December 20, 2021 Council Minutes
Once approved, a link to the official council minutes will be at the bottom.
ST. CLAIRSVILLE CITY COUNCIL
December 20, 2021 Meeting
Jim Velas, Council President Kathryn Thalman, Mayor
Don Vincenzo, 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 Sabatino ABSENT
Butler HERE Smith HERE
Jordan HERE Vincenzo HERE
Oprisch HERE
Six (6) Present One (1) Absent
MINUTES: President Velas confirmed all Councilmembers received the minutes from the December 6th Council Meeting. Councilwoman Butler made a motion to approve the minutes from December 6, 2021, Council Meeting; motion seconded by Councilman Vincenzo.
ROLL CALL:
Bukmir YES Sabatino ABSENT
Butler YES Smith YES
Jordan YES Vincenzo YES
Oprisch ABSTAIN
Roll Call Vote: Five (5) YES Zero (0) NO One (1) Abstain One (1) Absent
Minutes Approved
NEW BUSINESS: None
CITIZEN HEARING: None
CORRESPONDENTS: None
REPORTS: Mayor Kathryn Thalman shared her gratitude for all those involved in making it possible for the City to receive the $5 million grant from the Ohio EPA. An anonymous donor was thanked who donated money to provide meals for the shut-ins in the area. Tom Murphy and Don Smithberger were thanked for their due diligence in getting all the work done to allow the Bell Store to open on time. Councilman Mark Bukmir and Councilman Frank Sabatino were thanked for their service to the City as they did not seek reelection.
Service/Safety Director Jeremy Greenwood gave thanks to the outgoing Councilmembers. Mr. Greenwood reported bids for insurance should be coming in sometime next month. Rec Center Director Eric Gay repaired the ceiling in the Rec Center. ODOT has approved the permanent waterline under I-70; the City is currently working with engineers and hopes work will begin shortly; the project is estimated to take three months. Year to date, there have been 45 waterline breaks. As the possibility of snow approaches, Mr. Greenwood asks the residence not to park on the street when snowfall exceeds two inches. As the year closes, Mr. Greenwood thanked all the City employees who make the City a wonderful place.
Police Chief Matt Arbenz reports that the Police Department received the Department of Justice Body-Worn Camera Grant to the sum of $16,880. Belmont Jefferson Beagle Club donated money to purchase the k-9 dog wash station. Chief Arbenz commended Officers who delivered presents to a family who did not have any this Christmas.
Finance Director Annette Williams thanked Council for their support, making the City an enjoyable and caring environment.
Planning & Zoning Administrator Tom Murphy reported that the Bell Store has opened and encourages everyone to go and check it out. The former Convenient store is building will be occupied by First Settlement Physical Therapy, which is headquartered in Marietta and has 30 establishments in Ohio and West Virginia. Dr. Heiby has retired, and Dr. Eddie McDonald has taken over his practice, remaining in the same office.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Finance Chair Mike Smith reports that the Finance Committee met before the Council meeting, where they discussed the upcoming financial ordinances and a discussion about purchasing new vehicles.
Utilities Chair Terra Butler No report.
Police Chair Beth Oprisch reported that the Police Committee met on December 13th. A donation was made by an anonymous done of $4,444 to purchase a new Speed Radar Sign. The Belmont Jefferson Beagle Club donated money to buy a K-9 dog wash which the Police Department will allow the other K-9 officers in the County to use. Four ballistic shields were ordered at $800 each, providing officers with temporary cover in a shooting incident. Entry Kits and a training mat were also purchased for officers. The Police Department is purchasing new service weapons for officers, as the current pistols are around six to seven years old; Vance Outdoors offered to buy back the current pistols. The possibility of dispatchers was discussed at the last committee meeting, but due to budgetary concerns, it is not feasible. The Police Department would like to add that there is no difference in response time when calling 911 rather than calling a City dispatcher. Officers have completed simulated firearm training. The Police Department has received a Gold Standard award for Policy and Compliance. The Police Committee is looking at changing the date of the Committee meeting and will inform the public if a change is made.
