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WEIRTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING REGULAR SESSION MINUTES APRIL 11, 2005 A regular session of the Common Council of the City of Weirton, Brooke and Hancock Counties, West Virginia was called to order at 7:08 P.M., on Monday, April 11, 2005, in the City Council Chambers, with Mayor William Miller presiding. Councilman in Attendance: Councilman Henry DeMasis Councilman Harold Miller Councilman Dale Moore Councilman Steve Dorich Councilman David Dalrymple Councilman Frank Veltri Councilman George Kondik City Officials in Attendance: Gary DuFour, City Manager John Yeager. City Attorney Valerie Means, Finance Director Lance Scott, Police Chief Bud Cole, Fire Chief Brae Bryant, Director of Public Works Butch Mastrantoni, Utilities Director Rod Rosnick, Inspections Director Cody Shingle, Parks and Recreation Rick Rekowski, Library Director Dolores Ostrander, City Clerk MINUTES The minutes from the regular meeting of Council on March 7, 2005 were presented to for approval. It was moved by Councilman Dorich and second by Councilman DeMasis to accept these minutes as presented. It was unanimously approved. The minutes from the Special Council meeting on March 18, 2005, were presented for approval. It was moved by Councilman Dorich and second by Councilman DeMasis to accept these minutes as presented. It was unanimously approved. MAYOR'S AWARDS AND PROCLAMATIONS The first, is to the General Federation of Women's Club which was organized April 24, 1890. They provide opportunities to develop personal and leadership skills, study issues, educate the public, stimulate civic consciences, commemorate women history, and participate in constructive public service. Where as the general foundation of the Federation of Women's Club encourages its member ship to develop a vital and continued commitment to the community and improvement. Where as the TFWC in all communities celebrate April 24th as TFWC Federation Day. Therefore be it resolved that in recognition of more than a century of volunteer service to their communities by the TFWC members; Mayor Miller proclaims April 24th as TFWC Federation Day, in the State of West Virginia, County of Hancock, in the City of Weirton. The second, is a proclamations containing the City of Weirton Fair Housing Act, whereas the denial of equal opportunity in housing, by reason of race, color, religion, ancestry, sex, family status, disability, or national origin is destructive to a free and democratic society, and whereas barriers which diminish the rights and limits the option of any citizen will ultimately diminish the rights and limit the options of all, and whereas the City of Weirton maintains and supports citywide, fair and affordable, housing efforts through community blocked grant funding and whereas the citizens and sectors of the local housing industry should work together to uphold the Fair Housing Act and the principle of equal opportunity on which it is based. Therefore be it resolved that William M. Miller, Mayor of the City of Weirton, Brooke and Hancock Counties of West Virginia, do hereby proclaim the month of April 2005, as Fair Housing Month. COMMUNICATIONS Mayor Miller congratulated George Gerbo III, a Weir High senior, who will represent the State of West Virginia in the AAA National Contest - Tracking Challenge. He will be among 48 to 50 students that will participate in Florida. Our congratulations go out to George and his family. The Mayor commented that it was good to have someone, from Weirton, to represent the State of West Virginia. Plans are also being made to have a city wide cleanup. This would include planting flowers as well as cleaning up various locations within the city limits. The Mayor will be getting with Public Works and have a staff meeting Tuesday. He has contacted various organizations and citizens who have volunteered their services. Anyone who would like to volunteer can call the Mayor's office and leave their names. There is litter on all the back streets, around Wal-Mart, 11th Street, and Palamino Drive. He would like the citizens to be part of the solution and not part of the problem. With that in mind, he would like people to be aware that this citizen's project is coming up. Mayor Miller has spoken with Parks and Recreation Director, because he thinks it is time to upgrade some of the City parks. There are monies available, and the Mayor asked him to pick out three (3) parks that can be modified or upgraded to meet Federal requirements. He has asked each of the Council members to get with Mr. Weigel to see what can be done, in each of the wards, to upgrade with entertainment for the young people. With that in mind, he is hoping to get back with Terry on this matter. CITIZEN'S COMMENTS Mr. and Mrs. Fred Martin, RR2, Box 435, Colliers - Concerning Thompson Hill Road, His understanding is that money has been approved to repair Thompson Hill Road, or in the process of being approved. Councilman Moore commented that it is on the agenda for that evening. Mr. Martin asked if this is approved when would the work begin and is it understood with the contractor that it is to begin and be completed as soon as possible? Brae Bryant commented on this subject in that the contractor has 90-days from the award of the contract, to complete that