WEIRTON CITY COUNCIL
COUNCIL MEETING - REGULAR
November 13, 2006 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 November 13, 2006 at 7:00 P.M. in Council Chambers of the City of Weirton Municipal Building.
Mayor Miller called the meeting to order.
Councilmembers in Attendance: Henry DeMasis Councilmember Ward 4 Harold Miller Councilmember Ward 2 Dale Moore Councilmember Ward 3 Jerry Miller Councilmember Ward 1 David Dalrymple Councilmember Ward 6 Frank Veltri Councilmember Ward 7 George Kondik Councilmember Ward 5
City Officials in Attendance: Brae Bryant Public Works Director Chief Kessler Cole Weirton Fire Department Gary DuFour City Manager Thomas J. Maher, Jr. City Clerk Valerie Means Finance Director A. D. Mastrantoni Utilities Director Rod Rosnick Chief Code Official Chief D. Lance Scott Weirton Police Department Terry Weigel Weirton Parks and Recreation Director John Yeager City Attorney
Others in Attendance: Citizens Media Weirton Daily Times
Mayor Miller led the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion was made by Councilmember J. Miller and second by Councilmember DeMasis to approve the minutes, as amended, of the: October 10, 2006 – Regular Council MeetingThe motion carried, 7/0.
MAYOR’S AWARDS AND PROCLAMATIONS
Mayor Miller commented, “We have one proclamation, and it’s concerning energy.
Whereas, energy efficiency is important to the City of Weirton, because it saves consumers and businesses money, and helps protect the environment, because it lessens greenhouse gas emissions and reduces air pollution, and
Whereas, the nation’s mayors and county executives are committed to maintaining secure safe and affordable energy resources for their citizens, and
Whereas, by taking the Energy Star Change The Light Pledge, citizens of Weirton have the opportunity to save energy and to help voluntarily reduce greenhouse gas emissions by switching to Energy Star Compact Fluorescent lighting products in their house,
Now, therefore be it resolved that I, William M. Miller, Mayor of the City of Weirton, Brooke and Hancock Counties, on behalf of City Council, accept this pledge, and encourage the citizens of Weirton to make this important change.
The change would be, if you have five light bulbs that you use in your house, and if you change over to the energy efficient fluorescent light, over a period of one year, you would save sixty dollars on your energy bill. And, that’s what they’re trying to put forth. So, thank you.”
COMMUNICATIONS
Mayor Miller commented, “We would like to thank, first of all, the Key Club, their week, for their involvement within the community, and sponsored by Kiwanis International. Key Club Week was November 6th through November 12th. And, the City certainly would like to thank them, the Key Club, as well as Kiwanis for their sponsorship. They do indeed do a good job for everybody, and we feel it was important that we do repeat this situation right now to give them their own recognition.”
Mayor Miller commented, “There is a series of events that are going to take place at the Community Center, sponsored by the Weirton Arts and Museums. The first will be this Saturday from 1:00 until 3:00. It will be an exhibition of music and dancing by a group from Pittsburgh, and they will be sponsored by the Art and Museum People. And, it will be songs and dances venue. They plan on having at least six more of these events take place, and there will be ethnic groups from Greece, Italy, Whales and a number of other places that they can tie together. I think this is a good event. Again, it’s from 1:00 until 3:00 on Saturday, and it’s free, and we’re asking everybody to attend.”
Councilmember Kondik commented, “Mayor, you might want to tell them where it’s at.”
Mayor Miller commented, “Pardon me?”
Councilmember Kondik commented, “You might want to tell them where it’s at.”
Mayor Miller commented, “I thought I said Community Center.”
Councilmember Kondik commented, “I missed it. I’m so sorry.”
Mayor Miller commented, “That’s OK. Yes. Here it is, if anybody wants it. I’ll pass it around to Council. On Saturday, November 18th, from 1 until 3, at Millsop Community Center. I’ll pass it around for the Council members to take a look at. And, it is free, and we certainly hope that most of the people will attend it.”
Mayor Miller commented, “For Council, I’ll make one announcement. Under New Business, and for the City Clerk, we are going to pull items number 4, number 7, and number 8. We want to take more time to study, and we will set up a Council Workshop for these items to be reviewed, so that we can go ahead and find out where we’re going with the information.”
