Smith addresses council for first time as mayor
Jones addresses council for the last time as fire chief
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EAST LIVERPOOL -- Bobby Smith addressed city council as a whole for the first time as East Liverpool's new mayor, and Bill Jones addressed the council for the last time as the city's fire chief, during Tuesday.
Smith told council members that there is a lot of work to do and with council being more adept than he is, he would need their help moving forward. He also told them his office is open all the time and he wanted to invite each council member individually to come in and meet with him.
He also said that he would be out and about trying to talk to people and address problems of society, and he would also be talking with all the departments because he wants to have a good working relationship with all the city employees and bring up their spirits.
"I thank you guys for working with us all and what all you do," Smith said to council. "Let's work together and if you have something to say, call me and we will figure it out."
All the council members wished Smith luck and said they look forward to working with him.
Jones is retiring as the fire chief to take the position of service safety director. His last day as chief is Jan. 6 and he is expected to start as service safety director Jan. 8.
During his final end of year report to council, Jones noted that 2023 was a very active year for the East Liverpool Fire Department. They responded to the train derailment in East Palestine, had a fatal fire, began providing ambulance service, purchased a new ambulance, saw the renewal of the fire levy, had their five-year ISO survey (which he says went well), two of the department's firefighters passed the national registry to become paramedics, and the department received several grants to purchase equipment such as an automatic defibrillator, a side-by-side transport and chemical detection equipment. The department is in the process of getting quotes for the side-by-side transport and chemical detection equipment.
According to Jones, in 2023 the department ran 1,790 calls for assistance, which included 21 structure fires, 11 vehicle fires and 78 other types of fire. The ambulance ran 1,354 EMS calls in 2023, including 63 calls as mutual aid provider outside the city limits.
"It has been my honor and pleasure to the residents of this town for 33 years, with the last 13 years as fire chief," Jones said. "My parents instilled in me to leave something better than I found it and I believe I have accomplished that with the help of the firefighters. The fire department is in the best shape is has been in for quite some time."
Jones went on to say that all the accomplishments achieved in the fire department was a team effort and the milestone reached would not have been achieved without the effort from the firefighters, medics and EMTs on staff and that the firefighters will continue to deliver the same service they have in the past.
"I appreciate council working with me over the years and in my new role, I hope to continue to work well with you," Jones said.
Jones received a standing ovation from all of council and the audience present for the meeting.
Antony Cumo will serve as the interim fire chief until a promotional exam is given and a new fire chief can be appointed.
Council President John Torma noted that there were no other applications received for the position of council clerk other than the one submitted by current Council Clerk Pat Scafide. With a unanimous vote Scafide was appointed to the position for 2024.
Torma also requested nominations from the council for one of the council members to be appointed as president pro tem. Councilman Scott Barrett nominated Councilman Fred Rayl and it was seconded by Councilman Brian Kerr. With an all-in-favor vote Rayl was named president pro tem.
When it came time to approve the previous meeting minutes, Torma noted that due to computer issues and health problems there would be minutes to approve from multiple meetings. With an all-in-favor vote, minutes from the June 5, July 3, Aug. 7, Aug. 21, Sept. 5, Oct. 2, Oct. 23, Nov. 6, Nov. 20 and Dec. 4 meetings were approved.
Scafide gave an update on the public hearing request for a liquor license transfer for Lena's Lounge and said the council was still waiting to hear back from the Ohio Department of Commerce.
Councilman Tom Beagle, who chairs the Planning/Expansion Committee, gave an update on Scout Solar projects in the city. He noted that some were halted due to inclement weather with work planned to resume when weather improves, and others, such as the pavilion project planned for downtown, were in the design phase.
Beagle also said he has suspended all meetings for the discussion of a charter government for the city until after he has a chance to speak with the new administration on the matter.
Councilman John Mercer, who heads the Licensing/Economic Development Committee, told council that the city was still waiting to hear from the State regarding Historic Tax Credits and discussed the legislation presented to council regarding reducing the number of categories for trucks to haul and the possible increase in hauling fees. He also said there had been discussions about street opening fees and that Columbia Gas said the city's rates were a lot higher than other communities in the region and that has resulted in fewer gas lines being replaced in East Liverpool. Legislation to adjust the fees was presented to council.
Mercer also said that he had received an inquiry from a couple who is interested in opening a marijuana dispensary in the city because of marijuana now being legal in Ohio. Mercer said he has talked to Bill Cowan, the city's planning director, and they are looking at what other communities are planning. He also shared with council members a news article showing the impacts of marijuana on cities in Colorado, California, Oregon and New Mexico.
Council with all-in-favor votes and by emergency measures passed ordinances to authorize the auditor to pay certain vendors, approve the service safety director to enter into the contract with Diamondback Disposal to purchase the 2019 International Truck and four roll-off boxes, to allocate the costs to the Water, Wastewater, Refuse and Recycling and Storm Water funds for indirect billing services provided by the General Fund departments and authorize the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to advertise for bids for the lowest and best prices for the purchase of chemicals and supplies for the City Water and Wastewater departments for 2024.
Ordinances adjusting the price of license fees for refuse hauling trucks and permit fees were placed on first reading.
The Licensing/Economic Development Committee will meet Jan. 17 at 6 p.m., immediately followed by a meeting of the Planning/Expansion Committee at 6:30 p.m. The Finance/Labor Committee will meet Jan. 30 at 3:30 p.m. All meetings will take place in council chambers at city hall.
There will be a public meeting held Feb. 5 for a request for a zoning change.
East Liverpool City Council meets the first Monday of each month at 6 p.m. in council chambers at city hall. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Feb. 5.