WEIRTON CITY COUNCIL
COUNCIL MEETING - REGULAR
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 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 Tuesday, October 14, 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 Fred Marsh Councilmember Ward 3 Harold Miller Councilmember Ward 2 Max Fijewski Councilmember Ward 7 George Kondik Councilmember Ward 5
Councilmembers Not in Attendance: Ronnie Jones Councilmember Ward 1 David Dalrymple Councilmember Ward 6
City Officials in Attendance: John Brown Public Works Director Gary DuFour City Manager Vincent Gurrera City Attorney Thomas J. Maher, Jr. City Clerk Bruce Marshall Police Chief Jeff Pierce Utilities Rik Rekowski Mary H. Weir Public Library Director Rod Rosnick Chief Code Official Debbie Swanson Finance Director
Mayor Harris led everyone in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion was made by Councilmember Marsh and second by Councilmember Ash to approve the minutes of the: September 08, 2008 – Regular Council MeetingThe motion carried by majority, 4/0/1 with Councilmember Kondik abstaining because he was not in attendance at the meeting.
A motion was made by Councilmember Ash and second by Councilmember Marsh to approve the minutes of the: September 26, 2008 – Special Council MeetingThe motion carried by majority, 5/0.
MAYOR’S AWARDS AND PROCLAMATIONS
Mayor Harris requested that representative of the Business and Professional Women approach the podium.
The Mayor presented the following proclamation:
City of Weirton Office of the Mayor Proclamation Whereas, working women constitute 71 million of the nation’s workforce and strive to serve their communities, their states and their nation in professional, civic and cultural programs; and Whereas, women-owned businesses account for 28 percent of U. S. business generating $1.2 trillion in sales; and Whereas, this year marks the 80th anniversary of National Business Women’s Week sponsored by the National Federation of Business and Professional Women; and Whereas, major goals of Business and Professional Women / USA are to promote equality for all women and to help create better conditions for business women through the study of social, educational, economic and political problems; and Whereas, since 1928, Business and Professional Women / USA has been spotlighting the achievements and contributions of working women during National Business Women’s Week. Now, therefore, be it resolved, that I, Mark Harris, Mayor of the City of Weirton, Hancock and Brooke Counties, West Virginia, and on behalf of the City Council do hereby proclaim October 20-24, 2008 as; National Business Professional Women’s Week and urge all our citizens to join me in recognizing the outstanding contributions made to the community by this organization. In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the City of Weirton to be affixed this Fourteenth day of October, 2008
APPLAUSE BPW representative 1 commented, “We would just like to thank you and Council.” BPW representative 2 commented, “Thank you very much for honoring us.” BPW representative 1 commented, “Hopefully, some of you will be able to attend our dinner if you’re able to on the 22nd.” Mayor Harris commented, “Yes, I know I’m coming.” BPW representative 1 commented, “Oh, good. Thank you.” Mayor Harris commented, “Thank you.”
Mayor Harris commented that we also have a proclamation to be read for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The Mayor presented the following proclamation:
City of Weirton Office of the Mayor Proclamation Whereas, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is in its 23rd year of educating women about the importance of early detection. More and more women are getting mammograms to detect breast cancer in its earliest stages. As a result, breast cancer deaths are on the decline; and Whereas, during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we recognize the progress being made towards a cure for this disease, which robs so many women of their health and, in too many cases, their lives. This year, an estimated 203,000 American women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and almost 40,000 will die. Although we have made great medical strides in understanding breast cancer, much remains to be done to advance prevention, early detection, and effective treatment; and Whereas, regular screenings remain the most effective way to identify breast cancer in its earliest and most treatable stages. For women 40 and over, having mammograms every 1 to 2 years can reduce the risk of dying from breast cancer; and Whereas, to prevent breast cancer, we must increase awareness of its risk factors and causes. Age and genetic factors have been shown to increase the risk of breast cancer. And researchers are now exploring how diet and hormonal factors are linked to possible causes. This information will help women and their doctors make informed health care choices. Now, therefore, be it resolved, that I, Mark Harris, Mayor of the City of Weirton, Brooke and Hancock Counties, West Virginia, do hereby proclaim October as “BREST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH” in the City of Weirton and call upon government officials, businesses, communities, health-care professionals, educators, volunteers, and all the people of Weirton to publicly reaffirm our community’s strong and continuing commitment to controlling and curing breast cancer. In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the City of Weirton to be affixed this Fourteenth day of October, 2008.
