A scheduled power outage will occur tomorrow, May 11th, 2023, on Belmont Drive to make necessary transformer repairs. The power outage will begin around 10 AM and last till about 12 Noon. The following residences will experience a loss of power: all residents on Belmont Drive, and 106, 108, and 110 on Jessop Drive.
If you have any questions, please contact the Utility Office at 740-695-1410. Thank you.
Due to a new water line break this morning (Thursday, May 11), a new 48-Hour Boil Order is in effect starting at 12:15 P. M. for residents in the vicinity of Spring Park, specifically those on Spring Park Avenue, Elm Street, and Kell Lane. These residential customers will have experienced water loss, discoloration, and pressure issues due to an earlier water line break. The Utility Office sent a CodeRED notice to affected customers this morning.
The City thanks residents for their patience as crews worked to repair the water line break and restore water service.
If questions, please call the Utility Office on 740-695-1410. Thank you.
On Monday, May 8, at 5:35 P. M. water service was restored to residents in the vicinity of Spring Park, specifically those on Spring Park Avenue, Elm Street, Kell Lane, and at 284 and 286 East Main Street. These residential customers would have experienced water loss, discoloration, and/or pressure issues following the water line break. The Utility Office earlier sent a CodeRED notice to affected customers.
A 48-Hour Boil Order is now in effect for those residents above who experienced water loss earlier this afternoon due to a water line break. If any surrounding residents also experienced problems, they are advised to follow the 48-hour boil order as well.
If questions, please call the Utility Office at 740-695-1410; an after-hours answering service is available on this phone line.
Thank you.
ORDINANCE 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
WHEREAS, The City of St. Clairsville needs to upgrade and improve the water distribution system at the West End of the City in order to support the planned economic development in that area of the City; and
WHEREAS, Council for the City of St. Clairsville desires to authorize the Director of Public Services to begin advertising for bids so that bids can be accepted and awarded by the Director of Public Services to the lowest and best bidder for the West End Water Distribution System Improvements Project.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ST. CLAIRSVILLE, OHIO:
SECTION 1: That the Director of Public Services is authorized and directed to advertise for bids and accept the bids and award the contract to the lowest and best bidder for the West End Water Distribution System Improvements Project.
SECTION 2: That this Ordinance is declared to be an emergency measure necessary for the immediate preservation of the public health, safety and welfare of the residents of the City of St. Clairsville so that the City can maintain normal operations.
SECTION 3: That this Ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by the Charter of the City of St. Clairsville, Ohio.
PASSED at a meeting of the Council of the City of St. Clairsville on this 1st day of May, 2023, by the affirmative vote of 7 members of the council.
Ordinance Number 2023-13
ST. CLAIRSVILLE CITY COUNCIL
April 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 ABSENT
Jordan HERE Thrash ABSENT
Lipscomb HERE Vincenzo HERE
Oprisch HERE
Five (5) Present Two (2) Absent
MINUTES: President Jim Velas confirmed all Councilmembers received the minutes from the April 3rd Council Meeting. Councilwoman Butler made a motion to approve the minutes from April 3, 2023, Council Meeting; motion seconded by Councilwoman Lipscomb.
ROLL CALL:
Butler YES Smith ABSENT
Jordan ABSTAIN Thrash ABSENT
Lipscomb YES Vincenzo YES
Oprisch YES
Roll Call Vote: Four (4) YES Zero (0) NO One (1) ABSTAIN Two (2) ABSENT
NEW BUSINESS: Councilwoman Oprisch reported that a resident had contacted her about concerns about sewage in the creek near the Efaw Lift Station. Mr. Greenwood reported that the Efaw Lift Station had failed, and the City had placed a backup pump, but when there were periods of high flow, the pump couldn’t keep up overflowing into the creek. Mr. Greenwood stated that the City had repaired the lift station, contacted the EPA, and followed their guidance on cleanup.
Councilwoman Oprish reported receiving calls from residents concerned about a change in the RITA Tax. Ms. Whealdon stated that the percentage that the City gets in RITA Tax has remained the same. Ms. Whealdon noted that if there are any questions about the tax, contact RITA.
CITIZEN HEARING: None
CORRESPONDENCE: None
REPORTS:
Mayor Kathryn Thalman [ABSENT] No report.
