Wheeling City Council Approves $420,000 for Centre Market
The Wheeling City Council met Tuesday to discuss a slew of ordinances. Approved was emergency funding for a road slippage, ARPA-related projects, and further WPD expenditures.
The Wheeling CIty Council met Tuesday, October 3, 2023, for their first meeting during the fall season. Top of mind was a potential ordinance banning urban camping modeled off of a similar measure adopted by Parkersburg City Council. For more on this issue and the words of those who spoke tonight click here.
The Development Committee met briefly before the meeting to discuss a proposal from Chayo’s Street Tacos in Elm Grove to begin serving alcohol. Other businesses in the area serve alcoholic beverages.
With full consent of the committee, including Councilor Dave Palmer, Ward 6, which includes Chayo’s Street Tacos, the proposal was forwarded to council for consideration.
Mayor Glenn Elliott did not provide a mayoral report this evening.
Council considered eight ordinances held over from the last meeting, all of which passed 6-0. Vice Mayor Chad Thalman, Ward 1, was not present for the meeting.
Approved ordinances include $65,528 for the Wheeling Police Department to purchase mobile software, body cameras, and equipment for police cruisers. The Wheeling Police Department has seen hundreds of thousands of dollars in investment for new equipment, along with the recently unveiled multi-million dollar headquarters.
Other ordinances approved included $15,720 for a multi-stage water pump, $89,302 to Whiteside Chevrolet, Buick, and GMC of St. Clairsville for a three new city-owned vehicles, a lease agreement to SWN Production Company to develop oil and gas production, $61,400 of ARPA funding for sandblasting of city pools, $260,150 of ARPA funding for renovations to the Pulaski playground in South Wheeling, and an amendment to Section 125.04 of the City Charter barring the payment of fines and fees in pennies, nickels, dimes, or quarters.
Concerning the Pulaski playground, Mayor Glenn Elliott said playgrounds were a priority of his campaign for mayor. “All but one or two have been updated,” Elliott said as he thanked city employees and the city council for their work to improve the city’s playgrounds.
City Solicitor Rosemary Humway-Warmuth, speaking about the ordinance barring payments of fines and fees with pennies, nickels, dimes, or quarters, said this comes as individuals have attempted to do so in recent months. The council is in their right to decide what legal tender may be accepted for payments.
During council remarks, Councilor Jerry Sklavounakis noted a boil order announced for Fulton, Edgewood, Woodsdale, and Glenwood Road. This impacts residents who have experienced low water pressure or discolored water due to water line repairs.
This comes as the City of Wheeling has experienced several water quality issues. Notably, water mains have burst in North Wheeling on two separate occasions this summer.
Sklavounakis also asked that original propositions #1 and #2, concerning emergency repair to a road slip on Forest Hill Road, be read twice to allow immediate adoption.
Councilor Rosemary Ketchum, Ward 3, highlighted a new downtown business, The Belgian Waffle Shop, who recently opened their doors after nearly a year of waiting.
Ketchum also noted her office hours will take place Wednesday, October 4, at the Centre Market from 11:00 to 1:00, where people can come to ask questions about their city government. She also highlighted a new mural sponsored by the Wheeling Arts and Cultural Commission on the Bridge Tavern.
Councilor Ty Thorngate, Ward 5, used his time to ask questions about a proposed purchase of a mobile stage, including weight support, electrical outlets, and ability to withstand severe weather.
Councilor Dave Palmer, Ward 6, highlighted the Elm Grove Business Association's Fall Festival.
City Manager Robert Herron was absent. In his place, Assistant City Manager William Lanham was present and delivered the city manager report.
During this time Lanham honored City Solicitor Rosemary Humway-Warmuth for her election as the president of the International Municipal Lawyers Association. Lanham noted Humway-Warmuth’s 29 years of dedicated service to the City of Wheeling and presented her with a certificate on behalf of City Manager Herron.
Ketchum asked Lanham if the city could provide downtown businesses with more notice during the Streetscape project of when their street will be closed down, to which Lanham said this was a top priority during his conversations with the WV Department of Highways.
The council considered six original propositions, four of which were approved by 6-0.
Of those announced for a first reading include $108,505 for the Market Street Garage parking system and $221,000 of ARPA money for the purchase of a mobile stage.
The new ordinances read and approved tonight were $37,616 and $29,190 related to the emergency funding for the Forest Hills Road slippage, $420,000 from ARPA funding to improve the Centre market (including security, lighting, seating, and signage), and a request by Dave Shriver to construct a video lottery and drive-thru wings and coffee location at the former Spic & Span Dry Cleaners building at 841 National Road.
Councilor Ketchum, who has been a strong advocate for the Centre Market remodeling effort, spoke before its passage noting the last major improvements to the building came in the 1980s.
To read about the public comment period click here.