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WEIRTON CITY COUNCIL June 11, 2007 REGULAR SESSION
A regular session of the Common Council of the City of Weirton, Brooke and Hancock Counties, West Virginia, was held at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, June 11, 2007, in the Weirton City Building Council Chambers, with Mayor William Miller presiding.
Councilman in attendance were Jerry Miller, Harold Miller, Dale Moore, George Kondik, David Dalrymple, and Frank Veltri. Present from the City were Gary DuFour, Valerie Means, John Yeager, Chief Kessler Cole, Chief Lance Scott, John Brown, A.D. Mastrantoni, Rod Rosnick, Ron Jones, Rick Rekowski, and Karen Orler.
Mayor Miller led the Pledge of Allegiance.
MINUTES
It was moved by Councilman Moore and seconded by Councilman Jerry Miller to approve the minutes from the May 7, 2007, regular session; this passed unanimously.
MAYOR’S AWARDS AND PROCLAMATIONS
Mayor Miller gave a Mayor’s Award to Mackenzie McAbee for winning the West Virginia Cinderella Scholarship; she will now go to the national competition in Las Vegas.
Doug Spanovich also received a Mayor’s Award in recognition of his achieving eagle scout status.
COMMUNICATIONS
Mayor Miller advised that two men were sworn in as new patrolmen last Friday; these were Steven Haines and Ryan Scott.
Councilman Moore pointed out that Tuesday, June 12, is City election day; he urged all registered voters to take advantage of this right.
Councilman Harold Miller pointed out that the Fourth of July parade is set for 10:00 on June 30. The Renaissance Festival will start at noon on that day. The fireworks are set for July 4, and the Wheeling Symphony concert is set for July 5.
CITIZENS COMMENTS
Trish Kapiris, 118 Hillcrest: Councilman Dalrymple read a letter and petition he had received from Trish Kapiris of 118 Hillcrest addressed to him, the Mayor’s office, and the Street Department, requesting that that street be fully paved instead of just patched in spots. He advised that Hillcrest had been on the paving list but had been cut from the list due to budget shortfalls. Councilman Dalrymple had advised Ms. Kapiris of the reasons, but she requested this be paved next year. He advised that Hillcrest will be the first on his list for paving. The petition is attached to these minutes. Alex Zucosky, 222 Mahan: Mr. Zucosky advised that while at a dance recital at the Community Center last Saturday he became concerned because the handicapped exit was locked. When he asked one of the staff about this they did not know why it was locked and they did not have the key. Mr. Zucosky advised the area he was concerned about was the front doors at the Center. He also brought up how hot it was inside that building. Chief Cole advised that he had received several complaints about this. According to the Fire Marshall’s office, other areas were available and were wide enough to accommodate handicapped in wheelchairs. Chief Cole will contact Mr. Zucosky about this problem.
OLD BUSINESS
Second reading, Ordinance No. 1526: Ordinance authorizing City Manager to convey Cove School property to Weirton Redevelopment Authority: It was moved by Councilman Dalrymple and seconded by Councilman Jerry Miller to approve this Ordinance at second reading. Councilman Kondik commented that he and Councilman Veltri have met with some people who have expressed interest in using the Cove School property; he was disappointed that they had not come to this meeting. The vote was held; this passed unanimously.
