Wheeling City Council Meeting May 19, 2026: Demolition Contract, Fireworks, and Community Updates
Wheeling City Council Meeting – May 19, 2026
The Wheeling City Council met on May 19, 2026, to address a demolition contract, public comments on historic preservation, council member remarks, city manager reports, and several original propositions. The meeting opened with a prayer and pledge of allegiance, followed by roll call (quorum present) and approval of the May 5, 2026 meeting minutes.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Kirby Pringle (104 14th Street) expressed strong opposition to the city's demolition practices. He argued that buildings 50 years or older with cultural, historic, or architectural significance should be preserved. He requested an environmental impact report or historic structures report before demolitions, criticized current urban development policies as "disastrous," and urged the council to consult a professional historian. He noted a large group of frustrated residents shared his concerns.
Discussion Items
- Demolition Contract (Ordinance) – The council considered an ordinance authorizing a $104,800 expenditure with Edge Co of Lansing, Ohio for abatement and demolition of ten properties, funded by a West Virginia CDBG grant. City Manager Heron explained the buildings underwent a rigorous evaluation by the building department and the Historic Landmarks Commission. He noted the state may not fully fund the contract. The ordinance was approved after a motion and second.
- Streetscape & Bioswales – During the city manager's report, Councilwoman Kane raised concerns about a vehicle driving into a bioswale. Heron explained the bioswales are part of stormwater management required for the streetscape project and that fencing was not planned, comparing it to Heritage Port where walking near the river is permitted.
- Fireworks and Four-Way Stop (Original Propositions) – Two ordinances were introduced: one to create a four-way stop at 18th and Wood Street, and another authorizing $66,000 for a fireworks display with the Wheeling Symphony. No vote was taken on these ordinances; they were read and may be considered at a future meeting.
Key Outcomes
- Minutes Approved – Meeting minutes from May 5, 2026, were approved unanimously.
- Demolition Ordinance Adopted – Ordinance authorizing $104,800 for demolition of ten properties passed.
- Resolution Adopted – Resolution approving the fiscal year 2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Home Investment Partnership Programs, authorizing the annual action plan filing with HUD, was approved unanimously.
- Hall of Fame Board Minutes – Minutes from April 14, 2026, were held over for further review.
- Mayor's Report – Congratulated the Wheeling Nailers on winning a game in the Eastern Conference Finals and wished residents a safe Memorial Day weekend.
- Council Remarks – Councilwoman Kane thanked volunteers for a downtown cleanup, noted paving improvements on South Entable Street, and urged community support for the Nailers. Councilman Palmer reminded of the Ward 6 crime watch meeting and Memorial Day weekend travel adjustments. Councilman Sarrow had no remarks.
- City Manager Report – Provided updates: Clay School demolition is 50% complete; Glenwood Road slip project completed, paving next week; streetscape project nearing completion on Market Street and cross streets, with landscaping turnover expected within two weeks; bioswales are functioning as stormwater management, with accidents considered unfortunate but not prompting changes.
Meeting Transcript
Let us pray that we all may work together for the betterment of our city, respecting each other's perspectives and striving for fairness. Let us seek wisdom and understanding as we make decisions that will impact all residents. Let us pray for our city to have compassion and unity for our well beings. Amen. Amen. I forgot allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. And to republic for which it stands one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. We now call the Willing City Council meeting of May 19, 2026 to order. And we would ask the clerk to please call the roll. Mr. Asario? Here. Ms. Kane here. Mayor McGruder? Here. Mr. Palmer? Mr. Seidler. Mr. Slavonakis. Mr. Thorngate. Quorum is present. Thank you. We have the meeting minutes from May 5 of 2026 in front of us. Is there a motion to accept those as received? So any discussion, changes, additions. Hearing none of that, all those in favor signify by saying aye. All those opposed. And that the motions approved. We will uh receive the minutes as as we seen. Uh mayor's report tonight. I got a couple things. I just want to take a minute to congratulate our wheelie nailers. What a spectacular series they just completed last night with a very thrilling win at West Banco Arena. So we're on the way to a Kelly Cup, folks, we hope. Just so that you know, they will play again at home on Wednesday, May 27th, Friday, May 29. And if we don't win the first four, we'll have to play Saturday on May 30 as well. So no, there will probably be likely three three more games of wheeling. That's the other thing I'd like to congratulate the fans, the audience. There was a tremendous crowd last night. There's been good attendance throughout the series. It does make a difference. So thank you. And if you see uh anybody in the organization, give them your best. And I also want to recognize our friends at West Bank Arena. Magnificent job they've been doing. They had six different events and six nights that they had to change from ice to uh different events to football to banquets back and forth.
openpublica.com