WEIRTON CITY COUNCIL
COUNCIL MEETING - REGULAR
MONDAY, AUGUST 13, 2007 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, August 13, 2007 at 7:00 P.M. in Council Chambers of the City of Weirton Municipal 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 Harold Miller Councilmember Ward 2 David Dalrymple Councilmember Ward 6 Max Fijewski Councilmember Ward 7 George Kondik Councilmember Ward 5
City Officials in Attendance: John Brown Public Works Director Chief Kessler Cole Weirton Fire Department Gary DuFour City Manager Vincent Gurrera City Attorney Thomas J. Maher, Jr. City Clerk Chief Bruce Marshall Weirton Police Department A. D. Mastrantoni Utilities Director Rod Rosnick Chief Code Official Valerie Means Finance Director Rik Rekowski Mary H. Weir Public Library Director Terry Weigel Parks and Recreation Director
Others in Attendance: Citizens Giovanni Rossi Media - Weirton Daily Times William Dalrymple City of Weirton Planning Commission Richard Reinard City of Weirton Historic Landmarks Commission Rev. James Foglio Weirton Covenant Church Jody Kraina Marland Heights Pool Association J. J. Bernabei City of Weirton Board of Parks and Recreation Doug Finton City of Weirton Board of Parks and Recreation
Mayor Harris led the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion was made by Councilmember Ash and second by Councilmember Kondik to approve the minutes of the: July 09, 2007 – Regular Council MeetingThe motion carried, 7/0.
MAYOR’S AWARDS AND PROCLAMATIONS
Mayor Harris commented, “I’d like to give this award to Chelcie Pritts. Is she here today? At this time, Chelcie Pritts has done a great thing. She actually saved a child from drowning at Lynnwood Swimming Pool. So, that is the swimming pool that I belong to, and I know that she’s a great person and everybody appreciates here. At this time we just want to let the citizens know what she did do for us, and we do really appreciate here. It says:
In grateful recognition for bringing honor and distinction to the citizens of the City of Weirton, for saving the life of a young student at Lynnwood Pool. On behalf of the City Administration of the City of Weirton, we would like to thank you for your quick response in preventing a very dangerous situation. For this you deserve a special recognition and Mayor’s Award.
Thank you very much.”
(APPLAUSE)
Mayor Harris continued, “She’s going to explain to you what she actually did at Lynnwood Pool that day.”
Ms. Pritts commented, “The Broadview fourth grade class came to their annual graduation party because they’re going to go to middle school next year. So, they came, and in the first five minutes there was a little girl in the middle of the pool. And, there was like a whole bunch of kids that were swimming around in the deep end, and they were all splashing and whatever. And, the little girl that drowned, she was doing the same thing, and I thought she was doing whatever everyone else was doing. But then she started to go the bottom of the pool, and that’s whenever I jumped in. I went in and I went down first one time, but I didn’t realize how far down she was, so I had to come up, took two breaths and went back down and got her. Then, I brought her back up and two of the moms that were chaperones there, they helped me bring her out of the want and she wasn’t, she was breathing, but she wasn’t conscious. So, I kept saying her name and she finally woke up and when she woke up she was throwing up because of all the water she had aspirated and she was shake…went into a shock and like was shaking everywhere, so I told her just to calm down. An ambulance came. I didn’t have to give her CPR.”
Mayor Harris continued, “I was also told that this was the second time. Is that true?”
Ms. Pritts commented, “Well, that was the first time. Then, the second time, there was a birthday party and a little kid went off the diving board for the first time and didn’t know how to swim, and he was struggling so I just went in and helped him. He didn’t go under.”
Mayor Harris continued, “Now, you’re also going into the medical field. Is that correct?”
Ms. Pritts commented, “Yes. I’m going into nursing.”
Mayor Harris continued, “So, hopefully, you’ll bring your expertise back to the City of Weirton.”
Ms. Pritts commented, “Yes.”
Mayor Harris continued, “All right. Thank you very much.”
(APPLAUSE)
COMMUNICATIONS
(NONE)
CITIZEN COMMENTS
Mr. J. J. Bernabei 4009 Palisades Drive, Weirton, WV: President, City of Weirton Board of Parks and Recreation Re: Park Board Expansion Mr. Bernabei commented, “I’ll just take a moment of your time, and I do appreciate it very much. It’s an honor to speak to you guys. My name is J. J. Bernabei. I’m a member of the Park Board, the Weirton Park Board. And, I understand that the resolution this evening, and I appreciate Councilman Ash forwarding us that resolution. We had a chance to meet, and I just wanted to express our feelings as a Board about the resolution. First, we have five members, and we are absolutely for the idea of increasing that to seven. I think to make our Board more diverse would only help the citizens of Weirton and give us a couple extra points of view on our Board. I think that’s a positive thing. As far as the part of the resolution that says that they need to be councilmen, I just wanted to express our concern. First of all, I think what you would look to accomplish by expanding the Board with councilmen is to have representation from this governing body. I think we’ve fixed that here recently by having a liaison in Councilman Dalrymple who I think’s done a good job in letting you know what the Park Board is doing and certainly bringing your concerns to the five of us. So, I think that that is already in place. I also…we also think collectively that by increasing it by two members and then limiting it to only two council people when those appointments will come up, you limit your pool of candidates to seven instead of all residents of the community which I think is kind of cutting your legs off at the knees. And, this is why. I think you have an excellent mechanism in place now where every time there’s an appointment that comes up, the Mayor can appoint somebody, and then this governing body, with a four/three vote at least, can put that person on the Board. I think that’s an excellent mechanism to make sure that you have a very qualified person who’s a board member. By limiting it to only council people, I think, again limits the pool from which you can choose quality people, and I don’t think that’s in the best interest of the citizens of Weirton. I appreciate your time. Thank you.”
Mayor Harris thanked Mr. Bernabei.
Councilmember Fijewski commented, “Mr. Bernabei, because I don’t quite understand your last point. The eight people who are sitting up here come from the community. Any one in the community can run for city council, so you have a pool of twenty thousand people approximately.”
Mr. Bernabei commented, “That’s right.”
Councilmember Fijewski commented, “It just so happens that the eight people who are here are the ones who ran for election and were elected by the people of the city. So, I guess I don’t understand why you think the pool is limited when the group of people who are here came from among the twenty thousand people in the community.”
Mr. Bernabei commented, “Well, those seven, I think…”
Councilmember Fijewski commented, “How do you…?”
