Public Meetings - Wheeling, West Virginia

The Wheeling City Council convened on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, for its regular session. After opening the meeting with a prayer and confirming a quorum, the Council approved the previous meeting's minutes, held a public hearing on the CDBG program, heard remarks from members and the city manager, and addressed numerous ordinances concerning infrastructure, water and sewer operations, and park improvements. Consent Calendar - The minutes of the September 2, 2025, City Council meeting were approved by a unanimous voice vote. - Minutes from the Traffic Commission (August 14, 2025) and the Historic Landmarks Commission (August 7, 2025) were received and held over without discussion. Public Comments & Testimony - Council exited the regular order of business to hold a public hearing on the Fiscal Year Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. The hearing was concluded and the Council returned to its regular session. - A member of the public, Monica Miles, was called to speak under "Wishing to be Heard," but the transcript concludes before her remarks begin. Council Member Remarks - A council member praised the Richie Town Renaissance 9-11 care and repair group for their volunteer work painting homes, repairing steps, and cutting grass for residents. - Councilor Palmer announced that a Crime Watch meeting for Ward 6 will be held on the following evening at 5:30 PM at the Algrove Civics. - Councilor Fiber expressed strong frustration over issues at a playground in Fulton, reporting that a moved port-a-john and homeless encampments are creating unsanitary conditions. He called for a solution, including potentially locking the facility. City Manager Report and Discussion Items City/County Building Renovations: City Manager Heron stated that the next renovation phase will close the current council chambers (first floor) for three to five months, beginning between mid-October and December 2025. The Finance and Water Departments will relocate to the completed former police area. Council meetings will be held in the second or fifth floor courtrooms during this time. Federal Flood Assistance: Manager Heron reported that President Trump declared the Father's Day flood event a disaster for Ohio County, making it eligible for FEMA public assistance. FEMA will begin its assessment on Thursday. The federal government will reimburse 75% of eligible costs. The city manager confirmed that debris removal from creeks is an eligible expense and is currently being coordinated with the state. Oakleby Park Improvement Bonds: The City Manager introduced an ordinance authorizing up to $12 million in conduit revenue bonds for the Wheeling Park Commission to improve Wilson Lodge and the Good Zoo. He emphasized that the bonds carry no financial obligation or credit impact to the city. The ordinance requires three readings and a public hearing. Wastewater Treatment Plant Emergency: Manager Heron requested and received an emergency second reading for an ordinance to contract T.S. Elliott Contracting LLC for $23,730 to replace failed ventilation units in the wastewater plant's bar screen room, citing it as an urgent safety issue. Key Outcomes - Approved on Emergency Second Reading: Ordinance authorizing $23,730 to T.S. Elliott Contracting LLC for replacement ventilation units. The vote was recorded and passed without opposition. - Introduced on First Reading: - Ordinance for up to $80 million in Combined Waterworks and Sewerage System Improvement Revenue Bonds (Series 2025). - Ordinances to establish and update water and sewer rates. - Contract with Atlas Environmental Management ($18,080) for temporary frac tank rental. - Contracts with Hydraulic Services Inc. totaling $67,476.50 for gate cylinder purchases and rebuilding services. - Contract with Centrists (a Wisconsin firm) for $27,000 for centrifuge rental/purchase services. - Multiple contracts with Verdantis (formerly CT Consultants) for engineering services totaling $1.525 million: - $330,000 for Mozart and Clearview booster stations. - $433,000 for water treatment plant improvements. - $762,000 for water main improvements in Atlas, Carmel, Grandview, Opal, and Leewood. - Ordinance amending the Municipal Code to add a section on contempt of court. - Ordinance authorizing up to $12 million in Oakleby Park Improvement Revenue Bonds (Series 2025).