The Mayor presented the following proclamation:
City of Weirton Office of the Mayor Proclamation WHEREAS, the City of Weirton is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all those living in and visiting our city; and WHEREAS, fire is a serious public safety concern both locally and nationally, and homes are the locations where people are at greatest risk from fire; and WHEREAS, cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries, while heating equipment and smoking are the leading causes of home fire deaths; and WHEREAS, Weirton's first responders are dedicated to reducing the occurrence of home fires and home fire injuries through prevention and protection education; and WHEREAS, Weirton's residents are responsive to public education measures, and are able to take personal steps to increase their safety from fire, especially in their homes; and WHEREAS, the 2008 Fire Prevention Week theme, "It’s Fire Prevention Week - Prevent Home Fires!" effectively serves to remind us all of the simple actions we can take to stay safer from fire during Fire Prevention Week and year-round. Now, therefore, I, Mark Harris, Mayor of the City of Weirton, proclaim October 5-11 as “FIRE PREVENTION WEEK” in Weirton, and I urge all the people of Weirton to heed the important safety messages of Fire Prevention Week 2008, and to support the many public safety activities and efforts of Weirton’s Fire Department. In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the City of Weirton to be affixed this Fourteenth day of October, 2008.
Mayor Harris commented, “Also, I have a proclamation for National Red Ribbon Week, and I believe we have Lou Anne, Diane and Kathy, Lou Anne Decker (sp), Diane Loucera (sp), Kathy Rusnick (sp).”
The Mayor presented the following proclamation:
City of Weirton Office of the Mayor Proclamation WHEREAS, cities across America have been plagued by the numerous problems associated with alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use; and WHEREAS, there is hope in winning the War on Drugs, and the hope lies in the hard work and determination of our communities to create a drug free environment; and WHEREAS, local leaders, in government and in the community, know that the support of the people in the neighborhoods is the most effective tool they can have in their efforts to reduce use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs; and WHEREAS, the red ribbon was chosen as a symbol commemorating the work of Enrique “Kiki” Camerena, a Drug Enforcement Administration agent, who was murdered in the line of duty as has come to represent the belief that one person can make a difference; and WHEREAS, October 23-30, 2008, has been designated National Red Ribbon Week calling on all Americans to show their support for a drug-free state by wearing a red ribbon and participating in drug-free activities during this week. Now, therefore, be it resolved, that I, Mark Harris, Mayor of the City of Weirton, Hancock and Brooke Counties, West Virginia, and on behalf of the City Council do hereby proclaim October 23-30, 2008 as: “RED RIBBON WEEK” in the City of Weirton and encourage all citizens, businesses, public and private agencies, media, religious and educational institutions to wear and display red ribbons to help promote the Red Ribbon Celebration. In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the City of Weirton to be affixed this Fourteenth day of October, 2008.
APPLAUSE A representative commented, “What’s really neat is thanks to Weirton Medical Center and all of the schools we are going to be giving out information to every high school student in both counties.” APPLAUSE The representatives passed red ribbons to the members of Weirton City Council.
