October 18, 2021 Council Minutes
Once approved, a link to the official council minutes will be at the bottom.
ST. CLAIRSVILLE CITY COUNCIL
October 18, 2021 Meeting
Jim Velas, Council President Kathryn Thalman, Mayor
Vacant, 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:
Bukmir HERE Oprisch HERE
Butler HERE Sabatino HERE
Jordan HERE Smith HERE
Six (6) Present Zero (0) Absent
Councilwoman Oprisch made a motion to appoint Jennifer McMillen as interim Council Clerk; seconded by Councilwoman Butler
ROLL CALL:
Bukmir YES Oprisch YES
Butler YES Sabatino YES
Jordan YES Smith YES
Roll Call Vote: Six (6) YES Zero (0) NO
Motion Carried
MINUTES: President Velas confirmed all councilmembers received the minutes from the October 4th Council meeting. Councilwoman Jordan made a motion to approve the minutes from October 4, 2021, Council meeting; motion seconded by Councilwoman Oprisch.
ROLL CALL:
Bukmir YES Oprisch YES
Butler YES Sabatino YES
Jordan YES Smith ABSTAIN
Roll Call Vote: Six (6) YES Zero (0) NO One (1) Abstain
Minutes Approved
NEW BUSINESS: Council decided to have a Special Council Meeting on November 3, 2021, at 7:30 pm in the Council Chambers to appoint the Ward 1 Council Member elected by the voters in the November 2, 2021, General Election.
CITIZEN HEARING: No hearing
CORRESPONDENTS: No correspondents
REPORTS: Mayor Kathryn Thalman reported that she had spent many hours going over the dog ordinance in the Revised Code. The Mayor thanked all the food trucks who participated in food truck Fridays and looks forward to resuming it next year. The Mayor thanked the NAACP for the invitation to speak at their banquet at Belmont Hills Country Club. Service Director Jeremy Greenwood and the Mayor met with Jeff Greenwood from Wheeling Linen regarding services and pricing. A meeting with Debbie Reed at the Rec Department took place regarding the recent vandalism occurring in the City.
Service/Safety Director Jeremy Greenwood reported that crews painted the picnic tables and benches at the Rec Center to cover the recent vandalism. The EPA lead and copper monitoring have been completed. The City is still waiting for approvals from ODOT for the permanent waterline; there is currently no timeframe to when the approvals might achieve that. The Electric Department is looking at hiring two employees, resumes are being accepted for the positions. The West End Treatment Plant received a notice of violation for high ammonia levels; changes were made, bringing levels back to normal. The Street Department had 200 tons of salt delivered for the upcoming winter. For candidates who passed the civil service exam, the next step is the physical fitness test. The new radar sign has been delivered and is installed on Parshall Avenue. Mr. Greenwood congratulated Police Officer Yates and his wife on the birth of their newborn baby Layla.
Councilman Sabatino asked Mr. Greenwood if paving on Aneda Woods at an individual’s property would promptly take place before bad weather occurred. Mr. Greenwood stated that they are waiting for the individual’s curb to settle before paving begins; he hopes it will be paved before the end of the season. Furthermore, Councilman Sabatino reported that at 128 Toni Ln, a citizen’s driveway is rolling, causing him to scrap his car when exiting and entering his driveway. Mr. Greenwood stated that he would investigate it. Councilman Sabatino asked if there were plans for striping from Route Forty to Orchard Drive and Neffs Street for safety reasons. Mr. Greenwood stated that he would check with the Street Superintendent to see if they have plans for striping.
Councilman Bukmir asked where the City was on starting of paving. Mr. Greenwood stated that he talked with the contractor and that they are finishing up some projects and would hopefully get to work soon.
Councilwoman Jordan asked if the vicious dog ordinance would be proposed to the Charter Review Committee. Mr. Greenwood stated that since it is an ordinance that it would be proposed to Council, not the Charter Review Committee. Furthermore, Councilwoman Jordan asked how Mr. Greenwood would be going about checking for the rates of insurance. Mr. Greenwood stated that the bid would be advertised and obtain the bids at a particular time, then review them and decide.