Mr. Bernabei commented, “Well, let me respond to that. Let, and I want to, what I said absolutely was how we feel as a Park Board, and I don’t want to kid you and think that something I tell you is not the Park Board’s, so I’m going to answer you as a resident why I think this. So, this is not the Park Board. I think, when I talk about cutting yourselves off at the knees, and not necessarily…in limiting the pool…I think by putting council people on that board, even though you were elected and you are very good candidates, or could be very good candidates, this is why it could maybe couldn’t wouldn’t be your best move. We will never make a decision on our Park Board. We never have to ask the question, ‘How will this affect my ward?’ ‘How will it affect my chances of getting re-elected?’ ‘How will it affect the pool of people that vote for me?’ See, we never have to answer that question.”
Councilmember Fijewski commented, “We do.”
Mr. Bernabei commented, “That’s right. That’s right. So, why…so the reason why I think you limit yourselves by appointing yourselves on it…I mean, we don’t want a board that’s politicized. And, I think that by…if you think that a councilman is absolutely the best candidate, you have the ability to appoint him and then with a four/three vote put him on the Board. I just don’t think that it should be by statute that two of them should always be on there. I think that makes the board politicized and I think that that isn’t necessarily the best interests of the citizens.”
Councilmember Fijewski commented, “With all due respect, this week, there have been so many conversations among the park board members and people on this panel and others I’m sure. Are you suggesting that the Park Board is not politicized?”
Mr. Bernabei commented, “I’m suggesting…”
Councilmember Fijewski commented, “Are you suggesting…”
Mr. Bernabei commented, “I’m suggesting that whenever our Park Board, at least for the last two years, whenever our Park Board makes a decision, it is absolutely in the best interest of the citizens and we have no fear of not getting re-elected.”
Councilmember Fijewski commented, “So, if you have a five/two representation, five people who are not from the political arena and two are, you see that as having an adverse impact on five/two.”
Mr. Bernabei commented, “Absolutely not. I do see limiting those two to seven people to choose from. I do see that that could possibly be negative, because it could shut out a citizen that maybe is more qualified or that is more desirable. But, you don’t have a choice to pick that person if one of the seats that actually come up for appointment is a councilman’s seat.”
Councilmember Fijewski commented, “Did I understand you correctly when you said the mayor can make an appointment?”
Mr. Bernabei commented, “Sure.”
Councilmember Fijewski commented, “So, if the Mayor makes an appointment of a council person, what’s the difference?”
Mr. Bernabei commented, “First of all, I’m not saying that he…that if a councilman comes before you by appointment, and you approve him, I’m not saying that that’s a bad thing. I think that that absolutely…I mean Dave Dalrymple’s an excellent liaison. I mean, if he was a voting member of our board, I think nothing negative could come from it. To mandate that two of those individuals be councilmen doesn’t always guarantee that.”
Councilmember Fijewski commented, “Thank you.”
Mr. Bernabei commented, “Thank you.”
Councilmember Kondik commented, “J. J., I just want to say one thing. Councilman Dalrymple’s done an excellent job with you, for us in the past, number one. Number two, I think you hit the nail on the head. You don’t necessarily need a council person on your staff. You might find somebody that’s better qualified in the recreational field that’ll join you on your board.”
Mr. Bernabei commented, “That’s right.”
Councilmember Kondik commented, “That’s why I have to agree with you. That’s why I have to agree with you.”
Mayor Harris commented, “OK, thank you for your comments.”
Councilmember Kondik commented, “Thank you.”
Mr. Bernabei commented, “Thank you all.”
Councilmember Fijewski commented, “Thank you Mayor.” NEW BUSINESS
Ordinance No. NEW ENACTING A CLEAN INDOOR AIR ACT. Motion was made by Councilmember Ash, second by Councilmember Jones. The motion passed by majority, 7/0.
Ordinance No. NEW ENACTING PENALTIES FOR INJURING OR TOUCHING A POLICE DOG, OR INTERFERING WITH ITS DUTIES. Motion was made by Councilmember Ash, second by Councilmember Fijewski. The motion passed by majority, 7/0.
Resolution: TO ENTER INTO CONTRACT FOR THE LEASE-PURCHASE OF TWO (2) FULLY EQUIPED 17,500 GVW VEHICLES, ONE (1) THREE QUARTER TON PICKUP TRUCK, AND ONE (1) THREE QUARTER TON CREW CAB WITH EIGHT FOOT BED FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT UTILIZING WEST VIRGINIA STATE CONTRACT PRICING.
Councilmember Ash commented, “Mayor, I think we should add the warranties to that now, prior to making a motion.”
Mayor Harris commented, “Include the extended warranties.”
Motion was made by Councilmember Ash, second by Councilmember Kondik. The motion passed by majority, 7/0. Resolution: TO ENTER INTO CONTRACT FOR LEASE-PURCHASE OF THREE (3) 2008 POLICE CRUISERS UTILIZING WEST VIRGINIA STAT CONTRACT PRICES. Motion was made by Councilmember Kondik, second by Councilmember Ash. The motion passed by majority, 7/0. Resolution: TO ENTER INTO CONTRACT FOR THE PURCHASE OF SHOTGUN RACKS, WINDOW BARRIERS AND PARTITIONS FOR THREE (3) 2008 POLICE CRUISERS. Motion was made by Councilmember Ash, second by Councilmember Fijewski. The motion passed by majority, 7/0.
Resolution: TO ENTER INTO CONTRACT FOR THE PURCHASE OF EQUIPMENT FOR K-9 UNIT VEHICLES. Motion was made by Councilmember Ash, second by Councilmember Jones. The motion passed by majority, 7/0.
Resolution: TO AUTHORIZE THE PURCHASE OF REPLACEMENT K-9 UNIT FOR THE WEIRTON POLICE DEPARTMENT UTIIZING COMMUNITY DONATIONS. Motion was made by Councilmember Ash, second by Councilmember Marsh.
Councilmember Kondik commented, “I’d just like for you to publicly let everybody know who the donations came from Mayor.”
Mayor Harris commented, “The donations came from Mountaineer Race Track and also came from Johnny Greco of Greco Hertnick Funeral Home.” The motion passed by majority, 7/0.
Resolution: TO PLACE LIENS AGAINST REAL PROPERTIES FOR COSTS INCURRED IN DEMOLITION OF UNSAFE PROPERTIES PURSUANT TO ORDINANCE NO. 250 (JOHN LUCAS – 3701 WEST STREET). Motion was made by Councilmember Ash, second by Councilmember Dalrymple. The motion passed by majority, 7/0.
Resolution: TO PLACE LIENS AGAINST REAL PROPERTIES FOR COSTS INCURRED IN DEMOLITION OF UNSAFE PROPERTIES PURSUANT TO ORDINANCE NO. 250 (ANTHONY BURRACHIO – 3614 GRANT STREET). Motion was made by Councilmember Ash, second by Councilmember Jones. The motion passed by majority, 7/0.
