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Record of Proceedings

Wheeling City Council Meeting: March 3, 2026 – Housing Task Force, Fig Reddy Award, Hockey Proclamation, and Multiple Expenditure Approvals

City Council — Tuesday, March 3, 2026
BodyWheeling, West Virginia
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, March 3, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 19:44

Original source
Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it
0:08

Please rise.

0:13

Let us pray that we all may work together for the betterment of our city, respecting each other's perspective and striving for fairness.

0:21

Let us seek wisdom and understanding as we make decisions that will impact our residents.

0:26

Let us pray for our city to have compassion and unity for our well-being.

0:33

I want to wish with liberty and justice.

0:45

Wow.

0:51

We now call the Wheeling City Council meeting of March 3, 2026 to order and ask the clerk the please call the law.

0:58

Mr.

0:58

Asaro?

0:59

Here.

1:00

Ms.

1:00

King?

1:00

Here.

1:01

Mayor McGrunner.

1:02

Here.

1:02

Mr.

1:02

Palmer?

1:03

Here.

1:03

Mr.

1:03

Siler.

1:04

Here.

1:04

Mr.

1:05

Sklavanakis.

1:06

Here.

1:06

And Mr.

1:06

Thorngate.

1:07

Here.

1:07

Quorum is present.

1:09

Thank you.

1:10

We do have the February 17, 2026 council meetings in front of minutes in front of us.

1:15

Is there a motion to accept those as received?

1:17

So second.

1:19

Is there any discussion or additions changes?

1:22

Hearing none, I'd ask all those in favor, signify by saying aye.

1:25

Aye.

1:26

Those opposed.

1:27

And those minutes are received.

1:29

Approved as received.

1:31

We're down to the mayor's report.

1:33

A couple brief uh items tonight.

1:35

Just wanted to let folks know, you know, we talked last week about the housing development task force at Task Force will hold their first meeting on this Friday here at the at the City Hall.

1:46

Uh Mr.

1:46

William Bryson will be chairing that committee.

1:49

The committee meetings are closed to the public, so I think we got their work done, but there'll be some updates and reports as we move along.

1:57

I'm really pleased with the number of folks who have stepped up and agreed to be members of that uh meaningful committee.

2:03

The other thing I want to take a minute tonight to say congratulations uh to Tony Figueroa in the Fig Reddy Restaurant.

2:09

I know most of us have probably seen via the news the last couple days that they've been awarded the James Beard Foundation uh America's classic restaurant award.

2:18

It's pretty significant and not only recognizes good food, but a classic performance, a restaurant that's usually uh family-owned small restaurant in a great community uh that's been in business for a long time, and they certainly fit that bill.

2:31

So without further ado, uh please know our congratulations uh to the restaurant.

2:37

Another exciting uh element here tonight, we have another group of champions in our company.

2:44

And it sounds like you know, they used to call Pittsburgh the City of Champs.

2:47

That's not true.

2:48

It's wheeling.

2:49

So we have a proclamation here for the Wheeling Park uh Hockey Club.

2:54

Whereas the Wheeling Park Patriots hockey team demonstrated extraordinary skill, determination, and teamwork in securing the 2026 West Virginia State Hockey Championships championships title, and whereas the Patriots captured back-to-back state championships with a very decisive 6-2 victory over Morgantown's Mohawks at West Bank Arena, showcasing resilience and championship character.

3:19

And whereas, after facing an early 2-0 deficit, the Patriots responded with six unanswered goals, reflecting their unwavering commitment to perseverance, discipline, and team unity.

3:31

And whereas head coach Mato Crett in his first year leading the program inspired his players to remain true to their values and play with relentless, honest discipline and smart hockey, guiding them in the pinnacle to the pinnacle of success.

3:48

And whereas standout performances throughout their championship game highlighted the team's depth and talent, including goals by Cooper Abraham, Parker Jasco, John Tatich, Luke Simonetti, and Gavin Hudrick, with Luke Simonetti earning the tournament MVP honor and Parker Jasco being named the game MVP.

