WEIRTON CITY COUNCIL
COUNCIL MEETING - REGULAR
TUESDAY OCTOBER 13, 2009 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 13, 2009 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 David Dalrymple Councilmember Ward 6- Max Fijewski Councilmember Ward 7 George Kondik Councilmember Ward 5
City Officials in Attendance: John Brown Public Works Director Gary DuFour City Manager Vincent Gurrera City Attorney Dave Lashhorn Fire Chief Nicole Davis City Clerk A.D. Mastrantoni Sanitary/Water Bruce Marshall Police Chief Thomas Maher, Jr. Finance Director Terry Weigel Parks and Recreation Director Rod Rosnick Inspections Rik Rekowski Library
Mayor Harris led everyone in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion was made by Councilmember Ash and second by Councilmember Jones to approve the minutes of the: September 8, 2009 –Regular Council MeetingThe motion carried by majority, 6/0/1 with Councilman Dalrymple abstaining.
MAYOR’S AWARDS AND PROCLAMATIONS
Mayor Harris called forward Dustin Coates who received an eagle scout award for building 10 picnic tables for the soccer fields. The mayor stated that his actions and accomplishment deserved special recognition.
Mayor Harris proclaimed October 18, 2009 Catholic Daughters of America Day. The mayor stated that the Catholic Daughters has had a definite influence for the good in our community and contributed much leadership.
Mayor Harris proclaimed that, on behalf of the City Council, October 17-24, 2009 as Red Ribbon Week in the city of Weirton and encouraged 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. Additionally the mayor proclaimed that local leaders in government know that the support of the people in the neighborhoods is the most effective tool they can have in their efforts to reduce the use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.
Mayor Harris proclaimed November 7th and 8th as Community Bread Basket Weekend in Weirton and encouraged all citizens to support the efforts of the Community Bread basket to help the many families in the city of Weirton who need food assistance. Organizations, community leaders, businesses, and all citizens were encouraged to donate non-perishable food items to help the citizens of our community who are less fortunate.
Mayor Harris called forward Coach T.J. Brancazio, Assistant Coach Guido Magnone and the members of the Madonna Golf Team and issued a mayor’s award for bringing honor and distinction to the city of Weirton for winning the Ohio Valley Athletic Conference Class A State Championship “2009-2010”.
The Mayor and City Council also issued a plaque to the members of the team so that they could hang it at the high-school.
Chief Lashhorn presented Angelina Dickson, reporter for the Weirton Daily Times, with a Weirton Fire Department Chief’s award thanking her for her efforts in reporting the news and informing the public of all of the fire department’s attempts in keeping the public safe and educating the members of the community of their efforts.
PUBLIC HEARING
Steve Psaros Re: Virginia Avenue Playground
Mr. Psaros stated, “I live at 306 Old Colliers Way. I am a life long resident of Weirton, and I want everyone to know that I am just a citizen speaking out and am in no way affiliated with the Christian Center. I am here to speak in support of the lease. The use of the playground is important to the center to be able to handle the after school and summer enrollment of over 100 children. The center is providing a safe nurturing place for the children to go. The needs are great as they were back in 1970 when the Weirton Christian Center opened. There were different reasons of the needs back then, and there are different needs now. There was a population coming in to work at Weirton Steel, and they helped educate and gave them a place to go. Today we need to give the kids a place to go because there are other issues. I would like to thank the mayor, city manager, and all of council for listening to what I had to say and I found out that everyone wanted to do something. At the same time, I attended the park board meeting because the issue was that the park board rented the playground. The other issue was that the property belonged to the board of education. Things worked out that we now know the property was transferred over to the city of Weirton, and now we have had a couple of readings. Believe me it’s needed.”
CITIZEN’S REMARKS
James Hill Re: City Curfew
Mr. Hill stated, “I live at 3056 Orchard Street. Recently a lot of neighbors in the fourth ward have come to me in regards to concerns over the two neighbors being out passed curfew and hanging out on the corners. Ours cars have been vandalized due to in large part of curfew and loitering issues not enforced. I have witnessed teens from Weirton fighting teens from Steubenville back by our homes, as many as 13 kids at time. They are using the alley ways to get high. There are spots within the community where drug activity is totally visible. We need more police coverage in our community. People’s homes have been broken in to while they were home and asleep. Home burglaries have been committed in our area: Orchard Street, Elm Street, and West Street. There is definitely a need for much more police presence, along with quicker response time. I have a petition signed by 100 of my neighbors in the fourth ward that are fed up, tired, and afraid. We need action. It’s not fair that some parts of the city are safer than others. We need police officers. Police officers are doing the best that they can. It’s up to the community and the parents to do our part in helping the officers with drug problems and curfew violations. We are seriously in for a larger crime rate, more addiction problems, and teens out of control.”
Mr. Guerra stated that he, along with Chief Marshall, reinstated the curfew regulations and Mr. Hill should be seeing an increase of police in the ward.