project. Mr. Martin asked if there was any stipulation as to when the contractor was to begin the project? Mr. Bryant commented that there was a 6-week delivery time on the concrete laggings. Once the contract is awarded and all the ordering of material needed for the project, then they will start as quickly as possible. Mr. Martin's concern was that the inconvenience would be rectified quickly. He is also concerned with the issues of the drains being replaced, which were taken out from the slip. Mr. Bryant said that Public Works would be replacing those drains and cleaning the ditches on that hillside. He also said that Public Works would complete the drainage work at the cul-de-sac, where the temporary road met, prior to opening up the road. Mr. Martin was speaking in terms of where it is black topped, at the original part of Thompson Hill where water was coming down and washing over the road. They were able to point out specifically where the problem was, and Mr. Bryant had expressed that water was not coming into the drainage ditch, but running over the top of the road, and had assured Mr. Martin that someone would be up there to clean that drain out before winter set in, but no one cleaned it out, even to this point in time. One drain needs to be replaced as part of it is hanging down over the hillside and the other parts are underneath the roadway. As of right now, the roadway is starting to break loose and the guardrails are dangling in the air. The same is on the other side of the road. Mr. Bryant is familiar with where he is talking about, and they have plans to address the situation. Mr. Martin feels that it would be defeating the purpose if the drains are not taken care of and repairs done, it would cause a reoccurring problem to arise. He also commented on three (3) other drains that are washed out and one is not visible as it is buried. No one else knows where that drain is and probably cannot find it without someone showing them. He is trying to make it clear that it is not just the slip but also the drains which are going to continue to cause problems if not taken care of at the same time. Mayor Miller commented to Mr. Martin to continue to look over their (the City's) shoulder and make comments on the process. (The backside of Mr. Martin's house faces this portion of the road) The Mayor appreciates the patience of those residents in the Thompson Hill area as it has been a long and hard ordeal for all involved. They have had to follow the mechanics of the system and hopefully Council will vote to accept the Resolution and get the job completed. Mr. Martin asked if the temporary road would be eliminated after the repairs are made? Mr. Bryant said they are required to do so from the property owners. He also asked if they are planning on blacktopping the rest of Thompson Hill Road from where Virginia Thompson lives all the way to the cul-de-sac, because the excess traffic has been using that portion of the road and it is really beat and in very poor condition. It is approximately 2/10 of a mile that needs to be blacktopped, but the drainage needs to be replaced first. It would be very much appreciated by everyone in the vicinity if this were done. Mayor Miller said that Mr. Bryant would look at that and they would probably be able to work that in as well. Councilman Moore will get the information and contact, at least, some of the residence out there. Mr. Bryant said that when a project is undertaken, like this one, they run an ad in the newspaper and hand out flyers door-to-door. Nancy J. Schramm and John Simakis, 520 Garden Way - They have two issues, and the first is, the billing cycle for the water service. It has gone from 30-days to 28-days, and there is a fee added on after 28-days. They are both on a fixed income and get paid on the 3rd of the month. They looked at the amount of the bill and went down to pay it, and the receptionist said that the change was on the bottom of the utility bill. He can barely see the amount; let alone what it says on the bottom of the bill. He discussed it with the cashier and he knows that she can do nothing about this, but he is really disappointed because usually things like this are published in the paper. The cashier said that the change was in the newsletter. The newsletter is not understandable. Another man was screaming at the other cashier about this same thing. He is suggesting having it published in the newspaper. Mayor Miller said that the Utilities Director was present, but there was a PSC ruling that was changed back in October 2003 although it was not implemented in the City of Weirton until recently. But he is glad that this is being brought to the for front as there will be another battery of bills going out again with that change made to them. Mr. Simakis commented on a positive note about the part-time position for Animal Control Officer, as he is glad that this position is being created. The present Officer is being run ragged with all the cats that are in that area. It really needs to be passed. Roger Madden, 125 Circle Drive - In reference with the LVL's and the Ordinance being passed in December about 1,000 feet between the LVL's and the churches. He had attended the Zoning Board meeting last week on a variance being sought to establish another café, and was glad to see that it was turned down. He