August 15, 2022 Council Minutes
Once approved, a link to the official council minutes will be at the bottom.
ST. CLAIRSVILLE CITY COUNCIL
August 15, 2022 Meeting
Jim Velas, Council President Kathryn Thalman, Mayor
Don Vincenzo, Council, 1st Ward Jeremy Greenwood, Public Service/Safety Director
Vacant, 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 7:00 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 ABSENT
Oprisch HERE Vincenzo HERE
Smith HERE
Seven (7) Present Zero (0) Absent
NEW BUSINESS: Councilman Thomas turned in a letter of resignation effective August 15, 2022. Council President Velas informed Council that they have 30 days to fill the vacancy, and after 30 days, the Mayor has the right to fill the seat. After deliberation by Council on how they wish to fill the vacancy, Councilwoman Oprisch made a motion to place an advertisement in the Times Leader seeking interested residents in Ward 3 to fill the vacancy; Councilwoman Jordan seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL:
Butler YES Thrash YES
Jordan YES
Oprisch YES Vincenzo YES
Smith YES
Roll Call Vote: Six (6) YES Zero (0) NO Zero (0) ABSTAIN Zero (0) ABSENT
MINUTES: President Jim Velas confirmed all Councilmembers received the minutes from the August 1st Council Meeting. Councilman Thrash made a motion to approve the minutes from August 1, 2022, Council Meeting; motion seconded by Councilwoman Butler.
ROLL CALL:
Butler YES Thrash YES
Jordan YES
Oprisch YES Vincenzo YES
Smith YES
Roll Call Vote: Six (6) YES Zero (0) NO Zero (0) ABSTAIN Zero (0) ABSENT
Minutes Approved
CITIZEN HEARING: None
CORRESPONDENCE: The Belmont Soil and Water Conservation District sent a letter to Council seeking permission to hold their annual Boo at the Bike Trail Event on October 25, 2022, from 4-6 pm. Councilwoman Oprisch made a motion to allow the Belmont SWCD to hold their annual Boo at the Bike Trail Event on October 25, 2022, from 4-6 pm; Councilman Thrash seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL:
Butler YES Thrash YES
Jordan YES
Oprisch YES Vincenzo YES
Smith YES
Roll Call Vote: Six (6) YES Zero (0) NO Zero (0) ABSTAIN Zero (0) ABSENT
Motion Carried
Tri-County Help Center sent a letter to Council seeking permission to host their 16th Annual Domestic Violence Awareness March on October 19, 2022, at 6:00 pm. Councilwoman Jordan made a motion to allow Tri-County Help Center to host their 16th Annual Domestic Violence Awareness March on October 19, 2022, at 6:00 pm; Councilwoman Butler seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL:
Butler YES Thrash YES
Jordan YES
Oprisch YES Vincenzo YES
Smith YES
Roll Call Vote: Six (6) YES Zero (0) NO Zero (0) ABSTAIN Zero (0) ABSENT
Motion Carried
President Velas read a letter from the St. Clairsville Library Director Doug Walsh thanking the City of St. Clairsville for partnering with the library on the grant-funded project to install a permanent story walk along the bikeway.
Mayor Thalman read a letter from the Consul General of Japan Shindo, thanking the Mayor for her hospitality during his recent visit.
REPORTS: Mayor Kathryn Thalman reported that she attended the ARC Program event at the Amphitheater. The Mayor participated in a board meeting at East Ohio Regional Hospital. The Hospital plans to open its Cardiac Catheterization Lab in the next few months and expand its inpatient drug rehabilitation services. Lastly, the Mayor thanked the Rec Center for all their hard work in making the Concert Series a success.
Service/Safety Director Jeremy Greenwood reported that Ward 1 Sewer Smoke Testing is complete, and Testing will be starting in Ward 2 next. The EPA inspected the Wastewater Plant; no report has been received. The I-70 project is expected to begin in October or November. The Contractor delayed the paving project on South Marietta Street until the first week of October. Mr. Greenwood stated that he is waiting for the County to provide its water agreement because the deadline from the EPA to be on County water is a month away. There have been 15 waterline breaks this year. Furthermore, Rec Director Gay has applied for a $1,000 grant through Serve Ohio. Rocco Balog has been hired to the Rec Center as Program Director. Lastly, August’s employee of the month is Jerry Abate.
Councilwoman Jordan asked if Council had discussed the rate of pay for the Rec Center Program Director. Mr. Greenwood stated that the applicant’s experience and qualifications determined the salary. Furthermore, Councilwoman Jordan asked who is designing the Water Distribution Project. Mr. Greenwood said that Jeff Vaughn of Vaughn Coast and Vaughn is the designer on the project. Moreover, Councilwoman Jordan asked if Council discussed Jeff Vaughn as the project’s designer. Mr. Greenwood stated that Jeff Vaughn was approached to estimate the phase one project. Once the EPA awarded the $5 million grant for the Water Distribution System, the City stayed with Jeff Vaughn because of the timeline to meet the EPA’s demands.