Mayor Miller commented, “OK, with that in mind, are there any communications from Council? If not, John, I’d like to ask you for an update on Mr. Kusic.”
Mr. Yeager commented, “On Friday morning, your Honor, I’ll go before the Circuit Court of Brooke County along with Mr. Kusic’s attorney, Bill Fahey, and the Court will set a schedule for the balance of the case. And, we’ll do our best to move it along. I heard, I think as a matter of fact, Jason (Weirton Daily Times Reporter), told me Mr. Kusic had recently said that he’d have some or part of the building down by the end of November. But, I’ll be surprised based on what I see down there now. But, we’ll continue with our case and bring it to conclusion just as soon as we can.”
Mayor Miller thanked Mr. Yeager.
CITIZEN COMMENTS
NONE
OLD BUSINESS
Ordinance No. 1506: (Second Reading) AMENDMENT NO. 659 TO THE TRAFFIC CONTROL MAP, ORDINANCE NO. 214 OF THE CITY OF WEIRTON TO ESTABLISH A NO PARKING ZONE ON THREE SPRINGS WAY ON THE NORTH AND SOUTH SIDES FROM ITS INTERSECTION WITH THREE SPRINGS DRIVE TO ITS INTERSECTION WITH AMERIHOST DRIVE.
Motion to accept the ordinance was made by Councilmember DeMasis, second by Councilmember Moore. The motion passed by majority, 6/1, with Councilmember Dalrymple voting against.
Ordinance No. 1507: (Second Reading) AMENDMENT NO. 660 TO THE TRAFFIC CONTROL MAP, ORDINANCE NO. 214 OF THE CITY OF WEIRTON TO ESTABLISH A NO PARKING ZONE ON AMERIHOST DRIVE ON THE WEST AND EAST SIDES FROM THREE SPRINGS WAY TO THE EDGE OF THE CUL DE SAC, EXCLUDING THE CUL DE SAC OUTSIDE OF THE AMERIHOST INN.
Motion to accept the ordinance was made by Councilmember Moore, second by Councilmember Veltri.
The motion passed by majority, 6/1, with Councilmember Dalrymple voting against.
Ordinance No. 1508: (Second Reading) ENACTING AND ADOPTING A SUPPLEMENT TO THE CODE OF ORDINANCES FOR THE CITY OF WEIRTON.
Motion was made by Councilmember J. Miller, second by Councilmember Veltri. The motion passed by majority, 7/0
Ordinance No. 1509: (Second Reading) AMENDING THE TEXT OF THE UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE AS RECOMMENDED BY THE WEIRTON PLANNING COMMISSION.
Motion was made by Councilmember Kondik, second by Councilmember J. Miller. The motion passed by majority, 7/0
Ordinance No. 1510: (Second Reading) TO AMEND THE ZONING MAP OF THE UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE OF A CERTAIN PARCEL LOCATED AT 3218 WEIR AVENUE.
Motion was made by Councilmember J. Miller, second by Councilmember Veltri. The motion passed by majority, 6/1 with Councilmember Moore voting against.
Ordinance No. 1511: (Second Reading) TO AMEND THE ZONING MAP OF THE UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE OF CERTAIN PARCELS LOCATED AT 3324-3325 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE.
Motion was made by Councilmember Kondik, second by Councilmember Moore.
Mayor Miller commented, “Is there a question?”
Unknown Citizen commented, “Yes. It is 3324 and 3326 Pennsylvania Avenue. I’ve asked that to be changed several times. The even and odd numbers are on the opposite sides of the road.”
Mayor Miller commented, “And, we thank you for that. You are absolutely correct.”
Motion was made by Councilmember Moore to amend the second reading to change the location from 3324 to 3326 Pennsylvania Avenue. Councilmember Kondik made a second to the motion. The motion to amend passed by majority, 7/0
The motion to accept the ordinance as amended passed by majority, 7/0.
