March 21, 2022 Council Minutes
Once approved, a link to the official council minutes will be at the bottom.
ST. CLAIRSVILLE CITY COUNCIL
March 21, 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 HERE Thomas HERE
Oprisch ABSENT Vincenzo HERE
Smith HERE
Six (6) Present One (1) Absent
MINUTES: Council President Velas confirmed all Councilmembers received the minutes from the March 7th Council Meeting. Councilman Vincenzo made a motion to approve the minutes from March 07, 2022, Council Meeting; motion seconded by Councilwoman Butler.
ROLL CALL:
Butler YES Thrash YES
Jordan YES Thomas YES
Oprisch ABSENT Vincenzo YES
Smith YES
Roll Call Vote: Six (6) YES Zero (0) NO Zero (0) ABSTAIN One (1) ABSENT
Minutes Approved
NEW BUSINESS: None
CITIZEN HEARING: None
CORRESPONDENCE: None
REPORTS: Mayor Kathryn Thalman reported that she met with the Warden at the Belmont Correctional Institute. The Warden invited the Mayor to the facility to see the policies they have in place for emergency preparedness. The Mayor informed everyone that the HEAP office has funds for those struggling to pay for utilities. A meeting was held with JD Vance, a candidate for the US Senate. The Mayor expressed her congratulations to Caden Stout for winning the State Championship in Wrestling. The annual Arbor Day Celebration is slated for May the 6th. St. Clairsville has been named a Tree City for the 22nd , year in a row.
Service/Safety Director Jeremy Greenwood reported that the recent fuel price hikes make the annual fuel budget short, around $80,000. The Ohio EPA has given the City a Four-month extension to switch to Belmont County Water. New servers have been ordered for the City building. Two loan applications have been submitted to the EPA, and an additional loan will be submitted to the OWDA. Advertisements have closed for the Electric Department positions; three candidates have applied. There have been eight waterline breaks this year. The East End Waterline Connection is completed, except for the Chlorine Booster Station. Asphalt plants are expected to open in mid-April, which moves the City closer to getting paving work started.
Councilwoman Jordan asked who the potential HR firm for the City is. Mayor Thalman stated that the firm is ALIGNHR out of Wheeling, West Virginia.
Police Chief Matt Arbenz reported that Happy Tails Pet Salon has offered to send the City’s K9 handler to a three-day training seminar by Blue Line K9 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Two officers are scheduled to attend a lock pick and specialized entry techniques training sponsored by West Liberty University. Moreover, another officer is scheduled for a three-day less lethal munitions instructor course. The Ohio Attorney General has reimbursed the Police Department approximately $4,000, covering half the mandatory continued professional training cost.
Finance Director Annette Williams reported that the Finance Committee went over the appropriations status, expenditures, and revenues reports. The City’s Health Insurance Policy runs out on May 1st, so now Mr. Greenwood and Mayor Thalman are working with Ms. Williams to find reasonable Health Insurance Plans.
Councilman Thomas asked Ms. Williams if she had seen an Investment Policy or Ordinance since she has been Financial Director. Ms. Williams stated that she had not seen such a Policy or Ordinance. Councilman Thomas noted that per the Charter, the City needs to form an Investment Committee to create an investment policy that would allow the City to invest in various assets.
Planning & Zoning Administrator Tom Murphy reported that the Annual Storm Water report has been submitted to the Ohio EPA. In the most recent Utility Bills, citizens were reminded to get permits before any construction. WODA Development has contacted Mr. Murphy; they own the house that recently burned down on 113 Clairborne Street. They plan to rebuild the structure, and Savage Constructions has already applied for a Demolition Permit. Due to the change of the Council Meeting Time to 7:00 and the subsequent meetings of the Financial and Utility Committee meetings before the regular Council Meeting, the Planning Commission meeting will be moved. First Settlement Physical Therapy has opened. A new boutique will be sharing space with Ohio Valley Interiors; the business’s name is In Touch of Class.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Finance Chair Mike Smith reported that the Finance Committee discussed the forming of the Investment Committee. Councilman Smith recommended that the City not renew its CD in hopes of finding a better investment. Councilman Smith stated that the Committee went over financial reports with the Finance Director.
