A resolution authorizing Jeremy Greenwood, Director of Public Services for the City of St. Clairsville, to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Belmont County Land Reutilization Corporation for the demolition of the structures located at 129 and 131 Neffs Street and declaring an emergency.
See PDF for more information.
A resolution amending resolution number 2016-26 a resolution to establish rules for citizens of the public to be placed on the agenda to address the city council at open meetings and declaring an emergency.
See PDF attachment for more information.
Resolution authorizing Jeremy Greenwood, Director of Public Services for the City of St. Clairsville, to prepare and submit an application to participate in the land and water conservation fund program and declaring an emergency.
See PDF attachment for more information.
Water line tie – in work was finished in your area on Tuesday, November 7th, 2023 at 3:30 p.m.. This work is part of the City’s Water Line Replacement Project.
Resident’s may experience water loss, discoloration, and pressure issues. If you experience water loss, please note that once water is restored, a 48 Hour Boil Order will be in effect. As of 3:20 p.m. today, 11/7/23, the water line tie-line work has finished.
Addresses that are affected:
N. Sugar Street – 103 through and including 113.
Newell Ave. Extension – 203 and 203 ½.
If you have any questions, please contact the Utility Office at 740-695-1410. Thank you.
Replacement of sidewalks will begin in your area on or around Monday, November 6th, 2023. Then later, replacement of removed sections of driveways will take place. This work is part of the City’s Water Line Replacement Project.
Addresses that are affected:
E. Main Street – 167 through and including 277. Odd numbers only.
Forest Lawn-101,102, and 104.
As this project progresses, residents may experience periodic:
Traffic in the neighborhood, and no “on-street” parking allow the contractor to perform the needed work.
If you have any questions, please contact the Utility Office at 740-695-1410.
Thank you.
A copy of the Ohio Auditor’s Office Audit of St. Clairsville, Ohio for the year ending on December 31st, 2022, is available by clicking the link below.
A hard copy of the report is available for review in the Municipal Building during normal business hours (weekdays 8:30 A. M. – 4:30 P. M.)
Work will start in your area on the morning of Wednesday, November 1st, 2023. This work is part of the City’s Water Line Replacement Project.
Excavation and water line replacement work will begin in your area on or around Thursday, November 2nd, 2023. Tap replacement work will follow at a later date. This work is part of the City’s Water Line Replacement Project.
Addresses that are affected:
E. Main Street – 262,264,266,268,270,276,278,280,284, and 286.
Orchard Drive- 98.
East Lawn-119,121,123, and 125.
Walnut Avenue-124,126,132,134,136,138,140, and 142.
As this project progresses, residents may experience periodic:
Traffic in the neighborhood, and no “on-street” parking to allow the contractor to perform the needed work.
During this period, the contractor will cooperate with the residents to provide temporary access to existing driveways.
Sidewalks, streets, yards, etc., will be restored after completion of the work.
If you have any questions, please contact the Utility Office at 740-695-1410.
A 48 Hour Boil Order is in effect as of 3: 15 PM, today, November 1st, 2023, for the following addresses:
All residents of Forest Lawn.
All residents of Walnut Avenue.
All residents of East Lawn.
All residents of Parshall Avenue.
E. Main Street – residents numbered 167 through and including 275, odd numbers only.
Newell Avenue Extension-houses 87, 91, 97, 138, 146, 150, 152, 154.
If you have any questions, please contact the Utility Office at 740-695-1410.
Thank you.
Due to a water valve break when working on the water line replacement project this morning, the following residents will experience water loss, discoloration, and pressure issues:
E. Main Street- houses numbered 167 through and including 207. Odd numbers only
Newell Avenue Extension-houses 87, 91, 97, 138, 146, 150, 152, 154.
If you experience water loss, please note that once water is restored, there will be a 48 Hour Boil Order in effect.
If you have any questions, please contact the Utility Office at 740-695-1410.
Resident’s may experience water loss, discoloration, and pressure issues. If you experience water loss, please note that once water is restored, there will be a 48 Hour Boil Order in effect.
Addresses that are affected:
All residents of Forest Lawn.
All residents of Walnut Avenue.
All residents of East Lawn.
All residents of Parshall Avenue.
E. Main Street – residents numbered 211 through and including 275, odd numbers only.
If you have any questions, please contact the Utility Office at 740-695-1410.
Thank you.
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 HERE
Lipscomb HERE Vincenzo HERE
Oprisch HERE
Six (6) Present One (1) Absent
MINUTES: Council President Jim Velas confirmed all Councilmembers received the minutes from the September 18th Council Meeting. Councilwoman Lipscomb made a motion to approve the minutes from September 18, 2023, Council Meeting; motion seconded by Councilwoman Butler.
Butler YES Smith ABSENT
Jordan YES Thrash YES
Lipscomb YES Vincenzo YES
Oprisch YES
Roll Call Vote: Six (6) YES Zero (0) NO Zero (0) ABSTAIN One (1) ABSENT
Motion Carried
Council President Jim Velas confirmed all Councilmembers received the minutes from the September 26th Special Council Meeting. Councilwoman Lipscomb made a motion to approve the minutes from September 26, 2023, Special Council Meeting; motion seconded by Councilman Thrash.
