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BELPRE -- Belpre City Council took action Monday on several ordinances and resolutions, including annual appropriations and establishing a temporary moratorium on new substance addiction facilities in Belpre.
In council business, council approved ordinances and resolutions on second reading: adopting the 2024 annual appropriations; entering into a contract with Washington County Soil and Water Conservation District for technical storm water management assistance; establishing a six-month moratorium on the establishment of in-patient and out-patient addiction facilities, including sober living homes and recovery homes in Belpre; and amend the city's labor contract with union municipal employees.
A final reading of the ordinances will be held at a future council meeting.
Council also approved the first reading of the city's annual manpower ordinance setting the manpower limits for the city of Belpre for 2024. Additional readings will be held at future council meetings.
In her mayor's report, Mayor Susan Abdella said the new Technical Review Committee has met with four people to review development plans and construction projects within the city. The goal is to meet with property owners and developers to discuss projects and help them navigate the building process while meeting all the requirements of the state and city codes, she said.
Abdella told council the city will have to assume some of the costs for the RedHawk program used by the Belpre Police Department to run license checks. The Washington County Commission previously paid for the service but will not be paying for it from 911 funds. It will cost the city about $3,500, she said.
Regarding the light poles in Civitan Park, she said the Beautify Belpre group will be selling sponsorships for planters in the near future.
"They have some exciting plans this year for a new display until the baskets on the poles can be resolved. Please continue to support their efforts," Abdella said.
A Rules Committee meeting will be 6 p.m. Thursday and the Streets Sidewalks and Storm Sewer Committee will meet at 6:45 p.m. March 25, prior to the next regular council meeting.
Police Chief Michael Stump said he is interested in beginning a series of community emergency preparedness workshops to discuss ways to be better prepared in event of emergencies and community-wide disasters. The first will be 6 p.m. March 28 in council chambers and additional workshops will be held in the future if there is interest in them, Stump said.
Wayne Towner can be reached at wtowner@newsandsentinel.com