Resolution: TO PLACE LIENS AGAINST REAL PROPERTIES FOR COSTS INCURRED IN DEMOLITION OF UNSAFE PROPERTIES PURSUANT TO ORDINANCE NO. 250 (CYNTHIA HUGGINS, PATSY PALUMBO, MINNIE WHEATLEY, MADELINE DILULLO – 107 CROPPER STREET). Motion was made by Councilmember Dalrymple, second by Councilmember Ash. The motion passed by majority, 7/0.
Resolution: TO PLACE LIENS AGAINST REAL PROPERTIES FOR COSTS INCURRED IN DEMOLITION OF UNSAFE PROPERTIES PURSUANT TO ORDINANCE NO. 250 (GUS ACANTILADO – 1101 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE). Motion was made by Councilmember Dalrymple, second by Councilmember Jones. The motion passed by majority, 7/0.
Resolution: TO ENTER INTO CONTRACT FOR THE PURCHASE OF ROAD DE-ICING SALT FOR THE CITY OF WEIRTON. Motion was made by Councilmember Ash, second by Councilmember Fijewski.
Councilmember Dalrymple commented, “How much salt do we have left over from last year John?”
Mr. Brown commented, “Three hundred tons Councilman.”
Councilmember Dalrymple commented, “Three hundred tons.”
Mr. Brown commented, “In the barn right now.”
The motion passed by majority, 7/0.
Resolution: TO MAKE APPLICATION TO THE WEST VIRGINIA DEVELOPMENT OFFICE FOR THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB. Motion was made by Councilmember Kondik, second by Councilmember Jones. The motion passed by majority, 7/0.
Ordinance No. NEW ENJOINING INCREASES IN THE WEIRTON MUNICIPAL FEE DURING THE CURRENT ADMINISTRATION. Motion was made by Councilmember Dalrymple, second by Councilmember Ash.
Councilmember Dalrymple commented, “This is just something that we did in the previous administration to put a cap on the municipal service fee. We’re also going to be entertaining this in the next ordinance in this meeting for the Police and Fire Service Fee. I ask that my fellow councilmen vote for it. Thank you.”
Councilmember Marsh commented, “I’d like to comment on these two, that it does not preclude reducing the rates either.”
The motion passed by majority, 7/0.
Ordinance No. NEW ENJOINING INCREASES IN THE POLICE AND FIRE SERVICE FEE DURING THE CURRENT ADMINISTRATION. Motion was made by Councilmember Dalrymple, second by Councilmember Ash. The motion passed by majority, 7/0.
Resolution: AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF WEIRTON TO SERVE AS CO-SPONSOR FOR THE 2007 HARVEST FESTIVAL. Motion was made by Councilmember Kondik, second by Councilmember Fijewski.
Councilmember Miller commented, “Just a point. The cost is, I think the line item is ten thousand dollars, Valerie, with about three of that being in-kind contributions from the City.”
Ms. Means commented, “Correct. Your line item budgeted is six thousand eight hundred and ninety dollars, and the difference being possible in-kind.” The motion passed by majority, 7/0.
Resolution: AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO CONTRACT FOR THE PURCHASE OF BICYCLES AND THE APPROPRIATE TRAINING AND EQUIPMENT FOR THE WEIRTON POLICE DEPARTMENT. Motion was made by Councilmember Ash, second by Councilmember Jones.
Councilmember Kondik commented, “I want to make sure the chief’s riding his bike down the street first.”
Councilmember Fijewski commented, “Chief, question please. When will these bicycles be available?”
Chief Marshall commented, “As soon as the funds are available councilman.”
Councilmember Fijewski commented, “I mean. Would you be using them September 1st, October 1st, November 1st? What would you see there…?”
Chief Marshall commented, “As soon as we get the officers trained. We’re probably going to get our training through the University of Pittsburgh Police Department. It’s a two day training course. They’ll come to us and train.”
Councilmember Fijewski commented, “Are you going to be operating these bicycles during the winter months?”
Chief Marshall commented, “No sir. I’d like to get them in use now and into the fall. And, then by early spring and next summer, when we’re hopefully up to full manpower, we’ll be able to use the bikes more effectively.”
Councilmember Fijewski commented, “That would be my next question. With you current manpower, are you going to have the manpower to assign to these vehicles?”
Chief Marshall commented, “Yes, sir. Because the two officers that’ll be on the bike patrol, they’ll be also working the road. So, the time that they’ll be spending on the bike is when I have enough men out on the field to answer their calls. What I’m looking for is I’m looking for next spring when hopefully again back up to full strength and I can get these guys out into the neighborhoods.”
Councilmember Fijewski commented, “Thank you.”
The motion passed by majority, 7/0.
Ordinance No. NEW AMENDING SECTION 1783.02 OF THE CODIFED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF WEIRTON. Motion was made by Councilmember Ash, second by Councilmember Dalrymple. The motion passed by majority, 7/0.
Resolution: AUTHORIZING CONTRIBUTION TO THE WEIRTON BOARD OF PARKS AND RECREATION FOR BENNET DRIVE. Motion was made by Councilmember Jones, second by Councilmember Ash.
Councilmember Fijewski commented, “I guess my question is, are funds not available from the Park Board for this?”
Unknown commented, “Correct.”
Councilmember Dalrymple commented, “I think this is something that we should support because they’ve done a lot of work in my ward on the playground in the last three years. And, before we got started, it was about the same shape as the one that Councilman Jones is looking at, and I’ve noticed an increase in the usage of my playground with putting some nice equipment up there and making it a little bit of a nicer place for kids to go. And, the build it and they will come thing, I really do believe in that when it comes to playgrounds. So, I ask for council’s support for Councilman Jones’ request.”
Councilmember Jones commented, “I appreciate that. I’ll help anybody else too in their wards too if they need anything.”
Councilmember Kondik commented, “I’ll take six grand.”
(CROSSTALK)
(LAUGHTER)
Mayor Harris commented, “I also believe, I know that there’s a lot of, there’s going to be a lot of wards that want their playgrounds done, and we are going to work very hard to try to get what we can get done. Obviously, we don’t have the funds to do everybody’s at once, but all together we are going to work together with the department heads and get those done. So, I just wanted to make that comment.”
Councilmember Miller commented, “I’d like to make a comment Mayor. I can’t pass up the opportunity. Since ward two doesn’t have a playground, I’d like to make a pitch to get a playground. But, I do support the others wards that have playground and for this one. Let’s take a look at ward two and see if we can find a playground. We had an old basketball court we found out was on private property, so I can’t get any city money to fix it up. Thank you.”
Mayor Harris thanked Councilman Miller.