Councilwoman Jordan asked about the current amount on the CD for the City. Councilman Smith stated that it is $1,000,000 with an interest rate of 0.35%.
Utilities Chair Terra Butler No report.
Police Chair Beth Oprisch [ABSENT] No report.
Streets – North Side Chair Don Vincenzo asked what the status is on the 2022 street paving list. Mr. Greenwood stated that they do not yet have the list completed but hope to have it done as soon as the plans for phases one and two of the City’s waterline project are complete. Furthermore, Councilman Vincenzo asked when the street sweeper would be out sweeping the streets. Mr. Smithberger stated that it is getting maintenance work finished and hopes to have it running by the end of the month.
Streets – South Side Chair JC Thrash No report.
Safety Chair JC Thrash No report.
Building and Grounds Chair Linda Jordan No report.
Planning Commission Chair Mark Thomas reported that the Planning Commission is moving its meetings to the second Monday of each month at 6:00 pm.
Fire Chair Linda Jordan reported that the Fire Board approved the part-time pay rates and the Employee Assistance Program for $2,300. The Board approved the purchase of a 2022 Wheeled Coach Ambulance for $209,000. The Board approved the purchase of Wild Land Equipment from Johnsons Fire Equipment Company for $17,307 following the ODNR Grant. Lastly, the Board discussed a physical therapy mobility enhancement and injury reduction program.
Recreation Chair Mark Thomas reported that Rec Director Eric Gay submitted the Capital Bill Grant for the Rec Center. Councilman Thomas thanked Roberta and Jeremy for their hard work preparing the Grant. The Summer Concert Series is almost completed, and a full lineup will be complete by the next meeting. The Easter Egg Hunt is Saturday, April 16th, from 10 am to noon. The new Gym floor will be installed on April 11th; before that, new lights will be installed in the Gym. The Rec Center will reopen by May 1st.
Park District Chair Linda Jordan No report.
ORDINANCES & RESOLUTIONS: Law Director Elizabeth Glick
FIRST READING
Resolution 2022-11 – A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PARTICIPATION IN THE ODOT ROAD SALT CONTRACTS AWARDED IN 2022 AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
A motion was made by Councilwoman Butler that the rules requiring three separate readings be suspended on Resolution No. 2022-11 and that the resolution, be passed on an emergency basis; seconded by Councilwoman Jordan.
ROLL CALL:
Butler YES Thrash YES
Jordan YES Thomas YES
Oprisch ABSENT Vincenzo YES
Smith YES
Roll Call Vote: Six (6) YES Zero (0) NO Zero (0) ABSTAIN One (1) ABSENT
Motion Carried
Councilman Thomas made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2022-11; seconded by Councilwoman Butler.
ROLL CALL:
Butler YES Thrash YES
Jordan YES Thomas YES
Oprisch ABSENT Vincenzo YES
Smith YES
Roll Call Vote: Six (6) YES Zero (0) NO Zero (0) ABSTAIN One (1) ABSENT
Motion Carried
Ordinance 2022-12 – AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING AUTHORIZATION TO THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SERVICES/SAFETY TO SOLICIT COMPETITIVE BIDS FOR CERTAIN EQUIPMENT
UNDER THE COOPERATIVE PURCHASING PROGRAM, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
A motion was made by Councilwoman Jordan that the rules requiring three separate readings be suspended on Ordinance No. 2022-12 and that the ordinance, be passed on an emergency basis; seconded by Councilman Thomas.
ROLL CALL:
Butler YES Thrash YES
Jordan YES Thomas YES
Oprisch ABSENT Vincenzo YES
Smith YES
Roll Call Vote: Six (6) YES Zero (0) NO Zero (0) ABSTAIN One (1) ABSENT
Motion Carried
Councilman Thrash made a motion to approve Ordinance No. 2022-12; seconded by Councilwoman Butler.
ROLL CALL:
Butler YES Thrash YES
Jordan YES Thomas YES
Oprisch ABSENT Vincenzo YES
Smith YES
Roll Call Vote: Six (6) YES Zero (0) NO Zero (0) ABSTAIN One (1) ABSENT
Motion Carried
Ordinance 2022-13 – AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS TO LEASE OIL AND GAS OWNED BY THE CITY OF ST. CLAIRSVILLE, OHIO, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
A motion was made by Councilman Thrash that the rules requiring three separate readings be suspended on Ordinance No. 2022-13 and that the ordinance, be passed on an emergency basis; seconded by Councilman Thrash.
