June 7, 2021 Council Minutes
Once approved, a link to the official council minutes will be at the bottom.
ST. CLAIRSVILLE CITY COUNCIL
June 7, 2021 Meeting
[Teleconference format in compliance with temporary changes to Ohio’s Open Meetings Act]
Jim Velas, Council President Kathryn Thalman, Mayor
Perry Basile, Council, 1st Ward Jeremy Greenwood, Public Service/Safety Director
Mark Bukmir, Council, 3rd Ward Don Smithberger, Super. of General Services
Terra Butler, Council, 4th Ward Annette Williams, Finance Director
Linda Jordan, Council-At-Large Matthew Arbenz, Chief of Police
Beth Oprisch, Council-At-Large Tom Murphy, Planning & Zoning Administrator
Frank Sabatino, Council 2nd Ward Elizabeth Glick, Law Director
Mike Smith, Council-At-Large
The meeting was called to order by Council President Jim Velas at 7:30 pm. President Velas led Council in the Pledge of Allegiance. Members of the public were thanked for listening.
ROLL CALL:
Basile HERE Oprisch HERE
Bukmir HERE Sabatino HERE
Butler HERE Smith HERE
Jordan ABSENT Six (6) Present One (1) Absent
MINUTES: President Velas confirmed all councilmembers received the minutes from May 17th Council meeting. Councilwoman Oprisch made a motion to approve the minutes from May 17, 2021 Council meeting; motion seconded by Councilman Basile.
ROLL CALL:
Basile YES Oprisch YES
Bukmir YES Sabatino YES
Butler YES Smith YES
Jordan ABSENT
Roll Call Vote: Six (6) YES Zero (0) NO One (1) ABSENT Minutes Approved
REPORTS: Mayor Kathryn Thalman extended her gratitude to the service men who stormed the beach in Normandy 77 years ago on D. Day. Mayor, Debbie Reed, and Sean Hanley met with Tina Morris, grant writer, who specialized in federal grants and will help with the CARES Act. Mayor had several meetings, including OMEGA Virtual meeting, GIG broadband regarding the fiber optic cable in town, Arbor Day celebration, Breen McNally for ASFCME contract, Mayor’s Court on May 26th, morning Rotary regarding Community Day, and representatives of the ARC regarding a fundraiser they will be sponsoring on August 7th. The Chamber of Commerce and various people arranged an Independence Day celebration on July 3rd at 10am; if you want to volunteer contact Jenn at 740-695-1324. Mayor reports the Community Garden is open and to contact the Rec Center to rent a space for $30. Mayor participated and presented a proclamation to Belmont College for their 50th Anniversary. Mayor and Mr. Murphy looked at properties that need attention and will receive letters from the City to mow. Mayor participated in a Memorial Day service at the Union Cemetery. Mayor met with Mr. Velas and Law Director Elizabeth Glick on City matters. JB Green Team will be holding a tire recycling collection on June 12th from 9-2 pm at the Belmont County Fair Grounds.
Councilman Sabatino read a letter from his son in the Air Force:
Today, I am reminded of heroism and courage of the men on D. Day 77 years ago. Without their bravery, American birthdays and baseball games would look a lot different than they do today. Grateful today and everyday for their sacrifice to secure our freedom. “Strengthened by their courage, heartened by their valor, and born by their memory, let us continue to stand for the ideals for which they lived and died.” -Matthew Ridgeway.
Service Safety Director Jeremy Greenwood reports he participated in several meetings, including OMEGA Executive board meeting, Belmont County GIG (Fiber Optic Company), Law Director on various projects, monthly Rec Board meeting, St. C Arbor Day celebration, summer help interviews, interviews for the Police Department’s Administrative Assistant position, Breen McNally for AFSCME contract, Mayor’s Court, a citizen for the Memorial Park Trail, RCAP web casts for Water Asset Management, and a local car dealership on truck bids. Trees on Main St. have been cleaned up and the AFSCME contract has been signed. JB Green Team will be holding a tire recycling event on June 12th from 9:00-1:00 pm at the Belmont County Fair Grounds. Mr. Greenwood stated they are doing concrete curb repairs and looking at the inflow and infiltration control plan; sending out downspout letters and will be doing smoke test this summer. Building projects still in progress, include renting building [S. Sugar] to Belmont County Soil and Water, the fire department building to Cumberland Trail Fire District, touchless fixtures for the City and Rec Center restrooms, Train Station renovation, Utility window awning, updating the Administrative Policies and Procedures, and dam repairs. Electric department have power line relocation on Henderson Rd., AEP Sub Station, new services, utility locates, service work, trimming trees, replacing poles, powerline work, and transformer repairs. Water/Wastewater are getting quotes to fix fence, blower replacement on the West End, West End beds are stone and sanded, legislation for bids on the East End Connection, replacing hydrant on East Lawn, meter readings, quotes on valve replacement, testing sampler for e coli, 4 gas detectors in, and clarifier and deodorizer fully functioning. Mr. Greenwood states they are setting up procedures due to 3 Bac “T” test were missed in April. Street crews have replaced light pole on Main and Marietta, mowing, prepping flower baskets, hot patching streets and alleys, equipment repairs, and sweeping the streets. Rec Center is hosting Community Day on June 26th; if interest in volunteering please contact the Rec Center. The Rec Center will have summer basketball 3 nights a week until June 24th. Red Devil Classic track meet will be June 26th at 8 am; registration is available online. Rec Center is hosting a fishing tournament this summer, all concerts are booked, working on South Park, and they are taking reservations. Police department had an incident on the Bike Trail and reminds all residents to be aware of their surroundings and to call 9-1-1 immediately if something happens. Tonya Hutchison was hired as the new Police Administrative Assistant. The Employee of the Month for June 2021 is Bob Beckett with the Street Department; he has worked at the City for 12 years, safety oriented, works well with others, good job maintaining our equipment, AFSCME Union Rep, working towards Waste Water 1 license, and removed bees for the City. Mr. Greenwood thanked all who have served and sacrificed on D. Day.