Police Chief Matt Arbenz asked to keep Officer Mike Wheeler in everyone’s prayers due to being hospitalized with complications from COVID. Wednesday, October 20th, there will be an active shooter drill at St. Clairsville Schools, announcements will be made to all parents and students. The new radar sign is posted on Parshall Avenue and can be moved to different locations in the City. The first Juvenile Jeopardy class is slated to begin mid-November in the St. Clairsville City Schools. The Belmont County Sheriff’s office will be scanning candy on the night of Trick or Treating.
Councilwoman Butler asked Chief Arbenz if there was a specific length of time that the radar sign would be posted at specific locations. The Chief stated that he hadn’t decided due to it being a new device and being unaware of the type of data it would compile.
Finance Director Annette Williams reported that Ordinance No. 2021-31 is a law enforcement trust fund from where monetary evidence had been confiscated during an investigation, and the individual is tried and found guilty, the City is allowed to keep the money to spend. The City would be able to appropriate these funds to be used for any law enforcement needs. Ordinance No. 2021-32 allows donations for the Juvenile Jeopardy Program to be used for the said program.
Planning & Zoning Administrator Tom Murphy [ABSENT] Mr. Greenwood read a letter on behalf of Mr. Murphy. Mr. Murphy stated that the Bell Store Project is moving quickly, most of the main building is up, and all underground stormwater and storage is completed. CFM Express is working on the addition to the building; the expansion of the parking lot and retaining walls are nearing completion. Mr. Murphy stated that a public hearing before City Council is on November 15th; all code requirements are being met, and these proposes are the same that were made in February of 2020 that was halted due to the pandemic.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Finance Chair Mike Smith reported that the Finance Committee is going to schedule a post-audit meeting. Mr. Smith stated that the Police Department could only use the funds appropriated in Ordinance No. 2021-31. Mr. Smith asked Council to pass Ordinance No. 2021-30 on emergency as it is a grant that needs to be submitted; he furthermore stated that it appears that it is likely for the City to receive the grant. Councilman Smith said that Ordinance No. 2021-33 could be passed on emergency as it allows the City to receive bids for insurance to get better rates.
Utilities Chair Terra Butler No report.
Police Chair Beth Oprisch No report. [Next meeting November 9th at 7:00 pm]
Streets – North Side Chair [VACANT] No report.
Streets – South Side Chair Frank Sabatino No report.
Safety Chair Frank Sabatino No report.
Building and Grounds Chair [VACANT] No report.
Planning Commission Chair Frank Sabatino No report.
Fire Chair Frank Sabatino No report. [ Next meeting October 20th at 3:30 at the ESC Center]
Recreation Chair Linda Jordan reports that volunteers are welcome at the Fantastic Halloween Costume Contest on October 30th from 1:00 to 3:00.
Park District Chair Linda Jordan No report.
ORDINANCES & RESOLUTIONS: Law Director Elizabeth Glick
THIRD READING
Ordinance No. 2021-27 – A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HIRING OF ERIC GAY TO A FULL-TIME POSITION OF DIRECTOR OF THE RECREATION DEPARTMENT AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
Councilwoman Jordan made a motion to pass Ordinance No. 2021-27; seconded by Councilwoman Butler.
Vote to pass Ordinance No. 2021–27
ROLL CALL:
Bukmir YES Oprisch YES
Butler YES Sabatino NO
Jordan YES Smith YES
Roll Call Vote: Five (5) YES One (1) NO
Motion Carried
Ordinance No. 2021-28 – RESOLUTION APPROVING TENTATIVE AGREEMENTS BETWEEN CITY OF ST. CLAIRSVILLE AND FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE, OHIO LABOR COUNCIL, INC. AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
Councilwoman Oprisch made a motion to pass Ordinance No. 2021-28; seconded by Councilman Smith
Vote to pass Ordinance No. 2021–27
ROLL CALL:
Bukmir YES Oprisch YES
Butler ABSTAIN Sabatino NO
Jordan YES Smith YES
Roll Call Vote: Five (5) YES One (1) NO One (1) Abstain
Motion Carried
FIRST READING
Resolution No. 2021- 30 – A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING KATHRYN THALMAN, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF ST. CLAIRSVILLE, TO PREPARE AND SUBMIT AN APPLICATION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE APPALACHIAN REGIONAL COMMISSION AND/OR OHIO GOVERNOR’S OFFICE OF APPALACHIA PROGRAMS AND TO EXECUTE CONTRACTS AS REQUIRED AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
A motion was made by Councilwoman Jordan that the rules requiring three separate readings be suspended on Ordinance No. 2021-30 and that the ordinance be passed on an emergency basis; seconded by Councilwoman Butler.
