WEIRTON CITY COUNCIL
COUNCIL MEETING - REGULAR
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2008 7:00 P. M.
A regular meeting of the Common Council of the City of Weirton, Hancock and Brooke Counties, West Virginia was held on Monday, November 10, 2008 at 7:00 P.M. in Council Chambers of the Weirton City Building.
Mayor Harris called the meeting to order.
Councilmembers in Attendance: George Ash Councilmember Ward 4 Ronnie Jones Councilmember Ward 1 Fred Marsh Councilmember Ward 3 Harold Miller Councilmember Ward 2 Max Fijewski Councilmember Ward 7 George Kondik Councilmember Ward 5
Councilmembers Not in Attendance: David Dalrymple Councilmember Ward 6
City Officials in Attendance: John Brown Public Works Director Gary DuFour City Manager Kevin Elias Parks and Recreation Vincent Gurrera City Attorney David Lashhorn Fire Chief Thomas J. Maher, Jr. City Clerk Bruce Marshall Police Chief A. D. Mastrantoni Utilities Director Rik Rekowski Mary H. Weir Public Library Director Rod Rosnick Chief Code Official Debbie Swanson Finance Director Terry Weigel Parks and Recreation Director
Mayor Harris led everyone in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion was made by Councilmember Ash and second by Councilmember Fijewski to approve the minutes of the: October 14, 2008 – Regular Council MeetingThe motion carried by majority, 6/0.
A motion was made by Councilmember Marsh and second by Councilmember Ash to approve the minutes of the: October 30, 2008 – Special Council MeetingThe motion carried by majority, 6/0.
MAYOR’S AWARDS AND PROCLAMATIONS
Mayor Harris requested that Kevin Elias approach the podium. Mayor Harris commented, “Kevin, we’d like to thank you for what you did for Billy Fullerton. Kevin actually has been taking care of Billy off and on and kind of watching over him for years. And, Billy got really ill. He actually got part of his foot amputated. He had gangrene set in his foot. And, Kevin was questioning how he looked and how he felt one day, and he just wasn’t doing real well. After questioning he found out that he had a problem with his foot. His foot got cut open and Billy got gangrene started in his foot from his diabetes. And, Kevin took him to the hospital and actually they said that if he wouldn’t have gotten there he probably would have died. So, on behalf of City Council and myself, we’d like to thank you.” APPLAUSE
The Mayor presented the following proclamation:
City of Weirton Mayor’s Award Kevin Elias Whereas, In grateful recognition of your outstanding public service by caring for an individual at the Millsop Community Center. Your kindness and caring by personally taking this individual to the Weirton Medical Center Emergency Room helped save his life and for this you deserve special recognition and this Mayor’s Award.
By the Mayor Mark E. Harris
Mr. Elias commented, “Just to let everybody know, thank you very much. I certainly don’t, I’m not one for awards. But, Billy is doing better now. He’s very antsy, I will tell you that, in the hospital. I mean, he’s calling several times a day, giving me a report every time he gets his blood pressure checked or his sugar checked or everything else. But, the doctors have been keeping in touch, and he is doing better. He’s going to be in the hospital for several more weeks from what I gather, and then we’re going to be able to get him put into a place for rehab for a bit. But, he is doing better. His attitude is better, and he looks a lot better too. Thank you guys very much.”
Mayor Harris requested that management staff of the Weirton Geriatric Center approach the podium. City of Weirton Mayor’s Award Management Staff Weirton Geriatric Center In grateful recognition for your dedication in being prepared in Fire Prevention techniques. The staff and management of the Weirton Geriatric Center demonstrated these abilities on October 19, 2008 when your quick response resulted in saving the life of a patient who had a fire in their room. For your dedication and training you deserve this special recognition and this Mayor’s Award.
Mark E. Harris Mayor
APPLAUSE
Mayor Harris presented a proclamation for National American Indian Heritage Month.