COMMUNICATIONS
NONE
CITIZEN COMMENTS
Mr. Mike Chek 165 Campbell Lane, Weirton, WV: Re: Skate Park Mr. Chek commented, “Good evening Mayor and members of Council. This is a follow up to the skate park. Last week I met with a salesman that was here from Joplin, Missouri, and he had dropped off some samples. Before he came I asked him first about his skate park equipment. They buy their steel from Nucor and it’s assembled in Joplin, Missouri, so it’s all a hundred percent American made. It’s built on a set up where it’s modular where it’s chained and assembled on site. He said if we purchased equipment from them and we had people capable of assembling it, it would save us about three thousand dollars in assembly costs. The way it’s built, it can be assembled in a facility and then bolted to the ground. And, then if we want to move the facility somewhere else, it’s temporary, it can be moved. The cost is about thirty thousand dollars for a typical set up. And, I told him that one of the big concerns here for the city was the insurance. And, he had stated that if we kept the items that we ordered under four feet high, so we didn’t have any real high items, he thought that the umbrella policy that the city has for the pools should cover the skate park. But, he didn’t know what we had in place. So, those were just his comments. He left me a DVD and some samples of the materials which I’ll leave here, and you can look at it, take it home, whatever you’d like to do. And, I will continue to pursue that and help in any way that I can.” Councilmember Kondik commented, “Hey, Mike, if you assembled it yourself, or someone in house, do you lose any of the warranty?” Mr. Chek commented, “You do not.” Councilmember Kondik commented, “You do not lose it?” Mr. Chek commented, “No. And, the other thing I did want to comment. I want to thank the City Clerk, Mr. Maher for keeping the website updated. You can click on there not long after the Council meetings and find the Council minutes, and I assume you do that.” Mr. Maher commented, “Actually, I’ll pass that to Brian Stewart. He’s our web developer.” Mr. Chek commented, “Ok. But, I looked at other websites, even the county’s, and nothing is up to date like the City of Weirton’s is, so I appreciate that.” Mayor Harris commented, “Thank you.” Mr. Chek commented, “Thank you.” Mayor Harris commented, “Before we move to the next citizen, since he’s already talking about the skate park, I’d like to make some comments. The Mayor’s Golf Outing we had for the skate park, we actually raised seventy-four hundred dollars in that golf outing and I would like to thank all the volunteer and everyone who supported that. We are not at, I believe it’s twenty thousand two hundred and some odd dollars that has been raised for our skate park in the City of Weirton. What we’re waiting on now is Senator Bowman. Actually, we requested some digest money from the Senator, and the Senator is trying to get us nineteen thousand dollars. So, that is kind of why we’re holding up right at the moment instead of moving forward. We’re waiting to see if we get that nineteen thousand dollars. If we get that, then, you know, we’re going to have a lot nicer skate park than what we projected to have.” Councilmember Kondik commented, “Honorable Mayor, who, what team won the golf tournament? Do you know?” Mayor Harris commented, “You know what, I can’t… Councilmember Kondik commented, “Could you share that with the audience?” Mayor Harris commented, “You know. I cannot remember that… LAUGHTER Mayor Harris commented, “But, I cannot remember who won that. Max, you…” Councilmember Fijewski commented, “I know the Sorrenti group came either first or second.” Mayor Harris commented, “Second.” Councilmember Kondik commented, “They probably came in second.” Councilmember Fijewski commented, “I forget who came in first.” Councilmember Kondik commented, “We’ll have to look it up, and maybe announce it.” Mayor Harris commented, “You know it’s kind of bad. I wasn’t worried about who won. I was worried about how much money we were making for the skate park.” LAUGHTER Councilmember Fijewski commented, “I can tell you who won the putting contest. Mayor Harris commented, “But, we will get with you later so that you can print that to find out who came first, second, third. Thank you.”
Mr. T. J. Haught 168 Denise Drive, Weirton, WV: Re: Parking Mr. Haught commented, “Thank you. I apologize. I’ve been in the TV business for about ten years, but usually people aren’t looking at me. I’m usually on the other side of the camera. Thank you Mayor and members of Council. I’m here today to ask you to rescind Ordinance 1602, which allowed for a dedicated residential handicap parking space at 171 Denise Drive. This situation has developed over the last year or so, but before I get into that, I’d like to first make sure that I’m understanding this right, but according to the City Ordinance 1309, an RDPS should only be issued if off street parking cannot be created. If the applicant has a driveway in the front or rear of the residence and no other impediments exist, if the applicant has an integral garage attached to the residence, the application may be denied. I do have pictures here of the residence in question if you guys don’t mind. Denise Drive is narrow. Most people have been there. They know what it looks like. Parking is permitted on both sides of the street, but out of respect for on another, everybody parks on one side to make sure that people can get through. You know, God forbid there be a fire or someone at the end of the road have some sort of medical condition. We want to make sure ambulances can get through. The owner at 171 Denise Drive has both and integral garage and a driveway, and he refuses to use them. He wants to park on the street. I don’t have