WEIRTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING

July 12, 2004

Regular Session



A regular session of the Common Council of the City of Weirton, Brooke and Hancock Counties, West Virginia, was held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, July 12, 2004, in the City Council Chambers. Councilman present were Steve Dorich, Harold Miller, Dale Moore, Henry DeMasis, George Kondik, and David Dalrymple. Present from the City were Gary DuFour, Valerie Means, John Yeager, Chief Kessler Cole, Chief Lance Scott, A.D. Mastrantoni, Rod Rosnick, Bob Riccelli, Brae Bryant, Terry Weigel, and Karen Orler.





CHAIRMAN PRO TEM



Mr. DuFour advised that Mayor Miller was unable to attend this meeting. The City Charter provides for the City Clerk to preside in the Mayor's absence; however, that position is still vacant. The Council has approved Roberts Rules of Order, and this provides for the election of a chairman pro tem who would serve only for this meeting as chairman. At this point he called for roll to be taken, which was done by Ms. Orler. It was found that there was a quorum. It was moved by Councilman Dorich and seconded by Councilman Miller to appoint Councilman Kondik to serve as chairman pro tem; this passed unanimously.



Mr. Kondik led the Pledge of Allegiance.





MINUTES



It was moved by Councilman Miller and seconded by Mr. DeMasis to approve the minutes from the June 7, 2004 meeting; this passed unanimously.





MAYOR'S AWARDS



Mr. Kondik congratulated the Renaissance Weirton Committee and Councilman Miller for the festival on July 3. The Parade Committee was congratulated for the parade, and the Park Board was congratulated for the fireworks.



Bob Kolanko, coach of the Weirton Spirit Soccer Team, and all the players were congratulated on winning their championship. All the girls were introduced, and Mr. Kondik awarded each a plaque.





COMMUNICATIONS





Mr. DuFour advised that there was a meeting today about the State office building. Notice to proceed will be given August 1 to the contractor, Walters Construction of Wheeling, WV. They are still working on the parking situation.



Mr. DuFour advised that the wall on Purdy Lane has been taken down. Staff is talking to the building owner on closure of the side of that building.





CITIZENS COMMENTS



Roger Madden, 125 Circle Dr.: Mr. Madden requested that anyone on Council and on the Planning Commission who would be voting on lottery machine issues recuse themselves from the votes or resign their position if they or any of their relativeS have any interests in these machines. He also stated that citizens should voice their opinions more on this issue. Councilman Moore asked what can be done; Mr. Madden talked about voting these machines out. Councilman Moore asked at what level; Mr. Madden stated at the State level. Councilman Moore agreed that this would have to be done at the State level, not at the City. They talked about Pennsylvania allowing slots now. Councilman Moore pointed out that the City only gets a small amount of the revenue from slots. Councilman Dalrymple agreed that pressure should be put on State legislators.



Mr. Madden talked about a rising crime rate. Mr. Kondik brought up the low crime rate in Weirton. Chief Scott agreed, stating that the Weirton-Steubenville area's is the second lowest in the nation. Mr. Madden brought up corruption. Mr. Yeager talked against this idea and brought up the importance of having evidence for such accusations.





EXECUTIVE SESSION



It was moved by Councilman Dorich and seconded by Councilman DeMasis to convene into executive session consistent with West Virginia State Code §6-9-A-4(4) to discuss litigation and personnel matters. This passed unanimously. Council convened into executive session at 7:25 p.m. They later reconvened into regular session at 7:55 p.m.





OLD BUSINESS



Second Reading of Ordinance No. 1419-Authorizing Sale of City Right-of-Way along Red Rider Road: It was moved by Councilman Miller and seconded by Councilman Moore to approve this Ordinance at second reading to authorizing the sale of this right-of-way along Red Rider Road to Joe Pulice for $800; this passed unanimously.



Second Reading of Ordinance No. 1421-Amendment to Traffic Control Map-To extend existing no parking zone on Seneca Street by 10 feet west across from Dubey Lane at intersection with Duby Lane: It was moved by Councilman Miller and seconded by Councilman Moore to approve this Ordinance at second reading; this passed unanimously.



Second Reading of Ordinance No. 1422-Amendment to Traffic Control Map-Establish no parking on east side of Main Street, north and south in front of 3316 Main Street: It was moved by Councilman Dalrymple and seconded by Councilman DeMasis to approve this Ordinance at second reading; this passed unanimously.



Second Reading of Ordinance No. 1423-Amendment to Traffic Control Map-Establish disability parking space behind residence at 4011 Washington Street: It was moved by Councilman DeMasis and seconded by Councilman Dorich to approve this Ordinance at second reading; this passed unanimously.



Second Reading of Ordinance No. 1424-Amendment to Traffic Control Map-Install stop signs at AmeriHost Drive intersection with Three Springs Drive and at unfinished highway intersection with AmeriHost Drive: It was moved by Councilman Dalrymple and seconded by Councilman DeMasis to approve this Ordinance at second reading; this passed unanimously.





NEW BUSINESS



Resolution Authorizing 2005 Per Capita Contribution to Brooke-Hancock-Jefferson County Metropolitan Planning Commission: It was moved by Councilman DeMasis and seconded by Councilman Moore to approve this Resolution authorizing the City Manager to make this contribution to BHJ in the amount of $4,082.20; this passed unanimously.



Resolution Authorizing Payment of 2004-05 West Virginia Municipal League Dues: It was moved by Councilman Moore and seconded by Councilman DeMasis to authorize the City Manager to issue payment of the dues to the West Virginia Municipal League in the amount of $3,673.98; this passed unanimously.



