. A
vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
In the absence of the Treasurer I ask that council approve the treasurer’s cash report for
the month of May. A signed copy is on the Clerk of Council’s desk.
Ms. Abdella made a motion to accept the Treasurer’s Cash Report as presented. A vote
was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
July 20 and July 21st, judges will be in town judging Belpre in Bloom.
Lastly, the State Auditor’s report and Belpre’s audited financial statement are currently
on the website. For the second year we have been awarded the Ohio Auditor of State
Award for excellence in financial reporting.
City Law Director Mr. Webster reported that he has with him this evening two-pieces
of legislation that needs council action: A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE TAX
BUDGET FOR THE YEAR 2016 and A RESOLUTION DECLARING THE
ESTIMATED AGGREGATE AMOUNTS OF PUBLIC FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR
DEPOSIT DURING NEXT FIVE (5) YEARS FOR DESIGNATION OF PUBLIC
DEPOSITORY.
Treasurer Miss Martin was absent. Miss Pittenger presented her report under the
Auditor’s Report.
Communications and Petitions:
Mr. Neff assigned to the Finance/Audit Committee A RESOLUTION ADOPTING
3
THE TAX BUDGET FOR THE YEAR 2016 and A RESOLUTION DECLARING
THE ESTIMATED AGGREGATE AMOUNTS OF PUBLIC FUNDS AVAILABLE
FOR DEPOSIT DURING NEXT FIVE (5) YEARS FOR DESIGNATION OF
PUBLIC DEPOSITORY.
Report of Standing Committee:
Ms. Abdella, Finance Audit Committee reported that her committee met prior to this
evenings meeting for the purpose of discussing Clandestine Drug Labs and
Boulevard Sands right away. It was the decision of council to add Clandestine Drug
Labs to the next agenda and they will meet prior to the next meeting of council to
further discuss the property in question located at the East End of Boulevard Sands. Ms.
Abdella called a Finance/Audit Committee meeting for June 22, 2015 at 6:45 PM for
the purpose of discussing property in question located at the East End of Boulevard
Sands. They will meet at the Boulevard Sands property. Ms. Abdella made a motion
to add to tonight’s agenda for first reading A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE
TAX BUDGET FOR THE YEAR 2016 and A RESOLUTION DECLARING THE
ESTIMATED AGGREGATE AMOUNTS OF PUBLIC FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR
DEPOSIT DURING NEXT FIVE (5) YEARS FOR DESIGNATION OF PUBLIC
DEPOSITORY. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Gilbert, Police and Fire Committee had no report.
Mr. Martin, Streets, Sidewalk and Storm Sewer was absent. No report was given in
his absence.
Mr. Robinson, Utilities Committee had no report.
Mrs. Marshall, Parks and Recreation Committee was absent. No report was given in
his absence.
Mr. Newberry had no report for Planning and Zoning Committee.
Mr. Newberry had no report for Economic Development Committee.
Mr. Neff asked Mr. Newberry if he had been in contact with Bob McCloy to talk about
a game plan for Economic Development. Mr. Newberry had not been in contact with
him. Mayor Lorentz was to get Mr. Newberry his phone number.
Mrs. Miller, Rules Committee had no report. Mrs. Miller reported that she attended
the Athens to Belpre Rail Trails. A map is located in the Chamber Office if you would
like to see how the trails would run.
Unfinished Business: None
4
Persons Appearing Before Council – Agenda items only. None
Unfinished Business: None
New Business:
Ms. Abdella brought before council for first reading A RESOLUTION DECLARING
THE ESTIMATED AGGREGATE AMOUNTS OF PUBLIC FUNDS AVAILABLE
FOR DEPOSIT DURING NEXT FIVE (5) YEARS FOR DESIGNATION OF
PUBLIC DEPOSITORY. 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 ADOPTING
THE TAX BUDGET FOR THE YEAR 2016. A vote was taken with all members of
council present voting aye. This will lie over until the next meeting of council.
Mr. Neff requested the approval by voice vote on the variance on the height
regulations as per Ordinance 1149.02 located at 1451 Boulevard Drive. Ms. Abdella
made a motion for the approval. A vote was taken with all members of council
present voting aye.
Persons Appearing Before CouncilMike Meredith, 1102 Blennerhassett Avenue addressed council about a 5-10 year
contract with the new cable company.
Mr. Robinson made a motion to excuse Mrs. Marshall and Mr. Martin from this
evenings meeting. Both members had contacted the President of Council and were
excused. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye.
Mr. Webster informed council that the Depository Agreement must be completed by
August 10th, 2015.
Mr. Neff asked if there were any comments from council. Hearing none.
Adjourn
Mr. Robinson made a motion to adjourn at 8:15. A vote was taken with all members
of council present voting aye.
____________________________________
____________________________________________
Will Neff, President of Council
Kimberly S. Meredith, Clerk of Council
5
6