Streets – North Side Chair Don Vincenzo thanked the Street Department for patching the roads and preparing the culvert pipes for winter.
Streets – South Side Chair Frank Sabatino [ABSENT] No report.
Safety Chair Frank Sabatino [ABSENT] No report.
Building and Grounds Chair Don Vincenzo recommended that the Amphitheater needs some preventative maintenance in the spring, which would prolong its lifespan.
Planning Commission Chair Frank Sabatino [ABSENT] No report.
Fire Chair Frank Sabatino [ABSENT] Councilman Sabatino asked Councilwoman Jordan to read a statement for the Fire District report. Councilman Sabatino reported that the new air compressors were installed, and the old air compressors were donated to Bethlehem Fire Department, Valley Grove Fire Department, and Pleasant City Volunteer Fire Department. A part-time employee has been hired. Paramedic refresher training has been commended. Following the regular meeting, a reorganization meeting took place where they made appointments; the appointments are as follows: appointment and compensation for Fire Chief Tim Hall for the fiscal year 2022, appointment and compensation for Assistant Fire Chief Daniel Grady for the fiscal year 2022, appointment and compensation of Matt King as Fiscal Officer for the fiscal year 2022. The next meeting is Tuesday, January 11, 2022, at 3:00 pm.
Recreation Chair Linda Jordan reports the Rec Board held a Special Meeting to approve rental rates.
Park District Chair Linda Jordan No report.
ORDINANCES & RESOLUTIONS: Law Director Elizabeth Glick
FIRST READING
Ordinance No. 2021-39- AN ORDINANCE TO MAKE TEMPORARY APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE NORMAL EXPENSES AND OTHER EXPENDITURES OF THE CITY OF ST. CLAIRSVILLE, STATE OF OHIO, FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY 1, 2022, THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2022, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
A motion was made by Councilwoman Oprisch that the rules requiring three separate readings be suspended on Ordinance No. 2021-39 and that the ordinance be passed on an emergency basis; seconded by Councilman Smith.
ROLL CALL:
Bukmir YES Sabatino ABSENT
Butler YES Smith YES
Jordan YES Vincenzo YES
Oprisch YES
Roll Call Vote: Six (6) YES Zero (0) NO One (1) Absent
Motion Carried
Rules requiring three separate reading suspended
A motion was made by Councilwoman Oprisch to approve Ordinance No. 2021-39; Seconded by Councilwoman Butler.
ROLL CALL:
Bukmir YES Sabatino ABSENT
Butler YES Smith YES
Jordan YES Vincenzo YES
Oprisch YES
Roll Call Vote: Six (6) YES Zero (0) NO One (1) Absent
Motion Carried
Ordinance No. 2021-40- AN ORDINANCE DETERMINING THE LOWEST AND BEST BID FOR THE NEW 69KV HESS SUBSTATION DEADEND AND METERING ADDITION IN THE CITY OF ST. CLAIRSVILLE AND AWARDING THE CONTRACT TO THOMPSON ELECTRIC AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
A motion was made by Councilman Smith that the rules requiring three separate readings be suspended on Ordinance No. 2021-40 and that the ordinance be passed on an emergency basis; seconded by Councilwoman Oprisch.
ROLL CALL:
Bukmir YES Sabatino ABSENT
Butler YES Smith YES
Jordan YES Vincenzo YES
Oprisch YES
Roll Call Vote: Six (6) YES Zero (0) NO One (1) Absent
Motion Carried
Rules requiring three separate reading suspended
A motion was made by Councilwoman Butler to approve Ordinance No. 2021-40; Seconded by Councilman Smith.
ROLL CALL:
Bukmir YES Sabatino ABSENT
Butler YES Smith YES
Jordan YES Vincenzo YES
Oprisch YES
Roll Call Vote: Six (6) YES Zero (0) NO One (1) Absent
Motion Carried
Resolution 2021-41- A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING KATHRYN THALMAN, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF ST. CLAIRSVILLE, TO ACCEPT AND PARTICIPATE IN THE OHIO DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENT WATER AND WASTEWATER INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM GRANT AND TO EXECUTE AGREEMENTS AND CONTRACTS AS REQUIRED AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
A motion was made by Councilwoman Jordan that the rules requiring three separate readings be suspended on Resolution No. 2021-41 and that the ordinance be passed on an emergency basis; seconded by Councilwoman Butler.