The motion passed by majority, 7/0
Resolution: AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO MAKE APPLICATION TO THE STATE OF WEST VIRGINIIA FOR PILOT HOME RULE PROGRAM. Motion was made by Councilmember Miller, second by Councilmember Ash. The motion passed by majority, 6/1, with Councilmember Fijewski voting against.
Ordinance No. NEW (EMERGENCY READING) AMENDING THE TRAFFIC CONTROL MAP ORDINANCE NO. 214 OF THE CITY OF WEIRTON ESTABLISHING A STOP SIGN ON THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF ELM STREET AT ITS INTERSECTION WITH FERGUSON AVENUE. Motion was made by Councilmember Ash, second by Councilmember Miller. The motion passed by majority, 7/0.
Resolution: AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO APPLY FOR AN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY BROWNFIELD REMEDIATION GRANT FOR THE DEMOLITION AND REMOVAL OF THE COVE SCHOOL BUILDING. Motion was made by Councilmember Dalrymple, second by Councilmember Ash. The motion passed by majority, 7/0.
Ordinance No. NEW AMENDING ARTICLE 143.02 OF THE WEIRTON CITY CODE CHANGING THE NUMBER OF BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS FROM FIVE TO SEVEN. Motion was made by Councilmember Ash, second by Councilmember Jones.
Motion was made by Councilmember Dalrymple to amend the ordinance to not require two councilmen, but to leave it at seven members, but use it as a resident not designating a councilman, second by Councilmember Kondik.
Councilmember Ash commented, “I’d like to have a roll call vote on that please.”
Mayor Harris requested a roll call vote.
Roll Call Vote:
Councilmember Ash No Councilmember Jones No Councilmember Marsh No Councilmember Miller Yes Councilmember Dalrymple Yes Councilmember Fijewski No Councilmember Kondik Yes
The motion to amend the ordinance failed by majority 4/3
Mayor Harris requested a roll call vote on the original motion.
Roll Call Vote:
Councilmember Kondik No Councilmember Fijewski Yes Councilmember Dalrymple No Councilmember Miller No Councilmember Marsh Yes Councilmember Jones Yes Councilmember Ash Yes
The original motion passed by majority, 4/3.
Resolution: AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO CONTRACT FOR THE PREPARATION OF A REDEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR A CERTIFIED SLUM AND BLIGHTED AREA IN THE CITY OF WEIRTON (NORTHERN REDEVELOPMENT DISTRICT). Motion was made by Councilmember Ash, second by Councilmember Dalrymple.
Councilmember Ash commented, “I would like to have the Redevelopment Authority finish something before they get started on something else though. The southern section.”
Councilmember Marsh commented, “We had this discussion in the Finance Committee meeting. Apparently the Northern District has some…at this point…”
Mayor Harris commented, “Correct.”
Mr. DuFour commented, “If I could, Mayor and members of Council, Councilman Marsh has eluded to a discussion that we held in the Finance. We had a pretty good one. We’re in a situation where I guess where the Redevelopment Authority is trying to do two things, one dealing with the Southern District which is essentially from Virginia Avenue to Freedom Way, generally following Main Street, and that is predominantly commercial area that they’re looking at, and in terms of a Redevelopment Plan, they’ve already adopted a very general plan. The second area, which this resolution addresses, is what is called the Northern District. It begins at Virginia and actually goes to the city limits to the North on Main Street, taking in what is most certainly, as we all know, a massive industrial are. The intent is to work with Mittal Steel and other firms who have expressed some interest in doing development work there and in a certain sense as we said at planning we kind of have to be in two places at once and in here we seem to have more interest than we have in the southern district as eluded to by Councilman Marsh. So, we obviously need to do both. I hate to say that. We need to be in both places.”
Councilmember Miller commented, “I’d just like to say also that I think that we need to put this in place before we can even apply for Brownfield’s Grant. Is that not right, Rod?”
Mr. Rosnick commented, “Yes.”
Councilmember Miller commented, “And, that’s why we need to do this now, if we’re going to apply for the Brownfield.”
The motion passed by majority, 7/0.
Resolution: TO ASK THE PLANNING COMMISSION FOR ITS RECOMMENDATIONS ON A TEXT AMENDMENT CHANGE FOR THE CITY OF WEIRTON UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE (UDO). Motion was made by Councilmember Ash, second by Councilmember Jones.
Councilmember Kondik commented, “I wanted to make a comment here. I’m going to vote against this, and I’m going to ask Rod to help me out on this because we had the same thing come before the last administration come before the last administration concerning video lottery, sections of Weirton. And, it was the same thing about putting the video lottery only in M-1 locations. After a lot of workshops and debates and discussions and everything like that, I was strongly against it because, my thought process is, and finally it did work, and I’m asking for everybody here to think about this once, if you designate an area as OK to have gambling, well then, it’s OK. But, if you’d say, just no, and you don’t have any specific location, then you can’t do it. Rod is here. Rod’s going to explain what we went through the last time with the video lottery, and that’s why we voted this thing down.”
Councilmember Marsh commented, “I think this is just to ask for their recommendations…”
Councilmember Kondik commented, “Right. We’ve done this. We’ve done this. We did that the last time, the last administration. We went to the Planning Commission and the same thing is going to come back, I hope.”
Mayor Harris commented, “Rod, would you like to make a comment on that?”
Mr. Rosnick commented, “Yes. Councilman Kondik’s right that it went, more than video lottery, when table gaming, when it was being discussed in Charleston, before it was ever passed, the Planning Commission discussed the issue. They actually created a subcommittee who met just about twice a month and discussed the possibility of what they were calling red zones, to legalize these in certain areas so they can control them, because the flaw in the original legislation with the video lottery was that you had legislation in effect prior to the state passing it, then you could regulate the video games. So, the Planning Commission discussed whether they wanted to regulate it, the table gaming, if it would ever pass, and that’s the debate that went on back and forth, whether you want to pass it proactively before it’s legal to put them in the cities, or to let it go until that would pass. There’s a theory out there which endures throughout that if it’s not in the permitted land use table, it’s not permitted, so it can’t go anywhere. Will that hold up to legal challenge if the state would open that up to municipalities. We’d have to see. But, the way this is written, it mirrors our video lottery now, where it can go and you would control it. But, you’re technically making something legal that’s illegal in the State of West Virginia right now.”
Councilmember Dalrymple commented, “Do you recall what the vote was on the issue?”
Councilmember Kondik commented, “Of the Planning Commission? No. I know they turned it down, but I can’t remember what the vote was.”
Councilmember Dalrymple commented, “Right. That would be something that I would be curious about because if it was a unanimous slam, well then fine. But, if it wasn’t, then…”
Councilmember Kondik commented, “I can’t remember. Do you remember…?”