ROLL CALL:
Butler YES Thrash YES
Jordan YES Thomas YES
Oprisch ABSENT Vincenzo YES
Smith YES
Roll Call Vote: Six (6) YES Zero (0) NO Zero (0) ABSTAIN One (1) ABSENT
Motion Carried
Councilwoman Jordan made a motion to approve Ordinance No. 2022-13; seconded by Councilwoman Butler.
ROLL CALL:
Butler YES Thrash YES
Jordan YES Thomas YES
Oprisch ABSENT Vincenzo YES
Smith YES
Roll Call Vote: Six (6) YES Zero (0) NO Zero (0) ABSTAIN One (1) ABSENT
Motion Carried
Ordinance 2022-14 – AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF ST. CLAIRSVILLE TO ENTER INTO CONTRACT FOR THE ENGINEERING OF THE BEL NATIONAL RD. TUNNEL REHAB, PID 108774 AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
A motion was made by Councilman Thomas that the rules requiring three separate readings be suspended on Ordinance No. 2022-14 and that the ordinance, be passed on an emergency basis; seconded by Councilwoman Butler.
ROLL CALL:
Butler YES Thrash YES
Jordan YES Thomas YES
Oprisch ABSENT 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 Ordinance No. 2022-14; seconded by Councilman Thrash.
ROLL CALL:
Butler YES Thrash YES
Jordan YES Thomas YES
Oprisch ABSENT Vincenzo YES
Smith YES
Roll Call Vote: Six (6) YES Zero (0) NO Zero (0) ABSTAIN One (1) ABSENT
Motion Carried
Ordinance 2022-15 – AN ORDINANCE TO ESTABLISH THE BODY CAMERA GRANT FUND #2053, TO RECEIVE REVENUE FROM THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, MAKE ADDITIONAL PERMANENT APPROPRIATIONS, FOR THE NORMAL EXPENSES OF THE CITY OF ST. CLAIRSVILLE, STATE OF OHIO, FOR THE PERIOD OF JANUARY 1, 2022, THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 22, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
A motion was made by Councilman Smith that the rules requiring three separate readings be suspended on Ordinance No. 2022-15 and that the ordinance, be passed on an emergency basis; seconded by Councilwoman Jordan.
ROLL CALL:
Butler YES Thrash YES
Jordan YES Thomas YES
Oprisch ABSENT Vincenzo YES
Smith YES
Roll Call Vote: Six (6) YES Zero (0) NO Zero (0) ABSTAIN One (1) ABSENT
Motion Carried
Councilwoman Jordan made a motion to approve Ordinance No. 2022-15; seconded by Councilman Thomas.
ROLL CALL:
Butler YES Thrash YES
Jordan YES Thomas YES
Oprisch ABSENT Vincenzo YES
Smith YES
Roll Call Vote: Six (6) YES Zero (0) NO Zero (0) ABSTAIN One (1) ABSENT
Motion Carried
Ordinance 2022-16 – 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, 2022, THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2022, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
A motion was made by Councilman Thomas that the rules requiring three separate readings be suspended on Ordinance No. 2022-16 and that the ordinance, be passed on an emergency basis; seconded by Councilman Thrash.
ROLL CALL:
Butler YES Thrash YES
Jordan YES Thomas YES
Oprisch ABSENT Vincenzo YES
Smith YES
Roll Call Vote: Six (6) YES Zero (0) NO Zero (0) ABSTAIN One (1) ABSENT
Motion Carried
Councilman Thomas made a motion to approve Ordinance No. 2022-16; seconded by Councilwoman Butler.
ROLL CALL:
Butler YES Thrash YES
Jordan YES Thomas YES
Oprisch ABSENT Vincenzo YES
Smith YES
Roll Call Vote: Six (6) YES Zero (0) NO Zero (0) ABSTAIN One (1) ABSENT
Motion Carried
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 8:33 P.M.
The next meeting will be Monday, April 4th,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.