4:10

And whereas the Patriots achievement is a testament not only to the athletic excellence, but also to the dedication of their coaches, families, and the spirit and support of the Wheeling Park student body and community.

4:24

And whereas the City of Wheeling takes great pride in the accomplishments of these outstanding student athletes who represent our community with integrity, sportsmanship, and excellence, both on and off the ice.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural█████████████████████████████████████████████57%
Engineering And Infrastructure████████████████████████31%
Water And Wastewater Management██████8%
Public Safety███4%
Summary of Proceedings

Wheeling City Council Meeting: March 3, 2026

The Wheeling City Council met on March 3, 2026, and addressed a range of items including the formation of a housing development task force, a James Beard Foundation award for a local restaurant, a proclamation honoring the Wheeling Park Patriots hockey team, and approval of numerous expenditure ordinances for vehicles, equipment, and demolition. All votes were unanimous.

Consent Calendar

  • Minutes approved: The February 17, 2026 council meeting minutes were approved as received.
  • Committee minutes accepted: The Public Works Committee minutes of February 17, 2026 and the Finance Committee minutes of February 17, 2026 were accepted as received.

Mayor's Report

  • Housing Development Task Force: Mayor Denny McGruder announced the first meeting of the Housing Development Task Force will be held on Friday, March 6, 2026 at City Hall. William Bryson will chair the committee. The meetings are closed to the public, but updates and reports will be provided.
  • Fig Reddy Restaurant Recognition: The mayor congratulated Tony Figueroa and Fig Reddy Restaurant for being awarded the James Beard Foundation's America's Classic Restaurant award, highlighting the restaurant's decades of service and family ownership.
  • Proclamation for Wheeling Park Patriots Hockey Team: The council issued a proclamation honoring the Wheeling Park Patriots hockey team for winning the 2026 West Virginia State Hockey Championship with a 6-2 victory over Morgantown. The team rallied from a 2-0 deficit, scoring six unanswered goals. Standout players included Cooper Abraham, Parker Jasco (game MVP), John Tatich, Luke Simonetti (tournament MVP), and Gavin Hudrick. The proclamation also wished the team success in national competition.

Council Remarks

  • Councilor Kane: Reminded that all Crime Watch areas are in operation this month and that the Crime Watch meeting will be on March 4, 2026 at 5:30 PM at the police station. Also congratulated Fig Reddy Restaurant.
  • Councilor Thorngate: Had no remarks.
  • Councilor Palmer: Provided a legislative update, noting crossover day and promising to send updates. Recognized John J. Letter, a "Stadium Chaser" who praised West Banco Arena and Wheeling University. Wished Michelle Rajanos a happy birthday.
  • Councilor Asaro: Announced that Crime Watch will return on March 12, 2026 at 7:00 PM at Word of Christ Church, and that a cleanup dumpster will be in Warwood on March 20, 2026 at Garden Park on the Richland Avenue side.
  • Councilor Siler: Brought awareness to the flooding season, noting river levels are currently not in a danger zone but urging residents to monitor weather.gov and river levels.

City Manager Report

  • Canine Purchase: Requested two readings on the ordinance to purchase a police narcotics canine from Mary K9 Services LLC ($19,000, with $15,000 reimbursed by the Stanton Foundation and $4,000 from the police department) because a dog became available early and training begins March 17, 2026. Council approved the request and passed the ordinance.
  • Heritage Port Tree Removal: Completed by LaRosha Tree Service, improving the view from West Banco Arena and 14th Street. A management plan is being developed to prevent regrowth.
  • Sludge Removal at Wastewater Treatment Plant: Approximately 30% complete; sludge from digesters is being removed. The sludge had caused odor issues for the past year. Valve replacements and digester restoration are expected to be finished this summer.
  • Congressionally Directed Spending Requests: The city will submit two requests to Congressman Riley Moore by March 6, 2026: the Glenwood Road Slip Project ($4.3 million total, $3.44 million requested, local match $860,000) and the Hemphill Tunnel repair on the Heritage Port Trail ($1.2 million, no local match). Schedules for Senators Justice and Capito are pending.
  • Elm Run: Engineering funding was previously received; engineering is not yet complete. Once done, the Corps of Engineers may utilize a non-CDS program. If not, the city will consider it in the next round.