Mr. Rosnick commented, “I wouldn’t say it was a unanimous slam. There was definitely two trains of thought.”
Councilmember Kondik commented, “We had months of discussions.”
Mr. Rosnick commented, “Yes. Like I said, we met a couple times a month for several months.”
Councilmember Kondik commented, “Yes, we did. We had months of discussions.”
Mr. Rosnick commented, “And, you had half the Board that felt like George, if you don’t legalize it anywhere it’s illegal and you had half that wanted to possibly control it. If it was passed it would be opened up to municipalities. So, I wouldn’t say it was a slam either way.”
Councilmember Dalrymple commented, “That’s why I think it would be something that should be investigated again, because it wasn’t a unanimous vote to put down. There were other opinions on the Board that felt that it was a good idea. And, yes, it didn’t fail, but it didn’t fail unanimously. And, a lot has changed since that was done, and I think that we should support this because…”
Mr. Rosnick commented, “One of the factors is you reduced the size of the Planning Commission.”
Councilmember Dalrymple commented, “That too. I didn’t want to get into that, but that’s also one of the items also, that the Planning Commission makeup is a little different now, so maybe there might be some different discussion, some new ideas since time has passed since the last time. So, I would ask everybody to support this.”
Councilmember Ash commented, “Mayor, I’m concerned that if we do what previous administrations have done, set back and do nothing, that all of a sudden table gaming is going to be allowed by State law, and there’s nothing we can do about it except for zoning, which we’re going to have to zone it anyhow. This way…”
Councilmember Dalrymple commented, “I take exception to you saying that we did nothing…”
Councilmember Kondik commented, “Yes. So do I George. We did do something with this last time. We did do something.”
Councilmember Dalrymple commented, “We tried to do something but the Planning Commission voted it down and the support wasn’t there. But now we have another shot at it. Let’s do it.”
Councilmember Ash commented, “Let’s ask Vince’s, Mr. Gurrera’s opinion on this.”
Mr. Gurrera commented, “You would have to zone it. It would have to be zoned.”
Councilmember Kondik commented, “To allow table gaming in the City of Weirton…you’re going to give them the opportunity to come to M-1 and have gaming in the City of Weirton is what you’re doing when you say that…”
Mr. Rosnick commented, “If it passes at the state level and opens it up to municipalities, you would have to take some sort of action to control it. If it…I don’t know proactively before it’s an illegal activity for the City of Weirton I don’t know if you can pass a zoning law that would hold up if it doesn’t have the state statute to back it right now.”
Councilmember Kondik commented, “But, Vince, if you say no now, you’re not going to have a debate in six months that you can do it. If you’re saying no now, you’re essentially stopping it.”
Councilmember Ash commented, “But if the State law allows it, you’re …. Doesn’t’ mean a damn thing, and you know that.”
Mr. Gurrera commented, “That’s the problem you’re going to run into.”
Councilmember Fijewski commented, “I apologize. I’m not well versed on the subject, and I’m not ashamed to admit it. I don’t know how some of the other Councilmembers feel. Maybe the incumbents have a lot more information and knowledge about this than I. But, I will throw out for consideration of the members and maybe even put it in the form of a motion, is it possible for this to be tabled until the next meeting so we can become educated on it. I’m uncomfortable voting on it without having more knowledge on quite honestly. I apologize for that, but I just don’t…I’ll put that in the form of a motion to amend the current.”
Mayor Harris commented, “We already got a second on that. Can we take an amendment?”
CROSSTALK
Councilmember Ash commented, “Excuse me Mayor. As soon as he said table, it’s done. Now you’ve got to have a second on table, there’s no more discussion, and then you have to vote on tabling it or not, and I hope you will not table it.”
Councilmember Miller made a second to the tabling.
Mayor Harris requested a roll call vote.
Roll Call Vote:
Councilmember Kondik Yes Councilmember Fijewski Yes Councilmember Dalrymple No Councilmember Miller Yes Councilmember Marsh No Councilmember Jones No Councilmember Ash No
The motion to table failed by majority, 4/3.
Roll Call Vote: (on the original motion)
Councilmember Ash Yes Councilmember Jones Yes Councilmember Marsh Yes Councilmember Miller No Councilmember Dalrymple Yes
Councilmember Fijewski commented, “I’m going to abstain for the reasons I’ve already stated. I don’t think I have enough knowledge on it, and I don’t want to vote on something I don’t feel comfortable with, so I abstain. Can I abstain?”
Mayor Harris commented, “Mr. Gurrera, can he abstain?”
Mr. Gurrera commented, “I don’t believe you can abstain.”
Councilmember Fijewski commented, “Are you going to give me the reason why? Oh, the answer is…OK…No.”
Councilmember Fijewski No Councilmember Kondik No
The motion passed by majority, 4/3.
Resolution: TO ENTER INTO CONTRACT TO UPDATE THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF WEIRTON. Motion was made by Councilmember Ash, second by Councilmember Fijewski. The motion passed by majority, 7/0.
Resolution: TO AUTHORIZE THE PURCHASE OF FIRE SUPPRESSION SEARCH AND RESCUE BOAT FOR THE WEIRTON FIRE DEPARTMENT. Motion was made by Councilmember Miller, second by Councilmember Dalrymple.
Councilmember Jones commented, “I’d like to have the Fire Chief come up here to see if he’s going to support this, because I’ve never heard...”
Mayor Harris requested that Chief Cole provide information on the resolution.
Chief Cole commented, “Yes. What it is, at this time the Weirton Fire Department has got an old pontoon boat. Every time we use it, it breaks down. This boat originally came from American LaFrance. It was a demo boat. It was a $240,000.00. We can get it for the $137,000.00. It will be used by the dive team. It will be used on the river. It will also be used, not only by the fire department, but the police department. At this time, the fire department has no way to fight any fire on the river. Mittal Steel, they used to have a boat. Their boat has been given away, or it’s out of city, so we have no capability of fighting fire at all for Mittal on the shore line, Brown’s Island, barges. The police department, as I said, they have no way of making arrests on the river, drug recoveries, any criminal act that could take place on the river. It would also be shared with them. And, the funding, the big thing on the funding, there will not be any monies coming out of the city funds. In your packet, it’ll be $14,000.00 out of Hancock County Video Lottery, $25,000.00 out of state insurance premium tax, $6,833.34 from the Brooke County Levy. It will be over a three year period. Val, just a question for you, that will be financed through the City and the money turned over to the city. It’s going to be financed by the city. Correct?”
Ms. Means commented, “I just have one question for you Chief. On the financing of it, is there already a finance opportunity with this company, or are you looking to finance it with the rest of the City’s financing.”
Chief Cole commented, “We were looking to finance it with the rest of the City’s.”