a problem with it. It’s a public street. But, the rest of us would like to use it too. The resident there initially put his mailbox on the street thinking that that reserved this spot, and when that came, I actually talked to Mr. DuFour about that a few months ago, and since our mailman walks then it does noting actually. So, it was at that point I believe he came down and started pursuing the handicapped spot for himself. The places, you can see, the parking spot is actually further away than what his driveway and garage are. It would be closer for him to his house if he’d just use his garage and his driveway. The picture of the red Neon, I don’t even think he owns it. I think it belongs to his daughter and son-in-law who live around the corner. And, he just parks it there so that no one else can park in front of his house. The last picture is 169 Hillcrest which the Council passed an ordinance the same day for the same thing. That man doesn’t have a driveway. He doesn’t have a garage. He definitely needs that place. I don’t know his circumstances, but that’s what the ordinance was created for in my opinion, was to make sure that somebody who needed it had it. Denise Drive is a little bit, it’s kind of going through a renaissance. It was kind of a neighborhood full of elderly people and retired people. There have been a lot of young families move in lately. When I moved there six years ago, there were no kids under the age of ten. Now, there’s eight kids under the age of five. It’s very difficult for parents to try to jockey in and out of their driveways and constantly be switching cars in and out while they’re trying to get their kids in the car depending on who leaves for work and when. All that stuff comes into play, and now one guy has four places to park that no one else can park in. Because, he has his driveway, he has his garage, the red Neon never moves, and, now he has his own handicapped parking place that no one else is allowed to park in. So, you know, if you could take a look at the ordinance and see how it affects the community as a whole and not just this one individual and not just me. There are a couple other members of the street who are here today, and they’re not going to speak. They thought that I could do it for them.” Mayor Harris commented, “Sir, the red Neon that’s parked there. You say you don’t know whose vehicle that is?” Mr. Haught commented, “It belonged to his sister-in-law who’s passed away. And, the way I understand it, and my information could be incorrect, but that the car is either in probate or his daughter is the executor of the estate, and she owns it. But, they don’t use it. It just sits there. About once a month, somebody comes and moves it and washes it and puts it back, and it doesn’t move anymore. So, I mean, if he has any questions, I’d be happy to, I mean this situation has been going on. This is just a little bit of neighborhood bullying is what it’s turned in to. And, it’s not really fair to the residents to, you know, we all would like to park on the street. I mean, I could park in front of my house across the street, but then I’m being a pain to the other residents in the neighborhood, and I don’t want to do that. My wife gets up and leaves for work at four o’clock in the morning. She doesn’t want to be moving cars in and out of the driveway. You know, it’s unnecessary really.” Mayor Harris commented, “At this time, Council could take it into consideration, and then we also can speak to some individuals from the Traffic Commission.” Mr. Haught commented, “And, is there someone I could follow up with?” Mayor Harris commented, “If there are any questions, you can call Tom Maher.” Councilmember Fijewski commented, “I’d like to point out that you will notice that there’s a sign that is posted there. And, unfortunately, for whatever reason, it was vandalized, and somebody took it upon themselves to remove that sign. And, I don’t know who did it.” Mr. Haught commented, “There were a lot of, when that happened, which was only really like a day or so after it happened, there were a few teenagers pulling pranks in the neighborhood. I know they upset like my flower pot and knocked on my wife’s door and ran, and that was the same day that that went missing.” Councilmember Fijewski commented, “I don’t want to make that kind of assertion. I’m not who or what did what. I’m just saying that unfortunately someone took it upon themselves to remove that sign which is unfortunate.” Mr. Haught commented, “It’s since been replaced right after that.” Councilmember Fijewski commented, “Yes. I got a call from the resident. That’s my ward, and I got a call from the resident, and he did ask that it be replaced. I might point out that the resident went directly to the Traffic Commission and asked for that. He didn’t come to me, but we did approve it per his request. I’d also point out too that in the document that you just read, the operative word I think you may want to look at is ‘may.’” Mr. Haught commented, “I understand that. But, before that it doesn’t say. I understand, I mean, I’ve dealt with this a lot. But it says, the RDPS should only be issued if off street parking cannot be granted, period. Before the other stuff, that’s what it says. And, he’s got two places to park a car, and that makes it very difficult on everyone else who is trying, you know, family coming to visit. I mean, it turns into a real problem. God forbid someone have a birthday party for their kid. They’re parking at the Rite Aid, the old Rite Aid, the closed down Rite Aid, and walking down to people’s houses. It’s ridiculous.” Mayor Harris commented, “Do you want us to keep the pictures, or do you want them back?” Mr. Haught commented, “I’ll take them.” Mayor Harris commented, “Ok. Thank you.” Mr. Haught commented, “Thank you.”
