July 13, 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. Marshall, Mr. Martin, Mrs. Miller, Mr.
Newberry, and Mr. Robinson present. Also present were Mayor Lorentz, Safety
Service Director Mr. Ferguson, City Auditor Miss Pittenger, and City Law Director
Mr. Webster. Absent from the July 13, 2015 meeting was City Treasurer Miss Martin
and Clerk of Council Mrs. Meredith.
Mrs. Marshall made a motion to accept the minutes of June 22, 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 The Chamber of Commerce held a quarterly luncheon on
June 23rd, hosted by Marietta Memorial. Marietta Memorial announced their newest
expansion at our Belpre campus. Steel is going up and all looks good at this point.
As reported earlier we had prepared an ARC Grant for Farson Street water supply and a
generator at the sewer plant. The generator did pass the test and will move to the next
round. I should have word of authorization the week of the 20th.
Mr. Ferguson and Chief Williams have hired a new recruit for the police department.
This gentleman is with us this evening, and I would like to swear him in as a new officer
for our city.
Along with the new officer we have hired a new employee who started today as a laborer
II with the city. Please welcome Austin Ford as our newest employee when you see him.
Before we meet again the judges will be here from America in Bloom. The weather has
not cooperated but with some cooperation from volunteers we will be ready. Please give
your neighborhoods a quick look and if you can, make sure we are ready for visitors.
Safety-Service Director Mr. Ferguson congratulated the newest patrolman Jason
Campbell. Then Mr. Ferguson explained the intergovernmental insurance plan for the
pool. This is a plan that is used by a group of cities to achieve better rates. This should
be approximately a $6,000 a year savings for the city. The Law Director has prepared the
legislation and I would like to have it passed as soon as possible.
City Auditor Miss Pittenger reported that the adjustment report has been posted to the
website and a signed copy has been given to the clerk. She would like the adjustment
report approved at this time. Mrs. Marshall made a motion to approve the adjustment
report as presented. A vote was taken with all members of council present voting aye
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except for Mrs. Miller whom voted nay.
City Law Director Mr. Webster had no report at this time.
Treasurer Miss Martin was absent. City Auditor Ms. Pittenger presented the Cash
Report with a request to approve as presented. Ms. Pittenger stated that a signed
copy of the report has been given to the Council Clerk Protem for file. Ms. Marshall
made a motion to accept the Cash Report as presented. All seven members of
council present voted aye. Motion passed.
Communications and Petitions:
Council President Mr. Neff assigned to committee A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING
THE SAFETY SERVICE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL
CONTRACT FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE PUBLIC ENTITIES POOL” to the
Finance Audit Committee for consideration. He encouraged that this be placed on
the next meeting agenda for first reading.
Report of Standing Committee:
Ms. Abdella, Finance Audit Committee had no report at this time however she
questioned the Safety Service Director about all the equipment outside the sewer
plant and if the funds to install the generator that was mentioned in the Mayor’s
Report had been included in the Grant proposal. The Mayor stated that the funds
were included in the Grant proposal to install the generator.
Mr. Gilbert, Police and Fire Committee had no report.
Mr. Martin, Streets, Sidewalk and Storm Sewer had no report. Mr. Martin thanked
the Street Department for checking the storm drains prior to the recent heavy rains.
Mr. Robinson, Utilities Committee had no report.
Mrs. Marshall, Parks and Recreation Committee had no report.
Mr. Newberry had no report for Planning and Zoning Committee.
Mr. Newberry, Economic Development Committee had no report. Mr. Newberry
stated that he had attended the Economic Development Meeting held by the Belpre
Chamber of Commerce. He also requested that Bob McCloy be allowed to speak
during the next council meeting regarding Economic Development.
Mrs. Miller, Rules Committee had no report, but stated that she also had attended
the Economic Development Committee Meeting.
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Persons Appearing Before Council – Agenda items only. None
Unfinished Business:
Mr. Gilbert brought before council for third 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.
Mr. Gilbert moved this be Resolution 18, 2014-2015 and passed. A vote was taken
with all members of council present voting aye. Motion passed.
Mr. Gilbert brought before council for third reading A RESOLUTION ADOPTING
THE TAX BUDGET FOR THE YEAR 2016. A vote was taken with all members of
council present voting aye.
Mr. Gilbert moved this be Resolution 19, 2014-2015 and passed. A vote was taken
with all members of council present voting aye. Motion passed.
New Business: None
Persons Appearing Before CouncilElizabeth Wile 1598 Lois Street Belpre voiced her concern related to “Lake Lois”
water run off from Park Drive to Lois Street. Her concern was about the water
runoff plan for the property adjacent to the City Building. She requested to see the
plan.
Sue Christman 310 Florence Street Belpre voiced concern related to property on
Florence Street that has junk tires, weeds, barrels with an unknown substance, and
rodents encroaching on her property. A copy of her statement was given to the
clerk and is on file in Council Chambers.
Mrs. Miller asked if any complaints had been received about the Kimble Company
and trash being left in the street once trash collection was completed. The Mayor
and Safety-Service Director stated they would follow up with the Kimble Company.
No complaints had been received. They also stated that the owner had been in the
City with his personal vehicle picking up citizens trash that had been missed. He
also stated they are trying very hard to provide good service even during their
staffing issues.
Adjourn
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Mr. Robinson made a motion to adjourn at 8:30. A vote was taken with all members
of council present voting aye.
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Will Neff, President of Council
Kimberly S. Meredith, Clerk of Council
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