January 17, 2023 Council Minutes
Once approved, a link to the official council minutes will be at the bottom.
ST. CLAIRSVILLE CITY COUNCIL
January 17, 2023 Meeting
Jim Velas, Council President Kathryn Thalman, Mayor
Don Vincenzo, Council, 1st Ward Jeremy Greenwood, Public Service/Safety Director
Kristi Lipscomb, Council, 3rd Ward Don Smithberger, Super. of General Services
Terra Butler, Council, 4th Ward Annette Whealdon, 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 Smith HERE
Jordan HERE Thrash HERE
Lipscomb HERE Vincenzo HERE
Oprisch HERE
Seven (7) Present Zero (0) Absent
MINUTES: President Jim Velas confirmed all Councilmembers received the minutes from the January 03rd Council Meeting. Councilman Smith made a motion to approve the minutes from January 03, 2023, Council Meeting; motion seconded by Councilwoman Lipscomb.
ROLL CALL:
Butler ABSTAIN Smith YES
Jordan YES Thrash YES
Lipscomb YES Vincenzo YES
Oprisch YES
Roll Call Vote: Six (6) YES Zero (0) NO One (1) ABSTAIN Zero (0) ABSENT
Minutes Approved
NEW BUSINESS: None
CITIZEN HEARING: Mr. Frank Papini spoke to Council on behalf of Kathie Brown of Wheeling Health Right to ask Council to provide Wheeling Health Right with a $10,000 yearly grant to help Wheeling Health Right provide care in Belmont County. The request comes after James and Marlene Everson of Naples, Florida, former residents of St. Clairsville, offered a $100,000 Challenge Grant to encourage the City of St. Clairsville, the City of Martins Ferry, to support Wheeling Health Right to continue and potentially expand health care services in Belmont County. Furthermore, Mr. Papini noted that Wheeling Health Right assists approximately 1,400 Belmont County residents annually. In 2021, this translated into $214,400 in free medical and dental care for residents in St. Clairsville. Lastly, Mr. Papini stated that the Eversons want to do more and wants others to match their commitment and are committing to provide a $20,000 yearly grant to Wheeling Health Right over the next five years if matched yearly by the $25,000 allocation from the Belmont County Commission and $10,000 annually each from the City of St. Clairsville and the City of Martins Ferry.
Cumberland Trail Fire Chief Tim Hall spoke to Council about the Fire District’s plans to place a Levy on the May Primary Election Ballot. Chief Tim Hall noted that this Levy would assist the District in making needed renovations to the Primary Fire Station, along with the ability to manage the retention and recruitment of qualified Paramedics and Fire Fighters. Chief Hall encouraged all residents who have questions to please call 740-695-5147 or come and personally view the Firehouse and speak with the First Responders and administration.
CORRESPONDENCE: None
REPORTS:
Mayor Kathryn Thalman read a proclamation making January 16, 2023, a day of remembrance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Mayor Thalman reported that Border Patrol has started their work on the I-70 Waterline Project and expressed hope that it will be finished by early spring.
Service/Safety Director Jeremy Greenwood reported that Water Nodes are being installed throughout the City. The City has job postings for a Wastewater Superintendent and an Assistant Electric Superintendent. Christmas Tree pickups will be occurring throughout the City. The Waterline upgrade for Trinity Community Hospital is starting to take form. Still, with a recent purchase by a developer on that side of the City, the Water Department will be working with the developer to ensure that the upgraded Waterline is sufficient. Union contract negotiations will be starting soon. During Winter’s start, the Street Department used 100 tons of road salt. Furthermore, Mr. Greenwood noted that there would be a Benefit hosted at the Rec Center for former St. Clairsville Alumni Avery Henry. Mr. Greenwood noted that the event is privately hosted and not sponsored by the City or the Recreation Department.
Councilman Vincenzo asked for an update on the I-70 Waterline Project. Mr. Greenwood stated that they are currently coordinating with all parties to ensure that the project is completed smoothly and safely as possible.