Mr. Brian Jasko 156 Denise Drive, Weirton, WV: Re: Speeding on street Mr. Jasko commented, “Hi. Good evening. Like T. J. said, on our street it’s changing. A lot of kid on our street now, and cars go pretty fast on the street. You’ve got eight kids in like a nine house span. If a little kid runs out in the middle of the street, gets hit, you know, slow some people down. That’s all we would like to see. You know, I don’t know if you could put like speed bumps. Somebody was saying they got portable speed bumps. Post some signs, maybe ten miles an hour, kids playing, slow down. That’s all I’d like to see. You know, the safety of kids.” Mayor Harris commented, “Thank you.” Mr. Jasko commented, “Thank you.” Councilmember Fijewski commented, “Tom, I just want to ask a question. When there’s a zoning request for a handicap or for that matter anything under zoning, does it go into the newspaper ahead of time?” Mr. Maher commented, “Any Traffic Commission agenda is sent out to the press prior to the Traffic Commission meeting. Any member who is interested in coming to the meeting, or, I’m sorry, any citizen that’s interested in coming to the meeting is welcome to come to the meeting. Usually the press also covers the Traffic Commission meeting and will run that week the agenda items and what the discussion will be. After the meeting they will put the results of the Traffic Commission in as well. At that point anything that is passed through the Traffic Commission as a recommendation will go to City Council, will go to City Council for two readings as it does become an ordinance. It will sit for the first reading. Then it will go to the second reading. In between those two readings there is a public notice in the legal ads in the newspaper that that will be covered in the meeting and will be approved at the second Council meeting at which time any member of the public is welcome to come to City Council and address Council on that issue.” Councilmember Fijewski commented, “Thank you.” Mayor Harris commented, “Thank you.”
Mr. Demetris Akis Weirton, WV: Re: Mayor Harris commented that Mr. Akis would make a presentation later in the meeting.
OLD BUSINESS
Ordinance No. 1613 (Second Reading) Amending Ordinance No. 1574 and declaring garbage, rubbish, filth, debris, high grass, weeds, noxious weeds and rank vegetation and/or hazardous trees, shrubs and plants as a public nuisance. (City Attorney) Motion was made by Councilmember Ash, second by Councilmember Miller. Mr. DuFour commented, “Just one thing for the Mayor and Council. A small typo Tom on the second reading date needs to be changed to today’s date, the 14th.” Mr. Maher commented, “Thank you.” The motion carried by majority, 5/0.
Ordinance No. 1614 (Second Reading) Authorizing the conveyance of City of Weirton property to the Weirton Redevelopment Authority. (City Manager) Motion was made by Councilmember Ash, second by Councilmember Miller. The motion carried by majority, 5/0.
NEW BUSINESS
Ordinance No. 1616 (New) EMERGENCY READING Traffic Amendment No. 712, reducing the speed limit on Linton Lane by ten (10) miles per hour from its current twenty-five (25) miles per hour to fifteen (15) miles per hour. (Councilmember Fred Marsh)
Motion was made by Councilmember Marsh, second by Councilmember Miller. The motion carried by majority, 5/0.
Mayor Harris commented, “We’ll go ahead. We’ll go through all of the ordinances and then we’ll have Demetris come forward. Hold on for one second Tom. Mr. Rosnick would you tell Demetris I’m sorry. Demetris, your stuff is in the City Manager’s office. You can go in and then we’ll get you. All right. Go ahead.”
Resolution To authorize an amendment to an agreement for engineering services for the Penco Road Streetscape Project (HDR Engineering, Inc. sub. J. T. Sauer & Assoc.; $7,500 increase) (City Manager)
Motion was made by Councilmember Marsh, second by Councilmember Ash. The motion carried by majority, 5/0.
