WEIRTON CITY COUNCIL
COUNCIL MEETING - SPECIAL
December 07, 2006 10:30 A. M.
A special meeting of the Common Council of the City of Weirton, Hancock and Brooke Counties, West Virginia was held on December 07, 2006 at 10:30 A.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: Gary DuFour City Manager Thomas J. Maher, Jr. City Clerk Valerie Means Finance Director John Yeager City Attorney
Mayor Miller led the Pledge of Allegiance.
COMMUNICATIONS
Councilmember DeMasis commented, “Mayor, today is a holiday. It’s Pearl Harbor Day. We gotta think about the Marines.”
Councilmember J. Miller commented, “…and the Army and the Navy…”
Councilmember Dalrymple commented, “…and the Army and the Navy and the Air Force…”
Councilmember H. Miller commented, “…and the Coast Guard...”
Mayor Miller commented, “We thank all of them. Let’s move forward.”
NEW BUSINESS
Resolution TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO APPLY FOR AN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY BROWNFIELD REMEDIATION GRANT FOR DEMOLITION AND REMOVAL OF THE COVE SCHOOL BUILDING.
Motion was made by Councilmember J. Miller, second by Councilmember Dalrymple.
Councilmember Kondik commented, “Mayor, excuse me”
Mayor Miller commented, “Do we have a question?”
Mr. Richard Reinard commented, “I’m Richard Reinard, Sr., and if it would be possible, I like to give you copy of the deed we got from the Board of Education on that property. And, the same thing…I’d like to give you a copy of the original deed from when the Board of Education got the property. I’ve transcribed it from the penmanship to a handwritten word for word and I’d like to call your attention to the fact that the property is supposed to be used for educational only, forever. And, I don’t know what your plans are for the property, but…”
Mayor Miller commented, “Specifically, right now, what we are trying to do is garnish some EPA Brownfield grants. We don’t know whether we’ll be able to get that or not. But, as far as I’m concerned, the application should be made so that, if indeed we do get the grant, we’ll have the monies available if it is decided that we do want to take down the building. OK?
Mr. Reinard commented, “OK.”
Mayor Miller commented, “We’ll give Council time. Council, do you want to read that?”
Councilmember Moore commented, “No. I don’t think this has any bearing on anything we’re…”
Councilmember J. Miller commented, “This has no bearing on what we’re here for today.”
Mayor Miller commented, “And, we’ll get a copy of the deed from the School Board. That’s what you wanted from us?”
Mr. Reinard commented, “Yes.”
Mayor Miller commented, “OK. I do know there’s nothing specifically in that deed that states anything about education. But, you can take it and read it. We will provide that for you right after the meeting.”
The motion passed by majority, 7/0. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CITY MANAGER TO APPLY FOR AN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY BROWNFIELD REMEDIATION GRANT FOR DEMOLITION AND REMOVAL OF THE COVE SCHOOL BUILDING
WHEREAS, the City Manager has recently determined that the United States Environmental Protection Agency has made available certain funds for Brownfields[a] Remediation, which funds may be available for the demolition of the Cove School building and, furthermore, has learned that in order to be eligible for this funding, an application must be filed by the 8th day of December, 2006, causing Council to decide to have a special Council meeting on this subject; and
WHEREAS, the Cove School building has been identified as a brownfield site, and has been assessed with asbestos, lead, and other contaminants, which are part of the structure by virtue of its construction and alteration over the years; and
WHEREAS, the Cove School building has been identified as an eyesore and has become a nuisance which is attractive to vandals and others engaged in illegal activities. They have defaced and damaged it; and thereby providing a haven for rodents, raccoons, and pigeons because of its abandoned character; such activities being detrimental to the health, welfare, and safety of the City of Weirton; and
WHEREAS, the City, acting alone, has been unable to dedicate the funds necessary to remove asbestos and to demolish this building; and
WHEREAS, Council is of the mature opinion that the application for a grant in the maximum amount of Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($200,000.00), of which the City will be required to match twenty per cent (20%) of the amount granted would provide a great benefit to the City at a fraction of the cost which it has previously appeared would have to be paid for this work; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEIRTON, HANCOCK AND BROOKE COUNTIES, WEST VIRGINIA, MEETING IN SPECIAL SESSION, THAT:
The City Manager is hereby authorized to prepare and to sign an Application with the United States Environmental Protection Agency and/or with any agency of the State of West Virginia which has management or administrative authority over EPA grant funds, which Application shall be for the purpose of seeking federal or state funds for the purpose of eradicating such environmental problems as are posed by Cove School, demolishing it, and returning the site to a condition suitable for future use.
DATE: December 7, 2006 __________________________________ MAYOR ATTEST:
___________________________________ CITY CLERK
1A piece of industrial or commercial property that is abandoned or underused and often environmentally contaminated, especially one considered as a potential site for redevelopment. ADJOURNMENT
With no further business before this December 07, 2006 special session of the Weirton City Council the meeting was adjourned after the closing prayer.
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