Police Chief Matt Arbenz [ABSENT] Lieutenant TJ Stewart introduced the Police Departments new K-9 Officer TJ Weyand and K9 Ruger to Council and allowed Officer TJ Weyand to take questions from Council.
Finance Director Annette Whealdon reported that she is almost finished completing the Budget for 2023 and will have the Budget ready for the first reading at the February 6th Council Meeting.
Planning & Zoning Administrator Tom Murphy reported that he is working on the ODOT local roads program grant. Furthermore, Mr. Murphy stated that he has met with the owner of a recently purchased 17 1/2-acre property, who expressed interest in developing. Lastly, Mr. Murphy noted he met with Cumberland Trail Fire Chief Tim Hall and their architect to review the plans for the central station renovation.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Finance Chair Don Vincenzo reported that the Finance Committee met before the Council meeting, reviewing the December and year-end financial reports. Councilman Vincenzo noted the 2022 expenditures were at 70.125% and Revenues at 97.349% of what was budgeted for 2022. Furthermore, Councilman Vincenzo stated that the Finance Committee hopes to vote on the 2023 Budget at the first meeting in March and hopes to have the appropriations and Legislation ready by the first meeting in February.
Utilities Chair Terra Butler No report.
Police Chair Mike Smith No report.
Streets – North Side Chair Mike Smith No report.
Streets – South Side Chair JC Thrash No report.
Safety Chair JC Thrash No report.
Buildings and Grounds Chair Beth Oprisch reported that the Building and Grounds Committee would meet on Friday, January 20th, at 2:00 pm.
Planning Commission Chair Kristi Lipscomb reported that the Planning Commission could have a meeting in the next few months as the new owner of the 17 1/2-acre property has plans to develop the property for commercial use, which would require rezoning.
Fire Chair Linda Jordan reported that the Fire Board is supporting the Fire District in placing a Levy on the Ballot for necessary renovations and operations.
Recreation Chair Kristi Lipscomb reported that all Rec Center signups are available on the Rec Center website.
Park District Chair Linda Jordan No report.
ORDINANCES & RESOLUTIONS: Law Director Elizabeth Glick
FIRST READING
Resolution No. 2023-03 – A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PUBLIC SERVICE DIRECTOR TO SUBMITAN APPLICATION TO THE OHIO ENVRIONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY’S OHIO PUBLIC WATER SYSTEM EQUIPMENT GRANT FOR GRANT FUNDS FOREQUIPMENT FOR THE PUBLIC WATER SYSTEM AND DECLARING ANEMERGENCY
A motion was made by Councilman Vincenzo that the rules requiring three separate readings be suspended on Resolution No. 2023-03 and that the Resolution, be passed on an emergency basis; seconded by Councilman Thrash.
ROLL CALL:
Butler YES Smith YES
Jordan YES Thrash YES
Lipscomb YES Vincenzo YES
Oprisch YES
Roll Call Vote: Seven (7) YES Zero (0) NO Zero (0) ABSTAIN Zero (0) ABSENT
Motion Carried
Councilman Thrash made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2023-03, the motion was seconded by Councilwoman Butler
ROLL CALL:
Butler YES Smith YES
Jordan YES Thrash YES
Lipscomb YES Vincenzo YES
Oprisch YES
Roll Call Vote: Seven (7) YES Zero (0) NO Zero (0) ABSTAIN Zero (0) ABSENT
Motion Carried
Ordinance No. 2023-04 – AN ORDINANCE TO APPROVE THE PLAN OF OPERATION AND GOVERNANCE FOR THE CITY OF ST. CLAIRSVILLE’S NATURAL GAS AGGREGATION PROGRAM AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE MAYOR TO SIGN ALL PLAN DOCUMENTS ON BEHALF OF THE CITY OF ST. CLAIRSVILLE AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
A motion was made by Councilwoman Jordan that the rules requiring three separate readings be suspended on Ordinance No. 2023-04 and that the Ordinance, be passed on an emergency basis; seconded by Councilman Smith.