just wanted to make that comment. He had heard that it was going to be appealed according to Channel 9, and he hopes that the City Council will use its power and influence to try to stay with the ordinance that they have worked so hard to get passed. Mayor Miller commented that that is the American way to be able to appeal and go through the courts. He thinks Council will stand by this as well as everyone else that is involved, but that is just his opinion. OLD BUSINESS Second Reading of Ordinance No. 1440: Amendment No. 629 to the Traffic Control Map Ordinance No. 214 of the City of Weirton (establishment of Handicapped parking space at 181 St. John's Road) It was moved by Councilman Dorich and second by Councilman DeMasis to approve this Ordinance. The motion was carried unanimously. Councilman Dorich asked if Brae would put the sign up the next day, as this man has gone twice to hospital, in the last month, and has had to have a car removed both times from in front of their house. This car insists on parking in front of their house. Please do it as soon as possible. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 1441: Amendment No. 630 to the Traffic Control Map Ordinance No. 214 of the City of Weirton (establish no parking on north side of Pennsylvania Avenue from N. 15th street for a distance of 76 ft. west to 1429 Pa. Avenue). It was moved by Councilman Dorich and second by Councilman DeMasis to approve this Ordinance. The motion was carried unanimously. NEW BUSINESS Traffic Commission Recommendation (Ordinance to extend yellow no parking zone from corner to first driveway on Ridgeway and Elk.). It was moved by Councilman Dorich and second by Councilman DeMasis to approve this Ordinance. The motion was carried unanimously. Resolution to enter into Contract for the Purchase of a Radio Communications Interoperability Device for the Weirton Fire Department Utilizing Homeland Security Funding. It was moved by Councilman Dorich and second by Councilman Veltri to accept this Resolution. Councilman Dalrymple made a comment on the previous nights program on 60 Minutes. There was a portion of the program on Homeland Security Funding, and a mostly one-sided interview, which had to do with how Homeland Security Funding was being abused by small communities. He wanted to speak on behalf of this small community, which has been using funding from Homeland Security, and this Council is using the monies wisely and for the safety of this community. He took exception to many of the comments made, because they did not tell the whole story, but remained one-sided. Mayor Miller agreed with Councilman Dalrymple on this issue, and commended the City's Fire and Police Departments on trying to secure funds, not only from Homeland Security, but also from other sources. The Fire Department for the year 2004-05, secured close to 2M to upgrade our system, within this community. In September floods showed weakness in the communications equipment and allowed upgrade what we need and give the protection within the community. The Mayor thanks them, Homeland Security, and FEMA. Councilman Miller had comments to make about the equipment that the Fire Department has bought with these funds. He stopped by last week to see the equipment purchased, and found that some of this equipment does not come totally complete. He said that we would be amazed at the skill and effort that our firemen, police officers, and Public Works get involved and upgrade this equipment. They put the lighting on it and the diamond plate on that equipment themselves and saves the community additional funds. Not only do they go out and get the grant money but they also do the work themselves to updating and getting it ready for the road. They need to be commended for that, because they do fine job of providing the services and helping to reduce the costs by thousands of dollars that is not allowed to be spend on these certain updates. They do a great job. Mr. Miller suggests if people have time to go and see some of the equipment that they have just bought. The motion has been made and second, and the motion was carried unanimously. Resolution to enter into Contract for Purchase of Automated External Defibrillators for Weirton Fire Department Utilizing FEMA Grant Money. It was moved by Councilman Dorich and second by Councilman DeMasis to accept this Resolution. The motion was carried unanimously. Resolution to enter into Contract for Purchase of Exhaust System for the Weirton Fire Department Headquarters and Gilson avenue Fire Station Utilizing FEMA Grant Money. It was moved by Councilman DeMasis and second by Councilman Dorich to approve this Resolution. The motion was carried unanimously. Resolution to enter into Contract for the Purchase of Two-Site Voter Radio System for Weirton Fire Department utilizing Homeland Security Grant Funding. It was moved by Councilman Dorich and second by Councilman DeMasis to approve this Resolution. City Manager, Gary DuFour, had comments to make on these pieces of equipment. These are all communication pieces of Homeland Security. They are our key effort to back up a free standing and redundant communication systems. The first item that the Council approved was to handle the issue of interoperability with other departments of the State and Federal Agencies, by purchasing special