February 7, 2022 Council Minutes
Once approved, a link to the official council minutes will be at the bottom.
ST. CLAIRSVILLE CITY COUNCIL
February 7, 2022 Meeting
Jim Velas, Council President Kathryn Thalman, Mayor
Don Vincenzo, Council, 1st Ward Jeremy Greenwood, Public Service/Safety Director
Mark Thomas, 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
JC Thrash, 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:
Butler HERE Thrash HERE
Jordan ABESENT Thomas HERE
Oprisch HERE Vincenzo HERE
Smith HERE
Six (6) Present One (1) Absent
MINUTES: Council President Velas confirmed all Councilmembers received the minutes from the January 18th Council Meeting. Councilwoman Butler made a motion to approve the minutes from January 18, 2022, Council Meeting; motion seconded by Councilman Thrash.
ROLL CALL:
Butler YES Thrash YES
Jordan ABSENT Thomas YES
Oprisch YES Vincenzo YES
Smith YES
Roll Call Vote: Six (6) YES Zero (0) NO Zero (0) ABSTAIN One (1) ABSENT
Minutes Approved
NEW BUSINESS:
CITIZEN HEARING:
CORRESPONDENTS: St. Mary’s Central School sent a letter to Council requesting closure and use of the north end of the National Road Bikeway and a portion of Hutchison Drive on Saturday, May 14, 2022, for their annual Spring into Shape 5K Run and Walk. The timeframe for the closure is approximately 8:30 am – 11:30 am.
Councilwoman Oprisch made a motion to approve the request of St. Mary’s Central School; Seconded by Councilman Vincenzo.
ROLL CALL:
Butler YES Thrash YES
Jordan ABSENT Thomas YES
Oprisch YES Vincenzo YES
Smith YES
Roll Call Vote: Six (6) YES Zero (0) NO Zero (0) ABSTAIN One (1) ABSENT
Motion Carried
Councilwoman Butler read a letter from Mr. Shawn Marchlenski where he thanked the City for their hard work and determination during the recent ice storm and mass power outages. Mr. Marchlenski further states that due to the lack of planning that the City had for such a widespread disaster, he would like to offer his advice and assistance to the City to develop plans to ensure that the City is not surprised by the next disaster. To read Mr. Marchlenski’s letter, please see it attached at the end of the minutes.
The Council thanked Mr. Marchlenski for his willingness to be a source of assistance for the City as they develop plans to ensure that this type of event will not happen again.
REPORTS: Mayor Kathryn Thalman thanked the Police Department and the Fire Department for all their challenging work evacuating the elderly around the City during the recent ice storm. Moreover, the Mayor thanked the Rec Center staff, the Street Department, the Electric Department, and the Water Department for the demanding work and hours of hard labor that allowed the City to become fully functioning once again. The Mayor reported that February is National Heart Health Month. She asked all those with heart conditions to please avoid shoveling snow and try and seek out someone who could do it for them. Lastly, Mayor Thalman thanked numerous businesses and individuals who stepped up to the plate, donating food, time, and money to help pull the City out of the disaster.
Councilwoman Oprisch thanked Mayor Thalman for all the arduous work and leadership she demonstrated during this troubling time.
Councilman Thomas expressed his deep appreciation for the Mayor and Mr. Greenwood for their dedication to the City. Moreover, Councilman Thomas expressed his gratitude for the City workers who put in long hours trying to restore power to the City.
Councilman Vincenzo stated he spoke to a resident who was asking if there is a resource in place other than Code Red to keep the residents of the City updated on the status of the City. Mr. Greenwood stated that the City currently only used the Code Red System, but with the widespread power outages, those who had access to send out updates did not have power or internet.
Service/Safety Director Jeremy Greenwood reported that an employee of the Electric Department has resigned. Year to date, there have been seven waterline breaks. This year, the Street Department has used 350 tons of salt for the roadways. One hundred fifty tons of salt has been ordered to replenish the reserves. A new Police Officer has been hired to replace an Officer who has gone part-time. Mr. Greenwood thanked the Street Department for keeping the streets clean and safe. Mr. Greenwood announced that Officer Kevin Yates and Officer Andy Klotz as February’s Employee of the Month.
Councilman Vincenzo asked Mr. Greenwood about the East End Waterline Connection status with the County. Mr. Greenwood stated that they have put the concrete vault in place and are moving ahead with the project, weather permitting.
Police Chief Matt Arbenz [ABSENT] Mr. Greenwood read a report from Chief Arbenz. There were 329 calls to service in January, one special operation call, 26 arrests, 19 accidents, three warrants served, four domestic violence calls, and 62 traffic stops. The radar speed sign has been placed on Newell Avenue. The second radar speed sign donated to the City is in and has not been placed on a street yet. Two used police cruisers have been purchased.
Finance Director Annette Williams reports that she has given Council a copy of the budget for the calendar year 2022. She stated that she has backups with all the line items she will provide to Council when she has them ready.
Planning & Zoning Administrator Tom Murphy reports that he sent an email to Council concerning the Storm Water Quality Board appointments. The board consists of three members, the street superintendent, a member of the Council appointed by the Council President, and a public member appointed by the Mayor.
Mayor Thalman recommended that Council appoint A.J. Smith to the Stormwater Quality Board. Councilman Thomas made a motion to appoint A.J. Smith to the Storm Water Quality Board; Seconded by Councilman Smith.