Unfinished Business – Ordinances Approved

  • Grate Inlet Solutions LLC: $16,674.39 for replacement plug and swing check valves for water pollution control. (Unanimous)
  • GM Baker and Son Moody's: $25,780 for well pump number three rehab for water department. (Unanimous)
  • Dilapidated Structures Assessment: Ordinance fixing assessments for razing dilapidated structures on real property in accordance with state code. (Unanimous)

Original Propositions – Ordinances Approved

All following ordinances were introduced and adopted on first or second reading as noted:

  • Two 2026 Ford Super Duty 1-ton trucks for operations division: $101,430 to Wolts and Win Ford Inc. (Regular RCIP)
  • 2026 Ford F250 truck for vehicle maintenance: $77,354 to Wolts and Win Ford Inc. (Funded $50,000 project fund, $13,677 water, $13,677 sewer)
  • Telemetry system for tank levels and alarms: $15,724 to C2G Engineering Inc. (Water pollution control)
  • Grass cutting services agreement with Top Notch Landscaping and Supply LLC: $90,222 (General fund)
  • CDBG Street Reconstruction (Grandview Street and part of 12th Street): $201,455.74 to Castin Baker (CDBG)
  • 2026 GMC Sierra pickup truck for water department: $45,561 to Whiteside (Water vehicle replacement fund)
  • 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer for water department: $29,391 to Whiteside (Water vehicle replacement fund)
  • Demolition of Clay School: $459,300 to Ray's International Inc. (Funded $319,440 WV DLAP grant, $139,860 project fund)
  • Police narcotics canine and training: $19,000 to Mary K9 Services LLC (Second reading; $15,000 Stanton Canine Foundation, $4,000 police department). Approved unanimously.

Hall of Fame Minutes

  • The minutes from the Hall of Fame meeting of January 13, 2026 were held over.

Key Outcomes

  • All votes unanimous. No public comments were made.
  • Next steps: Housing task force meets March 6; CDS requests submitted by March 7; sludge removal continues with digester restoration expected summer 2026; engineering for Elm Run ongoing.

Meeting Transcript

Please rise. Let us pray that we all may work together for the betterment of our city, respecting each other's perspective and striving for fairness. Let us seek wisdom and understanding as we make decisions that will impact our residents. Let us pray for our city to have compassion and unity for our well-being. I want to wish with liberty and justice. Wow. We now call the Wheeling City Council meeting of March 3, 2026 to order and ask the clerk the please call the law. Mr. Asaro? Here. Ms. King? Here. Mayor McGrunner. Here. Mr. Palmer? Here. Mr. Siler. Here. Mr. Sklavanakis. Here. And Mr. Thorngate. Here. Quorum is present. Thank you. We do have the February 17, 2026 council meetings in front of minutes in front of us. Is there a motion to accept those as received? So second. Is there any discussion or additions changes? Hearing none, I'd ask all those in favor, signify by saying aye. Aye. Those opposed. And those minutes are received. Approved as received. We're down to the mayor's report. A couple brief uh items tonight. Just wanted to let folks know, you know, we talked last week about the housing development task force at Task Force will hold their first meeting on this Friday here at the at the City Hall. Uh Mr. William Bryson will be chairing that committee. The committee meetings are closed to the public, so I think we got their work done, but there'll be some updates and reports as we move along. I'm really pleased with the number of folks who have stepped up and agreed to be members of that uh meaningful committee. The other thing I want to take a minute tonight to say congratulations uh to Tony Figueroa in the Fig Reddy Restaurant. I know most of us have probably seen via the news the last couple days that they've been awarded the James Beard Foundation uh America's classic restaurant award. It's pretty significant and not only recognizes good food, but a classic performance, a restaurant that's usually uh family-owned small restaurant in a great community uh that's been in business for a long time, and they certainly fit that bill. So without further ado, uh please know our congratulations uh to the restaurant. Another exciting uh element here tonight, we have another group of champions in our company.

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