Butler YES Smith ABSENT
Jordan YES Thrash YES
Lipscomb YES Vincenzo YES
Oprisch YES
Roll Call Vote: Six (6) YES Zero (0) NO Zero (0) ABSTAIN One (1) ABSENT
Motion Carried
NEW BUSINESS:
CITIZEN HEARING: None
CORRESPONDENCE: None
REPORTS:
Mayor Kathryn Thalman reported she attended the junior sports meeting on Tuesday, September 19th, where they discussed several things regarding the baseball fields. The Mayor went to the chamber lunch sponsored by Wheeling Hospital, where she had the opportunity to hear Dr. Tarik, an orthopedic surgeon, talk about new procedures, particularly knee replacement. She met with Eric Gay and Jeremy to discuss some of the recreational center activities and city issues that may arise while Jeremy is on vacation. The Mayor was also present at the chamber dinner, where businesses and individuals were recognized. She also had a proclamation to share: Public Power Week in St. Clairsville. As a community-owned, not-for-profit electric utility, St. Clairsville Light and Power Department is a valuable community asset contributing to energy efficiency, customer service, economic development, and safety awareness. It has been serving the citizens of St. Clairsville since 1891. The Light and Power Department is a dependable and trustworthy institution that provides many consumer protections and contributes to a sustainable environment. Therefore, it is resolved that the Light and Power Department will continue to work to bring safe, reliable energy to community homes and businesses. The week of October 1st through the 7th is designated Public Power Week to recognize St. Clairsville Light and Power Department for all its contributions to the community and to educate customer owners, policymakers, and employees on the benefits of public power. Our community joins hands with more than 2,000 other public power systems in the US to celebrate public power, which is best for consumers, businesses, the community, and the nation. Kathryn expressed her gratitude towards the city workers who worked hard during the ice storm to get power, water, and utilities back on track.
Service/Safety Director Jeremy Greenwood [ABSENT] No report.
Police Chief Matt Arbenz reported that 401 calls and complaints were handled in September, ten crashes, 18 arrests, three warrants served, four domestics, and 105 traffic stops. All personnel are healthy and reporting for work.
Finance Director Annette Whealdon [ABSENT] No report.
Planning & Zoning Administrator Tom Murphy reported that the Board of Zoning Appeals did not hold their meeting last week, but all variances for the Cumberland Trail Fire District were approved. This is an important project for the city, and they plan to propose some additions and updates to the parking lot. The current facilities were constructed for a volunteer department, but they have been full-time for quite a while now.
Regarding the second step, Councilwoman Lipscomb will provide an update. The DORA meeting is scheduled for October 17th at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers. The DORA committee members encourage all council members to attend to educate themselves because they will ultimately develop and adopt the guidelines if the Council wishes to do so.
Mr. Murphy noted that Council President Velas asked for an update on a situation circulating on Facebook. Darren Davis applied for temporary use from May to September for his business, Frosty Frozen Frenzy. This temporary use was approved on a trial basis, but Darren wanted to extend it. Unfortunately, the approval could not be extended, and they discussed different options. According to the code, temporary use is not listed as a principal permitted use, and it must be looked at individually and follow the conditional use section of the code. The city must look at the standards for conditional use, including the character of the proposed use. The structures shall harmonize with the surrounding neighborhood and meet all code regulations. The use will be designed, constructed, operated, and maintained to be harmonious and appropriate in appearance with the existing or intended character of the general vicinity.
Mr. Murphy summarized the options available to Mr. Davis to proceed. He can apply for a conditional or substantially similar use before the Board of Zoning Appeals by submitting the required information outlined in the code. He can appeal the planning and zoning administrator’s decision to the Board of Zoning Appeals by submitting the required information outlined by the code. Alternatively, the city council can vote to direct the administration to update the city code to develop guidelines for a temporary use similar to Frosty Frozen Frenzy or a similar temporary use. Mr. Murphy noted that if someone wants to establish a year-round business, they should look at an actual storefront in town.
After a lengthy discussion between the Council, Mr. Murphy, and Mr. Davis, the Council indicated that the City Code be updated to avoid a situation similar to Mr. Davis’. The Council encouraged Mr. Davis to either appeal the decision of the Zoning Administrator or apply for Conditional Use to the Board of Zoning Appeals and stated they would help expedite the process in any way possible.
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 and approved a payment plan request for a local landlord.
Police Chair Mike Smith No report.
Streets – North Side Chair Mike Smith
Streets – South Side Chair JC Thrash No report.
Safety Chair JC Thrash No report.