Councilman Sabatino asked if we have any funding for the East End Connection; Mr. Greenwood stated yes, we have $150,000 grant and the rest will be a loan.
Councilwoman Oprisch asked what we are reviewing with the playground; Mr. Greenwood stated they are looking to fix the basketball court and potential more updates. Mr. Greenwood stated they are hoping to involve the community on these improvements and their input. Councilman Sabatino stated he went to a community meeting at South Park and the community is very interested in helping and being involved with planning.
Police Matt Arbenz Not present. Mr. Greenwood reports there were 297 calls, 13 accidents, 5 arrests, 6 warrants served, 5 domestics, 58 traffic stops with 3 cited.
Finance Director Annette Williams reports the annual 2020 financial report has been filed with the state auditor on June 1st by Julian & Grube; Ms. Williams can email a copy to Council. Ms. Williams stated the 2020 audit is still ongoing and she is still providing information to them. Ms. Williams stated the legislation for tonight is regarding needing more money for the water loan than originally budgeted. Ms. Williams and Mr. Greenwood plan to meet with the departments and plan for midyear finances and will have a report of expenditures and receipts at the next Finance committee meeting. Ms. Williams stated she will have the 2022 budget for next committee meeting, and it will need passed before July 15th.
Planning & Zoning Administrator Tom Murphy reports he met with the representative of the Bell Stores regarding their Planning Commission submission and will be submitting final plans soon. The Board of Zoning Appeals met on May 20th with 5 items on the agenda and all variances were approved. CFM Express are getting ready to submit their final plan to the Planning Commission. A new business, Health Markets, will be at 110 East Main Street.
Councilwoman Oprisch asked if we have an update on the census status; Mr. Murphy stated we are still expecting the results at the end of September.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Finance Chair Mike Smith: Councilman Smith report that he has not had anyone interested in being on the RITA board [Board of Tax Review], but he reached out to 2 people, Jason Garczyk and Lynn Jeffries, who are willing to serve. Councilman Smith stated he would like to vote on both tonight. Councilman Smith reports he has a meeting with the annual regional Council of Governance on June 17th.
Councilman Smith made a motion to vote Jason Garczyk to the City RITA board; motion seconded by Councilwoman Oprisch.
ROLL CALL:
Basile YES Oprisch YES
Bukmir YES Sabatino YES
Butler YES Smith YES
Jordan ABSENT
Roll Call Vote: Six (6) YES Zero (0) NO One (1) ABSENT Motion Approved
Councilman Smith made a motion to vote Lynn Jeffries to the City RITA board; motion seconded by Councilwoman Basile.
ROLL CALL:
Basile YES Oprisch YES
Bukmir YES Sabatino YES
Butler YES Smith YES
Jordan ABSENT
Roll Call Vote: Six (6) YES Zero (0) NO One (1) ABSENT Motion Approved
Utilities Chair Terra Butler: Councilwoman Butler stated at tonight’s meeting they reviewed credit requests and Council needs to vote on the June’s monthly $50 reconnect fee. Councilman Smith asked if we know how many the reconnect fee effects; Utility Manager Anita Robinson stated during the peak of Covid it effected 50 residents and now it effects 35-40 residents. Ms. Robinson stated with more funding available, numbers are down. Councilman Basile asked if we reinstate the reconnect fee can it be reverted if we have another peak in the pandemic.
Councilman Butler made a motion to reinstate the $50 reconnect fee; motion seconded by Councilwoman Basile.
