Portsmouth City Council, at its June 28th meeting, dealt with a number of issues including giving first reading to an ordinance that would submit a charter change to the voters in November. Council also passed a resolution that would place a renewal tax levy for the Flood Defense System on the November ballot.
"I introduced this at our mayor's conference agenda two weeks ago, one of the things I have heard most from people interested in politics in Portsmouth is the current five year (residency) requirement for running for office," Kevin Johnson, First Ward Councilman, said. "I did a comparison of other cities and the average is anywhere from six months to one year. New Boston has a one year requirement."
Johnson said he could not find any city that had a five year requirement like Portsmouth does.
John Haas, Fifth Ward Councilman, raised concerns about not feeling comfortable with a six month requirement. "Part of my inclination is giving the primary and the general election a period of one year. That would be better."
An amendment was made to change the recommended requirement of residing in the city for six months before running for office to one year. The ordinance was amended and given a first reading. There will be two more readings on the ordinance.
Council also passed a resolution to request from Scioto County Auditor David Green the estimated property tax revenue that would be generated by the renewal of a one mill flood defense system levy.
The Flood Defense System is 12 pumping stations capable of pumping 500 million gallons per day. These pump stations are located on the perimeter levee and floodwall of the City at the confluence of the Ohio and Scioto Rivers. The floodwall and levee will protect the City to a river level of 72 feet, according to the Waste Water Directors duties on www.portsmouthoh.org/.
Council will consider legislation at its next meting to formally put the renewal levy on the November ballot.
Council also gave second reading to an ordinance authorizing the mayor to enter into a contract with Howerton Engineering to assist the City with certification of its flood protection system in accordance with FEMA criteria. A second reading was given to the 2011 tax budget.
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