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BELPRE -- Belpre City Council is working to correct a mistake in an ordinance it approved in 2021.
At its April 25 meeting, council heard from a number of concerned business owners regarding an ordinance passed in October 2021 involving a 60-day limit on storing inoperable vehicles on residential properties in Belpre.
Concerns were raised that commercial properties may have been included in that ordinance, which could adversely impact related businesses in the city. Officials said they would review the issue and if a mistake was made, it will be corrected.
At Monday's meeting, Law Director Tom Webster said a paperwork mistake resulted in the ordinance including commercial properties when it was not intended to. He presented a resolution to correct and amend the resolution to restore the original language in the ordinance.
Council approved the first reading of the amendment. A Streets Committee meeting to discuss it will be held at 7 p.m. May 22, prior to the next council meeting, before the final two readings are held.
Council approved the first reading of a resolution to participate in a Community Housing Impact and Preservation partnership agreement.
Council also approved all three readings of a resolution supplementing appropriations for 2023, which included work on the Belpre Police Department computer system.
In his mayor's report, Mayor Mike Lorentz said following a delay due to weather, the Belpre Tree Commission finally celebrated Arbor Day last Thursday with kindergarten and first grade students at Belpre Elementary School. A maple tree was planted with their assistance and Lorentz read a proclamation and explained the importance of trees in the city.
On May 4, a town hall meeting was held with Wood-Wirt-Washington Interstate Planning Commission, Mid-Ohio-Valley Transit Authority and Burges & Niple regarding the possibility of extending Easy Rider bus service to Belpre.
Lorentz said approximately 12-15 people attended and the response was generally positive. Those interested can still go out on the WWW website and respond to the survey but, "at this time we will continue to explore funding sources to ease the burden on the city should we decide to enter into an agreement," he said.
Lorentz said Belpre EMS is up and running under the new contract with the first day being last Thursday. The board continues to hold numerous meetings to ensure all issues are resolved, he said.
A Parks Committee meeting will be 6:30 p.m. May 22, followed by a Planning/Zoning Committee meeting at 6:45 p.m. that day.