Mr. Hill stated, “A lot of my neighbors have come to me and watched a lot of activities going on. The response time is a problem because it’s slow. I realize the police are doing the best job they can, but there’s not enough presence in our community in particular areas. When I first moved to Orchard Street it was a nice area. The drug activity and crime activity have slowly destroyed closer to my home. I also noticed that patrols have slowed down in the area. Another thing is that there are a lot of teens coming from Steubenville over to Weirton selling narcotics in our area, and they’re fighting with teens from Weirton. So is there anything we can do to try and curtail that? Last week there was like 15 teenagers in the back of my house fighting another group of teenagers from Steubenville. I don’t know if it’s a turf war or drug war or what’s going on, but I’ve seen a lot of teenagers coming over here from Steubenville selling narcotics.”
COMMUNICATIONS
Chief Marshall stated, “We have a very strong presence in the downtown area. We can’t put any more policemen in that area than we do right now. As far as the house burglaries go, I’d like to know what house burglaries we’re talking about. We have made arrests on all of the house burglaries and cleared those up. Our crime rate is actually down, and that’s because of the strong presence we do have downtown. There’s not a neighborhood that receives more police protection than ward 4. So maybe we can get together and discuss this later, but I think you’re wrong.”
Councilman Ash stated, “I want you to know that we have foot patrol down in ward 4. We also have bicycle patrol and cruisers out. We have the K-9 units out. I don’t know what burglaries you are talking about. I’ll talk to the people and find out what they are. Sometime tomorrow if you would like down with the chief and I and work it out.”
Councilman Fijewski stated, “I want to remind everyone that the hall of fame nominations are still being accepted through December 1. The deadline was supposed to be November 1, but the hall of fame committee decided to give it an additional 30 days so everyone can have sufficient time to submit any nominations they want. I would encourage everyone to please submit it. Forms can be obtained here at city hall, community center, library, the Town Hall Restaurant, Marsh’s Hardware, PS Marketing. The forms are out there so please take advantage of it.”
Mayor Harris stated that he received a card from the Weirton Area Chamber of Commerce thanking everyone for participating in the Business After Hours.
Mayor Harris stated that the Weirton Fire Department now has 100% of its first responders EMT certified.
A motion was made to go into executive session for litigation on home inspections by Councilman Ash, second by Councilman Fijewski. The motion passed, 7/0.
OLD BUSINESS
Second reading of Ordinance No. 1661 authorizing the acquisition and construction of additions, betterments, and improvements to the existing Public Water Works System of the City of Weirton and the financing of the cost through the issuance by the City of not more than $3,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of water revenue bonds. Motion was made by Councilman Ash, second by Councilman Fijewski.
Mr. Mastrantoni stated, “The bids are in. We received a successful bid that was Keppler Companies from Ohio. The bid was approximately 3.9 million and generic estimates were 3.7. There was approximately a $200,000 over-run. However the rates were sufficient to address the over-run. Public service commission has received documentation from Michael Griffith, our CPA, concerning the rates. I believe all of the amendments are now in. We are still scheduled for a bond closing seminar after the third reading in November. The final reading in November will be the reading at which we make all of our adjustments. All of the amendments will be provided by Vince Collins.” The motion passed by majority, 6/1 with Councilman Dalrymple voting against.
Second reading of Ordinance No. 1662 regarding the rezoning of parcel 0148 of tax map W43B located at 303 Pennsylvania Avenue from R-2 Single Family and Two Family Residential to C-1 Highway Commercial. Motion was made by Councilman Jones, second by Councilman Ash. The motion passed by majority, 7/0.
Second reading of Ordinance No. 1663 to establish a yellow (no parking) line on Wood Street 30 feet going north to Marland Heights Road. (Traffic Commission Recommendation. Based upon the request of Councilman Ash.) Motion was made by Councilman Ash, second by Councilman Jones The motion passed by majority, 7/0
NEW BUSINESS
Resolution authorizing the City of Weirton to submit a notice of intent with the WVDEP for Storm Water Management Permit (WV/NPDES General Permit Number WV0116025). (City Manager) Motion was made by Councilman Ash, second by Councilman Dalrymple.
Councilman Fijewski stated, “I want the citizens of Weirton to understand that this is 800 pound gorilla that has come to fruition in terms of increased taxes for citizens in the next three years. This is a mandate by the federal and state government that we do this. The state mandates that we do this, and it is going to cost 10’s of thousands to do this. The question should be asked by the citizens of Weirton where is the skin in the game of the state of West Virginia, how much are they putting in to this? The answer is zero. This ordinance is going to require this city to do things that are going to cost us 10’s of thousands of dollars, if not 100’ of thousands of dollars. I don’t think there is anyone up here who wants to spend that kind of money. We don’t have it. We have to approve this because we are required to do so, but I would like to come back here three of four years from now, when the new council members are here voting a tax increase on the citizens of this community to pay for this. Just remember that this council told you this is going to happen. When you see governor Manchin and state representatives, ask them where is their skin in the game, how much money are they putting in to this? As of right now it’s none, we are.” The motion passed by majority, 7/0.