Service/Safety Director Jeremy Greenwood reported that the water and sewer rate study is being evaluated to determine the best option for the City. Door hangers are being hung in the neighborhoods where the Water Distribution Project is starting. There will be hydrant flushing during the week of April 24th. The pipe liner is tentatively set to be installed on May 22nd for the I-70 Waterline Project. Furthermore, Mr. Greenwood reported that a contractor would trim trees around powerlines in the City. Information will be provided at the next Utility Meeting regarding letters that will be sent to residents who had violations during the recent Sewer Smoke Testing. Moreover, there is a Trench Safety course scheduled for May 3rd. The Street Department has started mowing in the City. Lastly, Mr. Greenwood reported an employee off in the Waste Water Department after a non-work-related injury.
Councilman Vincenzo asked if the EPA had fined the City for the overflow at the Efaw Lift Station. Mr. Greenwood stated there would be no fine and that the EPA advised him to clean up the debris and put Lyme in the creek. Furthermore, Mr. Greenwood noted that in the event of another lift station failure, the City is getting a larger spare pump to ensure that that pump can keep up with the flow.
Councilman Vincenzo asked what the necessity is of Hydrant Flushing. Mr. Greenwood stated that due to the age of the water pipes, it is necessary to flush the line to remove all sediment.
Councilman Vincenzo asked who cut the Jr. Sports Baseball Fields. Mr. Greenwood stated that a contractor cuts the fields twice a week.
Police Chief Matt Arbenz reported that the Department is updating policies and procedures. The Police department has received several thank you letters from neighboring departments for assistance from the K-9. Lastly, Chief Arbenz wanted to commend Officer Andrew Gazdik, whose recent investigation led to three felony arrests of drug traffickers.
Finance Director Annette Whealdon asked that the Ordinance that will be read at the meeting needs to be passed Emergency for operating expenses. Ms. Whealdon explained that an unemployment claim was not budgeted for, and the recent donations to the Rec Department put the anticipated revenue over budget.
Planning & Zoning Administrator Tom Murphy reported that the Ad for the Public Hearing before Council was in the April 7th printing of The Times Leader. Furthermore, Mr. Murphy noted that the Zayo Group is nearing completion of their project and is confirming that they are leaving the City in better condition than before they started. Lastly, Mr. Murphy stressed the importance of getting building permits before any construction in the City to ensure that the structure is up to code and is not over any vital utilities.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Finance Chair Don Vincenzo No report.
Utilities Chair Terra Butler reported that the Utility Committee met for a special session before the Council meeting. They continued to discuss the recent Water and Sewer Rate Study and the next steps the City needs to take to ensure the Water Department can remain funded.
Police Chair Mike Smith [ABSENT] No report
Streets – North Side Chair Mike Smith [ABSENT] No report.
Streets – South Side Chair JC Thrash [ABSENT] No report.
Safety Chair JC Thrash [ABSENT] No report.
Buildings and Grounds Chair Beth Oprisch reported the Building and Grounds Committee meeting on April 25th at noon.
Planning Commission Chair Kristi Lipscomb No report.
Fire Chair Linda Jordan reported that the men and women of the Fire Department are going door to door in the District to provide information and answer questions regarding the Levy on the May 2nd election.
Recreation Chair Kristi Lipscomb reported that there are still ten spots available at the Community Garden. The Rec Center will be closed on May 2nd to host the Election. Lastly, there will be an adult pickleball tournament on April 28th and 29th for $40 per team.
Park District Chair Linda Jordan No report.
ORDINANCES & RESOLUTIONS: Law Director Elizabeth Glick
FIRST READING
Ordinance No. 2023-12 – 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, 2023 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
A motion was made by Councilwoman Jordan that the rules requiring three separate readings be suspended on Ordinance No. 2023-12 and that the Ordinance, be passed on an emergency basis; seconded by Councilwoman Butler.
ROLL CALL:
Butler YES Smith ABSENT
Jordan YES Thrash ABSENT
Lipscomb YES Vincenzo YES
Oprisch YES
Roll Call Vote: Five (5) YES Zero (0) NO Zero (0) ABSTAIN Two (2) ABSENT
Motion Carried
Councilwoman Butler made a motion to approve Ordinance No. 2023-12, the motion was seconded by Councilwoman Lipscomb
ROLL CALL:
Butler YES Smith ABSENT
Jordan YES Thrash ABSENT
Lipscomb YES Vincenzo YES
Oprisch YES
Roll Call Vote: Five (5) YES Zero (0) NO Zero (0) ABSTAIN Two (2) 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 7:42 P.M.
The next meeting will be Monday, May 1, 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.
April 17, 2023 Council Minutes
The City of St. Clairsville is working closely with the Ohio Department of Transportation and ms consultants (an engineering/design firm) to get to the construction phase of the BEL-National Road Tunnel Rehabilitation project (PID: 108774). Please read the attached News Release and review the related map. The City is grateful for the public’s support for these much needed repairs and patience during this process.