Councilman Vincenzo asked Mr. Greenwood about the Ward One Smoke Testing results. Mr. Greenwood stated that he doesn’t have the exact figure but that there was a small percentage of violations in the Ward.
Police Chief Matt Arbenz reported that the Kinetic Breaching Tool has been ordered and is expected to take 90 days to receive. Lastly, Chief Arbenz asked everyone to keep Officer Justin Work in their prayers as he and his wife are having their second child.
Finance Director Annette Williams reported that she is finishing the audit.
Planning & Zoning Administrator Tom Murphy reported that the Board of Zoning Appeals met on August 3rd and approved the variances for Trinity Health Systems and Ed Perzanowski. Mr. Murphy stated that he had found a contractor willing to cut the properties with overgrown grass in the City.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Finance Chair Mike Smith reported that the Finance Committee met before the Council Meeting. Revenues are at about 55%, with the expenses at about 41%. Councilman Smith stated that the money is being spent wisely. The loan before Council in the legislation has an interest rate of 0% and is coming directly from the EPA. Councilman Smith asked that both pieces of legislation be passed on an emergency basis.
Utilities Chair Terra No Report.
Police Chair Beth Oprisch No report.
Streets – North Side Chair Don Vincenzo thanked Mr. Smithberger for getting the Children at Play signs up on Legion Road.
Streets – South Side Chair JC Thrash No report.
Safety Chair JC Thrash No report.
Building and Grounds Chair Linda Jordan presented to Council a picture of the South Park Basketball Court’s condition. Councilwoman Jordan stated the Council was told there was money in the Budget for South Park renovations, but nothing has been done. Councilwoman Oprsich asked Mr. Greenwood why nothing had been done to South Park yet. Mr. Greenwood stated that due to the $60,000 fuel deficit that certain projects in the City have been delayed ensuring that the City has enough money to pay for fuel. Councilwoman Jordan noted that the Administration should come to Council and discuss which projects will be placed on hold. Mr. Greenwood stated that he had informed Council at many past meetings that there is a fuel deficit, and he needs to put projects on hold to ensure the Budget is balanced.
Planning Commission Chair Vacant No report.
Fire Chair Linda Jordan No Report.
Recreation Chair Vacant No Report.
Park District Chair Linda Jordan No report.
ORDINANCES & RESOLUTIONS: Law Director Elizabeth Glick
Resolution No. 2022-35 – A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF ST. CLAIRSVILLE TO APPLY FOR, ACCEPT, AND ENTER INTO A WATER SUPPLY REVOLVING LOAN ACCOUNT (WSRLA) AGREEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE CITY OF ST. CLAIRSVILLE FOR DESIGN AND/OR CONSTRUCTION OF WATER FACILITIES; AND DESIGNATING A DEDICATED REPAYMENT SOURCE FOR THE LOAN AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
A motion was made by Councilman Thrash that the rules requiring three separate readings be suspended on Resolution No. 2022-35 and that the Resolution, be passed on an emergency basis; seconded by Councilwoman Butler.
ROLL CALL:
Butler YES Thrash YES
Jordan YES
Oprisch YES Vincenzo YES
Smith YES
Roll Call Vote: Six (6) YES Zero (0) NO Zero (0) ABSTAIN Zero (0) ABSENT
Councilman Thrash made a motion to pass Resolution No. 2022-35, seconded by Councilwoman Butler.
ROLL CALL:
Butler YES Thrash YES
Jordan YES
Oprisch YES Vincenzo YES
Smith YES
Roll Call Vote: Six (6) YES Zero (0) NO Zero (0) ABSTAIN Zero (0) ABSENT
Motion Carried
Ordinance No. 2022-36 – AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SERVICES TO ADVERTISE FOR BIDS AND ACCEPT BIDS FOR THE WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS – PHASES 1 AND 2 AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
A motion was made by Councilman Thrash that the rules requiring three separate readings be suspended on Ordinance No. 2022-36 and that the Ordinance, be passed on an emergency basis; seconded by Councilman Smith.
ROLL CALL:
Butler YES Thrash YES
Jordan YES
Oprisch YES Vincenzo YES
Smith YES
Roll Call Vote: Six (6) YES Zero (0) NO Zero (0) ABSTAIN Zero (0) ABSENT
Motion Carried
Councilman Thrash made a motion to pass Ordinance No. 2022-36, seconded by Councilwoman Butler.
ROLL CALL:
Butler YES Thrash YES
Jordan YES
Oprisch YES Vincenzo YES
Smith YES
Roll Call Vote: Six (6) YES Zero (0) NO Zero (0) ABSTAIN Zero (0) ABSENT
Motion Carried
ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to come before Council, Councilwoman Butler made a motion to adjourn; seconded by Councilman Thrash. The meeting was adjourned at 8:02 P.M.
The next meeting will be Tuesday, September 6, 2022, at 7:00 P.M. All Councilmembers will be present at the City Building for the next meeting. Members of the public are encouraged to attend the meeting in the Council Chambers.