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Weirton City Council Special Session A Special Session of the Common Council of the City of Weirton, Hancock and Brooke Counties was held on October 16, 2001 at 5:00 p.m. in Council's Chamber of the Municipal Building. Councilmembers in attendance: Charlie Mitchell, D.J. Minella, John Moore, George Ash, George Kondik and David Cline. City officials in attendance: Chief Cole, Joe Cicchirillo, Melissa Farley, Rod Rosnick, Valerie Means, Chief Fletcher and Beth Gaughn. Mayor Dean M. Harris led the Pledge of Allegiance. Harris explained with the help of Chief Code Official Rod Rosnick, a new program was started as a Mayor's Award program for businesses and residents that have upgraded their properties. He said much time is spent being critical--they would like to be critical to enforce the codes but to recognize those who take the money and time to upgrade. He said the Code Officials will examine the property, bring it to him. He called it a pro-active approach to those who are trying to upgrade their properties. He read a letter from the Army Reserve. Its an award that states appreciation to Harris, Council and City Council presented by the reserve forces of continued support of the National Guard and Reserve. Harris said its nice to be recognized. Councilmember Mitchell received a letter from four students at the Middle High and Senior High in Weirton, concerning the property of the former Weirton General Hospital; it was demolished. He requested Rod Rosnick get with the City Attorney so the area can be decent. Harris also had received a copy of the letter. A motion was made by Councilmember Minella, second by Councilmember Mitchell to allow for citizens remarks. This passed 6-0, so ordered. There were no remarks. Harris said it was tabled at the Regular Meeting, asking if the changes were made. It was responded yes. A motion was made by Councilmember Kondik, second by Councilmember Moore to remove the item from the table. This passed 6-0. A motion was made by Councilmember Mitchell, second by Councilmember Moore to adopt a resolution to enter into agreement with US Dept. of Housing and Urban Development. Rosnick responded to Harris that tomorrow he would issue a 21 day notice. Councilmember Ash asked Joe DiBartolomeo had seen it. Beth Gaughn said he wasn't available for comment but he had recommended the changes. Ash said he would vote for it but believed that in the future they will have alleged discrimination suits being filed. Councilmember Moore asked if Mr. Sims had signed the agreement. Harris said it was one of the issues that his name be removed; he will not sign it. It was discussed that HUD agreed to this. Mitchell said this needs voted and acted on is because if its not carried out, the city could lose some grant money in the future. This passed 6-0, so ordered. A motion was made by Councilmember Moore to remove this from the table, second by Councilmember Mitchell. This passed 6-0. Harris said it was originally submitted under emergency reading. A motion was made by Councilmember Ash for an ordinance for veterans employment preference, second by Moore. Councilmember Kondik asked if it's a resolution from the state. Harris said its in support of state law. Councilmember Cline said a city ordinance would be law. Kondik asked why it would be necessary if the city follows state law. Moore said council passes ordinances to follow state codes. Harris said its done on occasionally and with traffic law but its amending the city's to comply with state code; it appears to be a matter of resolution; its under New Business to support it. Cline said if the state law needs reaffirmed, a resolution can be done; council would have to vote this down or table it to get to the resolution. Harris said if council votes against the ordinance but supports the resolution, it doesn't mean council doesn't support veterans. Cline said he would vote "no" to get to the resolution. A roll call vote was taken with a yes is in favor of the ordinance, a no is opposed: Councilmember Kondik No Councilmember Cline No Councilmember Mitchell No Councilmember Minella No Councilmember Moore Yes Councilmember Ash Yes The ordinance failed by a 4-2 vote. Councilmember Ash said he believed under Robert's Rules of Order, he didn't think someone who voted not to table it can make a motion to remove it from the table. Harris believed this was correct, explaining someone who motioned to table it would have to remove it. The ordinance remains on the table until removed. A motion was made by Councilmember Cline, second by Councilmember Kondik to adopt a resolution to conform with WV State Code 6-13-1, regarding Veterans Employment Preference and WV State Code 15-F1-1 military leave of absence for Public Officials and employees for drills, parades, active duty, etc. Councilmember Ash stated he would support it because half is better than none. This passed 6-0, so ordered. Councilmember Cline asked about mailing a copy to the organizations. With no further business before this, the October 16, 2001 Special Session of the Common Council of the City of Weirton, the meeting was adjourned at 5:20 p.m.
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