ROLL CALL:
Bukmir YES Oprisch YES
Butler YES Sabatino YES
Jordan YES Smith YES
Roll Call Vote: Six (6) YES Zero (0) NO
Motion Carried
Rules requiring three separate readings suspended
Vote to pass Resolution No. 2021–30
ROLL CALL:
Bukmir YES Oprisch YES
Butler YES Sabatino YES
Jordan YES Smith YES
Roll Call Vote: Six (6) YES Zero (0) NO
Motion Carried
ORDINANCE 2021-31 – AN ORDINANCE TO ESTABLISH THE LAW ENFORCEMENT TRUST FUND #2091 (REVENUE IS FROM PROCEEDS OF THE SALE OF SEIZED PROPERTY AND CASH), MAKE ADDITIONAL PERMANENT APPROPRIATIONS, TRANSFERS AND ADVANCES FOR THE NORMAL EXPENSES AND OTHER EXPENDITURES OF THE CITY OF ST. CLAIRSVILLE, STATE OF OHIO, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
A motion was made by Councilwoman Oprisch that the rules requiring three separate readings be suspended on Resolution No. 2021-31 and that the ordinance be passed on an emergency basis; seconded by Councilman Smith.
ROLL CALL:
Bukmir YES Oprisch YES
Butler YES Sabatino YES
Jordan YES Smith YES
Roll Call Vote: Six (6) YES Zero (0) NO
Motion Carried
Rules requiring three separate readings suspended
Vote to pass Resolution No. 2021–31
ROLL CALL:
Bukmir YES Oprisch YES
Butler YES Sabatino YES
Jordan YES Smith YES
Roll Call Vote: Six (6) YES Zero (0) NO
Motion Carried
ORDINANCE 2021-32 – 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
A motion was made by Councilman Smith that the rules requiring three separate readings be suspended on Resolution No. 2021-32 and that the ordinance be passed on an emergency basis; seconded by Councilwoman Oprisch.
ROLL CALL:
Bukmir YES Oprisch YES
Butler YES Sabatino NO
Jordan YES Smith YES
Roll Call Vote: Five (5) YES One (1) NO
Motion Carried
Rules requiring three separate readings suspended
Vote to pass Resolution No. 2021–32
ROLL CALL:
Bukmir YES Oprisch YES
Butler YES Sabatino NO
Jordan YES Smith YES
Roll Call Vote: Five (5) YES One (1) NO
Motion Carried
ORDINANCE 2021-33 – AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SERVICE/SAFETY TO ADVERTISE FOR BIDS/PROPOSALS FOR NECESSARY INSURANCE COVERAGES AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
A motion was made by Councilwoman Oprisch that the rules requiring three separate readings be suspended on Ordinance No. 2021-33 and that the ordinance be passed on an emergency basis; seconded by Councilwoman Butler.
ROLL CALL:
Bukmir YES Oprisch YES
Butler YES Sabatino NO
Jordan YES Smith YES
Roll Call Vote: Five (5) YES One (1) NO
Motion Carried
Rules requiring three separate readings suspended
Vote to pass Ordinance No. 2021–33
ROLL CALL:
Bukmir YES Oprisch YES
Butler YES Sabatino NO
Jordan YES Smith YES
Roll Call Vote: Five (5) YES One (1) NO
Motion Carried
A discussion took place over the 505.15 Vicious Dog Ordinance. Chief Arbenz explained to Council that the following changes proposed mirror that of the Ohio Revised Code. Councilman Smith asked if the $100,000 liability insurance required is a part of the revised code and if a person can be forced to spend money they didn’t otherwise plan to. Law Director Glick affirmed that the $100,000 liability insurance is required on the Ohio Revised Code. Councilwoman Oprisch encouraged Council to review the proposed changes between now and the next meeting. Councilman Sabatino stated he is pleased to see a tightening up of rules regarding vicious dogs.
ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to come before Council, Councilman Sabatino made a motion to adjourn; seconded by Councilman Smith. Meeting adjourned at 8:45 P.M.
Next meeting will be Monday, November 1st, 2021, at 7:30 P.M. 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, masks are required.