WEIRTON CITY COUNCIL
COUNCIL MEETING - REGULAR
MONDAY, MAY 12, 2008 7:00 P. M.
A regular meeting of the Common Council of the City of Weirton, Hancock and Brooke Counties, West Virginia was held on Monday, May 08, 2008 at 7:00 P.M. in Council Chambers of the Weirton City Building.
Mayor Harris called the meeting to order.
Councilmembers in Attendance: George Ash Councilmember Ward 4 Ronnie Jones Councilmember Ward 1 Fred Marsh Councilmember Ward 3 Max Fijewski Councilmember Ward 7
Councilmembers in Attendance: Harold Miller Councilmember Ward 2 David Dalrymple Councilmember Ward 6 George Kondik Councilmember Ward 5
City Officials in Attendance: John Brown Public Works Director Gary DuFour City Manager Vincent Gurrera City Attorney David Lashhorn Fire Chief Thomas J. Maher, Jr. City Clerk Bruce Marshall Police Chief Greg Moodie Weirton Police Department Debbie Swanson Interim Finance Director Rik Rekowski Mary H. Weir Library Director Rod Rosnick Chief Code Official
Others in Attendance: Gio Rossi Media - Weirton Daily Times
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion was made by Councilmember Ash and second by Councilmember Marsh to approve the minutes of the: April 07, 2008 – Regular Council MeetingApril 15, 2008 – Special Council MeetingThe motion carried, 4/0.
MAYOR’S AWARDS AND PROCLAMATIONS
Mayor Harris commented, “I do have a proclamation tonight. Chief Marshall, can you come up front please?”
Chief Marshall and Sergeant Moodie approached the podium.
Mayor Harris presented a proclamation observing National Police Memorial Week from May 12, 2008 to May 18, 2008.
City of Weirton Office of the Mayor Proclamation
Whereas, May 12 through May 18, 2008 has been officially designated as National Police Memorial Week by President John F. Kennedy in 1962, to pay tribute to those police officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, and to voice our appreciation for all those who currently serve on the front lines of the battle against crime; and
Whereas, at no other time in our nation’s history have we witnessed the bravery exhibited by our nation’s police officers as was seen on September 11, 2001 and the months that have followed; and
Whereas, on average, one law enforcement officer is killed somewhere in America nearly every other day, and we are reminded every day nearly 700,000 sworn officers put their lives on the line to ensure the public’s safety and protection; and
Whereas, we must remember that these brave officers are human beings, they are husbands, wives, fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, uncles and aunts, and we must carry on their life’s work and remember the officers who stood true with pride and integrity, and said, “To Serve and Protect,” for the giving of their lives we offer our respect.
Now, therefore, be it resolved, that I, Mark Harris, Mayor of the City of Weirton, do hereby proclaim May 12 through May 18, 2008 as National Police Memorial Week in our community urging all citizens to remember those officers who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country and to appreciate all those who currently Serve and Protect.
IN WITNESS, WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the City of Weirton to be affixed this 12th day of May 2008.
Mayor Chief Marshall commented, “Thank you sir.”
APPLAUSE
Mayor Harris commented, “Also we have a Mayor’s award tonight for a gentleman that got the Eagle Scout, Matthew James Milanese. Matthew has received the Eagle Scout.
CITY OF WEIRTON MAYOR’S AWARD
MATTHEW JAMES MILANESE
In grateful recognition of your outstanding qualities of leadership and dedication by earning your Eagle Scout. Matthew organized a C. P. R. class free of charge to area churches and businesses from both Brooke and Hancock Counties in Northern West Virginia. Your accomplishment and achievement deserves special recognition and this award. I deem it an honor and a privilege to present you with this Mayor’s Award.
MAYOR
APPLAUSE
Mayor Harris commented, “Thank you very much.”
COMMUNICATIONS
Mayor Harris commented, “Are there any communications tonight, Tom?”