Resolution To enter into contract for general contracting services for the Penco Road Enhancement Project. (James White Construction Co., 4156 Freedom Way, Weirton, WV 26062; $439,600.00 w/ a $145,100.00 option; 80%/20% split) (City Manager)
Motion was made by Councilmember Marsh, second by Councilmember Ash. The motion carried by majority, 5/0.
Resolution To enter into contract for landscaping services for the Penco Road Enhancement Project. (Iannetti Garden Center, 728 Steubenville Pike, Burgettstown, PA 15021; $52,578.00) (City Manager)
Motion was made by Councilmember Marsh, second by Councilmember Ash. The motion carried by majority, 5/0.
Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to enter into contract with the West Virginia Department of Transportation Division of Highways for the installation of a new traffic signal at the intersections of CR 13 with the US 22 eastbound and westbound exit ramps of Three Springs Drive. (Cost approximately $260,000.00; Governor’s Contingency Fund loan up to $300,000.00 at 0% interest, 3 years) (City Manager)
Motion was made by Councilmember Fijewski, second by Councilmember Ash.
Councilmember Marsh commented, “This is just the approval of the application. We’re not going to borrow this money until.” Mr. DuFour commented, “Right. This agreement essentially says that (unintelligible) will be good for the dollars. They will begin the design work. They have all the contracting and equipment come in. To sign the contract the dollars have to move to them.” Councilmember Marsh commented, “Ok.” Mayor Harris commented, “Also, for those who don’t know, this is the deal that we had to make to get, part of the deal that we had to make to get the Wal-Mart into our location. The deal was up to three hundred thousand dollars that we would borrow from the state and pay back zero percent interest to get the red light and signals in. So, if we can note that, that would be great. Anything else?” Councilmember Fijewski commented, “I just want to make a point. The Mayor and Council are making a two hundred and sixty thousand dollar investment in economic development that without this investment, I don’t know if Wal-Mart would have been willing to come here.” Mayor Harris commented, “You are correct.” The motion carried by majority, 5/0.
Resolution To authorize the City Manager to accept the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Grant for the Weirton Police Department. ($70,148.00) (City Manager)
Motion was made by Councilmember Ash, second by Councilmember Marsh.
Mayor Harris asked Chief Marshall if he would like to comment. Chief Marshall commented, “We’ve been working on this grant for a year sir, and we’re going to purchase an automatic fingerprinting system. It will be computerized and will give us instant access to the FBI and out of state data banks. So, it’s a big ticket item that we probably wouldn’t be able to get without this grant.” Mayor Harris commented, “Thank you.” Councilmember Kondik commented, “Good job Chief.” Councilmember Miller commented, “Is that similar to what they’re using at the State Building with the licensing?” Chief Marshall commented, “Yes. Everything will be all hooked together eventually.”
The motion carried by majority, 5/0.
Resolution To place liens against real properties for costs incurred in the demolition of unsafe properties pursuant to Ordinance No. 250. ($6,194.00; 333 Marland Heights Road; Daniel Marziale)
Motion was made by Councilmember Ash, second by Councilmember Kondik. The motion carried by majority, 5/0.
Resolution To place liens against real properties for costs incurred in the demolition of unsafe properties pursuant to Ordinance No. 250. ($7,680.00; 2921 Elm Street; Philip Holt)
Motion was made by Councilmember Ash, second by Councilmember Miller. The motion carried by majority, 5/0.
Resolution To place liens against real properties for costs incurred in the demolition of unsafe properties pursuant to Ordinance No. 250. ($8,012.00; 2917 Elm Street; Philip Holt)
Motion was made by Councilmember Ash, second by Councilmember Miller. The motion carried by majority, 5/0.
Resolution Authorizing the acceptance of a contract for the Governor’s Community Participation Grant Program. ($200,000 Legislative Digest Funding for the Weirton Thomas E. Millsop Community Center)
Motion was made by Councilmember Fijewski, second by Councilmember Ash. The motion carried by majority, 5/0.
Resolution To enter into contract for the purchase of two (2) light bars for the Weirton Police Department. (Lauttamus Communications, 1344 Cove Hill Road, Weirton, WV 26062; $4,860.00) (City Manager)
Motion was made by Councilmember Ash, second by Councilmember Marsh. The motion carried by majority, 5/0.