ROLL CALL:
Butler YES Smith YES
Jordan YES Thrash YES
Lipscomb YES Vincenzo YES
Oprisch YES
Roll Call Vote: Seven (7) YES Zero (0) NO Zero (0) ABSTAIN Zero (0) ABSENT
Motion Carried
Councilwoman Butler made a motion to approve Ordinance No. 2023-04, the motion was seconded by Councilman Thrash.
ROLL CALL:
Butler YES Smith YES
Jordan YES Thrash YES
Lipscomb YES Vincenzo YES
Oprisch YES
Roll Call Vote: Seven (7) YES Zero (0) NO Zero (0) ABSTAIN Zero (0) ABSENT
Motion Carried
Resolution No. 2023-05 – A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PUBLIC SERVICE DIRECTOR TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION TO THE OHIO BUREAU OF WORKER’S COMPENSATION’S SAFETY INTERVENTION GRANT FOR GRANT FUNDS FOR SAFETY EQUIPMENT FOR THE WATER, SEWER, AND/OR STREET DEPARTMENT AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
A motion was made by Councilman Thrash that the rules requiring three separate readings be suspended on Resolution No. 2023-05 and that the Resolution, be passed on an emergency basis; seconded by Councilman Lipscomb.
ROLL CALL:
Butler YES Smith YES
Jordan YES Thrash YES
Lipscomb YES Vincenzo YES
Oprisch YES
Roll Call Vote: Seven (7) YES Zero (0) NO Zero (0) ABSTAIN Zero (0) ABSENT
Motion Carried
Councilman Thrash made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2023-05, the motion was seconded by Councilwoman Butler
ROLL CALL:
Butler YES Smith YES
Jordan YES Thrash YES
Lipscomb YES Vincenzo YES
Oprisch YES
Roll Call Vote: Seven (7) YES Zero (0) NO Zero (0) ABSTAIN Zero (0) ABSENT
Motion Carried
Ordinance No. 2023-06 – AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING AUTHORIZATION TO THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SERVICE TO PURCHASE A UTILITY BED TRUCK FOR THE SEWER DEPARTMENT UNDER THE COOPERATIVE PURCHASING PROGRAM, AUTHORIZING AN EXPENDITURE IN EXCESS OF $50,000.00 AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
A motion was made by Councilwoman Oprisch that the rules requiring three separate readings be suspended on Ordinance No. 2023-06 and that the Ordinance, be passed on an emergency basis; seconded by Councilman Thrash.
ROLL CALL:
Butler YES Smith YES
Jordan YES Thrash YES
Lipscomb YES Vincenzo YES
Oprisch YES
Roll Call Vote: Seven (7) YES Zero (0) NO Zero (0) ABSTAIN Zero (0) ABSENT
Motion Carried
Councilman Thrash made a motion to approve Ordinance No. 2023-06, the motion was seconded by Councilwoman Butler.
ROLL CALL:
Butler YES Smith YES
Jordan YES Thrash YES
Lipscomb YES Vincenzo YES
Oprisch YES
Roll Call Vote: Seven (7) YES Zero (0) NO Zero (0) ABSTAIN Zero (0) ABSENT
Motion Carried
THIRD READING
Resolution No. 2022-49 – A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PUBLIC SERVICE/SAFETY DIRECTOR, ON BEHALF OF THE CITY OF ST. CLAIRSVILLE, TO FILE AN APPLICATION WITH THE OHIO DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES PROGRAM (TAP) FOR TRAIN DEPOT REHABILITATION FUNDING AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
Councilman Thrash made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2022-49, the motion was seconded by Councilman Smith.
ROLL CALL:
Butler YES Smith YES
Jordan YES Thrash YES
Lipscomb YES Vincenzo YES
Oprisch YES
Roll Call Vote: Seven (7) YES Zero (0) NO Zero (0) ABSTAIN Zero (0) ABSENT
Motion Carried
ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to come before Council, Councilwoman Oprisch made a motion to adjourn; seconded by Councilwoman Butler. The meeting was adjourned at 8:09 P.M.
The next meeting will be Monday, February 06, 2023, 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.