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BELPRE -- Belpre officials are in discussions regarding the possibility of extending the Easy Rider bus service to Belpre.
Belpre Mayor Mike Lorentz said the Ohio Department of Transportation will share the burden and the city of Belpre will have a 20% match if the changes are approved.
He is scheduled to meet with the Mid-Ohio Valley Transit Authority today to discuss the parameters of service and contract if the service can be extended from Parkersburg and Vienna to include Belpre.
"Since talking with you all I have polled the Senior Center, the Chamber of Commerce Board, and anybody that will listen. All agree that it is time," he said.
With the loss of a police officer that has filled in over the past few months as dispatcher, Lorentz said a lot of time has been spent on Civil Service matters. An advertisement was re-sent as well as many phone calls looking for applicants and as of Friday the city had seven applicants.
Belpre Police Chief Terry Williams has elected to retire Sept. 15 instead of later this fall as he planned, Lorentz said. At his retirement date, Lorentz will appoint an interim chief.
"As of now the sergeants are managing quite well with the day-to-day issues but, quite busy. I have not appointed an interim as, upon that happening it is my understanding we then are under a time limit for testing and naming a chief. I want our sergeants to have all the time allowed to study for the exam. We started the interview process from our remaining list of applicants on Friday," he said.
In other business, council approved the final reading of a resolution authorizing the city auditor to establish a special revenue fund to receive funds under the American Rescue Plan Act pursuant to Ohio House Bill 168. Prior to passage, council voted to amend the resolution to remove a clause restricting the funding to water and sewer projects. It will now be available for use in any ARPA-approved project under Ohio Revised Code.
Three committee meetings were scheduled for Sept. 26, prior to the next council meeting on that date. The Streets Committee will meet at 6:30 p.m. to discuss a request from the Belpre City Schools District regarding snow removal services on school property. The Police and Fire Committee will meet at 6:45 p.m. for discussion of a rescue vehicle. The Finance Committee will meet at 7:15 p.m. to discuss supplemental appropriations.