Mayor Harris commented, “Before we go to appointment, I’ll call Demetris up. Rod, Chief, is Demetris out there?” Mr. Akis commented, “Honorable Mayor, leaders of the community, citizens, I want to present this to this committee, the leaders that serve, from my family to you and the past people that served to bring us where we are today. This print represents the Constitution and the Liberty as in the one form. So, it’s supposed to bring unity and brotherhood. So, I am asking you if you will accept it Honorable Mayor Harris.” Mayor Harris commented, “Yes, I would. Thank you.” Mr. Akis commented, “Thank you.” Mayor Harris commented, “Thank you very much.” APPLAUSE
APPONTMENTS TO VARIOUS BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
Weirton Housing Authority
APPOINTMENT REAPPOINTMENT TERM Robert Price III 10/14/2008 06/01/2008 – 05/30/2013 99 Payton Drive Weirton, WV 26062
Motion was made by Councilmember Ash, second by Councilmember Miller. The motion carried by majority, 5/0.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT –
Mr. Brown commented, “Mayor I’d like to report that the milling and paving is completed in the City of Weirton, streets and alleys. There are a few streets that were not sealed, and those should be done by the end of the week. I know it was stressful at times, and it’s something we need to look at as to the bidding process, but I got it done. Fall clean up was very successful, and thanks to the City Manager, his recommendation to go to Cross Creek, North Fork, we took three hundred tons, twenty-nine loads, with a savings of close to six thousand dollars. I have not got the total figures on the Waste Management trucks. I have also a pre meeting. I’ll gave you memo on (unintelligible) brine. Last year, you provided me with two new snow plows, one ton snow plows (unintelligible). That would relieve two trucks that I would use for brining. We’re working feverishly on getting those trucks equipped. I’m using my line items in house at this time to not purchase the necessary items. And, we have the brine, the solution that is workable, and we can now start mixing and storing. And, when the time comes we will prime our street crew, mostly our hills. There will be a brine schedule and there will be a regular schedule for the trucks that do the brine, so that the drivers on the other routes will know exactly where to put the salt and where not to put the salt. So, it’s a thing that we’re covering every day. We need to every day.” Mr. DuFour commented, “John, if I may, when we, with the help of Councilman Marsh I need to add too, had the opportunity to talk to the folks in the Ohio Department of Transportation, they had indicated to us when we met with them in Cambridge, Ohio, that we could, in using brine, they saved approximately one third of a normal amount of salt they used in covering those areas.” Mr. Brown commented, “That is correct. That is correct.” Mr. DuFour commented, “Essentially, that’s the saving we are looking for, because of the high prices.” Mr. Brown commented, “When the time is right, and we follow the forecast, and we put the brine down, it’s going to last for five days. You won’t see it on the road, but when we get the first snow, it will prevent the ice underneath the snow from the condensation from the snow going on the road. It will prevent freezing. So, it’ll activate. So, it’ll be good for five days when they put it down.” Mayor Harris commented, “Any other comments? Thank you John.” Mr. Brown commented, “Thank you Mayor.”
MARY H. WEIR PUBLIC LIBRARY –
Mr. Rekowski commented, “Mayor and City Council, I’m really excited to give you this information. We haven’t submitted material in your packets, but what I had to report in September was the U. S. National Library Card sign up month. And, at the library we registered 168 new library patrons in that month alone, 168 new patrons.” APPLAUSE Mr. Rekowski commented, “And, also we discovered our August report for circulation is up, and the September statistics which is incomplete is also up, and it’s incomplete. So, there has been an increase with the library patrons and materials and visits to the library. And, we’re really excited about it. People are using the library, and as I say, there’s 168 just for the month of September, new users in this community for public information. That’s a lot to be excited about. I am.”
POLICE DEPARTMENT - Chief Marshall had nothing to add to his report. Mr. Gurrera commented, “Chief, I don’t know if anyone else has recognized, but the city court has so far this year brought in about thirty thousand dollars more than we did in the previous year. And, that’s definitely attributed to the police officers doing their jobs, and your guys are so well prepared when you come into court. I really appreciate it. It’s saving the city court a lot of time. Our city court hearings are going quicker. I just want to let everyone know that you guys are really well prepared and I appreciate it.” APPLAUSE
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Mr. DuFour commented, “If I could Mayor, the Fire Chief isn’t here. I just want to make a comment on behalf of the department. They have received a contribution from Wal-Mart here in Weirton of one thousand dollars which (unintelligible) materials to be used during Fire Prevention Month. My office, on behalf of the Chief and the City has sent a thank you note to Wal-Mart. I know, if the Chief were here, he’d extend his appreciation to Wal-Mart for participating in assisting in fire prevention education.”