ROLL CALL:
Butler YES Thrash YES
Jordan ABSENT Thomas YES
Oprisch YES Vincenzo YES
Smith YES
Roll Call Vote: Six (6) YES Zero (0) NO Zero (0) ABSTAIN One (1) ABSENT
Motion Carried
Council President Jim Velas recommended the appointment of Councilman Don Vincenzo to the Storm Water Quality Board. Councilman Thomas made a motion to appoint Councilman Don Vincenzo to the Storm Water Quality Board; Seconded by Councilman Smith.
ROLL CALL:
Butler YES Thrash YES
Jordan ABSENT Thomas YES
Oprisch YES Vincenzo YES
Smith YES
Roll Call Vote: Six (6) YES Zero (0) NO Zero (0) ABSTAIN One (1) ABSENT
Motion Carried
Mr. Murphy continued with his report stating that AEP submitted a Storm Water Management Plan for their new transmission line project passing through the City. Lastly, Mr. Murphy noted that Horizon, a telecommunication company, proposed a fiber overlash on Route 40 in the vicinity of Commons Mall Crossing that will contact eight of the City’s poles. Mr. Murphy and Mr. Smithberger met with a representative of Horizon who presented plans for the project; the next step would be the approval of the Council for such a project.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Finance Chair Mike Smith No report.
Utilities Chair Terra Butler reported that during the Utility Committee meeting, they discussed customer-specific circumstances. Delinquent, final, and additional services policy was discussed at the meeting. Anita Robinson, Utility Manager gave the Monthly Utility report.
Police Chair Beth Oprisch reported that the Police Department is now a part of a Law Enforcement sharing opportunity. Officer Mike Wheeler has been hired as a full-time Police Officer. The new speed radar sign is in and has not yet been put on the streets. The Police Department received a body camera grant from the Department of Justice. Amendments have been discussed about the parking ban on streets during a significant snowfall. Officer Duplaga is going to demonstrate the Juvenile Jeopardy program. The Police Department is looking at installing showers for the Officers in the City Building.
Streets – North Side Chair Don Vincenzo reports that he is compiling a list of roads and alleyways that could be added to the paving list for this year.
Streets – South Side Chair JC Thrash thanked Mr. Greenwood for the fast response of clearing trees covering roadways and the snow removal.
Safety Chair JC Thrash reports that an individual came in and discussed housekeeping and organization that would promote safety in the workplace.
Building and Grounds Chair Linda Jordan No report.
Planning Commission Chair Mark Thomas No report.
Fire Chair Linda Jordan No report.
Recreation Chair Mark Thomas reports that the Rec board met on January 20th. The Summer Concert Series begins Memorial Day weekend and runs through September 10th. Last year $13,000 was spent on the Summer Concert Series. This year, there is a sponsor commitment of $5,000, and is continually looking for more. The Summer Concert Series has been moved from Tuesday nights to Thursday nights. There are discussions about having Acoustic Fridays at the Gazebo at the Bike Trail. The Rec Board is looking into having alcohol served at the Summer Concert Series.
Park District Chair Linda Jordan No report.
ORDINANCES & RESOLUTIONS: Law Director Elizabeth Glick
FIRST READING
RESOLUTION 2022-02 – A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE
MAYOR OF THE CITY OF ST. CLAIRSVILLE TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH PUBLIC ENTITIES
POOL OF OHIO (PEP) FOR NECESSARY INSURANCE COVERAGES AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
A motion was made by Councilman Smith that the rules requiring three separate readings be suspended on Resolution No. 2022-02 and that the resolution, be passed on an emergency basis; seconded by Councilman Thrash.
ROLL CALL:
Butler YES Thrash YES
Jordan ABSENT Thomas YES
Oprisch YES Vincenzo YES
Smith YES
Roll Call Vote: Six (6) YES Zero (0) NO Zero (0) ABSTAIN One (1) ABSENT
Motion Carried
Councilwoman Butler made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2022-02; seconded by Councilman Thrash.
ROLL CALL:
Butler YES Thrash YES
Jordan ABSENT Thomas YES
Oprisch YES Vincenzo YES
Smith YES
Roll Call Vote: Six (6) YES Zero (0) NO Zero (0) ABSTAIN One (1) ABSENT
Motion Carried
ORDINANCE 2022-03 – AN ORDINANCE TO MAKE PERMANENT 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
ORDINANCE 2022-04 – AN ORDINANCE TO ESTABLISH THE ARC FEDERAL GRANT FUND #2052 (REVENUE IS FROM THE APPALACHIA DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM), TO INCREASE REVENUE AND MAKE ADDITIONAL 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. 2022-04 and that the Ordinance, be passed on an emergency basis; seconded by Councilwoman Butler.
ROLL CALL:
Butler YES Thrash YES
Jordan ABSENT Thomas YES
Oprisch YES Vincenzo YES
Smith YES
Roll Call Vote: Six (6) YES Zero (0) NO Zero (0) ABSTAIN One (1) ABSENT
Motion Carried
Councilwoman Butler made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2022-04; seconded by Councilman Thrash.
ROLL CALL:
Butler YES Thrash YES
Jordan ABSENT Thomas YES
Oprisch YES Vincenzo YES
Smith YES
Roll Call Vote: Six (6) YES Zero (0) NO Zero (0) ABSTAIN One (1) ABSENT
Motion Carried
RESOLUTION 2022-07 – A RESOLUTION MOVING THE TIME OF ALL REGULAR COUNCIL MEETINGS FROM 7:30 P.M. TO 7:00 P.M.
ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to come before Council, Councilwoman Butler made a motion to adjourn; seconded by Councilman Smith. The meeting was adjourned at 9:31 P.M.
The next meeting will be Tuesday, February 22nd,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 attend the in-person meeting in the Council Chambers.