Buildings and Grounds Chair Beth Oprisch reported on the recent meeting held by the Building and Grounds department on the 16th. This meeting was a combined one with the Junior Sports representatives. The 1988 contract specifies that there must be at least one annual meeting between the city and Junior Sports, which had not been taking place previously. The current administration is very supportive of working with Junior Sports and has been discussing ways to further partner with them. The talks have included discussions on how the city can assist with utilities and other projects throughout the year. There are also plans to update the 1988 contract in collaboration with the current leadership of Junior Sports. This updated contract will provide more detailed information on the responsibilities of each party. The city will continue to meet with Junior Sports representatives to strengthen their partnership.
Planning Commission Chair Kristi Lipscomb reported that the Board had approved the Cumberland Trail Variances of Zoning Appeals. The Planning Commission will review the final site plan for approval and recommend it to the Council.
Fire Chair Linda Jordan No report.
Recreation Chair Kristi Lipscomb reported Unified Bank sponsors the Recreation Department Halloween event, which will take place Saturday, October 21st, from 6:30 to 9:30 at Central Park. Pre-registration is not required to attend. You can sign up for this event by visiting the rec department website. Boo at the Bike Trail will be held on October 24th from 4:00 to 6:00 PM. No pre-registration is required. The rec department will hand out candy in the bike trail tunnel.
Park District Chair Linda Jordan No report.
ORDINANCES & RESOLUTIONS: Law Director Elizabeth Glick
FIRST READING
RESOLUTION No. 2023-32 – RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE AMOUNTS AND RATES AS DETERMINED BY THE BUDGET COMMISSION AND AUTHORIZING THE NECESSARY TAX LEVIES AND CERTIFYING THEM TO THE COUNTY AUDITOR AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
ROLL CALL:
Butler YES Smith ABSENT
Jordan YES Thrash YES
Lipscomb YES Vincenzo YES
Oprisch YES
Roll Call Vote: Six (6) YES Zero (0) NO Zero (0) ABSTAIN One (1) ABSENT
Motion Carried
Councilwoman Butler made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2023-32, the motion was seconded by Councilwoman Lipscomb.
ROLL CALL:
Butler YES Smith ABSENT
Jordan YES Thrash YES
Lipscomb YES Vincenzo YES
Oprisch YES
Roll Call Vote: Six (6) YES Zero (0) NO Zero (0) ABSTAIN One (1) ABSENT
Motion Carried
ORDINANCE No. 2023-33 – AN ORDINANCE TO MAKE SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS AND REVENUES 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. 2023-33 and that the Ordinance, be passed on an emergency basis; seconded by Councilman Thrash.
ROLL CALL:
Butler YES Smith ABSENT
Jordan YES Thrash YES
Lipscomb YES Vincenzo YES
Oprisch YES
Roll Call Vote: Six (6) YES Zero (0) NO Zero (0) ABSTAIN One (1) ABSENT
Motion Carried
Councilwoman Oprisch made a motion to approve Ordinance No. 2023-33, the motion was seconded by Councilwoman Butler.
ROLL CALL:
Butler YES Smith ABSENT
Jordan YES Thrash YES
Lipscomb YES Vincenzo YES
Oprisch YES
Roll Call Vote: Six (6) YES Zero (0) NO Zero (0) ABSTAIN One (1) ABSENT
Motion Carried
RESOLUTION No. 2023-34 – A RESOLUTION AMENDING RESOLUITION NUMBER 2016-26 A RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH RULES FOR CITIZENS OF THE PUBLIC TO BE PLACED ON THE AGENDA TO ADDRESS THE CITY COUNCIL AT OPEN MEETINGS
Councilwoman Oprisch made a motion to withdraw Resolution No. 2023-34, seconded by Councilman Thrash.
ROLL CALL:
Butler YES Smith ABSENT
Jordan YES Thrash YES
Lipscomb YES Vincenzo YES
Oprisch YES
Roll Call Vote: Six (6) YES Zero (0) NO Zero (0) ABSTAIN One (1) ABSENT
Motion Carried
THIRD READING
RESOLUTION No. 2023-31 – RESOLUTION APPROVING TENTATIVE AGREEMENT BETWEEN CITY OF ST. CLAIRSVILLE AND THE AMERICAN FEDERATION OF STATE, COUNTY AND MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES, LOCAL 3393 OHIO COUNCIL 8, AFL-CIO ANDDECLARING AN EMERGENCY
Councilwoman Oprisch made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2023-31, the motion was seconded by Councilwoman Butler.
ROLL CALL:
Butler YES Smith ABSENT
Jordan NO Thrash YES
Lipscomb YES Vincenzo YES
Oprisch YES
Roll Call Vote: Five (5) YES One (1) NO Zero (0) ABSTAIN One (1) ABSENT
Motion Carried
ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to come before Council, Councilwoman Lipscomb made a motion to adjourn; seconded by Councilman Thrash. The meeting was adjourned at 8:33 P.M.
The next meeting will be Monday, October 16, 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.
_______________________________ ________________________________ Jacob DeBertrand, Council Clerk
The water distribution project will be headed onto North Sugar Street starting tomorrow, September 25,2023. They will be closing the street from Main Street to Newell Ave. for approximately two to three weeks. Updates will be provided as needed.