equipment. The voter system will pick up signals from one of the five, hand-held radios, and rebroadcast that at a higher wattage and, hopefully, begin to diminish or completely wipe out the dead spots that we have in the communications, in the area, because of our terrain. There was a motion and a second, and this motion was carried unanimously. Resolution to enter into Contract for the Purchase of an All-Terrain Vehicle for the Weirton Fire Department. It was moved by Councilman Dorich and second by Councilman DeMasis to approve this Resolution. This motion was carried unanimously. Resolution to enter into agreement for New Telecommunications Provider for the City of Weirton. It was moved by Councilman Moore and second by Councilman Dalrymple to approve this Resolution. Mr. DuFour explained that this was a change in the contractor handling our hard-line communications. Right now the City is with Digital Communications of Morgantown. The change to Fibernet will reduce our hard-line telephone cost at 29%, or a little over $16,000 of the annual estimated billing of our Centrex, as well as, our regular phone lines. Mayor Miller commended Mr. DuFour for his networking and doing everything he can to cut costs, as this is a big budget portion of over 20%. This motion was carried unanimously. Resolution to enter into contract for repairs to slippage on Thompson Hill Road Utilizing FEMA and State Funding. It was moved by Councilman DeMasis and second by Councilman Dorich to approve this Resolution. This motion was carried unanimously. Resolution authorizing acceptance for the West Virginia Legislative Digest Funds for $15,000 for Cove Baseball Complex. It was moved by Councilman Kondik and second by Councilman Dorich to approve this Resolution. Councilman Moore want to note, that those who watch the budget totals, this will increase the budget. This is a pass-through item and it increases our budget. We are receptor and distributor of this. So for those who watch the budget and see it increase $15,000, this is the increase. It doesn't originate with us, we are just taking it in the right hand and put it in the left. Councilman Dalrymple asked if there are plans for this grant money? Mayor Miller responded that they were looking at getting restrooms, concession stands, and a third new feature, is a press box. In looking at this, the $15,000 will give us a shell, but we are looking at over a two-year period that the City is going to try to complete this project. This motion was carried unanimously. Resolution authorizing acceptance for the West Virginia Legislative Digestive Funds for $10,000 for Weirton Baseball Association. It was moved by Councilman Dorich and second by Councilman Kondik to approve this Resolution. Mayor Miller commented that this was supplemental monies for cleanup around the ball field, from the September flooding. This motion was carried unanimously. Resolution implementing the National Incident Management System (NIMS). It was moved by Councilman Moore and second by Councilman Dalrymple to approve this Resolution. Mr. DuFour explained what NIMS is for, in that, we are required in the next two-years to make a conversion in our reporting system for police, fire, and emergencies, to what is called the National Incident Management System. Again this relates strictly to the Homeland Security scenario, where they are promulgating national system of reporting back to Washington, at the State level. It will probably modify the fire and police reports that we currently file so that key incidents will be reported directly to the State and Washington. This motion was carried unanimously. Resolution to authorize contribution to Evert Maki American Lgion Post 10 for the Veteran's Memorial, located on Three Springs Drive. It was moved by Councilman Dorich and second by Councilman DeMasis to approve this Resolution. Councilman DeMasis read a letter, which was addressed to the City of Weirton, the Mayor, and the Council, and said that they (The Evert Maki American Legion Post 10) is in the process of soliciting donations to honor our veterans of World War II, Korea, and Vietnam era. This money will be used to place their names on the Memorial Plaque at the ISG grounds. He feels this is a worthwhile cause, because it isn't often that someone will step out and noticeable support our veterans. This case represents those who served and been in combat in these wars who are and were specifically from Weirton. Councilman Dalrymple asked if this was going to include those who served in Desert Storm? It was noted that it would not at this time. This motion was carried unanimously. Resolution of Council of the City of Weirton authorizing participation in the Northern Panhandle Home Consortium for the Period of July 1, 2005 to June 30, 2006. It was moved by Councilman Moore and second by Councilman Miller to approve this Resolution. Councilman Miller commented that those who don't know about the First Time Home Owners program, which is for low income. He had the opportunity to help a couple of people last year and found that there also was a program in the State of West Virginia. The threshold for income with the State is much higher than the City of Weirton. The City is $30,000, and the State is $50,600, so there is a more browed program available. If you are a more high level of