Ordinance No. 1512: (Second Reading) AMENDMENT NO. 661 TO THE TRAFFIC CONTROL MAP ORDINANCE NO. 214 OF THE CITY OF WEIRTON TO ESTABLISH A NO PARKING ZONE ON OWINGS STREET ON THE NORTH SIDE FROM ITS INTERSECTION WITH NORTH 12TH STREET TO ITS INTERSECTION WITH NORTH 11TH STREET SPECIFICALLY FOR A TOTAL LENGTH OF 130 FEET BEGINNING AT THE EDGE OF THE CURRENT NO PARKING ZONE ON OWINGS STREET AT ITS INTERSECTION WITH NORTH 12TH STREET.
Motion was made by Councilmember J. Miller, second by Councilmember DeMasis. The motion passed by majority, 7/0.
Ordinance No. 1512: (Second Reading) AMENDING THE TEXT OF THE UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE SECTION 13.12 (PARKING) EXEMPTIONS AND ADJUSTMENTS (TABLED AS AMENDED – 10/10/2006).
Motion to leave the ordinance on the table was made by Councilmember Kondik, second by Councilmember Dalrymple.
Councilmember Moore commented, “The only reason we have to actually act to keep this on the table is it had a time limitation when it was tabled in the last months meeting. So, we have to take action to keep it on table or it will expire and be expunged.”
Mayor Miller thanked Councilmember Moore.
The motion passed by majority, 7/0.
NEW BUSINESS
Resolution TO ENTER INTO CONTRACT WITH MASON-DIXON FIRE EQUIPMENT, LLC, 416 S. CONOCOCHEAGUE STREET, WILLIAMSPORT, MD 21795, IN THE AMOUNT OF $10,312.61 FOR THE PURCHASE OF FIRE TRUCK EQUIPMENT FOR THE CITY OF WEIRTON FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Motion was made by Councilmember J. Miller, 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 (BROWN, BARBARA – 1252 GLENCAIRN ROAD – MAP W2F PARCEL 0024 - $4,033.95).
Motion was made by Councilmember Moore, second by Councilmember Veltri. 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 (HUTTON, JAYMEE – 3042 ORCHARD STREET – MAP W42M PARCEL 0293 - $9,130.00).
Motion was made by Councilmember J. Miller, second by Councilmember Moore. The motion passed by majority, 7/0.
Resolution TO ENTER INTO CONTRACT FOR CONSULTING SERVICES WITH ENVIRONMMENTAL PLANNING & DESIGN, LLC, 100 ROSS STREET, PITTSBURGH, PA 15219, FOR $62,000.00, FOR THE PREPARATION OF A COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN FOR THE THREE SPRINGS DRIVE TAX INCREMENT FINANCING (TIF) DISTRICT.
Motion was made by Councilmember Moore, second by Councilmember J. Miller.
Councilmember Moore commented, “I’d like to discuss this a little bit, or make some comments. I was among those scoring the different proposals that came in for this. And, what this is, we’re trying to develop a master plan for the business park, including, mainly including, the layout of the utility lines, the right-of-ways, the properties, who they’re owned by, so anyone who was interested in coming in and possibly purchasing a parcel or attempting to develop a parcel, they would have a one stop shop as to what was available, what was already there, what might need to be put in as far as infrastructure. Number one, this is being paid out of a fund that was developed when the one business entered the park and they pay, make a payment in lieu of taxes into a development fund. So, this development fund has accumulated and has not been tapped into. So, it is not General Fund dollars that will be paying for this. The consultant that is proposed in this resolution has completed work for business along the new 576 Corridor and is involved in the new Chapman Commerce Park Development that is starting at the airport end of that. This also comes with a commercial realtor. There will be a commercial realtor that we get access to with this consulting service. And, honestly, the Chapmen Commerce Center is very much like what some of us envision the TIF District to become; some retail, some office, some distribution, some light industrial. Honestly, we are trying to do anything we can to spur any type of growth in that park. And, that’s really the bottom line for trying to develop this, and hopefully we’ll get something going.”
The motion passed by majority, 7/0.
Resolution TO ENTER INTO CONTRACT WITH CARELINK, THE WAGNER BUILDING, 2001 MAIN STREET – SUITE 202, WHEELING, WV 26003, WHICH IS ADMINISTERED BY ACORDIA OF WEST VIRGINIA, 1140 CHAPLINE STREET, PO BOX 430, WHEELING, WV 26003, FOR RENEWAL OF HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR THE CITY OF WEIRTON EMPLOYEES.
Motion was made by Councilmember Kondik, second by Councilmember Moore.