UTILITIES
Mr. Pierce stated that he had nothing to report. Councilmember Marsh commented, “I have a question Jeff. I don’t know if you’re going to have the answer to this or not. The one light pole that has been off at the Belleview tank, is that going to stay off? Mr. Pierce commented, “I know there was one light pole damaged by the contractor working for Verizon, but it has been repaired. Are you talking about the bulb that’s burned out? Is that correct?” Councilmember Marsh commented, “I guess the point that I’m asking for is maybe we could leave that off alleviate some of the neighborhood problems. Butch knows what’s going on there, but I was just curious to why that light wasn’t on.” Mr. Pierce commented, “Well, we had one light that we had that when we were putting the cover on, one of the bulbs got damaged, and it was burned out. Now, we do have the bulb, and we’ve been wanting to get in there and replace that bulb, but with the contractor working in there, there wasn’t enough room to get equipment in there to replace that. But, I will pass on your comments to Butch.” Councilmember Marsh commented, “Thank you.” Mayor Harris commented, “Thank you. Any other comments?” TREASURER’S REPORT
Debbie Swanson provided the treasurer’s report for September 01, 2008:
Beginning Cash Balance: 620,858.55 Interest on checking: 284.86 Deposits: 3,113,279.88 Investment Draw Down 0 Disbursements: (1,216,555.62) Ending Cash Balance: 2,517,867.67 Beginning Investment Balance: 874,926.63 Withdrawals 0 Ending Investment Balance 874,926.63 Petty Cash Fund: 800.00 Total Cash and Investments Available: 3,393,594.30
Ms. Swanson stated that the interest on investments was not available at the time of the report, and that there were $5,475.20 in bills that needed Council’s approval.
Motion to approve the financial reports, pay any bills and approve all department administrative reports was made by Councilmember Marsh, second by Councilmember Ash.
Councilmember Fijewski commented, “The money coming in, is it pretty much at the level we expect? Are we high?” Ms. Swanson commented, “Yes. This is a big month of course with the police and fire service fee, and the delinquencies and everything going out.”
The motion carried by majority, 5/0.
Councilmember Ash commented, “Mayor I do have one question of Mr. Rosnick. Do you have the forms yet for the rental registrations?” Mr. Rosnick commented, “Yes. I sent Gary a draft of that today (unintelligible) for next week, and it should be available (unintelligible) next week.” Councilmember Ash commented, “Thank you.”
Mr. Gurrera commented, “If I may add just the fact that in the City’s quest to collect our back debts from the people who are not paying their bills to the city and to make it fair for the people who are paying their bills, the City is involved in a collection company which we have hired and it’s going to be absolutely no cost to the City. Basically, it’s absorbed through what they collect, and their costs are going to be absorbed through that. They also will prepay any costs that are needed. So, the City is not going to lose any money whatsoever in doing this, but the collection company is the same company that is the collection company for the Attorney General for the State of Ohio. They’re going to work closely with us. And, also what they’re going to do is collect any bills that are do more than ninety days due to the City, and that’s all the bills that are due. So, this way, people are not going on for a year or two without paying their bill. It’s not dragging out to the point where we have to sue our own citizens in order to collect debts. This collection company will do everything that they can to collect the money, and actually no cost to us. And, I have used them pretty successfully now in city court for about eight to ten months, and it’s worked great. Less people are coming into court complaining that they can’t pay their fines. And, I just want to let the citizens know that we’re still going to work with people on collecting debts, but we do have a collection company that’s coming after people who haven’t paid their debts for the ninety days. And, I think that will help out. If there’s any questions, I can answer them.”
Motion to adjourn the meeting after the closing prayer was made by Councilmember Fijewski, second by Councilmember Marsh. The motion to adjourn passed by majority, 5/0.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business before this October 14, 2008 regular session of the Weirton City Council the meeting was adjourned after the closing prayer.
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