Ms. Means commented, “OK. Then I do have to make a comment about that. It will be somewhat higher on the payment. Gary, do you have that exact amount?”
Mr. DuFour commented, “Yes. The exact amount that we are using 4.19 from United Bank. It would be $49,726.00 annually.”
Ms. Means commented, “That was using their current rate that we just received this week for our leasing rate.”
Chief Cole commented, “And, that would be fine. We can also make those payments out of one of the three money sources.”
Ms. Means commented, “I think you can make up that difference between those sources.”
Councilmember Ash commented, “I have two questions. Does Brooke County, Hancock County, or Jefferson County have a boat?”
Chief Cole commented, “Hancock County, I believe, in Chester, has got an air boat. They just purchased one. Brooke County Sherriff’s Department has got a boat, similar to the one that we’re getting, although it doesn’t have any firefighting capacity on it. So, from King’s Creek to Harmon Creek, the Ohio River is City limits.”
Councilmember Ash commented, “The second question is can we do an inter-service agreement with the counties with the new boat? We do it for other things.”
Chief Cole commented, “Well. Yes, we do. The thing, even for the fireworks, we used Brooke County, we used Jefferson County out of Ohio and the Brooke County Department of Natural Resources.”
Councilmember Fijewski commented, “Chief, if you could please. You’re committing for three years resources from various funds. I guess what I’m looking for from you is do you feel, and unfortunately, you’re going to be, you know, leaving us shortly, and you won’t be here next year. Are you telling this group that this is of such high priority that you as the Chief are recommending that we tie up these funds for the next three years? Or, is this group going to hear next year from the new Fire Chief how this may or may not have been their priority, and they’re going to be looking for more money from this group to support the fire companies.”
Chief Cole commented, “In answer to you Councilman, Hancock County Video Lottery, I took $14,000 out of there. Next year that would be $40,000 available. Out of state insurance premium tax, I took $25,000 out of there. We get $37,000 to $40,000 per year, so that would be an additional $15,000. Brooke County, we’re making a truck payment out of that a present time. I believe that it’s seventeen thousand and something. That will be freed up in the near future. So, there is monies out of all three of the money sources that I got that will be continued. One of the things that would have cut it down under and interest payment through Hancock County Video Lottery it would have cut the amount down. There was an interest payment that we had to make out of one of…for one of our trucks. And, we always keep a reserve that way of $38,000. So, that money next year, that 38…40,000 will be freed up next year that can be used for whatever the new chief or person in charge would want to use it for also.”
Councilmember Fijewski thanked Chief Cole.
Councilmember Miller commented, “I’ve said for years that the number one priority in my position is the safety and security of the citizens of Weirton. Number one, we have an opportunity to get a boat that could save lives with the increased pleasure traffic on the river. We have the fireworks off that bridge every year. Luckily, we haven’t had an episode over the last four years. I know that we’ve had fires in barges and accidents on the river. This thing could save lives. It doesn’t cost the city a dime, at this point, other than to float the loan for three years. And, the fire department has done a tremendous job in the years that I’ve been here in securing funds to give us all the latest equipment to have a first class security and safety in this community. If you’re going to bring anybody to this community for development, for residential, you have to have safe roads, security, fire department, police, library, pools. That’s what people look at. If safety and security isn’t number one with this council, it’s going to be a sad day in the City of Weirton. And, I’m all for this. The Finance Committee was for it. I’d like to see this go through. God forbid that we would have this whole bridge collapse like they did in Minnesota just a couple of weeks ago, and we didn’t have a bout to go out there and have a dive team to save lives. God forbid.”
Chief Cole commented, “Those are my thoughts exactly.”
Councilmember Dalrymple commented, “Chief, how many divers do we have currently.”
Chief Cole commented, “Dan Mastrantoni. He’s in charge.”
Mr. Mastrantoni commented, “Currently, we have three divers that are certified right now. In September we will be beginning another class bringing us up to the level we have our advanced divers at currently. It will bring us up to the Public Safety Diver Level. So, we have three divers currently certified right now to make dives, rescue or recovery dives. Also, and I don’t want to speak for the Police Chief, but I know that the Police Department had expressed some interest. There were some different members of the department that showed some interest.”
Mayor Harris commented, “Chief would you like to say something also?”
Chief Marshall commented, “Yes. We do have several members that are interested in the dive team, Mr. Mayor. With all of the recreational boaters that we have that boat within the city limits, there’s always a possibility of having a crime out on the river. That would make where that happened a crime scene. This boat would be a valuable asset for us if and when that would happen. And, also having members of our department on the dive team, we’d be able to secure that crime scene. So, the Fire Department’s boat would be a valuable asset to us.”
Councilmember Dalrymple commented, “Is this dive team limited to just city employees or Police or the Fire Department?”
Mr. Mastrantoni commented, “Currently, right now, we haven’t looked into any other sources. Members of our volunteer division are involved with our dive rescue program. Our members of the paid fire department and hopefully members of the police department. Right now, we haven’t really explored or had anybody contact us as far as outside people looking to come in to assist us with that.”
Mayor Harris commented, “Also, I would like to make a comment on the record. If you could, Gio, if you could help me out. There is zero dollars coming from the general fund. Is that correct Valerie?”
Ms. Means commented, “Yes.”
Mayor Harris commented, “So, we are not taking any money from the general funds for this.”
Ms. Means commented, “Not to pay for this leasing directly. No.”
Mayor Harris requested a roll call vote.
Roll Call Vote:
Councilmember Miller Yes Councilmember Marsh No Councilmember Jones Yes Councilmember Ash No Councilmember Kondik Yes Councilmember Fijewski Yes Councilmember Dalrymple Yes
The motion passed by majority, 5/2.
Resolution: TO AUTHORIZE CONTRIBUTION TO THE NORTHERN PANHANDLE WORKFORCE INVESTMENT BOARD. Motion was made by Councilmember Kondik, second by Councilmember Fijewski.
Councilmember Fijewski commented, “Is a 501c-3? Are they not for profit?”
Mr. DuFour commented, “Yes.”
Councilmember Fijewski commented, “Nonprofit. Correct. OK.”
Ms. Means commented, “They’re a state agency. Correct Gary?”
Mr. DuFour commented, “Yes.”
Councilmember Fijewski commented, “Also, on the letter they sent requesting the money, in the second to last paragraph, it states this is a one time only request. So, I would hope that we would all remember that. That’s all. Thank you.”
Councilmember Kondik commented, “It could be a one time request every year.”
LAUGHTER
Councilmember Kondik commented, “Actually, the Federal Government, right, they’re the ones that cut their budget.”
Councilmember Fijewski commented, “Everybody’s getting their budget cut George, including us.”