ROLL CALL:
Bukmir YES Sabatino ABSENT
Butler YES Smith YES
Jordan YES Vincenzo YES
Oprisch YES
Roll Call Vote: Six (6) YES Zero (0) NO One (1) Absent
Motion Carried
Rules requiring three separate reading suspended
A motion was made by Councilman Smith to approve Resolution No. 2021-41; Seconded by Councilwoman Butler.
ROLL CALL:
Bukmir YES Sabatino ABSENT
Butler YES Smith YES
Jordan YES Vincenzo YES
Oprisch YES
Roll Call Vote: Six (6) YES Zero (0) NO One (1) Absent
Motion Carried
Ordinance No. 2021-42- AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF ST. CLAIRSVILLE TO EXECUTE EASEMENTS AND RIGHTS OF WAY FROM THE CITY OF ST. CLAIRSVILLE, OHIO, TO THE OHIO POWER COMPANY, AN OHIO CORPORATION, A UNIT OF AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER (“AEP”) FOR THE GLENCOE-ROBYVILLE LINE AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
A motion was made by Councilwoman Oprisch that the rules requiring three separate readings be suspended on Ordinance No. 2021-42 and that the ordinance be passed on an emergency basis; seconded by Councilwoman Jordan.
ROLL CALL:
Bukmir YES Sabatino ABSENT
Butler YES Smith YES
Jordan YES Vincenzo YES
Oprisch YES
Roll Call Vote: Six (6) YES Zero (0) NO One (1) Absent
Motion Carried
Rules requiring three separate reading suspended
A motion was made by Councilwoman Jordan to approve Ordinance No. 2021-42; Seconded by Councilwoman Butler.
ROLL CALL:
Bukmir YES Sabatino ABSENT
Butler YES Smith YES
Jordan YES Vincenzo YES
Oprisch YES
Roll Call Vote: Six (6) YES Zero (0) NO One (1) Absent
Motion Carried
Ordinance No. 2021-43- 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 Ordinance No. 2021-43 and that the ordinance be passed on an emergency basis; seconded by Councilwoman Butler.
ROLL CALL:
Bukmir YES Sabatino ABSENT
Butler YES Smith YES
Jordan YES Vincenzo YES
Oprisch YES
Roll Call Vote: Six (6) YES Zero (0) NO One (1) Absent
Motion Carried
Rules requiring three separate reading suspended
A motion was made by Councilwoman Oprisch to approve Ordinance No. 2021-43; Seconded by Councilwoman Butler.
ROLL CALL:
Bukmir YES Sabatino ABSENT
Butler YES Smith YES
Jordan YES Vincenzo YES
Oprisch YES
Roll Call Vote: Six (6) YES Zero (0) NO One (1) Absent
Motion Carried
SECOND READING
Ordinance No. 2021-38 – AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CERTAIN CHAPTERS SET FORTH IN PART 11 (PLANNING & ZONING CODE) OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF ST. CLAIRSVILLE AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
THIRD READING
Ordinance No. 2021-34 – AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE V, GENERAL OFFENSES CODE, CHAPTER 505, ANIMAL AND FOWL, SECTION 505.15, VICIOUS DOGSOF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF ST. CLAIRSVILLE AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
A motion was made by Councilwoman Jordan to approve Ordinance No. 2021-34; Seconded by Councilwoman Butler.
ROLL CALL:
Bukmir YES Sabatino ABSENT
Butler YES Smith YES
Jordan YES Vincenzo YES
Oprisch YES
Roll Call Vote: Six (6) YES Zero (0) NO One (1) Absent
Motion Carried
ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to come before Council, Councilman Bukmir made a motion to adjourn; seconded by Councilman Smith. Meeting adjourned at 8: P.M.
Next meeting will be Monday, January 3rd, 2022, 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.