July 19, 2021 Council Minutes
ST. CLAIRSVILLE CITY COUNCIL
July 19, 2021 Meeting
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 their attendance.
ROLL CALL:
Basile HERE Oprisch HERE
Bukmir HERE Sabatino HERE
Butler ABSENT Smith HERE
Jordan HERE Six (6) Present One (1) Absent
MINUTES: President Velas confirmed all councilmembers received the minutes from July 5th Council meeting. Councilwoman Oprisch made a motion to approve the minutes from July 5, 2021 Council meeting; motion seconded by Councilman Basile.
ROLL CALL:
Basile YES Oprisch YES
Bukmir YES Sabatino YES
Butler ABSENT Smith YES
Jordan YES
Roll Call Vote: Six (6) YES Zero (0) NO One (1) Absent Minutes Approved
NEW BUSINESS: Mr. Terry Pugh thanked Council for allowing him to speak tonight about concerns for the East End Project. Mr. Pugh stated in 1960, St. Clairsville connected to Belmont County 6″ Waterline due to a drought. When turned on, it reversed the flow of the City’s water and sediment in the lines went into family services lines. The line was then turned off and has not been in service for over 30 years. Mr. Pugh stated this information was provided by former Mayor Vincenzo. In 2017, the 18″ waterline from the Reservoir was only 2.5 to 3″ open in diameter. The City had the line flailed and the line was opened to an average 7″ diameter. The plant was then able to reach daily production of 600,000 gallons in an 20hr day shift. Previously, it was working 24hrs and the City was getting water from the County at the West End hookup. Approximately 2000 the City installed a 12″ waterline to Route 9 to connect to the County. The City contracted with the County for 350,000 gallons a day if needed. Mr. Pugh stated when he was Mayor from 2016 to 2019, the County was never able to provide it when the City needed it. On May 26, 2021 at the Belmont County Commissioner’s meeting, Kelli Porter gave an update on the Water Sewer Project. Robert DeFrank, The Intelligencer, article stated “meanwhile the Little McMann Creek Road Pump Station, costing 1.25 million dollars, is about 15% complete. Porter said the pump station near the Richland Township Garage isn’t effective enough. The pressure gets so low that it starves the pump, and you can’t push out what you can push in. We moved it down and tripled the compacity. This will feed the whole West side of the system. We need more water out that way and we have a demand for it. The first phase of the waterline will include 3 miles of 16″ and 24″ lines along Ohio Route 9 at a cost of 3 plus million dollars. This will also allow the County to provide water to the City of St. Clairsville, who plans to purchase County water.” Mr. Pugh stated the article does not mention anything about the East End Connection. Mr. Pugh asks Council to review this project and hire an independent engineer to review it. Mr. Pugh stated if we have a 12″ line now and the City is looking to get an 8″ line, this will be equaling 20″ of line usage. Mr. Pugh stated with 2 hookups the City will need 2 Master Meters, and there is discussion to add a Chlorine Injection System for the East End which will require a Class 1 license. Mr. Pugh stated he is concerned because it coming from 1 plant and from existing wells and if there is a glitch in the plant or the wells the City isn’t going to get water.
Councilwoman Oprisch asked for clarification that Mr. Pugh suggests to hire and independent engineer to review the project; Mr. Pugh state yes.
Councilman Basile stated we are being pushed by the EPA to decommission our water plant. We are moving away from ground water because of the potential toxicity. The EPA is looking for regionalization and want us with the County. Mr. Basile stated our hand was force to move with the County. The EPA mandated us to have a secondary hookup for water with the City; we have the current one at the Water Plant, but since we have to move to County water, we have to have that East End hookup. We need a primary and a secondary back up. Mr. Basile stated it doesn’t mean we are using them both at the same time, but we need that secondary in case there is an emergency or one goes down. Mr. Basile stated he understands the history and the trial and error that has occurred but the City is at a point in Utility history where options are off the table. The direction the City is going with the County is within EPA statue. Mr. Basile stated we could have a second review from an independent engineer but he believes we have had a good set of people review this, including water department employees, Jeff Vaughn, other engineers, and County engineers. Mr. Basile stated all who have reviewed have the same prospective and believe this is the best decision. Mr. Pugh stated Bethesda, Belmont, and Morristown have only 1 hookup. Mr. Basile stated it’s not that 2 hookups will be used at the same time, but as an emergency hookup. Mr. Basile stated on occasion it will be turned on to exercise it out and make sure it is working. The EPA is mandating the 2 hookups. Mr. Basile stated we are moving as fast as we can with this project. Mr. Greenwood stated the back-and-forth with the water flowing in the other direction is a valid point and is something they are looking into, but they are also looking into replacing the distribution system.