ORDINANCE NUMBER 1526
ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING CITY MANAGER TO CONVEY COVE SCHOOL PROPERTY TO THE WEIRTON REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
WHEREAS, the Common Council of the City of Weirton, Hancock and Brooke Counties, West Virginia has authority under the /Charter /of the City of Weirton, Article V, Section I at subsections 2, 3, 6, 16, 33, and 59 to control the location of streets and city roads, and to convey real estate; and
WHEREAS, it has been determined that the continued existence of Cove School in its present condition is a liability to the City in that it cannot be economically repaired and provides an attractive nuisance to children and trespassers who may be injured on its premises; and
WHEREAS, the fate of this building has been much debated in the City, with opinions divided between those who see it as a part of the City’s past and those who see it as a large drain on City finances without any public benefit at all; and
WHEREAS, Council has considered both positions at length and has come to the conclusion that the possibility of removing a drain on City funds, the removal of a potential litigation-breeding, dilapidated building, the improvement in the appearance of the downtown area, and the potential for a new business to be erected in its place must outweigh the sentiment and respect for the past represented by those holding the opposing view; and
WHEREAS, the said school meets the guidelines for federal funds which are available to the city for the demolition of the building and the clearing of the site, after which it is permissible to convey it to the Weirton Redevelopment Authority; and
WHEREAS, preliminary application has been made for the funds to demolish the building and it has been determined that the use of these funds does not disable the City from making a Deed to the Weirton Redevelopment Authority for such use as that body may see fit to use the land.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEIRTON, Brooke and Hancock Counties of West Virginia that the City Manager may complete such application as is needed for federal funds to demolish Cove School, and that the building thereon may be demolished according to the prevailing practices for demolition, including asbestos abatement, and that, upon the completion of said demolition, that the City Manager is hereby authorized to prepare and execute a Deed transferring the Cove School property to the Weirton Redevelopment Authority for further action according to that body’s plans for the City. The City Manager is also authorized to deed the said property to the Weirton Redevelopment Authority in the event the Brownfields Grant is not approved by the effective date of this ordinance.
This ordinance shall become effective thirty (30) days after passage.
FIRST READING: May 7, 2007
PUBLICATION DATE: May 14, 2007
SECOND READING: June 11, 2007
MAYOR
ATTEST:
CITY CLERK
NEW BUSINESS
First reading–Ordinance amending Article 331.01 of Code of City of Weirton (adoption of State law): It was moved by Councilman Moore and seconded by Councilman Veltri to approve this Ordinance at first reading; this passed unanimously.
Resolution of Common Council of City of Weirton approving the Redevelopment Plan for the Southern Redevelopment District in the City of Weirton: It was moved by Councilman Jerry Miller and seconded by Councilman Veltri to approve this Resolution; this passed unanimously. First Reading–Ordinance amending the text of the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) as recommended by Weirton Planning Commission: It was moved by Councilman Kondik and seconded by Councilman Moore to approve this Ordinance at first reading. Councilman Moore advised that this was a change in the UDO to try to accommodate a business owner. He felt this shows that the UDO is a flexible, living document. Council talked about how many changes have been made to the UDO for just such reasons; they total 13. The vote was held; this passed unanimously.
Resolution to authorize contribution to Weirton Area Community Foundation to support Wheeling Symphony Live Concert: It was moved by Councilman Jerry Miller and seconded by Councilman Harold Miller to approve this Resolution authorizing the City Manager to issue this contribution in the amount of $5,000. Councilman Kondik pointed out that this had been approved by Finance Committee. The vote was held; this Resolution passed unanimously.
RESOLUTION
TO AUTHORIZE CONTRIBUTION TO THE WEIRTON AREA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION TO SUPPORT WHEELING SYMPHONY LIVE CONCERT (2007-2008 FISCAL YEAR)
WHEREAS, it appears to be in the best interest of the citizens of the City of Weirton that a contribution be made to the Weirton Area Community Foundation to support the Wheeling Symphony Live Concert; and,
WHEREAS, the Wheeling Symphony Live Concert is scheduled to be held in Weirton on Thursday, July 5, 2007 at Mittal Steel Weirton=s grounds on Three Springs Drive.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEIRTON, BROOKE AND HANCOCK COUNTIES, WEST VIRGINIA, that the City Manager be authorized to issue a contribution in the amount of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) to the Weirton Area Civic Foundation as a supporter of the Wheeling Symphony Live Concert.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT funding for said contribution shall be allocated from 2007-08 fiscal year budgeted funds.
