At the January 30 meeting, Barnesville Council appointed Brad Hudson to fill the remaining two years of an open seat created when Councilman Ron Bischof was elected as mayor in November. Hudson, who lost his bid for re-election in November, was nominated to fill the seat by Councilman Dale Bunting.
Councilman Terry McCort nominated Tom Michelli, who retired as mayor, effective January 1, 2012.
After the nominations were closed, Bunting, William Stottler and newly-elected Councilman John Jefferis, cast their votes for Hudson. McCort and Councilman Tony Johnson cast their votes for Michelli. Hudson was appointed to the seat by a vote of 3-2.
Following Hudson’s appointment, the following committee assignments were made: Finance, contract and ordinance - McCort, Bunting, Johnson; Safety - Johnson, Stottler and Hudson; Cemetery - Stottler, McCort and Johnson; Street and Alley - Bunting, McCort and Jefferis; Buildings and Grounds - Jefferis, Bunting and Hudson; Park & Recreation - Bunting, McCort and Johnson; Personnel - McCort, Stottler and Hudson and Water & Sewer, Bunting, Jefferis and Stottler.
Bunting was again appointed as Council President.
Mayor Bischof officially appointed Michelli to the Planning Commission, as he was no longer serving as mayor.
Michael Shaheen, candidate for Belmont County Treasurer, addressed council. Shaheen, an attorney who has served as Belmont County juvenile prosecutor, said he was running for the office of treasurer to “continue a family tradition of serving the community and helping others.”
Council approved Fiscal Officer Darla Fuller to apply for a Chase credit card, with a $25,000 limit, for use by herself, Village Administrator Roger Deal and others approved by and signed for by them. Fuller and Deal said the card will be used for monthly expenses such as fuel and to register for conferences and hotel stays as needed.
Fuller estimated the village spends between $7,000 and $8,000 per month on gasoline for village vehicles and equipment.
Fuller said the balance would be paid in full each month, therefore no interest or fees would be due. Any purchases would still require a purchase order and approval.
Fuller said the card would reduce paperwork associated with reimbursements. She said the treasurers of both the Barnesville Exempted Village School District and the vocational school were using the same credit card.
Belmont County Port Authority Director Larry Merry told council that he was working on the details of a proposed Joint Economic Development District between the village and Warren Township Trustees for an estimated 200 acre industrial/commercial development.
Merry said he wanted to discuss the project with Deal more before sharing any more details with council, but said that an announcement regarding the project will be made soon.
Michelli noted that a public hearing and other procedures would need to take place within 35 days of the signing of a JEDD agreement.
Council again discussed limiting parking on a section of Bethesda Street. Michelli recommended two “no parking signs” be purchased, as weather would not permit the painting of the curb.
Deal was to look at the area to determine the exact beginning and ending of the “no parking zone.” In the meantime, Harper was to have an amended ordinance prepared for the Feb. 13 meeting.
A malfunctioning traffic light at the intersection of South and South Chestnut streets was also discussed again.
Deal said street department employees will try to re-wire the light to existing wiring nearby, eliminating the need for the traffic box entirely. He estimated the solution would save between $700 and $800.
Deal said a new strain pole will also need to be purchased for the traffic light in the summer.
Deal said he is still looking at replacing many village traffic lights with new LED lights. He said the energy savings would help offset the $200 per light cost ($400 for red and green). He noted that the LED lights would not melt accumulated ice, but so far that had not been a problem for the other LED traffic light the village has already installed.
In another ongoing matter, Harper said he spoke with a legal consultant at the Ohio Municipal League who confirmed that the village could not enforce a law pertaining to recreational vehicle parks if that law contradicted state law.
A copy of changes to the village’s sub division laws, recommended by the planning commission, was given to Deal for review.
Harper said any proposed changes would first require a public hearing.
Harper said he also drafted a recommended ordinance adding a fine to those who violate building permit regulations. He said he would amend the draft and present it at the Feb. 13 meeting.
Council approved Police Chief David Norris’ request to hire Joe Huston on a part-time probationary period of six months at a rate of $10.47 per hour. Norris also requested that starting, full-time pay for officers be increased to $11.47 per hour.
At the previous meeting, Norris said competitive wages offered by other nearby departments were making it difficult for him to hire new officers.
The pay rate change will require the passing of an amended ordinance at the next meeting.
Fire Chief Bob Smith was given approval to purchase a new, $900 garage door opener for the station doors.
Bischof reported that mayor’s court receipts for the month of January totaled $3,060 - $2,607 to the village and $1,053 to the state.
Council authorized Deal to advertise for bulk bid water distribution chemicals for fiscal year 2012 at an estimated cost of $50,000.
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