Jeff Vaughn, City’s engineer, stated the 2 connections are required from the County. Having one connection for a system this large doesn’t make sense. The County wants flexibility where they can put water in the City from 50% either end or 100% the other. The issue at the Water Plants Booster Station will be solved by the McMann Booster being relocated. This was explained to past administration, it would have never worked and it never did hydraulically. The East End Connection comes from a different part of the Belmont County Transmission System. The water will circle around the community, it gives a 50/50 blend of whatever is needed to benefit the County and the community. Hydraulics can be fed to this community very easily by a Phillips tank which is up by Undo’s. This will become a key tank that will float the water into town at the same elevation uptown. All piping on the East End is in Phase 1 replacement project and will be brand new 8″ pipe. The present booster station that feeds County water into the system was built in 2007. This has a new Chlorine Booster pump station in it with gas. This will be necessary to add if needed if there is low residual in the fringes of the system. Presently the fringes do have problems. The Class 3 operators of the City suggested to put Booster in the East End Connection. When they sample various points, they will be able to maintain chlorine on the fringes. That was a requirement of the operators because they know their system. That was put in there to parallel what was already at the Water Plant Booster Station. This is a downgrade impoundment that have a lot of influence by upland septic system, highways, etc. as the area becomes more developed. It is not a good long-term solution for a growing community. The EPA wanted you to address the long-term solution that was never done or answered. Recent pictures of the break that Jeremy showed me, there is no distribution system of any consequence, is nothing by pipe that is tuberculated half way shut or more. Nothing was done on it and that is the focus to replace the system within the next 5-10 years and to distribute the water safely to the residents. Making your own water with Class 3 Operators for the long term isn’t a solution for a small community. Letting the bigger suppliers do the treatment and the distribution and City individuals maintain the system is what makes sense for a small community. Mr. Greenwood stated we currently have 2 Class 3 Operators under employment right now.
Councilwoman Jordan stated Council use to receive the correspondence from the EPA and wanted to know if they be informed; Mr. Greenwood stated he will forward it to Council. Councilman Basile state it uses to be a stack of violations. Mr. Greenwood stated there hasn’t been much but he will make sure Council receives a copy. Mr. Pugh stated that you can get anything virtual from the EPA website. Councilman Basile stated he has been on the website and stated it is very easy and always updated.
REPORTS: Mayor Kathryn Thalman reports she has participated in food truck Friday, Second Saturday, and Woofstock at the Amphitheater. Mayor has received complaints about grass not being tended to and reminds citizens to cut and maintain your lawns; letters will be sent out for residents who do not comply. Mayor has met with several business owners and received several thanks for the 4th of July parades. Mayor spoke with Congressman Johnson again and reminds him that St. Clairsville needs infrastructure money. He stated money should be coming soon from the federal government and they are keeping an eye out for additional grants involving infrastructure. Mayor attended an East Ohio Regional Hospital board meeting and reports more physicians and nurse practitioners have been hired; the hospital there is a plasma and blood product shortage. There will be a blood drive on August 25th at the hospital; Mayor John Davies [Martins Ferry] and the Mayor have a friendly competition between Martins Ferry and St. Clairsville regarding donations that day. Mayor attended a Rec Board meeting and met with the Law Director on upcoming legislation and City matters. Mayor congratulated the Police department on 2 large drug busts.
Service Safety Director Jeremy Greenwood reports he is still working on coordinating paving streets and other work. Mr. Greenwood is working on a public records request regarding a property on the East End of the City. Mr. Greenwood has found information on the 1929 Water tank; he has the 2016 Inspection Report, 2001 Inspection Report, 2019 Asbestos Abatement, and 2019 Demo Cost Estimate available for copies. Mr. Greenwood has participated in several meeting, including with a citizen had questions regarding electric meter, South Park meeting, employee on an issue, HR lawyer, bid opening for East End Connection, AEP, Law Director, and Council member on an issue. Completed projects, include EPA notification on a few issues, South Park Community meeting, fixed sewer lines for Rec Center, and repaired lights at the Rec Center. Mr. Greenwood stated they are still working on concreting curbs, sidewalks, and driveways; this has started today and are still adding to the list. Upcoming projects, include NIMS training [National Incident Management System], looking at the Inflow and Infiltration Control Plan, and advertising for the new Rec Center Director position; taking applications and resumes and have received 4 applicants so far. The Rec Board will recommend the candidate to Council. Building projects still in progress, include working on deed for fire building to Cumberland Trail Fire District, most touchless fixtures are installed in the City, working on the touchless fixtures for the Rec Center restrooms, Train Station renovations [Belmont College Building Preservation/Restoration Program], Utility access road, and updating Administrative Policies and Procedures. Mr. Greenwood stated that the electric bill has increased because the purchase power adjustment rate [0.067%] is the highest it has ever been; adjusts monthly due to the AEP upgrade to their services and the other energy provider [AMP] has had some renewable energy costs increased. Electric department is removing old wires on Henderson Hill, East Sub Station work, service work, new services work, disconnects, and equipment repairs on bucket truck. Mr. Greenwood stated there was water discoloration and found a water line break near the interstate [working with ODOT]; flushing the hydrants to help with discoloration, estimated to take a week to flush the system. Mr. Greenwood stated they are starting on the West end of town and working their way East; he reminds residents to not wash laundry the day they are in the area. Residents are informed the water is safe but to run water 10-30 seconds to flush water of discoloration. Water/Wastewater department has received violation notice from the EPA for only completing 3 of April’s 6 monthly bacterial test; the City has put procedures in place to ensure this to not happen again. Mr. Greenwood stated we had 2 water line breaks and bacterial tests were performed after the breaks, but these cannot be used as one of the 6 monthly tests. The EPA was contacted after, and they directed to take an additional 3 test in May; no test came back positive and all tests are completed. Citizens will be notified first if there ever was an issue. Water/Wastewater department are also working on Main Plant blower replacement. East End Connection bids were under engineers estimate; we have an OMEGA grant for $155,000 and approximate loan of $147,363 Ohio Water Development Authority. The Water Distribution System has had 28 breaks in the year 2021; last year had 33 breaks for the entire year.