Mr. Maher commented, “Yes. We did get a card addressed to Mayor Harris and the City Councilmembers. It’s a thank you card. It says, ‘Dear Mayor Harris and members of City Council, I’d like to sincerely thank each of you for contributing to the Cove Presbyterian Church Kids for Kids Bowling Fundraiser. Your kindness and generosity is truly appreciated. This fundraiser was a huge success. A total of $1,048.33 was generated, and the funds will help our special project over the 2008 holiday season, Project Christmas Smile. By joining forces, the church community, city government and our fine police force, we can together make a positive effect on a community in need. Thank you again for your kindness. Love in Christ, Nichole Drobish, Chairperson.’”
Mayor Harris commented, “Thank you.”
CITIZEN COMMENTS
Joe Stankiewicz 127 Pike Street, Weirton, WV: Re: Responsibility and Governing Mr. Stankiewicz commented, “You guys found the book. You should never leave the door unlocked. This is compliments of Senator Byrd, and that’s something I think he has this thing that he’s trying to educate the entire country. So, if you need more of these, they’re available. We’ll just email his office, and they appear in the mail. It’s magic. The most important thing I think we, as Americans, have to understand is the fact that when we pledge allegiance to the flag, it says United States of America, not the united socialist states of America. Big difference. And, it says Republic. Read the book. This is a republic. It’s not a socialist republic. It’s a Democratically elected Republic, and the people who sit up here are the elected representatives of the people, because when it starts out on that piece of paper it says, ‘We the people.’ You’re elected to represent the people, not Rodney and the guys in the guys in the back of the room, whether we like it or not. You know, you are elected by the people out on the street, and the bureaucracy that’s inside the building here and the state house and our nation’s capital aren’t the people you’re representing. I know it’s difficult to separate the two from each other, but that’s the way it has to be, whether we like it or not. So, that’s the beginning of my little campaign to educate people here. And, I’ll be back next month with another part of the plan. See you later.”
Mayor Harris commented, “That was a fast three minutes.”
Mr. Stankiewicz commented, “I’ve got three minutes. Did I make it?
LAUGHTER OLD BUSINESS
Ordinance No. 1576 (2nd Reading) AMENDING THE TEXT OF THE UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE SECTION 15.8.2 (A) DRIVEWAYS; 3.6.7 CONDITIONAL USE REAPPLICATION
Motion was made by Councilmember Ash, second by Councilmember Fijewski. The motion carried by majority, 4/0.
Ordinance No. 1577 (2nd Reading) AUTHORIZING THE TRANSFER OF PROPERTY KNOWN AS PENCO ROAD IN THE CITY OF WEIRTON TO THE WEST VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO ITS DRAINAGE AND ROADWAY SYSTEM
Motion was made by Councilmember Marsh, second by Councilmember Ash. The motion carried by majority, 4/0.
Ordinance No. 1578 (2nd Reading) RESCINDING ORDINANCE 1358 WHICH ESTABLISHED A DEDICATED DISABILITY PARKING SPACE FOR TEACHER DAVID BURNS IN THE ALLEY BETWEEN SCHOOL STREET AND CHURCH STREET NEAR WEIRTON HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AS HE IS NO LONGER EMPLOYED AT THAT LOCATION
Motion was made by Councilmember Ash, second by Councilmember Marsh. The motion carried by majority, 4/0.
Ordinance No. 1579 (2nd Reading) RESCINDING ORDINANCE 1381 THAT WAS ESTABLISHED ON JUNE 09, 2003 AND WHICH ESTABLISHED ONE-WAY SOUTH ONLY ON TELL STREET FROM ITS INTERSECTION WITH AVENUE J, SOUTH TO ITS INTERSECTION WITH AVENUE K AND CRAWFORD AVENUE, THUS ESTABLISHING TWO-WAY TRAFFIC
Motion was made by Councilmember Jones, second by Councilmember Ash. The motion carried by majority, 4/0.