City of Weirton Office of the Mayor Proclamation WHEREAS, the history and culture of our great nation have been significantly influenced by American Indians and Indigenous peoples; and WHEREAS, the contributions of American Indians have enhanced the freedom, prosperity, and greatness of America today, and WHEREAS, their customs and traditions are respected and celebrated as part of a rich legacy throughout the United States; and WHEREAS, Native American Awareness Week began in 1976 and recognition was expanded by Congress and approved by President George Bush in August 1990, designating the month of November as National American Indian Heritage Month; and WHEREAS, in honor of National American Indian Heritage Month, community celebrations as well as numerous cultural, artistic, educational and historical activities have been planned. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, I, Mark Harris, Mayor of the City of Weirton, do hereby proclaim November as the: “National American Indian Heritage Month” In the City of Weirton, West Virginia and urge all our citizens to observe this month with appropriate programs, ceremonies and activities.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the City of Weirton to be affixed this Tenth day of November, 2008.
Mark E. Harris Mayor
APPLAUSE
COMMUNICATIONS
Councilmember Miller commented, “Mayor, I am in receipt of our annual letter that is addressed to the Council and management of the City of Weirton to participate in the Eat-n-Park ‘Tip for Tots’, which they help Children’s Hospitals throughout the United States, eastern part of the United States. We participated in it a number of years, and this year they’re going for a record. So, I just want to announce that we have received our official notification, and they’ve asked us to participate. I will get a copy out to each Councilman in their packet and all of the department heads, and if you would sign up. It will be on December 3rd, and it will begin at 11:00 and go till 9 PM. And, I know that Weirton takes great pride in raising more money than any of the other Eat-n-Parks in this event. It’s a fun day, and I know the police and fire and department heads and many of the officials are there. So, please make note of that. Thank you.”
Councilmember Ash commented, “Mayor, I’m going to ask you to do this. I’m going to ask Council if they’d go along with it, even though Mr. Brown told me that he heard on the news that they rejected the whole rate increase. But, as you know, Delegate Schwartzmiller put a program together to fight the rate increase for gas. So, I would like that we do the same thing and send them a letter just opposing the rate increase.” Mayor Harris commented, “Are you making a motion for the City Clerk to send a letter?” Councilmember Ash commented, “Yes.” Councilmember Marsh commented, “I’ll second that.” The motion carried, 6/0. Mayor Harris commented, “Thank you Tom.”
Councilmember Marsh commented, “Gentlemen in your packet was an announcement about a Veteran’s Day service tomorrow over at Cove Church. I’d like to clarify that a little bit. That is not a worship service in a traditional sense. It is more of a, you can call it music. They will be playing patriotic songs and singing. It is open for the public information, it is open to the public, and I think it was a 6:30 tomorrow night, the Veteran’s Day service at Cove Church next door. Thank you.”
CITIZEN COMMENTS
Dr. J. K. Luthra S. Circle Drive, Weirton, WV: Re: Weirton Area Museum – Special Event / Historic District Dr. Luthra commented, “Good evening. Thanks for having me this evening. The reason I came up was that through the Museum, culture, we are going to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the City of Weirton. The City of Weirton, as you might know was established by Ernest Weir in 1909 when he established the Weirton Steel built here. And, the stayed unincorporated until 1947. We thought that it’d be nice to celebrate something nice. And, for eleven years, 1934 to 1944, there used to be a festival of nations which was celebrated in the stadium. So, we thought it would be nice to pick up on that and have a festival of nations in the Community Center. On May 16th, Saturday, from 11 to 3, so in which they will have all the ethnic groups that are calling Weirton and Weirton’s surrounding area home. So, well have all of them join and have fun, learn from each other, see each other and celebrate through music, through dances and so on. So, we’d like to personally invite all of you to come and support as much as you can. Thank you.”
Mayor Harris and City Council thanked Dr. Luthra.