Councilmember Kondik commented, “Yes. And they’re asking, because they use the state building. I mean this is probably the biggest users of the facilities in the state. Correct Gary. Because of our situation with Weirton Steel?”
Mr. DuFour commented, “Yes. I did talk to the director of the Northern Panhandle Workforce Investment Board, and unfortunately the Northern Panhandle, the Weirton Center, located here at the state office building sees the most activity. And, just to clarify, what’s being discussed here is a contribution which will be matched by Brooke County and Hancock County Commissions that would use the dollars to purchase computer equipment, printers, etc. for people who are using their center in the state office building for the purpose of seeking jobs, employment, developing resumes, etc.”
Councilmember Fijewski commented, “And, I also suggest that if organizations like this feel that they’re going to be needing financial assistance that they submit their request prior to our budget being established.”
Mayor Harris commented, “Also, I’d like to make a few comments myself. The Northern Panhandle Workforce. They are the ones, the young kids that cleaned up the streets, Main Street. They did a great job. Also, they painted the Cove Commons. Cove Road, they swept up and cleaned up. So, they’ve done a great job at cleaning up the City, and they do need to be thanked. Also, we have gentleman here today. I see him out in the crowd. Rodney Summers. He led that program, and I want to thank him. He did a great job with that. And, everybody give him a hand. I really appreciate his help.”
(APPLAUSE)
The motion passed by majority, 7/0.
Motion to amend the agenda was made by Councilmember Ash, second by Councilmember Jones.
Mr. DuFour commented, “The motion is to amend the agenda to incorporate a resolution to make necessary repairs to the air conditioning unit of the municipal building. That’s why everyone sitting here is so warm. We have one proposal for $7,750.00 from Cattrell Companies. Apparently, the heart of our problem is to replace the entire compressor on the rooftop unit for the air condition. So, the idea is to again add this as an item for agenda.” The motion to amend the agenda passed by majority, 7/0.
Resolution: TO AUTHORIZE THE REPLACEMENT OF THE CITY BUILDIING AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR. Motion was made by Councilmember Ash, second by Councilmember Jones.
Councilmember Ash commented, “We did go out for bid, and this is the only bid received. Correct?”
Mr. DuFour commented, “We had…unintelligible…last week. We talked to Schumer and Sliger. Unintelligible. Air Excellence, a similar situation. H. E. Neumann didn’t, was not able to get back, have not gotten back to us yet. Cattrell Companies was the only one who did.”
The motion passed by majority, 7/0.
APPOINTMENTS TO VARIOUS BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
Audi Burge Appointment: 07/01/2007 – 06/30/2010 3901 Hanlin Way Weirton, WV 26062 Per Councilman Kondik Motion was made by Councilmember Kondik, second by Councilmember Dalrymple. Motion was carried by majority, 7/0.
Scott Douglas Reappointment: 07/01/2007 – 06/30/2010 3513 Williams Drive Weirton, WV 26062 Per Councilman Kondik Motion was made by Councilmember Kondik, second by Councilmember Ash. Motion was carried by majority, 7/0.
Nora Coleman Reappointment: 07/01/2007 – 06/30/2010 101 Pikeview Road Weirton, WV 26062 Per Councilman Kondik Motion was made by Councilmember Kondik, second by Councilmember Ash. Motion was carried by majority, 7/0.
Karen Bryan Reappointment: 07/01/2007 – 06/30/2010 108 Darby Court Weirton, WV 26062 Per Councilman Kondik Motion was made by Councilmember Kondik, second by Councilmember Miller. Motion was carried by majority, 7/0.
Frank Woods Reappointment: 07/01/2007 – 06/30/2010 116 Bass Drive Weirton, WV 26062 Per Councilman Kondik Motion was made by Councilmember Miller, second by Councilmember Kondik. Motion was carried by majority, 7/0.
WEIRTON REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
John Greco Reappointment: 08/01/2007 – 07/31/2012 3219 Main Street Weirton, WV 26062 Motion was made by Councilmember Dalrymple, second by Councilmember Marsh. Motion was carried by majority, 7/0
AUDIT PROCUREMENT COMMITTEE
Valerie Means 08/01/2007 – 08/30/2009 200 Municipal Plaza Weirton, WV 26062 Motion was made by Councilmember Miller, second by Councilmember Jones. Motion was carried by majority, 6/0, with Councilman Dalrymple abstaining.
Councilman Dave Dalrymple 08/01/2007 – 08/30/2009 303 Bell Boulevard Weirton, WV 26062 Motion was made by Councilmember Miller, second by Councilmember Kondik. Motion was carried by majority, 6/0, with Councilman Dalrymple abstaining.
Councilman Max Fijewski 08/01/2007 – 08/30/2009 225 Scenery Drive Weirton, WV 26062 Motion was made by Councilmember Marsh, second by Councilmember Miller. Motion was carried by majority, 5/0, with Councilmen Fijewski and Dalrymple abstaining.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
Police Department Chief Marshall commented, “Nothing to report, sir.” Councilmember Ash commented, “You know there’s things being stolen off of people’s porches in the downtown area.” Chief Marshall commented, “Yes, we do.” Councilmember Ash commented, “Nothing’s been in the newspaper. I was wondering. Is there a reason we don’t have the blotters like we used to have for the newspaper to pick off of.” Chief Marshall commented, “I didn’t remove the blotters Councilman. For some reason we stopped doing them during the last administration. We’ve renewed it.” Councilmember Ash commented, “We’d like to see the residents see what’s going on there.” Mayor Harris thanked Chief Marshall.
Fire Department Chief Cole commented, “Nothing additional to report Mayor.”