Ordinance No. 1580 (2nd Reading) ESTABLISHING A STOP SIGN ON WOODVIEW DRIVE AT ITS INTERSECTION WITH COUNTRY CLUB BOULEVARD
Motion was made by Councilmember Ash, second by Councilmember Fijewski. The motion carried by majority, 3/0 with Councilmember Marsh abstaining.
Ordinance No. 1581 (2nd Reading) AMENDING ARTICLE 331.01 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF WEIRTON TO ADOPT STATE LAW REGARDING TRAFFIC REGULATIONS AND LAWS OF THE ROAD
Motion was made by Councilmember Ash, second by Councilmember Marsh. The motion carried by majority, 4/0.
Ordinance No. (New) to rescind Ordinance no. 1569 for registration and inspection of rental housing units within ward iv, city of weirton, wv (tabled during the april 30, 2008 special meeting of council.)
The item was not removed from the table.
NEW BUSINESS
Resolution approving the 2008-2009 fiscal year cdbg budget
Motion was made by Councilmember Ash, second by Councilmember Marsh. The motion carried by majority, 4/0.
Resolution TO ENTER INTO AGREEMENT WITH WEST VIRGINIA NORTHERN COMMUNITY COLLEGE TO PROVIDE LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING (LET) FOR THE WEIRTON POLICE DEPARTMENT
Motion was made by Councilmember Ash, second by Councilmember Jones. The motion carried by majority, 4/0.
Ordinance No. 1582 (New) (EMERGENCY READING) Amendment No. 684 to rescind ordinance 1385 which established a disability parking space in front of 540 garden way as it was superceded by ordinance 1403 which established a dedicated disability parking space in front of 540 garden way
Motion was made by Councilmember Fijewski, second by Councilmember Ash. The motion carried by majority, 4/0.
Ordinance No. 1583 (New) (EMERGENCY READING) Amendment No. 685 to rescind ordinance 1386 which established a disability parking space in front of 3308 Orchard street as it was superceded by ordinance 1402 which established a dedicated disability parking space in front of 3308 orchard street
Motion was made by Councilmember Ash, second by Councilmember Fijewski. The motion carried by majority, 4/0.
Ordinance No. 1584 (New) (EMERGENCY READING) Amendment No. 686 amending the traffic control map ordinance no. 214 of the city of weirton to establish a dedicated residential disability parking space at 3120 orchard street for vanora d. jeter
Motion was made by Councilmember Ash, second by Councilmember Jones. The motion carried by majority, 4/0.
Resolution TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY OF WEIRTON TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PA CAPITAL CITY (PACC) AUTOMOTIVE AND EQUIPMENT CONTRACT
Motion was made by Councilmember Marsh, second by Councilmember Fijewski. The motion carried by majority, 4/0.
Resolution TO ENTER INTO CONTRACT WITH MOUNTAINEER GAS COMPANY FOR THE RELOCATION OF THE PENCO ROAD GAS MAIN
Motion was made by Councilmember Marsh, second by Councilmember Ash. The motion carried by majority, 4/0.
Resolution to enter into contract with mid-atlantic environmental consultants for asbestos building inspection of the former cove school building
Motion was made by Councilmember Ash, second by Councilmember Jones.
Councilmember Ash commented, “This is just the beginning of the continuing process of removing Cove School. I wanted to let everybody know that.
The motion carried by majority, 4/0.
Resolution to authorize the purchase of two (2) pre-owned jeep vehicles for the inspections department from new city auto sales
Motion was made by Councilmember Ash, second by Councilmember Fijewski. The motion carried by majority, 4/0.
Resolution TO AUTHORIZE A JOINTLY SPONSORED FOURTH OF JULY FIREWORKS DISPLAY BY THE CITY OF WEIRTON AND THE CITY OF STEUBENVILLE
Motion was made by Councilmember Ash, second by Councilmember Jones. The motion carried by majority, 4/0.
