Council OKs engineering plans from Clay School demolition at April 15 meeting
The Wheeling City Council met Tuesday, April 15 to discuss demolition plans for the former Clay School building and loans for sewer and water infrastructure, among other issues.
WHEELING – Councilors met Tuesday, April 15 to discuss a variety of issues, including plans to demolish the Clay School, funding for sewer and stormwater system upgrades and Streetscape concerns, among other issues.
Clay School demo moving forward…
City Manager Robert Herron gave a brief update on the plans to demolish an East Wheeling building once home to the Clay School. Asbestos abatement contracts have been sent out, Herron told councilors, and will see votes for approval in the coming weeks. After the asbestos is removed, demolition can move forward.
Councilors approved a $62,000 contract with M&G Architects and Engineers of Wheeling to begin developing a plan for the building’s ultimate demolition. With the properties precarious position abutting several homes to its rear, special care is needed to avoid any slippage or damage.
The city council approved the school's demolition in February, wrapping up a years-long debate. At that time, Mayor Denny Magruder described the demolition as “an exciting time for East Wheeling,” as members discussed a potential community/recreation facility to take its place.
Streetscape struggles…
Herron discussed the Streetscape project amid growing community concern about the aesthetics and safety of the half-completed project. Citizens questioned why certain rain gardens, also known as bioswales, were significantly below ground level while others were at grade.
Defending the project, Herron said the unusually deep pits were not a flaw, but a feature of the project. He said they are designed to hold excess stormwater in an attempt to prevent surcharging the sewer system causing untreated sewage to be released into Wheeling Creek and the Ohio River known as a combined sewer overflow.
Still, some Wheeling bioswales are significantly deeper than others, prompting members of council to ask if fencing would be put up to prevent falls. Herron said a West Virginia DOH group, including an Americans with Disability Act compliance team, toured the project in recent weeks and identified areas that could see improvements.
Sewer system successors…
Speaking of combined sewer systems, councilors heard the first reading of a $3,000,000 loan from the West Virginia Infrastructure Fund to support the remodeling and replacement of the city’s aging sewer system.
The plan does not include a rate increase for customers.
Much of the city’s sewer system is decades old and features combined sewer and stormwater collection. Rules governing new construction, particularly in the city’s urban core, require specific stormwater management systems that the current system often fails to accommodate.
The city’s wastewater treatment plant serves all of Ohio County as well as parts of Marshall County and western Pennsylvania.
Meddling mailer investigation continues…
During the public comment period of the meeting, Lou Smith, the man whose P.O. Box was used to funnel illegal mailers attacking candidates during the May 2024 municipal election, rose to thank the council for their work. As he praised members of council, Smith said the Secretary of State’s office had contacted him confirming the investigation into the mailers continues.
The investigation centers around a campaign to send hundreds of undisclosed mailers to Wheeling voters attacking several candidates and city leaders, including the city manager, mayoral candidates, councilor candidates and statewide organizations. While it is still unknown who was behind the attack, a Wheeling Free Press exclusive investigation found curious links between the mailers and a specific Wheeling resident.
Information about the investigation has been hard to come by. In a May 2024 request for comet sent to the SOS office, Kimberly Mason, Director of Investigations, informed this reporter that the disclosure of a complainant, investigation or report violates state code and could result in a misdemeanor charge.
Wheeling's ‘Whodunit?’ Mudslinging mailers flood voter's mailboxes ahead of May 14 election
Wheeling, W.Va. – On May 6, 2024, residents checked their mailboxes to find political mailers—lacking financial disclosures—attacking candidates, city administration, and political organizations. Another round of undisclosed mailers hit mailboxes on May 9, and more are expected to be sent out in the coming days.
Ordinances passed; ordinances proposed…
Councilors approved a handful of ordinances and resolutions, including:
An $18,385 contract with Grade 8 Solutions, LLC of Warren Ohio for replacement pumps to the “Royal Oaks” lift station;
$62,000 to M&G Architects and Engineers of Wheeling for Clay School demolition engineering;
A resolution approving state levies as it relates to the budget; and,
A resolution waiving procurement policies for repairs at the wastewater treatment plant caused by April 2024 flooding events.
At their next meeting, councilors will consider an $81,750 contract with ICR Equipment of Bellaire, Ohio for the purchase of a 2024 Yanmar Excavator and a $64,000 contract with Semper Fi Paving of Bridgeport, Ohio for this year’s street resurfacing.
Comments from members of council…
Mayor Denny Magruder spoke about a recent trip he and members of the city’s administration took to Washington, D.C. to speak with members of the West Virginia Congressional delegation. Magruder said he believed members were supportive of the city and hoped they would continue to be allies moving forward.
Councilor Tony Assaro, Ward 1, announced that the Warwood Fitzsimmons Dog Park has opened for the season–an announcement anticipated by dog lovers across the city.
Councilor Ben Seidler, Ward 2, reminded residents of community cleanups in Fulton (May 3), North Wheeling (May 10) and Wheeling Island (May 17).
Councilor Connie Cain, Ward 3, touted a recent tree planting at Wheeling Park. The park, in partnership with the city’s Tree Board, plans to plant 100 trees to celebrate their 100th anniversary.
Councilor Ty Thorngate, Ward 5, reminded businesses to apply for the city's Private Outdoor Designated Area, or PODA, program which will launch next month. PODA will allow participating businesses to sell alcoholic beverages in designated cups to customers who can then walk between businesses in the city’s downtown and center market areas.
Councilor Dave Palmer, Ward 6, thanked Delegates Shawn Fluharty and Bill Flannigan, as well as state Senator Ryan Weld, for being responsive to his and other councilor’s concerns during the now-sine die legislative session.
Next council meeting…
The Wheeling City Council will meet again on Tuesday, May 7 at 5:30 p.m.