Eye dangers and disorders come before the Wellsburg Council | News, Sports, Jobs

HAZARDS, EYE DISCUSSION – A deep sinkhole and tall weeds on the east side of Wellsburg were discussed at Tuesday’s Wellsburg Council meeting. — Warren Scott

WELLSBURG – A deep pothole and tall weeds along streets on the city’s east side were among the issues discussed by the Wellsburg Council on Tuesday.

City Police Chief Mike Allman said land around a culvert basin in the area of ​​Pleasant Avenue and Duvall Heights is eroding, creating a three-foot-deep sinkhole that four or five cars went into.

He said he is also concerned that a 12-inch water main in the area could be damaged as a result.

The board also heard from resident Tammy Provenzano, who complained about tall weeds extending into the street between the Brooke County Board of Education office and 16th Street and from a retaining wall along the street.

She asked if the city had a labor shortage and if there were any plans to continue paving the streets.

Mark Tingler, the city’s street inspector, said he has five workers, including one who focuses on mowing the grass during the summer.

Mayor Dan Dudley told Provenzano, “They’re pretty well covered with the things they do.”

But he and other city officials agreed that weeds in the middle of city streets should be dealt with.

Provenzano asked in the case of tall weeds, “Whose responsibility is it? If it’s private property (owners), do they get a letter saying they have to clean it up?”

Although he was absent Tuesday, City Manager Steve Maguschak often emphasized that property owners are responsible for the sidewalks in front of their homes or businesses.

Following Tuesday’s meeting, Allman said those responsible for allowing the grass and weeds to grow, including the area Provenzano cited, have been served notices.

He said if they fail to cut the grass, the city can fine them or arrange for it to be cut and place a lien on the property to recoup that cost.

“We send a lot of notifications” he said.

Allman said ownership of the retaining wall Provenzano mentioned has long been a matter of dispute.

Last month, Maguschak advised he would examine the city’s streets in preparation for what could be announced for paving this fall, when many contractors aren’t as busy.

First Ward Councilman Jack Kins said he suggested raising the city’s monthly council tax from $12 to $15 to generate more funding for the paving.

Kins said the tax hasn’t been raised in at least 10 years and hasn’t kept up with rising costs. He noted that paving the section of Fourth Street used this summer just for the Oil Can Derby cost more than $30,000.

In other business, the board:

• We heard from Mary Kay Pepe, a member of the city’s urban redevelopment authority, who said crews from Wellsburg-based Modex Contracting will soon be constructing new floors and walls on the two-story building at 701 Charles St. purchased.

She said the structure will also get a new roof through the two-year project.

The volunteer board purchased it and the two adjacent buildings for $100, with the goal of renovating and marketing them for new development.

• Was informed by Allman that Michael Nickerson left the police department to work for the Brooke County Sheriff’s Department, but hired Scott Teaff, a former Weirton police officer with 24 years of experience.

He also asked the board to conduct another civil service examination so that candidates can be shortlisted for any future posts.

• Approved the second reading of an ordinance that allows City Police to charge people with possession of drug paraphernalia, such as hypodermic syringes, pipes or other sharp objects that could be used to cut an officer or another person.

Allman suggested it as a means of arresting people believed to be illegally selling drugs or under the influence of drugs while driving a vehicle.

Those charged with the crime can be fined $100 to $500 and jailed for up to 30 days.

The ordinance also prohibits the inhalation or consumption of various chemical compounds known to release toxic vapors that alter a person’s mental state or behavior.

That component of the ordinance is covered by West Virginia Code 61-8-11, which sets as penalties for the offense a fine of up to $100, 60 days in jail, or both.

• Approved the second reading of the ordinance establishing fees for dumpsters that remain on city streets for extended periods.

Under it, property owners responsible for dumpsters will pay $5 if they remain on a street for 30 days and $20 for more than 30 days.

Third Ward Councilman Randy Fletcher suggested the move to discourage trash cans from blocking sections of the street for long periods.