ROLL CALL:
Basile YES Oprisch YES
Bukmir YES Sabatino YES
Butler YES Smith YES
Jordan ABSENT
Roll Call Vote: Six (6) YES Zero (0) NO One (1) ABSENT Motion Carried
Police Chair Beth Oprisch: Next committee meeting will be in person in Council Chambers on June 14th at 7 pm.
Streets – North Side Chair Perry Basile: Councilman Basile stated there was a sewer line break and he commended the workers and their efficiency.
Streets – South Side Chair Frank Sabatino: No report.
Safety Chair Frank Sabatino: No report.
Building and Grounds Chair Perry Basile: Councilman Basile stated they have been reviewing the plans for the South Park and want to get the community involved in the plans. Councilman Basile stated he was meeting with Mr. Greenwood and Gabe Hayes on Wednesday regarding the Master Plan. Councilman Basile stated they are arranging a committee meeting for Tuesday, June 15th at 7:30 pm, and asked if Councilman Sabatino would attend due to South Park being in his ward.
Planning Commission Chair Frank Sabatino: No report.
Fire Chair Frank Sabatino: Councilman Sabatino reported at the meeting, May 19th, they discussed personnel, contract approval between Cumberland Trail and the adjoining fire districts, and updating equipment with the Federal Cares Act funding. Next meeting will be at the fire station on June 16th at 3 pm.
Recreation Chair Linda Jordan: Not present.
Park District Chair Linda Jordan: Not present.
ORDINANCES & RESOLUTIONS: Law Director Elizabeth Glick addressed four pieces of legislation before Council.
Ordinance No. 2021-11 AMENDING CODIFIED SECTION 337.20 (ORC 4513.22) TO ADD LANGUAGE REGARDING THE USE OF ENGINE BRAKES (JAKE BRAKES) WITHIN THE MUNICIPALITY AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
ROLL CALL:
Basile YES Oprisch YES
Bukmir YES Sabatino YES
Butler YES Smith YES
Jordan ABSENT
Roll Call Vote: Six (6) YES Zero (0) NO One (1) ABSENT Motion Carried
Resolution No. 2021-12 RESOLUTION HIRING JASON DUVALL AS SUPERINTENDENT OF THE WASTE WATER DEPARTMENT AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
ROLL CALL:
Basile YES Oprisch YES
Bukmir YES Sabatino YES
Butler YES Smith YES
Jordan ABSENT
Roll Call Vote: Six (6) YES Zero (0) NO One (1) ABSENT Motion Carried
A motion was made by Councilman Basile that the rules requiring three separate readings be suspended on Resolution 2021-14 and that the ordinance be passed on an emergency basis; seconded by Councilwoman Bulter.
Ordinance No. 2021-14 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SERVICES TO ADVERTISE FOR BIDS AND ACCEPT BIDS FOR THE EAST END BELMONT COUNTY WATER CONNECTION AT ST. CLAIRSVILLE EAST CORPORATION LINE AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
ROLL CALL:
Basile YES Oprisch YES
Bukmir YES Sabatino YES
Butler YES Smith YES
Jordan ABSENT
Roll Call Vote: Six (6) YES Zero (0) NO One (1) ABSENT Rules requiring three separate readings suspended
Vote to pass Ordinance No. 2021-14:
ROLL CALL:
Basile YES Oprisch YES
Bukmir YES Sabatino YES
Butler YES Smith YES
Jordan ABSENT
Roll Call Vote: Six (6) YES Zero (0) NO One (1) ABSENT Motion Carried
A motion was made by Councilwoman Oprisch that the rules requiring three separate readings be suspended on Resolution 2021-15 and that the ordinance be passed on an emergency basis; seconded by Councilwoman Bulter.
Ordinance No. 2021-15 AN ORDINANCE TO MAKE SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE NORMAL EXPENSES AND OTHER EXPENDITURES OF THE CITY OF ST. CLAIRSVILLE, STATE OF OHIO, FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY 1, 2021 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2021 AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
ROLL CALL:
Basile YES Oprisch YES
Bukmir YES Sabatino YES
Butler YES Smith YES
Jordan ABSENT
Roll Call Vote: Six (6) YES Zero (0) NO One (1) ABSENT Rules requiring three separate readings suspended.
Vote to pass Ordinance No. 2021-15:
ROLL CALL:
Basile YES Oprisch YES
Bukmir YES Sabatino YES
Butler YES Smith YES
Jordan ABSENT
Roll Call Vote: Six (6) YES Zero (0) NO One (1) ABSENT Motion Carried
ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to come before Council, Councilwoman Oprisch made a motion to adjourn; seconded by Councilwoman Butler. Meeting adjourned at 8:28 pm.
Next meeting will be Monday, June 21, 2021 at 7:30 pm. All Councilmembers will be present at the City building for the next meeting. Members of the public are welcome to join the in-person meeting in the Council Chambers.