income or funding has been exhausted in the City then the State program is available. Mr. Yeager checked on this and it is $37,000 for two people and $30,000 for one person. Mr. Miller said that it was $50,000 for one individual. This motion was carried unanimously. Resolution to Create Municipal Financial Stabilization Fund. It was moved by Councilman Moore and second by Councilman Dorich to approve this Resolution. The official name for this is the Rainy Day Fund. This motion was carried unanimously. Resolution Authorizing Filing an Application for the FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) for King's Creek Road area. It was moved by Councilman Miller and second by Councilman Dalrymple to approve this Resolution. Mr. DuFour explained the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program is set aside and originally came from the flooding that occurred on September 17, 2004. There is about $4M available Statewide. In late January or early February advertisements went out from Milsop Center for those who wanted to participate in this program. Principally the emphasis in the grant application is to acquire the property, which had been destroyed during flooding on Kings Creek Road and Greentree. It is a voluntary program in which the neighbors, residents, and owners have indicated that they will participate with the City to find out if they can receive the Federal Funding. Thereafter, the City would own land, take care of grass and maintenance and nothing can be built on it since it had been heavily flooded, and just kept in a land band by the City of Weirton. This motion was carried unanimously. Resolution to enter into agreement with the Abrams-Cherwony & Associates for consultant services of a Transit Expansion Study. It was moved by Councilman Moore and second by Councilman DeMasis to approve this Resolution. The motion was carried unanimously. Resolution to enter into contract for the Purchase of Traffic Control Cabinets and Controllers. It was moved by Councilman Dorich and second by Councilman DeMasis to approve this Resolution. Mayor Miller commented that this was $27,000. Valerie responded to this by saying the money has already been received, from FEMA. Mr. DuFour said to mention the location, which is Freedom Way and Main Street, where the flooding wiped out the Control Boxes. The motion was carried unanimously. Ordinance Modifying Ordinance 1313 (as Amended.), Creating the Employment Position of Part-Time Code Official and Setting the Salary Therefore. It was moved by Councilman Dorich and second by Councilman DeMasis to approve this Resolution. Councilman Miller made a comment that the position being created would be paid by the CBDG Grant Money. It is a position that they had been looking at to add, even though they had some layoffs last year. If you live in the City of Weirton, we get calls all the time asking if we would clean up the Main Street of Weirton or about the potholes. There is already an Ordinance on the books for the City of Weirton, which is Ordinance 905.6, but we need a Code Official to enforce these ordinances so that we can find the violators. This begins with the cleaning up of the sidewalks and makes the owners responsible for those conditions. It not only applies to Main Street but it applies to the whole community, but we can get grant money to pay for that position to start with Main Street. We hear it from visitors and we hear it from resident to clean up downtown. This is the beginning. It isn't coming out of General Funds, it is a grant and it will benefit the downtown area. Mayor Miller shares Councilman Miller's thoughts but at the same time he want to say that there are businesses and residents that take pride in their community and their business and do a magnificent job of keeping their area clean, but there are violators and the City will be moving on this. The motion was carried unanimously. Ordinance Modifying Ordinance 1313 (as Amended), Creating the Employment Position of Part-Time Animal Control Officer, and Setting the Salary Therefore It was moved by Councilman Dorich and second by Councilman DeMasis to approve this Ordinance. The motion was carried unanimously. Resolution to Authorize Purchase of Two Computers for the Weirton Police Department and One Computer for the Weirton Fire Department. It was moved by Councilman Dorich and second by Councilman DeMasis to accept this Resolution. The motion was carried unanimously. Ordinance Amending Article 331.01 of the City of Weirton (adopting State Law) It was moved by Councilman Dorich and second by Councilman DeMasis to approve this Ordinance. The motion was carried unanimously. Resolution to authorize a joint Fourth of July Fireworks with the City of Steubenville and City of Weirton. It was moved by Councilman Dorich and second by Councilman Dalrymple to approve this Resolution. Councilman Kondik asked for an amendment to this Resolution of an $8,000 cap. It was second by Councilman Moore. Mayor Miller explained that the City of Weirton and the City of Steubenville are joining together to try to establish a reasonable display of fireworks that would be on the Fort Steuben Bridge. The bridge will be shut down starting July 4th at 6 A.M. and open up on July 5th at 6 A.M. The extravagant display of fireworks will have many rockets, and there will