Councilmember Miller commented, “I forgot something. I asked the Mayor if he wanted to do it. I think we need, we all know what’s going on this weekend in Weirton. I mean we have two fine high schools that represented us well over the last few years, and especially this year, and they’re both in the playoffs. And, Weir High is playing Friday evening, and Madonna, Saturday. And, as I drive around town, I notice I don’t see as much support as there used to be in the community for some of the schools and the activities and championships and success that they’ve had. And, I’d just like to encourage everyone, anyone that’s in business to get a sign out to support these schools and for us to put our best foot forward for this weekend. We’re having a lot of visitors in the community form these visiting, Independence and Calhoun County. And, it’s a chance to show the City off to visitors and have a great weekend for the community. I just wanted to put that out there so everyone’s aware of it. I know most people in the community certainly are aware of it, but it is a great accomplishment for both of these teams. I mean they won 18 games and lost 2, combined total of the 2 teams, and I think it’s a real pleasure to be involved in the community that represents itself so well. Also, congratulations to the Weir High Soccer team that made it to the States and that’s about it.”
Mayor Harris thanked Councilman Miller.
Request by the City Manager to convene into Executive Session consistent with WV Code 6-9-A-4 (4) to discuss litigation and personnel matters.
A motion to convene into Executive Session was made by Councilmember Fijewski, second by Councilmember Jones. The motion carried by majority, 6/0.
A motion to reconvene the City Council meeting was made by Councilmember Kondik, second by Councilmember Ash. The motion carried by majority, 6/0.
NEW BUSINESS
Ordinance No. (EMERGENCY) To establish a dedicated residential disability parking space for Ms. Sandra L. Pyle in front of her address at 1065 Barone Drive. (Recommendation of the Weirton Traffic Commission and Councilman George Kondik)
Motion was made by Councilmember Kondik, second by Councilmember Miller.
Councilmember Kondik commented, “I’d like to ask City Council to vote this as an emergency reading tonight because of the situation with the neighbors and holidays coming up.”
The motion carried by majority, 6/0.
Ordinance No. (New) To extend the current no parking zone located on Elm Street at its southwest intersection with Taylor Avenue by six (6) additional feet. (Recommendation of the Weirton Traffic Commission and Councilman George Ash)
Motion was made by Councilmember Ash, second by Councilmember Jones. The motion carried by majority, 6/0.
Resolution To enter into a contract for a Medical Services Director for the Weirton Fire Department
Motion was made by Councilmember Fijewski, second by Councilmember Jones. The motion carried by majority, 6/0.
Resolution Stating Weirton City Council’s support for a Brooke-Hancock Brownfield Assessment Grant to develop jobs and opportunities on strategic sites.
Motion was made by Councilmember Marsh, second by Councilmember Ash. The motion carried by majority, 6/0.
Resolution To place liens against real properties for costs incurred in the demolition of unsafe properties pursuant to Ordinance No. 250. ($9,590.00; 302 Avenue J; Charleston Welding Company, LLC)
Motion was made by Councilmember Fijewski, second by Councilmember Ash. The motion carried by majority, 6/0.
Resolution To place liens against real properties for costs incurred in the demolition of unsafe properties pursuant to Ordinance No. 250. ($3,992.34; 2910 Weir Avenue; George Sims)
Motion was made by Councilmember Jones, second by Councilmember Ash. The motion carried by majority, 6/0.
Resolution To place liens against real properties for costs incurred in the demolition of unsafe properties pursuant to Ordinance No. 250. ($950.00; 225 Beech Road - Garage; James Babiak)
Motion was made by Councilmember Ash, second by Councilmember Jones. The motion carried by majority, 6/0.
Resolution To place liens against real properties for costs incurred in the demolition of unsafe properties pursuant to Ordinance No. 250. ($6,130.00; 329 Marland Heights Road; Daniel Marziale, c/o Melissa Marziale)
Motion was made by Councilmember Ash, second by Councilmember Jones.
Councilmember Kondik commented, “Rod, that corner looks great already. It does.”
The motion carried by majority, 6/0.