Councilmember Moore commented, “I’d like to thank the City employees. We’ve had an excellent year. We’ve controlled the health care costs. Our billing, our claims were only 80% of what our premiums were. We have a slight increase. Because, as much as I tried, I couldn’t, I couldn’t…but it’s only a one point something percent increase. So, it is a very slight increase when we see other local municipalities continuing to have double-digit increases in their health care costs. So, number one, I’d like to thank the City employees for using their health care dollars wisely and judiciously. And, I also thank Nathan Mazur, our representative. He did return to the provider with our concerns, and actually did get the original increase, which was near 5%, reduced to under 2%, so we are thankful for that.”
Mayor Miller commented, “You can smile Nat, and you didn’t bring any donuts.”
(Laughter)
The motion passed by majority, 7/0.
APPOINTMENTS TO VARIOUS BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
MARY H. WEIR LIBRARY BOARD:
Ms. Wanda Barkhurst 3201 Pennsylvania Avenue Weirton, West Virginia 26062 Reappointment: January 01, 2007 to December 31, 2011
Motion was made by Councilmember J. Miller, second by Councilmember Dalrymple. The motion passed by majority, 7/0.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
Chief Scott commented, “Nothing additional sir.”
Chief Cole (Fire Department) was called out of the meeting.
Mr. Bryant commented, “Nothing additional to report, sir.”
Councilmember Dalrymple commented, “Brae, how’s the South 11th project coming along?”
Mr. Bryant commented, “It’s still on schedule to be completed at the beginning of December. We’re looking at the first week of December.”
Councilmember Dalrymple commented, “Good. Good.”
Mayor Miller commented, “Preston Avenue?”
Mr. Bryant commented, “Preston Avenue is scheduled to be paved. We’ve been in contact with Carl Kelly Paving. It’s scheduled to be milled and paved. We hoping this week to coordinate those efforts, hopefully before it snows Councilman.”
Councilmember J. Miller commented, “How about some of the striping? Are you out there doing the striping?”
Mr. Bryant commented, “Yes we are. The majority of the striping is complete.”
Mr. Rosnick commented, “Nothing additional.”
Mr. Mastrantoni commented, “Nothing additional.”
Mr. Weigel commented, “I’d just like to add Mayor. The event over at the Community Center on the 18th is being coordinated with the museum. They have on display this month artifacts from India, so people, the museum is open on Sundays and if people want, they can come and see the dancers at the Community Center and see that over there. And, as you said, we’re hoping to coordinate some more of those. While they’re doing a certain ethnic group, and displaying over there, we hope to have something for the Community Center to go right along with that.”
Councilmember Kondik commented, “Terry, great job on the Haunted House over the Halloween Festivities. It was a good job.”
Mr. Weigel commented, “Attendance was not very good. I’d like to thank and recognize the Community Players and Jessica Deltore (sp). They did a fantastic job with it, with all the props and decorations, the story line the costumes. They’re excellent at doing that. It wasn’t as well attended as we would have hoped, but they’re not discouraged, and they would like to…they will consider doing it again next year. We just hope to get more people. Ironically, we were polling people as to where they were coming from. The majority were coming from Pennsylvania. Hopefully, they spent some other money in town while they were here.”
TREASURER’S REPORT
Valarie Means gave the treasurer’s report for October 2006, stating:
Beginning Cash Balance: 2,563,289.51 Interest: 1,039.51 Deposits: 1,143,521.30 Disbursements: (2,184,649.81) Deposits to Investments (1,000,000.00) Ending Cash Balance: 523,200.51 Investment Balance: 2,468,963.11 Petty Cash Fund: 700.00 Total Cash and Investments Available: 2,992,863.62
Ms. Means commented, “There are several bills for the boards approval, Council’s approval tonight. Those total $10,659.96, and they’re three separate vendors.”
Motion was made by Councilmember Veltri to accept the treasurer’s report and pay the bills, second by Councilmember Dalrymple. Motion was carried by majority, 7/0.
Motion was made to accept the various departmental reports by Councilmember J. Miller, second by Councilmember Dalrymple. Motion was carried by majority, 7/0.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business before this November 13, 2006 regular session of the Weirton City Council the meeting was adjourned after the closing prayer.
|