Date: June 11, 2007
__________________________________ Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________________ City Clerk Resolution to authorize renewal of dental insurance benefits for eligible City of Weirton employees: It was moved by Councilman Veltri and seconded by Councilman Dalrymple to approve this Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into contract with Reliance Standard for this coverage. Councilman Kondik pointed out that there was no increase in rates. The vote was held; this passed unanimously. Resolution to enter into contract for the purchase of additional microphones and cards for Police cruisers: It was moved by Councilman Jerry Miller and seconded by Councilman Veltri to approve this Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into contract with Digital Ally of Sanatoga, PA, for this equipment, in the amount of $4,600. This passed unanimously. Resolution to authorize purchase of squad truck for Weirton Fire Department utilizing Fire Department Public Safety Funds and West Virginia Insurance Premium Surtax funds through West Virginia State Contract Pricing: It was pointed out by the Mayor that no funding for this vehicle would be from the General Fund. It was moved by Councilman Jerry Miller and seconded by Councilman Dalrymple to approve this Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into contract with Stephens Auto Center of Danville, WV, for this vehicle, in the amount of $30,985. This passed unanimously. Emergency Reading–Ordinance amending City of Weirton traffic control map Ordinance No. 214 (no parking at intersection of Pike and Dickson): It was moved by Councilman Moore and seconded by Councilman Veltri to approve this Ordinance at emergency reading. Councilman Moore pointed out that this was necessary to allow the safe flow of emergency vehicles in this area. The Mayor called for a roll call vote; results were as follows: Councilman DeMasis: Absent Councilman Harold Miller: Yes Councilman Dale Moore: Yes Councilman Jerry Miller: Yes Councilman David Dalrymple: Yes Councilman Frank Veltri: Yes Councilman George Kondik: Yes This Ordinance passed unanimously at emergency reading. Resolution authorizing filing of applications with Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for federal transportation assistance authorized by 49 U.S.C. Chapter 53, Title 23 US Code and other federal statutes administered by FTA: It was moved by Councilman Jerry Miller and seconded by Councilman Moore to approve this Resolution. Mr. DuFour advised that this is for the annual filing of this application. The City is the lead organization for applying for these funds, and the City serves as the pass-through entity. Also, the City matches these funds with $55,000 from the General Fund. Councilman Jerry Miller, who serves on the Transit Board, talked about their efforts to become a regional transit agency. The vote was held; this Resolution passed unanimously. First Reading–Ordinance amending Ordinance No. 909.01, a provision making hedges, trees, or other plants which obstruct motorists’ views a nuisance: It was moved by Councilman Veltri and seconded by Councilman Moore to approve this Ordinance at first reading; this passed unanimously.
APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
Mayor Miller put forth Jim Sauer of Beacon Drive Extension to serve on the Redevelopment Authority for a term from August 1, 2007, to July 31, 2012. It was moved by Councilman Jerry Miller and seconded by Councilman Moore to approve this appointment; this passed unanimously.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
Public Works: Mr. Brown had nothing to add.
Library: Mr. Rekowski reported that registration for the summer reading program begins this week. There has been much interest in this, with people calling for information. Also, the Weirton Women’s Club will be hosting the Teddy Bear Tea.
Inspections: Mr. Rosnick had nothing to add.
Fire: Chief Cole had nothing to add.
Police: Chief Scott had nothing to add. Councilman Moore brought up the many trips to the Regional Jail; Chief Scott talked about the many recent arrests on various charges.
Utilities: Mr. Mastrantoni had nothing to add. Councilman Moore talked about his Department working with Public Works on their restoration projects.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Ms. Means gave the treasurer’s report. It was moved by Councilman Jerry Miller and seconded by Councilman Veltri to approve payment of bills in the amount of $13,440.08; this passed unanimously. It was then moved by Councilman Dalrymple and seconded by Councilman Jerry Miller to accept the department reports; this passed unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business before this June 11, 2007, regular session of the Weirton City Council, the meeting was adjourned after the prayer.
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