March 6, 2023 Council Minutes
Once approved, a link to the official council minutes will be at the bottom.
ST. CLAIRSVILLE CITY COUNCIL
March 06, 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 February 21st Council Meeting. Councilman Thrash made a motion to approve the minutes from February 21, 2023, Council Meeting; motion 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
NEW BUSINESS: None
CITIZEN HEARING: None
CORRESPONDENCE: None
REPORTS:
Mayor Kathryn Thalman reported that two separate projects are being completed on Reservoir Road. The first project is AEP installing steel electric poles for high-tension electrical lines. The Mayor noted that certain citizens expressed concern about the sight of the poles, but the Mayor stated that the City had no hand in the project. Furthermore, the second project on Reservoir Road is the I-70 Waterline Project. Lastly, the Mayor announced that the Easter Bunny would be in the City on April 4th.
Service/Safety Director Jeremy Greenwood reported that the City would be receiving its 24th Tree City USA Award. The City will be hosting an Arbor Day celebration tentatively on May 19th. Mr. Greenwood introduced the new Assistant Electric Department Superintendent to Council during the meeting. Furthermore, Mr. Greenwood announced that the Water Department and the Street Department purchased new trucks. More in-depth testing was done during the routine water testing due to the recent East Palestine disaster; all tests showed no Volatile Organic Compounds in the City’s water. The I-70 Waterline Project is continuing, with both sides extended; the work is now focused on the culvert underneath the interstate. On March 17th, the 1929 Water tank is scheduled to be inspected. Moreover, Mr. Greenwood noted that contract negotiations would be starting. Lastly, Mr. Greenwood indicated that the flooring in the front of the Rec Center had been completed.
Police Chief Matt Arbenz reported the City’s monthly policing report and indicated that overdoses and drug arrests are on the rise.
Finance Director Annette Whealdon No report.
Planning & Zoning Administrator Tom Murphy that after the Planning Commission holds its public hearing on the proposed rezoning on the City’s west side, the Council will have to host a Public Hearing, which can be done during a regular Council Meeting. Lastly, Mr. Murphy noted that many calls are coming in for New Construction Permits; he would like to remind the residents to contact the City before building.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Finance Chair Don Vincenzo No report.
Utilities Chair Terra Butler reported that the Utility Committee met before the Council meeting, where they reviewed the monthly billing report. Furthermore, the committee discussed the opt out letter for the Gas Aggregation Program and the recent water study conducted in the City.
Police Chair Mike Smith reported that the Police committee met after the last Council Meeting, where they watched a video demonstrating the uses of the new Kinetic Breaching tool purchased by the Police Department and the School.
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 No report.
Planning Commission Chair Kristi Lipscomb reported that she met with Mr. Murphy to discuss the conceptual business plan for the proposed rezoning of the 17 acres on the City’s west side. Councilwoman Lipscomb indicated that not only does the owner have plans for the Honda Direct Line Dealership, but he also has plans to allow other businesses to use the new area.
Fire Chair Linda Jordan No report.
Recreation Chair Kristi Lipscomb reported that ODNR would release 700 Rainbow Trout in the Reservoir on March 6th between 8 am and 5 pm. Moreover, Councilwoman Lipscomb announced that Gulfport Energy would purchase stage lights for the Amphitheater at $7,500. Lastly, Councilwoman Lipscomb indicated that the Summer Concert Series list is complete and will be announced shortly.
Park District Chair Linda Jordan No report.
ORDINANCES & RESOLUTIONS: Law Director Elizabeth Glick
No Ordinances or Resolutions
ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to come before Council, Councilman Thrash made a motion to adjourn; seconded by Councilwoman Butler. The meeting was adjourned at 7:37 P.M.
The next meeting will be Monday, March 20, 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.