Public Works Department Mr. Brown commented, “Mayor, I would like to recognize. First I would like to thank Ward IV and the homeowner’s association for the awards and recognition of the Public Works staff and employees. Thank you Councilman Ash and Mr. Foster of the association. Also, I would like to thank Brenda Mull of the Chamber for her kind comments in the paper in recognition of my staff and my employees who worked on Cove Commons. Number three, thank you Mayor and City Manager, and Council for your support of the trucks for my fleet. And, least, last, but not least, Donnie Donnell of Starvaggi Industries for letting use the salt storage barn behind the old bus garage to store the extra salt, and Jim O’Brien. Thank you very much.” Mayor Harris commented, “Thank you. You guys are doing a great job out there.” Councilmember Fijewski commented, “Mr. Brown, it’s my understanding that the yard waste pick up date has been moved from May 1st to April 1st, weather permitting. Is that correct?” Mr. Brown commented, “That’s correct.” Councilmember Fijewski commented, “Thank you for doing that.” Councilmember Dalrymple commented, “John, I have one question about yard waste. Yard waste, the definition of yard waste. Is it just grass, or is it any type of vegetation?” Mr. Brown commented, “Grass, branches, packed, compacted.” Councilmember Dalrymple commented, “What about fruit? Mr. Brown commented, “Fruit? Councilmember Dalrymple commented, “From a tree.” Mr. Brown commented, “Yes. We could.” Councilmember Dalrymple commented, “So, that would be considered as yard waste not to be mixed in with garbage.” Mr. Brown commented, “One correction Councilmen. I believe that Gio thought I said 300 pounds on the salt storage. Three Hundred Tons.” Councilmember Fijewski commented, “John, I have one more clarification please. It’s also my understanding that in your future or when you get time you’re going to be removing the old meter posts from Main Street. Is that correct?” Mr. Brown commented, “The City Manager’s requested that.” Councilmember Fijewski commented, “I just want to make sure that that was known.” Mr. Brown commented, “But, I planned on doing that when we removed the trees on Main Street.” Councilmember Fijewski commented, “No. I understand. I’m just; I guess it would be good for the public to know that that’s something that’s going to be in the works.” Mr. Brown commented, “Absolutely. Councilmember Fijewski thanked Mr. Brown. Mr. Brown thanked Councilmember Fijewski. Mayor Harris thanked Mr. Brown. Mr. Brown thanked Mayor Harris.
Parks and Recreation Mr. Weigel commented, “Just one thing to add. I’d just like to take a minute to thank Councilman Dalrymple, thank Councilman Jones, John Brown, and the Water Department crews also. You know, if you didn’t catch it recently, we’ve been able to make improvements at two playgrounds. We wouldn’t have been able to do it if it hadn’t been for them. Councilman Dalrymple had an amazing response with the volunteers up there with that. What a heartwarming sight to see, that many up there. And, all yours Councilman Jones. I think that was…I hope we continue to all work together like that and let’s make some improvements through the whole community.” Mayor Harris commented, “I would also like to applaud everyone that was involved with that. Everyone coming together was very, very good. You did a great job. I was on vacation, so when I came back Monday, I missed Councilman Dalrymple’s adventure. Sorry about that.” Councilmember Dalrymple commented, “It was an adventure. There were 35 kids and adults up there working to paint Monday and Tuesday of last week and it was a fun time and it was hard work but everybody had fun with it and I’m sure there’s still some teenagers in the city right now that are tying to figure out how to scrub black paint off the crevices of their body. But, it was a worthwhile project. A lot of people came together to make it happen. Even at the last minute, John Brown was the man in the pinch with ladders when we has so many people working up there that we actually needed to get ladders in. For a while I was thinking about calling the Fire Department, but I didn’t want to bother them. But, there were a lot people that were involved, and it’s really great. And, I’m not done up there yet. There’s still some things I want to do. I’ve been a big supporter of doing these playgrounds for years, and I think it’s something that we need to keep going forward with. Thank you Terry and the Board, because without your support it would have never happened to begin with.” Councilmember Fijewski commented, “Mayor if I could, under good of the order, which if obvious. I’m one of the new members on the Council here. In my experience with Mr. Brown, the Police Department, the Fire Department, the City Inspectors, I have to say it’s been nothing but extremely pleasant. I’ve been very, very thankful for all the assistances everyone here has given me, and I wish the citizens of the community really had a full or better understanding of just how much they do and how much gets done in the course of a week in this community. It’s overwhelming. But, unfortunately, I don’t know if we get the message out enough. But, on behalf of myself and the members of my ward I want to thank each of you. Thank you very much. I appreciate it.” Mr. Brown commented, “Thank you Councilman.” Councilmember Fijewski commented, “You’re quite welcome. You deserve it. Thank you.”
Code Enforcement / Inspections Mr. Rosnick commented, “Nothing to add to the report sir.”
Utilities Mr. Mastrantoni commented, “Nothing to add.”
Mary H. Weir Public Library Mr. Rekowski commented, “I don’t have too much to add beyond the report, but I’m really excited. I will mention that, as all of you are aware, the City of Weirton, the library, is a recipient of the Gates Foundation computers. They have been delivered this month. It’s about 25 computers for the City of Weirton. They are currently as we speak being installed. Our goal is that they will all be installed and ready for the public by Labor Day. And, these are machines that will have current software, very high RAM. We’re very excited about it. So, just to wet your appetite, come see us after Labor Day, and you’ll be able to put your hands on these Gates Foundation computers.” Councilmember Dalrymple commented, “Rik, how did that WiFi…did that project ever really come together?” Mr. Rekowski commented, “That is currently installed. Yes. That is active at the library.” Councilmember Dalrymple commented, “Because I don’t think a lot of people know about that, and that’s something that’s pretty unique to the community I think.” Mr. Rekowski commented, “Well, and, we are not the only library to receive that in the state. But, we are getting our feet wet during the summer with it. With staff, we don’t normally use WiFi. We’re relying on the interaction with the public to see how it is actually functioning. And, regarding the computers coming in from the Gates Foundation, we are moving work stations around to accommodate people who would carry a laptop in so that they would be able to plug into an electrical outlet and not drape cords across the floor. That is our problem in an older facility. We’re going to have one work station that we can direct you to. It’s a carol which will have electrical outlets, and it’s not far from the reference desk in which you can get that code when you come in and put that into the laptop so that you can have access. So, you’re carrying your own data in, using the library’s T1 band, and it’s all your equipment, all your data, and that’s what we can provide. Yes.” Mayor Harris thanked Mr. Rekowski.
Finance Director
TREASURER’S REPORT
Valarie Means gave the treasurer’s report for July 2007, stating:
Beginning Cash Balance: 431,685.23 Interest: 2,124.61 Deposits: 1,384,090.12 Investment Drawdown 300,000.00 Disbursements: 1,112,991.36 Ending Cash Balance: 1,004,908.60 Interest on Investments 2,180.28 Investment Balance: 924,815.70 Withdrawals: 300,000.00 Ending Investment Balance: 626,995.98 Petty Cash Fund: 700.00 Total Cash and Investments Available: 1,632,604.58
Ms. Means commented, “You do have invoices requiring your approval tonight totaling $11,785.99.”
Motion to approve the financial reports and pay the bills was made by Councilmember Dalrymple, second by Councilmember Fijewski. Motion was carried by majority, 7/0.
Motion to approve all administrative reports was made by Councilmember Dalrymple, second by Councilmember Fijewski. Motion was carried by majority, 7/0.
Motion to adjourn after the closing prayer was made by Councilmember Kondik, second by Councilmember Dalrymple. Motion was carried by majority, 7/0.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business before this August 13, 2007 regular session of the Weirton City Council the meeting was adjourned after the closing prayer.
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