Wheeling Council talks infrastructure, playgrounds at February meeting
Several major infrastructure-related projects were discussed by members of council and the city manager. As well, three area playgrounds will see needed renovations prior to the summer season.
The city of Wheeling discussed major infrastructure and public amenity projects tonight at their February 6 meeting, including the Wheeling Suspension bridge, demolition of the Center Market Parking Garage, and several area playgrounds receiving a face lift.
Councilor Ben Seidler, Ward 2, expressed his frustration over learning through the media that the West Virginia Department of Transportation may be leaning towards keeping the Wheeling Suspension Bridge closed to vehicular traffic, rather than directly from the department.
Mayor Glenn Elliott echoed Seidler’s concerns, asking city manager Robert Herron if he has received communication from the WVDOT regarding the bridge. Herron said he has not had any formal or informal communication from the state regarding the historic bridge’s closure.
Seidler, who represents Wheeling Island, noted that the Suspension Bridge serves as a vital link for residents in accessing mainland West Virginia. The bridge was closed in 2019 due to safety concerns. In the past four years, the state has spent nearly 18 million dollars refurbishing the structure.
The bridge, which is owned by the State of West Virginia, originally opened in 1849, but was largely destroyed five years later due to high winds. It reopened in 1856, serving as the National Road’s first permanent crossing over the Ohio River.
A street and alley paving contract approved by the council in the Fall of 2023 will be out for bid on February 27, with the goal of presenting contracts to the council in March of this year.
Playgrounds at 36th Street, and the neighborhoods of Claytor and Elm Terrace, will see major renovations occur this year. The projects are being bidded on, and Herron says the city can expect completion dates in April or May–just in time for the summer season.
On March 4, the Center Marking parking garage will see demolition begin, causing Chapline Street to close in front of the structure. Concrete material from the site will be recycled and ground into fill for the city to use at other sites throughout the city.
The city of Wheeling has been awarded $344,000 in funding through the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection for the demolition of residential structures throughout the city. Herron estimates the funding could see 29 additional structures torn down.
The council approved the addition of a bus levy to the May municipal general ballot. As a correction to previous reporting, this is not an increase of taxes, but rather a continuation of taxes already in place for the Ohio Valley Regional Transit Authority.
The measure would need to receive 60% of the vote to be approved. Herron noted that the last time the levy was voted on it received over 70% of the vote. If approved, the levy will see $1.5 million in funding for OVRTA over a four-year period.
Councilor Rosemary Ketchum, Ward 3, asked of the city manager if a temporary solution could be utilized at the Tunnel Green to allow it to reopen. Herron said it was possible, and that a company specializing in tunnels from Saint Albans, WV, will visit the site in the coming weeks.
The Tunnel Green, which links downtown Wheeling to its spread out neighborhoods East of the city, closed late last year due to water leakage causing bricks to fall onto the walking path. Herron stated at the last city council meeting that the estimated cost of repair would likely soar above $500,000. Residents have taken to social media to air their grievances over the closure.
Councilor Seidler asked the city manager to speak with the West Virginia Division of Highways concerning a mess under the bridge connecting the Island to Ohio.
The city of Wheeling is holding a community input session regarding its 10-year comprehensive plan. This process is required by WV state code, and can dramatically impact the priorities of the city over the next decade. Those interested are invited to attend a meeting at the West Virginia Northern Community College on Monday, February 12, at 6:00 p.m.
In other council news, the body approved $45,000 in funding for rehabilitation Wells 5 and 6. It is not immediately clear to this reporter what these wells are, or where they are located. $84,000 in ARPA funding was approved for the purchase of security cameras and key FOBs for the Centre Market building. An $8,200 invoice related to the 58 19th Street remediation project was approved. $48,700 was approved for the purchase of new glock pistols for the Wheeling Police Department.
The purchase of new weapons for the Wheeling Police Department occurs every 7-8 years, according to the city manager. The glock pistols approved by the council will replace the current Smith and Wesson models used by law enforcement officers.
Officers will have the opportunity to purchase their retired firearms from the city.
At least four prospective mayoral candidates, Councilor Rosemary Ketchum, Ward 3, Vice Mayor Chad Thalman, Ward 1, candidate Beth Hinebaugh, and candidate J.T. Thomas, were in attendance today. For the two political newcomers, the meeting served as a chance to witness what their potential role could be come July 2024.
Councilors Ben Seidler, Ward 2, Jerry Sklavounakis, Ward 4, Ty Thorngate, Ward 5, and Dave Palmer, Ward 6, who are running for re-election to their respective wards, were also in attendance.
Because of this informal candidate meeting, Councilor Palmer asked that the city solicitor Rosemary Humway-Warmuth, explain the city’s rules regarding political advertisements.
Signs are prohibited from public right-of-ways. Any candidate in violation of this ban will see their signs removed and held by the city for up to ten days. Candidates are prohibited from posting election-related signs until 30-days before the election, and must remove their signs by the 10th day after the election.
Members of the public who wish to display signs are entitled to do so whenever they please. Posting of election related material on one’s property is a first amendment protected activity.
The city council will reconvene on February 20.