May 1, 2023 Council Minutes
Once approved, a link to the official council minutes will be at the bottom.
ST. CLAIRSVILLE CITY COUNCIL
May 1, 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 April 17th Council Meeting. Councilwoman Butler made a motion to approve the minutes from April 17, 2023, Council Meeting; motion seconded by Councilwoman Lipscomb.
ROLL CALL:
Butler YES Smith ABSTAIN
Jordan YES Thrash ABSTAIN
Lipscomb YES Vincenzo YES
Oprisch YES
Roll Call Vote: Five (5) YES Zero (0) NO Two (2) ABSTAIN Zero (0) ABSENT
NEW BUSINESS: None
CITIZEN HEARING: None
CORRESPONDENCE: None
REPORTS:
Mayor Kathryn Thalman reported that May 25th would be the summer’s first Concert with a Jimmy Buffet tribute band. The Mayor said that Mr. Greenwood and herself had a teleconference with the Ohio EPA to discuss the possibility of building a new Water Plant. The Ohio EPA was discouraged by the idea of buying a new Water Plant and stated it would cost the City at least $40 million with a non-interest-free loan. Furthermore, Mayor Thalman announced she was invited to an Earth Day Cleanup and the Elementary School by the St. Clairsville Creative Devils. Lastly, Mayor Thalman read a proclamation in accordance with the federal government making May 4, 2023, the National Day of Prayer.
Service/Safety Director Jeremy Greenwood reported that the initial phases of the Water Distribution System Project have been started. One of the screw pumps at the Wastewater Plant has been reconstructed, and an additional one is now available as a backup. The Spring Cleanup has been finished, and the inspection report for the 1927 Water Tank will be presented at the next meeting. The liner for the I-70 Waterline Project is expected to be delivered on May 22nd. Additionally, as the contractors proceed through the City for the Water Distribution Project, they will leave door hangers on the affected houses, and the City will send out Code Red Alerts.
Councilman Vincenzo inquired about coordinating with other utilities to ensure no repairs are necessary before the Water Distribution Project sections are finished, and paving begins.
Police Chief Matt Arbenz reported that in April, there were 437 calls for service, six crashes, 29 arrests, three warrants served, three domestic violence cases, and 129 traffic stops. Kara Erwin from the Arc of Ohio sent a letter thanking Officer Clark for bringing the Easter Bunny to see the Children at Silver Lining. Moreover, Chief Arbenz announced that the department has once again received the Gold Award from Lexipol for Policy and Procedures. Lastly, Chief Arbenz reported that the department has a new part-time officer in training; Kirstin Work; she is also St. Clairsville Police Department’s first female officer.
Finance Director Annette Whealdon reported that the State Auditors will conduct their annual Audit in the coming weeks.
Planning & Zoning Administrator Tom Murphy [ABSENT] No report
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Finance Chair Don Vincenzo No report.
Utilities Chair Terra Butler
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 No report.
Planning Commission Chair Kristi Lipscomb No report.
Fire Chair Linda Jordan asked all citizens to go out and vote in support of Cumberland Trails Levy
Recreation Chair Kristi Lipscomb reported that the Summer Concert Series had been finalized. The lights from Gulfport Energy are being installed and will be ready for the First Concert. Furthermore, Councilwoman Lipscomb noted that the Election will be held at the Rec Center. Lastly, Councilwoman Lipscomb announced that the OVAC Track Tournament would be held at the Football Field, leaving limited parking at the Rec Center.
Park District Chair Linda Jordan reported that the City had planted Chestnut Trees around Memorial Park.
ORDINANCES & RESOLUTIONS: Law Director Elizabeth Glick
FIRST READING
Ordinance No. 2023-13 – AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SERVICES TO ADVERTISE FOR BIDS AND TO ACCEPT BIDS AND TO AWARD THE CONTRACT TO THE LOWEST AND BEST BIDDER FOR THE WEST END WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
A motion was made by Councilman Thrash that the rules requiring three separate readings be suspended on Ordinance No. 2023-13 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
Councilman Thrash made a motion to approve Ordinance No. 2023-13, the motion was seconded by Councilwoman 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
ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to come before Council, Councilwoman Butler made a motion to adjourn; seconded by Councilman Vincenzo. The meeting was adjourned at 7:28 P.M.
The next meeting will be Monday, May 14, 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.