Resolution to Place Liens Against Real Properties for Costs Incurred in Demolition of Unsafe Properties (Claudia Brown Adams, c/o Dorothy Day, 321 Sharp Street): It was Moved by Councilman Dorich and seconded by Councilman DeMasis to approve this Resolution for the recording of this lien; this passed unanimously.



Resolution Authorizing Lease of Sidewalk Sweeping Machine to Weirton Redevelopment Authority: Councilman Miller recommended this be pulled from tonight's agenda. He advised that the Redevelopment Authority is still putting its business plan together, and sufficient announcement has to be made to businesses that regulations for keeping the front of businesses clean will be enforced.



Resolution to Enter into Contract for Milling and Paving of Various Weirton Streets: It was moved by Councilman Dorich and seconded by Councilman DeMasis to approve this Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into contract with Carl Kelly Paving of Weirton, WV, for this work in the amount of $538,725; this passed unanimously.



Resolution to Authorize Weirton to Approve Revised Budget and Execute Emergency Shelter Grant for Fiscal Year 2004-05 from Office of Economic Opportunity Emergency Shelter Grant Programs: It was moved by Councilman Dorich and seconded by Councilman DeMasis to approve this Resolution that the City of Weirton in conjunction with CHANGE, Inc., accept and execute the revised budget for the Emergency Shelter Grant for $5,000; this passed unanimously.



Resolution to Authorize Purchase of Police Cruiser Audio/Video Systems through West Virginia State Purchasing Program Using Homeland Security Grant Funds: It was moved by Councilman Dorich and seconded by Councilman DeMasis to approve this Resolution to authorize the City Manager to enter into contract with Kustom Signals, Inc., for $32,355 for this equipment, to be purchased using WV State Contract #WV200403; further, that the contract for removal and installation of this equipment be awarded to Lauttamus Communications in the amount of $5,400; this passed unanimously.



Resolution Authorizing Acceptance of Contract for Weirton Steelers Football League from West Virginia Development Office: It was moved by Councilman Moore and seconded by Councilman DeMasis to approve this Resolution authorizing the City Manager to make application for $5,000 in Legislative Digest funds for the Weirton Steelers Football League and that he be empowered to sign any agreement necessary to obtain these funds; this passed unanimously.



Resolution to Accept Recommendation of Planning Commission of Preliminary Subdivision Plat for Val's Estate: It was moved by Councilman Dorich and seconded by Councilman DeMasis to approve this Resolution to approve this preliminary plat; this passed unanimously.





APPOINTMENTS



To Weirton Human Relations Commission:

It was moved by Councilman Moore and seconded by Councilman Miller to appoint Frank Bohach of 4129 Brightway to this Commission for a term from July 1, 2004 to June 30, 2007; this passed unanimously.



It was moved by Councilman Moore and seconded by Councilman Miller to appoint Karen Bryan of 108 Darby Court to this Commission for a term from July 1, 2004 to June 30, 2007; this passed unanimously.



It was moved by Councilman Dorich and seconded by Councilman DeMasis to appoint Nora Coleman of 101 Pikeview Road to this Commission for a term from July 1, 2004 to June 30, 2007; this passed unanimously.



It was moved by Councilman Moore and seconded by Councilman Miller to appoint Scott Douglas of 3513 Williams Drive to this Commission for a term from July 1, 2004 to June 30, 2007; this passed unanimously.





To Weirton Historic Landmarks Commission:

It was moved by Councilman Dorich and seconded by Councilman Moore to appoint Beth Gaughan to this Commission for a term to end May 2007; this passed unanimously.



To Traffic Commission:

It was moved by Councilman Dorich and seconded by Councilman DeMasis to appoint George Redish of 221 Edgewood Avenue to this Commission to fulfill an unexpired term which will end on December 31, 2004; this passed unanimously.



As Deputy Court Clerk:

It was moved by Councilman Dorich and seconded by Councilman Moore to appoint Melissa Anderson of 1111 Glencairn Road as deputy court clerk until June 2007; this passed unanimously.





ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS

Police: Chief Scott had nothing additional to report.



At this point, Councilman DeMasis thanked Mr. Mastrantoni and his staff for assisting in getting water for the grass just planted at the Veterans Memorial.



Inspections: Mr. Rosnick advised that his department's year end complaint total was 702, which is up from the previous year by 200.



Water: Mr. Mastrantoni has nothing additional to report.



Park Board: Mr. Weigel thanked Councilman Miller for his efforts on the Renaissance Weirton Festival; he also thanked the other City departments for their assistance with the festivities. Councilman Dalrymple asked if any complaints had been received about the fireworks. Councilman Dorich thanked Mr. Weigel for his efforts in getting the basketball court in usable condition.



Councilman Miller also wanted to extend his thanks for all of those involved in the Renaissance Weirton Festival.



Community Development: Mr. Riccelli advised that staff and the State were working to address the parking problems in relation to the new State office building.



Public Works: Mr. Bryant reported that the deadline for receipt of the action plan for Freedom Way is July 16. Mr. DuFour talked about getting an extension; August Environmental is asking for the commitment of substantial funds which are not budgeted.



Fire: Chief Cole talked about the equipment received through the FEMA grant. He also advised that the Central Dispatch system is up and running; staff is working to iron out some wrinkles.







TREASURER'S REPORT



Ms. Means gave the treasurer's report. It was moved by Councilman Dorich and seconded by Councilman DeMasis to accept the administrative reports and the treasurer's report, and to pay the General Fund bills; this passed unanimously.





ADJOURNMENT



With no further business before this July 12, 2004, regular session of the Weirton City Council, the meeting was adjourned after the closing prayer.







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