Street department crews are mowing, hot patching streets and alleys, repairing equipment, and street sweeping. Rec Center has a fishing tournament next month, concert series on going, and working on South Park. Police department has submitted application for grant for body cameras, looking into speed bumps, and has made additional drug busts. Mr. Greenwood wanted to recognize a citizen who save a life but want to remain anonymous. Mr. Greenwood report we have had 30% water loss for the month of June.
Councilwoman Oprisch asked what steps we are taking to ensure tests aren’t missed again; Mr. Greenwood state they are working with the Operator of Record to ensure all 6 tests are taken. Test can be taken at any time during the month. Operator of Record is responsible to make sure all 6 tests are taken or he has to take them. Councilwoman Oprisch asked the status on the deed for the fire district; Law Director Elizabeth Glick stated it is in progress but needs to be finalized, and it she will have something next meeting. Councilwoman Oprisch asked the status on paving; Mr. Greenwood stated he is getting the bid package together, and hoping next Council meeting it will be advertised. Councilwoman Oprisch asked if we can update where the crews are working on the website; Mr. Greenwood said residents can contact the Utilities office on the status of flushing the hydrants. Councilwoman Oprisch asked how far the crews got today; Mr. Smithberger stated they got a good start today after lunch.
Police Matt Arbenz reports the department joined the Ohio Small Police Department Association; this will allow access to cost-effective and regional training, stronger voice at the Attorney General office, review justice assistance grant applications, and equipment sharing and donation opportunities. Chief Arbenz reports the forms for the body camera’s have been submitted. Chief Arbenz stated “What to Do and Expect when Pulled Over by Police” has been posted on the City website for residents to review. The Street department has found 2 bicycles at the Bike Trail; Chief Arbenz stated they are developing a bicycle registry to help return bicycles to their owners and help the officers have a positive interaction with kids.
Finance Director Annette Williams stated the Budget Ordinance needs passed tonight for 2022 budget and is due to the auditor’s office tomorrow. Ms. Williams stated the City is receiving $269,262 recovery money from the federal government; Ms. Williams is registering to get the money and should then be approximately 10-12 days to receive the money.
Councilwoman Oprisch asked if there are guidelines for spend this money; Ms. Williams stated there is a booklet emailed to her that explains spending guidelines. Ms. Williams stated they are looking at infrastructure.
Planning & Zoning Administrator Tom Murphy reports at today’s Planning Commission meeting, the board approved the final site plans for the CFM Express [188 E. Main St.]. Next Planning Commission on August 16th at 6pm will review the Bell Store project.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Finance Chair Mike Smith: Councilman Smith reports the budget is due to the County tomorrow. The City is expected to receive $269,000 and will receive guidelines on how the money can be spent. Councilman Smith reports that the City will need approximately $147,363 loan [Ohio Water Development Authority] for the East End Water Connection; the City received a $155,000 grant. The audit is not completed due to short staff in Ohio, but the City will have a post-audit meeting with the auditors when completed.
Utilities Chair Terra Butler [absent]: No report.
Police Chair Beth Oprisch: Councilwoman Oprisch reports at July 12th committee meeting they reviewed the grant application for the body cameras and joining the Ohio Small Police Department Association. Councilwoman Oprisch stated they discussed were training opportunities, concealed carry class for City employees, ordinance for grass clippings in the street, vacancy for parking enforcement, parking signs on Hanson, and parking cameras on the Bike Trail. Next meeting is August 9th at 7 pm in Council Chambers.