Resolution Adopting an employee retention incentive program.
Motion was made by Councilmember Miller, second by Councilmember Fijewski.
Councilmember Fijewski asked the City Manager if he wanted to make some comments about how part of this is being funded.”
Mayor Harris agreed and requested that the City Manager go ahead and provide the information.
Mr. DuFour commented, “Just to clarify, the legislation in front of Council is what is called an employee retention program. What it is is a means of on a one time basis giving some dollars to employees based upon a length of service to the City. The City intends to fund this by not filling positions, to begin, in several of our departments that are budgeted positions. Also, to use special revenue received from a settlement from Mittal Steel as well as some additional revenue received from gaming. This is a one time amount of funds to these employees, and it was viewed as the best option we had given our economic situation that we not look at at this time any percentage increases that were awardable due to the fact that we may not have the ability to sustain them in the next two to three years, and the ongoing costs that would be placed upon the City, not just in the wages, but also in the benefits that would be involved.”
Councilmember Fijewski commented, “Do you want to add when the last time they have seen an increase.”
Mr. DuFour commented, “That’s true. The last time the employees received an increase was in 2005, and it too was based on a reduction in staffing that had to be done through reduced full time equivalent employees at that time, prior, and then at a point we were able to strengthen ourselves enough after the shakedown, bankruptcy of Weirton Steel to be able to do, at that time a percentage rate increase. We’re not quite so fortunate now. We’re seeing a lot of issues arising with some of our ongoing revenue sources, and some reduction we anticipate as a result of the economic situation that is affecting the country and us here as well, and property values, and some other (unintelligible) that you’ll see in (unintelligible).
Councilmember Fijewski commented, “Just one comment Mayor. I just want to say to both you and Gary for your work on this. I think it was well deserved and well done. Thank you.”
Mayor Harris thanked Councilmember Fijewski.
The motion carried by majority, 6/0.
APPONTMENTS TO VARIOUS BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
Mary H. Weir Public Library Board
APPOINTMENT REAPPOINTMENT TERM Kathryn Bowman 11/10/2008 01/01/2009 – 12/31/2013 129 West Circle Drive Weirton, WV 26062
Motion was made by Councilmember Ash, second by Councilmember Jones. The motion carried by majority, 6/0.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
PARK BOARD –
Mr. Weigel commented, “Nothing further to add to the report.” Councilmember Fijewski commented, “Terry, do you want to comment on Marland Heights.” Mr. Weigel commented, “Yes. The paving was complete up at Marland Heights Park. We did get the tennis court repaved. We repaved walkways to the women’s and men’s restrooms up there, and to one of the shelters. It was real nice to get it done, and make some improvements up there that were much needed. In the spring when the weather cooperates, we anticipate going back up there and redoing the lines and getting the tennis courts laid back out. It’s just too cold to do that right now. But, it’s a real nice improvement.” Councilmember Kondik commented, “Terry, thank you. Tell your Park Board I said thank you.” Mr. Weigel commented, “Yes, I will.” Councilmember Fijewski commented, “Part of the effort to get that done, Councilman Jones, was very instrumental in getting that worked out on that, on the basis it was done for the Park Board. And, also, Gary, helping us with that as well, so I’d just like to make note to both of them that the Park Board appreciates it and thank you.” Mayor Harris commented, “Thank you guys.” Councilmember Marsh commented, “Terry, thanks for taking care of the playground issue down on Plum, and Max, thank you for your help in that.” Mr. Weigel commented, “Yes. That went very well, and I think we addressed the things, the needed things that we’ve been talking about up there, and they needed a little (unintelligible) of that. Mayor Harris thanked Mr. Weigel.
