During public comment at the Belpre City Council meeting, resident Pam Roberts said she had difficulty using the farmers market located off Leonard Avenue because it is not handicapped accessible and asked whether the market is run by the city. Cat Orr, city staff, replied, “Can you give me your number? And I'll do some homework this week and let you know. And I'll call doctor Freeze who runs it and ask him if he has any plans.”
The exchange matters to residents who need accessible routes and accommodations to participate in local commerce and community life.
Roberts said she owns a scooter and has twice tried to use the market but could not safely navigate the off‑street area; she said she instead shops in Marietta because of accessibility barriers. Cat Orr offered to follow up with the market operator and report back to Roberts.
Separately, a staff member informed the council that bathrooms at Civic Park are closed because of a water issue and will be reopened once crews complete repairs. The staff announcement advised the public of the temporary closure and expected work to proceed the following day.
No formal council action was recorded on the accessibility concern; staff committed to follow up with the market operator and to report back to the resident.