Wheeling City Council Meeting – July 21, 2026

The Wheeling City Council met on July 21, 2026, with Vice Mayor Slavonakus presiding in the absence of Mayor McGreter. The meeting covered routine approvals, public works contracts, demolition projects, and a public nuisance declaration. Key actions included approval of a $791,761.10 street resurfacing contract, a $147,659.20 water service contract, and a resolution to begin abatement of a nuisance property with animal welfare concerns. Council members also addressed public concerns about data center noise and received updates on festival events and transit celebrations.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes from the July 7, 2026 city council meeting were approved unanimously.
• Minutes from the May 26, 2026 Greater Wheeling Sports and Entertainment Authority meeting were accepted.
• Unfinished business ordinances passed without discussion: adoption of 2025 replacement pages to codified ordinances; authorization of $147,659.20 with Miller Pipeline for water service retirements; authorization of $139,234 with USI Insurance for workers’ compensation excess liability; zoning change of a 6.962-acre North Park parcel from R2 to R4; authorization of $15,499.54 for cybersecurity insurance (split across funds).

Discussion Items

• Public Works Contracts: Council discussed a $28,000 one-year contract with Top Notch Landscaping for streetscape maintenance on Main and Market streets and cross streets. City staff clarified that bioswales outside city hall are under state responsibility and not part of this contract. The contract was approved.
• Paving Contract: The city manager requested two readings on the $791,761.10 street resurfacing ordinance to allow the contractor to proceed quickly. Council approved the ordinance after a brief comment urging support.
• Public Nuisance Declaration: A resolution was introduced for property at 11 Florida Street due to numerous code violations, including improper care of a large number of dogs. The city manager explained the focus is on animal welfare, not the house, and a hearing will be held. Council passed the resolution to initiate the process.
• City Manager’s Report:
  • Clay School demolition is 90% complete; staff commended M&G Architects and Ray’s demolition for excellent work.
  • DLAP funding received for demolition of eight to nine residential structures, confirming council’s early action was beneficial.
  • A $150,000 TAP grant (with $30,000 city match) was awarded for engineering design of the Hemphunnel trail tunnel restoration; a future construction grant is anticipated.
  • Wastewater treatment plant odor issues have been mostly resolved, though occasional odor may occur due to weather or discharges.
• Council Remarks:
  • Councilman Asaro requested baseline sound and infra-sound readings in Warwood (Third Street, Warwood School, Clifton Avenue) day and night to address data center concerns, stating “you are being heard.”
  • Councilman Palmer noted a rescheduled Ward 6 Crime Watch meeting and affirmed that council is listening but must follow laws and ordinances.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were presented during the meeting; the session adjourned as individuals were signed up but no testimony appears in the transcript.

Key Outcomes

• Approval of $791,761.10 street resurfacing contract with Caston Baker (split between RCIP and city service fee).
• Approval of $147,659.20 contract with Miller Pipeline for water service retirements.
• Approval of $28,000 streetscape maintenance contract with Top Notch Landscaping.
• Approval of $139,234 workers’ compensation excess liability policy with USI Insurance.
• Approval of $130,000 abatement and demolition contract for the TCI building (2184 National Road) using DLAP funding.
• Approval of $15,499.54 cybersecurity insurance policy.
• Approval of $32,551.22 for fire department turnout gear with Arnold Fire Equipment.
• Approval of $21,216 for vehicle alerts and monitoring with Samsara.
• Approval of no-parking zone extensions (Woodlawn Lane, Valley View/ABC streets).
• Adoption of resolutions approving budget revision for the general fund and coal severance fund.
• Adoption of a resolution changing the August 4, 2026 council meeting to August 11, 2026.
• Initiation of public nuisance proceedings for 11 Florida Street, with a future hearing scheduled.
• A request for sound readings in Warwood will be considered; no formal vote was taken.
• The city manager will issue a notice to proceed for the paving contract.