FIRE DEPARTMENT –
Chief Lashhorn commented, “First up, Mr. Mayor, thank you for recognizing the efforts at the Weirton Geriatric Center. I believe that was a good thing you did there. I thank Council for recognizing the employees in regard to our retention program. Also, a special thanks to Mr. Brown at the Public Works and Mr. DuFour for helping us get that lot paved at the Marland Heights Station. I think Councilman Kondik would agree it made a nice improvement. A special thanks to Mr. Rosnick. Prior to the Cove School coming down, we were able to get in there and do some Fire Department training for the last week and a half.” Mayor Harris thanked Chief Lashhorn.
POLICE DEPARTMENT - Chief Marshall had nothing to add to his report. Mayor Harris thanked Chief Marshall.
CODE ENFORCEMENT - Mr. Rosnick had noting to add to his report. Mayor Harris thanked Mr. Rosnick.
MARY H. WEIR PUBLIC LIBRARY - Mr. Rekowski commented, “I would just like to report that our door project is about 60% completed. We have, the front doors are operational now, and the side doors are being worked on, as well as the lower level basement at Walnut Street. We’re really excited about it. Of course, we’re getting already some positive comments from the public, especially the front doors entering the building. Also, I’d like to just remind everyone, next week is West Virginia Children’s Book Week. At the Mary H. Weir Public Library we’ll be observing a fine free amnesty period for all materials returned. That is next week, and to include all of the American Libraries in the nation in celebrating an amnesty period as well as West Virginia in celebrating Children in Libraries in November. Thank you.” Mayor Harris commented, “Thank you Rik. I’d also like to thank you Rik, and the library for putting on the movie night. I enjoyed myself down there. They played Count Dracula. Which year was that?” Mr. Rekowski commented, “1931.” Mayor Harris commented, “So, that was the first time I’ve ever seen it. I went for a cheap date that night. Thank you. You guys did have a good turn out. There were a lot of kids there, so I do appreciate. You guys do a great job there. Thank you.”
PUBLIC WORKS - Mr. Brown commented, “I would like to add to the report and thank the Chief, and he did send me a nice complimentary letter, and I posted throughout the building. Also, I’d like to make you feel good that we have thirteen hundred pounds of salt at Public Works in storage. And, we have completed our brine and are still working on some of the kinks in it. But, we have about fifteen hundred gallons of brine set up. This will cover fifty miles, fifty gallons per mile. And, fifteen hundred gallons would cover thirty miles. So, in other words, for example, we could go to Robinson in lane miles and spray the whole one lane all the way across to give you an idea. I’m looking at Marland Heights hill, I would say about a quarter of a mile. I run track. I would say that Euclid and, I’m using Marland Heights, and the short part of Rothrock, and we could cover South 11th and Weirton Heights, 10th Street and, with one truck we could cover that area if we get alerted by the forecast. If we get the forecast, (unintelligible). So, this will be a first for a municipality. In, I believe, eighteen years at Public Works, I haven’t heard of anyone else that has done this. And, so it’ll be first for us. A few weeks ago we went (unintelligible) and we had a demonstration at Councilman Marsh’s meeting, and we did a demonstration with it. And, the paper covered it very well. And, so, I’m just saying that my trucks and Public Works are ready for anything this winter throws at us, and I do believe we’re going to have an early winter. And, if we do, I may have to (unintelligible) the night turn and split my crews, day light and night turn. And, also, I’d like to say, ask the public for their help, if they have driveways, park your car in the driveways. If you have garages, please park your car in the garages, and get the cars as close to the curb as you possibly can. Let my trucks get through and do their job. And, don’t shovel the snow onto the street. I also did a press release today on leaves. The leaves have come down early. And, bag the leaves, put them on the curbs and we’ll pick them up.” Mayor Harris commented, “How long are you picking up leaves till?” Mr. Brown commented, “We’ll just continue to pick them up on the regular refuse day. It’s just like Christmas trees. I pick them up in May.” Councilmember Miller commented, “I would be disappointed in myself if I didn’t make this comment every winter. If you don’t