News Release_NRBW ODOT PID 108774_4 20 2023
Detour Map
PRESS RELEASE
DATE: APRIL 18, 2023
FROM: CITY OF ST. CLAIRSVILLE
SUBJECT: HYDRANT FLUSHING TO BEGIN ON MONDAY, APRIL 24
RELEASE: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
City of St. Clairsville’s Utility Crews will be performing hydrant flushing throughout the City the week of April 24 through April 28, beginning on the west end of the City and moving eastward. Residents are advised that there may be some temporary discoloration in their water and/or changes in water pressure.
During the hydrant flushing process, residents are advised not to do laundry.
For specific questions about hydrant flushing, please call the Municipal Utilities Office on 740-695-1410; after normal business hours, please leave a message with the answering service.
Thank you for exercising safe driving practices in the vicinity of City crews and patience during this brief period of inconvenience.
###
ORDINANCE 2023-12
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, 2023 THROUGH
DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ST. CLAIRSVILLE, OHIO:
SECTION 1: That to provide for the normal expenses and other expenditures of the said City of St. Clairsville, Ohio, for the period January 1, 2023 through December 1, 2023, the following amounts be appropriated:
General Fund
1000-790-240-0000 (Unemployment Compensation) – $20,000.00
Parks and Recreation Fund
2041-310-320-0000 (Contractual Services) – 30,000.00
2041-310-400-0000 (Supplies and Materials) – 30,000.00
2041-850-710-0000 (Principal) – 5,000.00
2041-850-720-0000 (Interest) – 1,900.00
2041-800-500-0000 (Capital Improvement) – 11,000.00
Police Fund
2901-110-320-0000 (Contractual Services) – 9,000.00
SECTION 2: That this Ordinance is declared to be an emergency measure necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety of the residents of the City, so that the City can maintain normal operations.
SECTION 3: That this Ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by the Charter of the City of St. Clairsville, Ohio.
PASSED at a meeting of the Council of the City of St. Clairsville on this 17th day of April, 2023 by the affirmative vote of 5 members of the council.
Ordinance Number 2023-12
ST. CLAIRSVILLE CITY COUNCIL
April 3, 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 ABSENT Thrash ABSENT
Lipscomb HERE Vincenzo HERE
Oprisch HERE
Five (5) Present Two (2) Absent
MINUTES: President Jim Velas confirmed all Councilmembers received the minutes from the March 20th Council Meeting. Councilwoman Butler made a motion to approve the minutes from March 20, 2023, Council Meeting; motion seconded by Councilwoman Lipscomb.
ROLL CALL:
Butler YES Smith YES
Jordan ABSENT Thrash YES
Lipscomb YES Vincenzo YES
Oprisch ABSTAIN
Roll Call Vote: Four (4) YES Zero (0) NO One (1) ABSTAIN Two (2) ABSENT
NEW BUSINESS: None
CITIZEN HEARING: None
CORRESPONDENCE: None
REPORTS:
Mayor Kathryn Thalman thanked Brandon Evans of RCAP for attending the Utility Committee Meeting and explaining the recent water rate study. Moreover, the Mayor thanked all the City workers for keeping the lights on during the recent storms. Mayor Thalman reported that she has met with the Attorney General’s Office regarding a new initiative for police interactions with veterans. Lastly, Mayor Thalman announced that she was selected to participate in the John Glenn Leadership Training.
Service/Safety Director Jeremy Greenwood reported that the Gas Aggregation Program’s opt-out letters had been sent to residents. The water tank inspection has been completed; once the report is available, it will be shared with Council. Spring Cleanup for fallen brush will occur the week of April 17th, ward by ward. The Street Department is looking at potential streets for paving this season. Furthermore, the lining for the I-70 Waterline Project culvert is ordered and needs to be manufactured; as to when the lining will be complete, there is no timeframe. The starting point for the Water Distribution Project will be on the east side of the City in the Spring Park area. Moreover, the Electric Department has two openings for linemen. The Street Department has ordered an asphalt crack machine that will be in the week of May 8th. Lastly, Mr. Greenwood introduced the new Water Department Superintendent Mike Reed to Council.
Councilwoman Oprisch asked why the City needs to order more salt if they already have a lot in storage. Mr. Greenwood noted that the City must order salt from the ODOT program to be in the program in the future and will only be ordering 200 tons for this year, which could be use in one bad snow storm.