be a "fountain of fire" or fountain of fireworks, which will be 600 ft. long in the middle of the bridge and will last over a minute. It will extend from the bridge deck all the way down to the water. We anticipate large crowds, and the police and fire departments along with Public Works will be working to establish some type of parameters in parking. They have worked details out with the Coast Guard, Corp of Engineers, and the Department of Highways, in the State of Ohio, which owns the bridge; the State of West Virginia owns the river, so we have a lot of details to work on. They will have verification the first week of May. The motion has been moved and second, and then Council voted on the Amendment to this Resolution. The motion was unanimously carried. Voting on the original resolution to authorize the joint venture with the fireworks between the Cities of Weirton and Steubenville. This motion was moved by Councilman Dalrymple and second by Councilman DeMasis. The motion was carried unanimously. APPOINTMENT TO VARIOUS BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS This appointment is to the Water Board. The term is: 6/1/05 - 5/30/10 Don Gianni, Jr. 104 Lisa Court Weirton, WV 26062 The approval of this appointment was moved by Councilman Dorich and second by Councilman DeMasis, which was carried unanimously. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS FROM VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS Police Department - Nothing to report. Mayor Miller asked if there were any drug raid made today? Chief Scott said that there was a drug arrest made. They had not given any information out on the subject, but being the Mayor mentioned it, the Chief explained to some degree. The individual fled on foot and the officers pursued and overtook him. Fire Department - Chief Cole expressed his thanks to the Fire Department for their part in obtaining the grant monies that have been used to upgrade and increase their equipment. They went the extra mile not only in the paper work, assisting in the processing of these grants, but in doing the repairs and upgrade on these trucks. The Mayor asked if there was anyone in particular that he could thank with the Mayor's Award? Chief Cole said that under the FEMA Grants there was one person in particular who had made the initial request and that was Lieutenant Bob Hinchee. Mayor asked about the brush fire on State Street, in the Marland Heights area, as we were coming into brush fire season. Chief Cole said that 2 units were on scene within 3 minutes and took approximately 4 minutes to extinguish the fire. Public Works - Brae Bryant said that there were two patch crews out. It is cold patch, which is more time consuming and it doesn't hold as well, so they have to go back to the same area multiple times. The mobile asphalt patch will producing hot mix, possibly Monday. Utilities - Butch Mastrantoni said they are continuing work on Palamino Drive, they have much of the lines in the ground and are going to be doing inter connections in their efforts to abandon the old lines and move over to the new 12" lines. Then they will begin restoration, now that hot mix is being produced. These restorations will be made all over town, because of the line breaks during the winter months. Councilman Kondik asked who was responsible for following up on the gas lines? Brae answered this in reference to the more recent breaks, and said that Columbia Gas is responsible, and they have sent letters out to them. Councilman Moore commented for general council, he thinks that they need to look at the utility tests. He said that there are utility test from 3-months ago with a sawhorse still on it. They make the cuts and don't notify Public Works. He is talking about the gas company, not water and sanitary. A comment was made about Brightway having been paved, about a 2 to 2 1/2 blocks, and within 30-days they were there cutting. This was brand new asphalt! Brae commented that they do get out a list of streets that are going to be serviced. That particular gas break was discovered after the street had been paved. They had the green light to go on all the streets that they paved that year, because they try to coordinate with the utility companies to avoid such a scenario occurring. Brae said that there is in the works a utility cut ordinance, but it has been put on hold, because his staff has spent a tremendous amount of time coordinating these FEMA projects and recovery dollars, and some of the projects on the back burner has to be brought to the forefront. Councilman Dorich asked if anything was being done on getting the State to work on Pennsylvania Avenue. Mr. DuFour commented that the potholes were a main issue, but the State was also fighting slides and slips. They have a lot of calls about all the State routes. They have address a couple potholes on Main Street, but have not address Penna. Avenue, so calls should be directed to them. They asked the asphalt operators to work with them on some kind of reimbursement for material, etc., which is not an acceptable scenario. They need to maintain their own roads without splitting the obligation. If it is in the Hancock County area; call the Hancock County office in New Cumberland. If it is Brooke County section of the City then call the Brooke County office. Mayor Miller suggests