plow the driveways in, we won’t shovel the snow out.” LAUGHTER Councilmember Miller commented, “If you don’t block my driveway in, and you don’t want me to shovel it in the street.” Mr. Brown commented, “I know, but the plow goes past, and it does it even at my house and in the driveway, so I just go out there and shovel it.” Councilmember Miller commented, “Do we have enough salt to sell some to Jefferson County?” Mr. Brown commented, “Pardon?” Councilmember Miller commented, “They’ll be short again this year. Can we sell some salt and make money by selling it to Jefferson County?” LAUGHTER Mr. Brown commented, “I think we could get a couple hundred dollars a ton.” Councilmember Miller commented, “Just be prepared. They’ll be short.” LAUGHTER Councilmember Marsh commented, “John, do you have any more salt in transit?” Mr. Brown commented, “I called Friday. I got five hundred tons in the last three weeks, and the woman promised me, and it’s the same lady I deal with, that I should be getting salt this week. They were supplying other places. Then I believe the City Manager mentioned he thought they were getting some (unintelligible), so they are (unintelligible), but I keep bugging. I keep calling. (Unintelligible).” Mr. DuFour commented, “John, let me ask you something real quick. You know, it’s good that you are able to get some of our orders processed. But, our problem is still going to be, depending on weather, climate, emergency orders, and trying to get those as quickly as we used to. Am I correct in that?” Mr. Brown commented, “Yes.” Mr. DuFour commented, “I don’t want anyone to be misled. There are real issues we have to be certain as to what we’re doing this year.” Mr. Brown commented, “Right. And, also, and I say this over and over the years, when there is an extreme emergency, I will have a truck respond to the Weirton PD, the Fire Department and the ambulance, or in vice versa. That, people don’t have to worry. If there’s an emergency out there, I will dispatch a truck to that area immediately. I’ll remove it from an area, and dispatch it to that area, so that people don’t have to worry. If there’s a health problem, we will get a truck to them. We will get them out of there. We’ll get them on the road.” Mayor Harris thanked Mr. Brown.
UTILITIES - Mr. Mastrantoni had noting to add to his report. Councilmember Ash commented, “I saw in your reporting, you always give a great report here, and it’s really low, the delinquency report, only 1.2 percent of the water, but it’s still $298,000 that’s delinquent. Do you have a system to go out and collect that?” Mr. Mastrantoni commented, “A lot of the 90 days and over are automatically turned over for, to a collection agency. Capital Collections takes care of that for us. But, a good portion of that amount is an amount that’s going to be tendered for write off I believe over the next couple of months. Some of those accounts are five years and older and considers uncollectable. Unfortunately, the Water Board hasn’t done a write off I don’t think for the last four years, and it’s time for that. Those accounts have been reviewed, prepped, and I believe to be truly uncollectable and will be written off.” Mayor Harris thanked Mr. Mastrantoni.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Debbie Swanson provided the treasurer’s report for October 01, 2008:
Beginning Cash Balance: 2,517,867.67 Interest on checking: 1,054.69 Deposits: 1,094,730.31 Investment Draw Down 0 Disbursements: (1,449,284.83) Ending Cash Balance: 2,164,367.84 Beginning Investment Balance: 874,926.63 Withdrawals 0 Ending Investment Balance 874,926.63 Petty Cash Fund: 800.00 Total Cash and Investments Available: 3,040,094.47
Ms. Swanson stated that the interest on investments was not available at the time of the report, and that there were $3,723.55 in bills that needed Council’s approval. Councilmember Ash commented, “These dumpsters are going to go to Georg Vargo, and he’ll reimburse us?” Ms. Swanson commented, “Yes.”
Motion to approve the financial reports, pay any bills and approve all department administrative reports was made by Councilmember Kondik, second by Councilmember Marsh.
The motion carried by majority, 6/0.
Motion to adjourn the meeting after the closing prayer was made by Councilmember Fijewski, second by Councilmember Miller.
The motion to adjourn passed by majority, 6/0.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business before this November 10, 2008 regular session of the Weirton City Council the meeting was adjourned after the closing prayer.
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