Infrastructure, manpower among Follansbee Council’s topics

Jun 6, 2023

FOLLANSBEE — Follansbee Council Monday learned of plans to proceed with two water and sewer projects, a proposal for a new business and manpower issues involving city crews.

Mayor David Velegol Jr. said while plans are in the works for major renovations to the city's wastewater treatment system, staff with Ghosh Engineering are looking to break out two smaller projects the city can pursue first.

Velegol noted both are aimed at addressing recurring flooding problems.

One involves the replacement of a spillway near Neville Street which has been clogged with debris washed from the hillside during heavy rain and replacement of a 12 inch drainage line with one that is 30 inches in diameter to improve the flow of runoff there.

The other involves the replacement of a deteriorating underground vault near Highland Street from which wastewater has backed up.

Velegol said the two improvements were to be the first of a major wastewater project funded by a $10.2 million federal grant, $2.7 million in state funds and a $2.7 million loan secured by the city.

The project includes upgrades to the sewer plant, pump stations at the city's south end and near the fire station and the separation of combined sanitary and stormwater sewer lines ordered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Council also heard from Scott Pelinsky, chief financial officer for Gumby's Cigarettes & Beer World, who told council the business hopes to open a combined Gumby's location and Geno's limited video lottery establishment at the former site of Tire USA near Brooke Plaza.

Pelinsky said the current structure would be replaced with a building about 24,000 square feet, with a wrap-around drive-through, similar to the company's Moundsville location.

He noted the business is seeking the state fire marshal's approval as well as council's.

Also on Monday, City Manager Joe DiBartolomeo advised he will be recommending Bill Secrist, field supervisor for the city's water and wastewater department, to fill the position of public works director following the impending retirement of Steve Meca.

DiBartolomeo noted Secrist's experience as a supervisor and familiarity with the city, adding, "He doesn't tell me what I want to hear, he tells me what I need to hear."

In a related matter, the city manager told council to address a shortage of manpower, he intends to draw upon staff in various departments as needed to complete whatever tasks need to be done.

He noted Secrist has been working with three field crew members for both the water and wastewater departments.

DiBartolomeo said Velegol has determined the city has lost about $700,000 in annual revenue with the closing of the Mountain State Carbon plant, but with anticipated economic development not limited to a port being built along the Ohio River, its economic picture should change if it can weather present financial constraints.

DiBartolomeo also told council he was troubled by criticism on social media of current council members and particularly of city crews, whom one person called "morons."

He said city personnel work very hard and don't deserve such ridicule.

"You’ve got good employees here. We’ve just got to give them some support," said DiBartolomeo.

Also on Monday:

≤ Questions were raised about a new approach to addressing high grass, a recurring complaint to city officials.

City Police Capt. Rick Reinard said in keeping with an ordinance requiring residents to maintain "clean and wholesome" property, a property owner will be given 48 hours to address high grass and if they fail to do so, will be summoned to court.

He and others noted from there the property owner may be fined on a daily basis, and up to $500, for inaction.

In the past, the city often hired someone to cut the grass, then charged the property owner or applied a lien to the property. One reason given for the approach was that some property owners are out of state and difficult to reach.

Velegol said the city's existing "clean and wholesome" ordinance can be applied to tall grass because it attracts snakes and vermin, which present a public hazard.

First Ward Councilwoman Tammy Johnson said some property owners are elderly and lack the ability and resources to cut the grass.

Third Ward Councilman Nick Cekinovich said it's been suggested a group of volunteers could be enlisted in such instances.

≤ Joan Simonetti, a consultant hired to lead a brainstorming session focused on park improvements, reviewed the next steps council members should take in pursuing various projects that were divided among them.

She said such steps include identifying those who can assist them in their goal, estimating the cost involved and determining the project's scope, including smaller steps that may be done with available funds or resources.

≤ Velegol advised Follansbee Community Days will return July 7-9 to the Follansbee Community House parking lot and a kickoff dinner will be held June 24 at St. Francis Centre, with West Virginia University quarterback Nicco Marchiol serving as guest speaker.

≤ City Clerk David Kurcina reminded that early voting for the June 13 city election will continue from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. today through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at the City Building.

Polling places on election day will open at 6:30 a.m. and close at 7:30 p.m.

(Scott can be contacted at [email protected].)

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