Police Chief Matt Arbenz reported that in March, there were 511 calls for service, 14 crashes, 47 arrests, six warrants served, and 154 traffic stops. St. Clairsville School District has offered to pay for the Juvenile Jeopardy Program, introduced into the school last year.
Finance Director Annette Whealdon reported attending the Ohio Municipal League training, which provided great information.
Planning & Zoning Administrator Tom Murphy provided the Council with the official report regarding the rezoning request on the 17.5-acre property on the City’s west side. The report reflected that the Planning Commission voted 2-1 to recommend rezoning the 17.5-acre property. The next step requires the Council to instruct the Planning and Zoning Administrator to set up a Public Hearing before Council. Mr. Murphy noted that a motion and vote would be necessary. Due to the time required for public notice of a hearing, the Council Meeting on May 15th would be the date for the Hearing.
Councilwoman Lipscomb made a motion to direct the Planning and Zoning Administrator Tom Murphy to advertise and set up a Public Hearing before the Council regarding the proposed rezoning of the 17.5-acre parcel on the City’s west side. Councilwoman Butler seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL:
Butler YES Smith YES
Jordan ABSENT Thrash ABSENT
Lipscomb YES Vincenzo YES
Oprisch YES
Roll Call Vote: Five (5) YES Zero (0) NO Zero (0) ABSTAIN Two (2) ABSENT
Motion Carried
Lastly, Mr. Murphy reported that the Zayo group had started their project on the alley across from PNC Bank.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Finance Chair Don Vincenzo announced that the April 17th Finance Committee meeting would be canceled and that the next Finance Committee meeting would be May 15th at 6:00.
Utilities Chair Terra Butler reported that there was a Utility Committee meeting before the Council Meeting. The Utility Committee granted four sewer requests. Moreover, the Utility Committee reviewed the March billing report. Furthermore, the Utility Committee discussed various topics involving rates and usage. Lastly, the Utility Committee will have a Special Meeting on April 17th at 6 pm.
Police Chair Mike Smith No report.
Streets – North Side Chair Mike Smith No report.
Streets – South Side Chair JC Thrash [ABSENT] No report.
Safety Chair JC Thrash [ABSENT] No report.
Buildings and Grounds Chair Beth Oprisch reported that the Building and Grounds Committee met on March 15th, where they toured various City properties. The next Building and Grounds Committee meeting has yet to be scheduled and will be announced when a date is picked.
Planning Commission Chair Kristi Lipscomb No report.
Fire Chair Linda Jordan [ABSENT] No report.
Recreation Chair Kristi Lipscomb reported that there are 15 spots open at the Community Gardens. The next meeting is on April 20th at 4:30 pm.
Park District Chair Linda Jordan [ABSENT] No report.
ORDINANCES & RESOLUTIONS: Law Director Elizabeth Glick
FIRST READING
Resolution No. 2023-11 – A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PARTICIPATION IN THE ODOT ROAD SALT CONTRACTS AWARDED IN 2023 AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
A motion was made by Councilwoman Oprisch that the rules requiring three separate readings be suspended on Ordinance No. 2023-11 and that the Ordinance, be passed on an emergency basis; seconded by Councilwoman Lipscomb.
ROLL CALL:
Butler YES Smith YES
Jordan ABSENT Thrash ABSENT
Lipscomb YES Vincenzo YES
Oprisch YES
Roll Call Vote: Five (5) YES Zero (0) NO Zero (0) ABSTAIN Two (2) ABSENT
Motion Carried
Councilwoman Butler made a motion to approve Ordinance No. 2023-11, the motion was seconded by Councilman Smith
ROLL CALL:
Butler YES Smith YES
Jordan ABSENT Thrash ABSENT
Lipscomb YES Vincenzo YES
Oprisch YES
Roll Call Vote: Five (5) YES Zero (0) NO Zero (0) ABSTAIN Two (2) ABSENT
Motion Carried
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 7:40 P.M.
The next meeting will be Monday, April 3, 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.
April 3, 2023 Council Minutes
The City Council Finance Committee meeting which is scheduled to be held on the third Monday of the month prior to the full City Council meeting has been cancelled for this month ONLY. Instead, a City Council Utility Committee meeting will begin at 6 P. M. The full City Council meeting will start at 7 P. M. as scheduled. The public is invited to attend these meetings which are conducted in the Municipal Building’s Council Chamber, located at 100 North Market Street.
If questions, please contact City Council President Jim Velas by email (jvelas@stclairsville.com) or phone (740-695-9152) or Council Clerk Jacob DeBertrand by email (jacob.debertrand@gmail.com) or phone (740-695-1324). Thank you.