that the citizens call the county in which they live to make complaints, not the City. That is the best thing that they can do. The citizens are to call the Brooke or Hancock County Highway Department and voice your opinion and displeasure on all the potholes. Inspections - Rod Rosnick add is an update on the Overbrook slip. Since mid March, the Inspections Department and Public Works has been monitoring the slip that is occurring, that is basically starting about 12' from the curb line of S. 11th Street and going to the bottom toward Overbrook and Spring Street. Unfortunately, they have ordered the vacation of 3 homes. Three families have been taken out of their homes, and one of those homes has been damaged by the slip, to the point that it has been condemned. We have had the foundation collapse in it. A second home has had some slipping against the foundation and the walls, but has not yet experienced any structural damage. The third home is just in the slip zone right now, where it is in danger of the slip getting to it. After the first week that the Fire Department notified them they had 15 control points put on the hillside, for surveyor to monitor the movement. The slip has been monitored at moving from not at all to over 6 feet. Actually, the first house that he spoke about, the 4 corners of the foundation have moved over 3 feet in the last 3 weeks. The house itself is moving about a foot a week right now. There are three other houses that are in the potential slip range, depending on the movement. Councilman Dalrymple has more comments on S. 11th Street, in order to get it out into the open. Brae said that they are continuing to monitor the slip in what appears to be the active area of the slip. Fortunately they are monitoring the road and they don't have a lot of significant road repair, so this is good. Mayor Miller asked about S. 11th Street being shutdown on Wednesday to do some cleanup work along the ditch lines and the side of the road. They will also be monitoring, that day, a hairline crack and they will put some control points in so they can monitor that, while the road is shut down. Mayor Miller asked if anyone had comments about Ridge Avenue? Rod explained that that slip occurred in January. They have also ordered the vacating of that house, by the tenant. It is a deeper slip on Ridge as it has push the rear part of the house upward, and then the rear foundation was pushed in. It was an active slip, but it has been steady since they have been monitoring it. Recreation and Parks Board - Cody, the ground crews addressing the yard maintenance at the playgrounds and getting the pools ready to open on Memorial Day. Starvaggi pool had a valve that was shot, but that has been taken care of since. Marland Heights pool was built in 1934 and it runs more efficiently than Starvaggi pool. He has also advised Chief Scott, that they have instructed some people that come to Milsop Center to use the employee parking lot behind the baseball field. He doesn't think they will run into a problem because it is after work hours, but so you are aware of that. Mayor Miller commented that we are going to have more serious parking problems once they start on the parking lot. Library - Rick Rekowski, would like to extend their announcement to Council and the City of Weirton, for "Happy National Library Week". The Mary H. Weir Library is celebrating this by offering "fine free", as in all the libraries in the United States, this in significance of all our public libraries in our communities. Anyone having a fine, this week could come into the library and be forgiven. If you have a fine from some time ago, if you will come in, we will take it off your record. All you have to do is visit the library. They do this every year. They cannot forgive the material loss, because they would have to return the item. It is under the rules and regulations of the State code that the public libraries in the State of West Virginia recognize that National Library Week will provide a fine forgiveness and that enables a library, any time in the future, to bring a Constable to anyone's home to retrieve unreturned materials. So there is no excuse to have fines. People can come to the Library and return the books and be forgiven, and this happens from today (4/11/05) Monday through closing time on Saturday. Anna Turner will be at the Library doing a workshop on writing Memoirs, and a class also for children both on Saturday. Income tax forms and booklets are at the library and will be doing out the door after Friday, which is the last day to file. Treasurer's Report - Valerie Means, Finance Director Cash Report March 2005 - Beginning Balance $452,509.22; Voided Check $1,609.31; Interest $398.82; Deposits $1,467,310.07; Disbursements $1,000,064.18; Ending Balance $921,763.24; with Investment Balance of $1,910,838.34; Total Cash & Investments $2,833,301.58 It was moved by Councilman Dorich and second by Councilman DeMasis to accept the Treasurer's Report. The report was unanimously approved A motion by Councilman Dorich and second by Councilman DeMasis to accept Department Head Reports. It was unanimously accepted A motion was made by Councilman Miller and second by Councilman Dalrymple to pay the bill. It was unanimously approved Prayer Adjourned
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