Resolution to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with the Weirton Housing Authority for inspection services of registered rental units in Ward 4 of the City of Weirton. (Councilman Ash) Motion was made by Councilman Ash, second by Councilman Dalrymple.
Councilman Ash stated, “I ask council that they have the moral integrity to support this resolution.” The motion passed by majority, 6/1 with Councilman Jones voting against.
Resolution endorsing and providing funding for project Main Street. (Mayor Mark Harris) Motion was made by Councilman Ash, second by Councilman Fijewski. The motion passed by majority, 7/0. Motion to amend resolution was made by Councilman Fijewski to approve $15,000, second by Councilman Ash. The motion passed by majority, 7/0.
Resolution to adopt “Weirton Someplace Special” as the City of Weirton song. (Councilman Marsh) Motion was made by Councilman Marsh, second by Councilman Jones. The motion passed by majority, 7/0.
Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into contract to enhance the City of Weirton’s website. (Councilman Fijewski) Motion was made by Councilman Fijewski, second by Councilman Ash.
Councilman Fijewski stated, “Tom Maher and I have been working on this for over 2 years. We have contacted the Wheeling Community College, West Liberty State College, Franciscan University, in the hopes that they would help us and basically do it as a contribution to the city. Unfortunately that didn’t work out. In addition to that, we have had several vendors that contacted Tom, Gary, or I indicating that they would want to this basically as a free-bee. Unfortunately, when we sat down and talked with them and starting getting to the point of finalizing the arrangements, all of them fell through. The council approved the expenditure for software to enhance this project. If you look at our website, everyone knows that in today’s day and age that anyone who is going to invest in a community or move to a community the first thing they do is look at your website. We gotta get in to the 21st century.” The motion passed by majority, 7/0.
Resolution to enter into contract for emergency repairs to City of Weirton sanitation truck. (City Manager) Motion was made by Councilman Marsh, second by Councilman Ash. The motion passed by majority, 7/0.
Resolution to enter into agreement with the Weirton Christian Center for the recreational use of property located at Virginia Avenue and Orchard Street (Virginia Avenue Playground). Motion was made by Councilman Ash, second by Councilman Fijewski. The motion passed by majority, 7/0.
Ordinance amending Ordinance No. 1288 and eliminate the police and fire civil service appeals board. Motion was made by Councilman Fijewski, second by Councilman Ash.
Councilman Fijewski stated that this does not eliminate the appeals board. It just means that there will be 1 instead of 2. The motion passed by majority, 7/0.
APPOINTMENTS TO VARIOUS BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS:
SANITARY/WATER-
Mr. Mastrantoni stated that he nothing to report.
POLICE DEPARTMENT-
Chief Marshall stated that he had nothing further to add. Mayor Harris stated that the police department did a great job at what happened at the school and that all of our kids were well protected.
PUBLIC WORKS-
Mr. Brown stated he had nothing further to report. Councilman Fijewski voiced his appreciation for painting the yellow lines on Palm Drive.
PARKS AND RECREATION –
Mr. Weigel stated they have begun renovations to the Rose Room. They are waiting for the delivery of the air-conditioning units, which are set to be delivered around the end of the month. Once the rose room is 100% complete they will move to the old lobby area and begin to do the renovations in there.
CODE-
Mr. Rosnick stated that he had nothing further to report. Councilman Ash stated, “I talked to the City manager a couple weeks ago. Is your department still complaint driven or are you guys being proactive?”
FIRE-
Chief Lashhorn stated that he had nothing additional to report.
LIBRARY-
Mr. Rekowski stated that he was here to remind everyone that October 17 is the Brooke County Excess Levy renewal. Some of the revenues generated by the levy will benefit the Mary H. Weir public library. October 28 is the free movie night at 6:00.
FINANCE DEPARTMENT-
Mr. Maher stated: General Fund cash report for September 2009:
Beginning Cash Balance: $952,655.58 Interest on Checking: $746.16 Deposits: $3,187,854.16 Draw-downs on Investment: N/A Disbursements: $(1,035,113.39) Cash Balance: $3,106,142.51
Beginning Investment $782,760.46 Balance: Interest on Investments: $ 3.97 Withdraws: N/A Ending Investment $782,760.46 Balance: Petty Cash: $800.00
Total Cash and Investments $3,889,706.94 Available:
The Mayor called for a motion to pay any bills and accept administrative reports from all of the departments. Motion was made by Councilman Marsh, second by Councilman Fijewski. The motion carried by majority, 7/0.
ADJOURNMENT
The mayor called for a motion to adjourn. Motion was made by Councilman Dalrymple, second by Councilman Fijewski. The motion passed by majority, 7/0.
With no further business before this October 13, 2009 regular session of the Weirton City Council the meeting was adjourned after the closing prayer.
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