Resolution authorizing the acceptance of a contract for the governor’s community partnership participation grant program for $10,000 in legislative digest funding for the friends of starvaggi park
Motion was made by Councilmember Fijewski, second by Councilmember Ash.
Councilmember Fijewski commented, “I just, my understanding is that once we accept these funds, Gary, the money goes, is transferred over to the Park Board.”
Mr. DuFour commented, “They pass through. We’re strictly a pass through.”
Councilmember Fijewski commented, “Ok, what with, for both eleven and twelve?”
Mr. DuFour commented, “Yes. Normally, the Mayor’s office handles the administration of the draw down. They handle the administration for the Park Board and the Friend’s of Starvaggi.”
Councilmember Fijewski commented, “Ok. Thank you.”
The motion carried by majority, 4/0.
Resolution authorizing the acceptance of a contract for the governor’s community partnership participation grant program for $10,000 in legislative digest funding for the friends of starvaggi park
Motion was made by Councilmember Fijewski, second by Councilmember Jones. The motion carried by majority, 4/0.
APPONTMENTS TO VARIOUS BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
Weirton Park Board
William Currenton Reappointment Term: 07/01/2008 – 06/30/2013 328 Steel Boulevard Weirton, WV 26062
Motion was made by Councilmember Ash, second by Councilmember Jones. The motion carried by majority, 4/0.
Weirton Planning Commission
Dr. Eli Dragisich Term: 01/01/2008 – 12/31/2010 100 Powers Road Weirton, WV 26062
Motion was made by Councilmember Ash, second by Councilmember Marsh.
Mayor Harris commented, “Also, it wasn’t written in there that he’s replacing Ray Gajtka’s term. I just wanted everybody to know that.”
The motion carried by majority, 4/0.
Rental & Owner-Occupied Property Review Task Force
Edmund DiBacco Landlord Representative DiBacco Properties, LLC 3928 Brightway Weirton, WV 26062 Contact: (304) 670-4699
Motion was made by Councilmember Marsh, second by Councilmember Ash. The motion carried by majority, 4/0.
Rev. Ernie Wright Mission Representative West Street Church of God 220 Denise Drive Weirton, WV 26062 Contact: (304) 218-3935
Motion was made by Councilmember Marsh, second by Councilmember Ash. The motion carried by majority, 4/0.
Bruce Lamp Code Enforcement Officer Representative City of Weirton 200 Municipal Plaza Weirton, WV 26062 Contact: (304) 797-8548
Motion was made by Councilmember Marsh, second by Councilmember Ash. The motion carried by majority, 4/0.
George E. Ash, Sr. City Council Representative Councilman, Ward IV Chairman, Ex-officio member Orchard Street Weirton, WV 26062 Contact: (304) 797-9655
Motion was made by Councilmember Marsh, second by Councilmember Fijewski. The motion carried by majority, 4/0.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
PARK BOARD –
No one was present to represent the Park Board.
UTILITIES (Water / Sanitary) –
No one was present to represent the Water or Sanitary Boards.
Councilmember Jones stated that he would be willing to answer any questions that anyone may have. There were no questions.
LIBRARY BOARD –
Mr. Rekowski commented, “I have an announcement that tomorrow evening at 6:00 the gallery behind the library will open it’s exhibit, ‘Farm Life in Amish Country.’ These are photographs of the Upper Ohio Valley Camera Club. And, you’re all invited. The program is tomorrow evening, and it should be over by 8:00. But, I know tomorrow will be a busy day. Some of us will be looking at television sets and radio, but if you’d like to come down to the library, we can get you out earlier. But, it’s a beautiful exhibit. These are photographers from Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia and their exhibition is opening tomorrow and will close on June 21. And, there will be some refreshments. We would like to see you there if you have some time. Thank you.”
Mayor Harris commented, “Thank you Rik. Any questions for Rik?”
FIRE DEPARTMENT –
Chief Lashhorn commented, “Nothing to report.”
Mayor Harris commented, “Any comments or questions for Chief Lashhorn?”