Streets – North Side Chair Perry Basile: No report.
Streets – South Side Chair Frank Sabatino: No report.
Safety Chair Frank Sabatino: No report.
Building and Grounds Chair Perry Basile: Councilman Basile reviewed the updating of the Train Station. Councilman Basile is planning a Building and Grounds meeting in 2 weeks; date will be published soon.
Councilman Smith asked the timeline for the Train Station; Mr. Greenwood stated Belmont College is doing the free work and the City is looking into grant options. Mr. Greenwood stated with losing the opportunity to rent the building on S. Sugar, grants will be needed to complete projects.
Planning Commission Chair Frank Sabatino: No report.
Fire Chair Frank Sabatino: Councilman Sabatino reports at July 13th they approved the tax budget for 2022, added 2 full-time and 1 part-time employee, and authorized the Chief to apply for a FEMA grant with 5% match. Councilman Sabatino reports assistant Chief put together a mid-year Cumberland Trail report summary [January 1st-June 30th]. Next meeting is August 25th at 3pm at the Main station.
Recreation Chair Linda Jordan: Councilman Jordan stated Jr. Angler [age 4-13] is August 4th and can register online or in-person. Flag football [grades 1st-6th] sign ups can register online. Councilwoman Jordan asked everyone to come support tomorrow’s concert performed Copper Creek, a St. Clairsville graduate and a large supporter of the concert series.
President Velas asked if the St. Clairsville track meet will be rescheduled; Councilwoman Jordan stated they are no longer looking to reschedule.
Park District Chair Linda Jordan: No report.
ORDINANCES & RESOLUTIONS: Law Director Elizabeth Glick addressed three pieces of legislation before Council.
A motion was made by Councilwoman Oprisch that the rules requiring three separate readings be suspended on Ordinance 2021-17 and that the ordinance be passed on an emergency basis; seconded by Councilman Basile.
Ordinance No. 2021-17 AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF ST. CLAIRSVILLE, OHIO FOR THE CALENDAR YEAR 2022, AND DECLARING AND EMERGENCY.
ROLL CALL:
Basile YES Oprisch YES
Bukmir YES Sabatino YES
Butler ABSENT Smith YES
Jordan YES
Roll Call Vote: Six (6) YES Zero (0) NO One (1) ABSENT Rules requiring three separate readings suspended
Vote to pass Ordinance No. 2021-17:
ROLL CALL:
Basile YES Oprisch YES
Bukmir YES Sabatino YES
Butler ABSENT Smith YES
Jordan YES
Roll Call Vote: Six (6) YES Zero (0) NO One (1) ABSENT
A motion was made by Councilman Basile that the rules requiring three separate readings be suspended on Ordinance 2021-18 and that the ordinance be passed on an emergency basis; seconded by Councilwoman Oprisch.
Ordinance No. 2021-18: AN ORDINANCE DETERMINING THE LOWEST AND THE BID FOR THE EAST END BELMONT COUNTY WATER CONNECTION AT ST. CLAIRSVILLE EAST CORPORATION LINE IN THE CITY OF ST. CLAIRSVILLE AND AWARDING THE CONTRACT TO THE JAMES WHITE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY OF WEIRTON, WEST VIRGINIA, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
ROLL CALL:
Basile YES Oprisch YES
Bukmir YES Sabatino YES
Butler ABSENT Smith YES
Jordan YES
Roll Call Vote: Six (6) YES Zero (0) NO One (1) ABSENT Rules requiring three separate readings suspended
Vote to pass Ordinance No. 2021-18:
ROLL CALL:
Basile YES Oprisch YES
Bukmir YES Sabatino YES
Butler ABSENT Smith YES
Jordan YES
Roll Call Vote: Six (6) YES Zero (0) NO One (1) ABSENT
Ordinance No. 2021-19: A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY COUNCIL TO INCREASE THE COMPENSATION OF SOME OF ITS EMPLOYEES AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
EXECUTIVE SESSION was recommended by Law Director Elizabeth Glick per ORC 121.22 (G)(1) to discuss personnel.
A motion was made by Councilman Smith to enter Executive Session; seconded by Councilwoman Jordan.
ROLL CALL:
Basile YES Oprisch YES
Bukmir YES Sabatino YES
Butler ABSENT Smith YES
Jordan YES
Roll Call Vote: Six (6) YES Zero (0) NO One (1) Absent
Executive session entered at 8:51 pm.
Councilwoman Oprisch made a motion to exit Executive Session and resume open Regular Session; seconded by Councilman Sabatino. Regular Session resumed at 9:24 pm.
ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to come before Council, Councilman Sabatino made a motion to adjourn; seconded by Councilman Smith. Meeting adjourned at 9:25 pm.
Next meeting will be Monday, August 2nd, 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.