POLICE DEPARTMENT –
Chief Marshall commented, “There’s nothing to report sir.”
Mayor Harris commented, “Comments?”
CODE ENFORCEMENT DEPARTMENT –
Mr. Rosnick commented, “Nothing else.”
Mayor Harris commented, “Comments?”
Public Works Department –
Mr. Brown commented, “Nothing to add to the report Mayor. But, I appreciate you passing the PACC, so we can have more purchasing power from Pennsylvania, and we will save thousands of dollars.”
Mayor Harris commented, “Thank you John.”
Mr. Gurrera commented, “Thanks for your work on that John, by the way.”
Mayor Harris commented, “Any comments for John.”
Finance Director
TREASURER’S REPORT
Debbie Swanson provided the treasurer’s report for April 01, 2008:
Beginning Cash Balance: 576,207.44 Interest on checking: 326.55 Deposits: 1,305,682.59 Investment Draw Down 300,000.00 Disbursements: (1,201,750.69) Ending Cash Balance: 980,465.89 Beginning Investment Balance: 1,162,710.15 Withdrawals (300,000.00) Ending Investment Balance 862,710.15 Petty Cash Fund: 800.00 Total Cash and Investments Available: 1,843,976.04
Ms. Swanson stated that the interest on the investments did not arrive in time for this report. She also stated that there was one bill from Don Parker Sales for $1,510.50 that needed Council’s approval.
Motion to approve the financial reports, pay the unpaid bills and approve all department administrative reports was made by Councilmember Fijewski, second by Councilmember Jones. Motion was carried by majority, 4/0.
Councilmember Fijewski commented, “I’d like to make a comment if I could please. In case anyone hasn’t noticed, back in November, December and January I commented about the fact that we had somewhere like 40 street lights out on Pennsylvania, or Main Street, and Gary was looking into it and talked to, I guess, who was it, who’s the power company.”
Mr. DuFour commented, “Don Hensley…”
Councilmember Fijewski commented, “The company?”
Mr. DuFour commented, “Allegheny.”
Councilmember Fijewski commented, “Allegheny. Anyway, if anyone had noticed, if you go down Main Street now you’ll see that the street lights are finally up. They look good, and I want to thank Gary for it. And, I don’t know why it took him that long to do it, but nevertheless what a difference it makes. But, I can’t let it all go good. If you notice on the overhead bridge, those lights are still out. And, that’s only been six months. And, it’s not because Gary hasn’t tried. Those lights belong to the state. We’ve come to find out. And, I don’t know what we need to do in order to encourage the state to take care of their responsibility. Maybe we should send a letter Mayor to the appropriate state department and tell them that this has now been six months in the making, that we would appreciate it if they would fix the lights that they’re responsible for fixing, and maybe in another six months we’ll get it done. But, thanks Gary. I appreciate it. It looks very nice.”
Councilmember Jones commented, “I’ve got a comment. I’ve got a comment too. That number one, that GB money. I think I didn’t know. Was this the first reading? I guess it got the reading, so this is it. I think we need to look at, I had a letter in there, and I think we need to look at that (unintelligible) everyone that I think we need to look and make sure nothing else (unintelligible) letters in there, because I had a letter and it definitely got misplaced in the pile. So, I think that we need to make sure. Maybe Council’s got any letters in there. Make sure we look at all that before we go to distribute it, before we make this…”
Mayor Harris commented, “Pass the CDBG money.”
Councilmember Jones commented, “Right.”
Councilmember Ash commented, “Mayor, I’d like to remind you also that Mr. Miller has resigned from the Finance Committee, and at the appropriate time, I’d like to let you know that I’m interested in the position.”
Mayor Harris commented, “Thank you Councilman Ash.”
Motion to adjourn the meeting after the closing prayer was made by Councilmember Fijewski, second by Councilmember Jones. The motion to adjourn passed by majority, 4/0.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business before this May 12, 2008 regular session of the Weirton City Council the meeting was adjourned after the closing prayer.
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