The Wheeling City Council met on September 2, 2025, with all members present. The council approved a series of ordinances for expenditures, a proclamation for Constitution Week, and received updates on streetlight repairs, the Elm Run drainage project, and other city initiatives. No public comment was recorded in the transcript beyond the introduction of a speaker. Consent Calendar - Minutes of the August 19, 2025 meeting were approved unanimously. - Ordinance authorizing $22,500 with James Wake Construction Company for valve replacement at Grandview Station (water) – approved. - Ordinance authorizing $27,000 with Centrus for centrifuge rental services (water pollution control) – approved. - Ordinance authorizing $27,504.85 with Jim Shorty Auto Group for a 2026 Trailblazer LS for the crisis response unit (West Virginia First Foundation grant) – approved. - Ordinance authorizing $22,506.02 with Colossus Inc. for the Caliber mobile software annual subscription (police department) – approved. - Ordinance vacating and abandoning a portion of an alley in Elmwood and authorizing quitclaim deeds – approved after a brief clarification. - Ordinance authorizing $284,871 with Jim Shorty Auto Group for seven police vehicles (four cruisers and three canine units) – approved after discussion regarding the vehicle count and annual replacement program. - Ordinance authorizing $133,006.55 with Aircom for equipment to outfit police vehicles – approved. - Ordinance authorizing $33,350.01 with Motorola Solutions for police cruiser radios – approved. - Ordinance authorizing $38,506 with Northside Chrysler Dodge Jeep and RAM for a 2024 Dodge Durango for the police department – approved. - Resolution approving invoices relating to the cleanup and remediation of the 5819th Street property – approved. - Resolution declaring the city's official intent to reimburse expenditures for water and sewer system improvements from future tax-exempt bonds – approved. Public Comments & Testimony - Carly Dittmar was recognized to speak, but the transcript cuts off before her comments were recorded. Discussion Items - Mayor's Report: Mayor Denny McGruder issued a proclamation declaring September 17–23 as Constitution Week. He also announced Greenwood and Mount Wood cemetery tours on September 7 (with parking at city lot six and shuttles) and the annual September 11th ceremony at Heritage Port at noon. - Clerk's Report: Notice of an application to operate a private club (Yeegger's Hogie King LLC) at 3900 Jacob Street was presented. - Councilor Racero: Requested updates on the AEP streetlight project and decorative lighting in the alley between Main and Market Streets. City Manager Heron reported that AEP will convert 44 lights on Zane and Virginia streets from high-pressure sodium to LED and has begun repairs. Councilor Racero expressed frustration over prolonged outages and called for the city to seek a credit from AEP. On decorative lighting, the city manager stated that a proposal is ready pending approval from Red. - Councilor King: Reported on the Ace Wheeling Co-op back-to-school basketball tournament, the East Wheeling Labor Day bookout, compliments on paving by Simplified Paving Group, and reminded that Arts and Cultural funding applications are due by October 30. - Councilor Thorngate: Announced the Elm Grove Civics 100-year anniversary open house on September 7, and emphasized that council members do substantial behind-the-scenes work between meetings. - City Manager Heron: Reported that six of eight alleys in the CDBG paving contract are complete; the Elm Run drainage project is progressing with property owner outreach for temporary construction easements (the Miller Avenue culvert will be included in this project); the West Virginia substance use response plan community conversation will be held on September 16 at Wheeling University; and the Valley View Storm Sanitary Sewer project will begin on September 8 with traffic disruptions expected for three weeks. - Streetlight Conversion Discussion: City Manager Heron confirmed that LED lights cost more per month (estimated $15–17 vs. $6.50 for high-pressure sodium) but use less electricity. The tariff is set by the Public Service Commission and is statewide. Councilor questioned whether the city could appeal to the PSC since the conversion is forced by parts unavailability. The city manager said he would look into the possibility. Key Outcomes - All consent calendar items and resolutions were approved without recorded opposition. - The council held over the planning commission minutes (July 14, 2025) and the GWSCA minutes (June 24, 2025). - No petitions or grievances were presented. - An ordinance authorizing the issuance of up to $80 million in combined waterworks and sewerage system improvement revenue bonds (series 2025) was introduced and approved under original propositions. - The city manager will continue discussions with AEP regarding the streetlight conversion and potential cost impacts.

The Wheeling City Council met on August 19, 2025, to address routine approvals, a public hearing, several expenditure ordinances, and reports from the mayor and city manager. Key topics included the approval of multiple contracts related to wastewater treatment, police vehicles, and software, as well as a council member's request to review code enforcement policies. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes of August 12, 2025. - Scheduled a public hearing on the Degasparus lease; no one registered to speak, so the hearing was closed and the council returned to regular session. Public Comments & Testimony - Carly Dipmore addressed the council regarding a dog-related situation in her neighborhood. The transcript is garbled, making it difficult to ascertain the full nature of her comments. Discussion Items - Mayor's Report: Reported that the Mountain Year Brew Fest on the waterfront was sold out and generated significant charitable contributions. The waterfront has been very busy this summer. Also noted the OVAC Hall of Fame Banquet at West Banco Arena had a large turnout. - Clerk's Report: Announced the annual report of the pension funding revenue bonds and a notice of application to operate a private club at 808 National Road (The Wheel). - Unfinished Business: Approved nine ordinances: - $17,400 with Edgeco Inc. for emergency demolition at 1113 Ohio Street (ARPA funds). - $177,358.13 with USI Insurance Services for excess liability workers' compensation policy. - $20,057.92 with Lesnar Wharton and Andrews Insurance for cybersecurity insurance (split among general fund, water, and water pollution control). - $27,000 with Centrus for rental services for centrifuge (water pollution control). - $947,500 with Savage Construction Company for Greenwood Storm Sewer Improvements (ARPA). - $382,640 with Fredantis Engineering for wastewater treatment sludge and dewatering services and centrifuge design (water pollution control and sewer bonds). - $32,899 with Past and Baker Corporation for 11th Street paving project (sales tax RCIP). - $165,000 transfer from arena RCIP to Greater Wheeling Sports and Entertainment Authority for concrete stair and landing replacement at West Banco Arena. - $332,250 with Mobile Solid Solutions for anaerobic digester cleaning, inspection, repair, and valve replacement (Contract A). - $1,330,630 with Raycon Construction Inc. for anaerobic digester cleaning, inspection, repair, and valve replacement (Contract E). - Councilman Palmer's Remarks: - Requested the city manager to obtain a cost estimate for reinstalling a flagpole at the former Perkins/LB's location along the interstate, describing it as a point of pride for the city. - Asked the legal department to evaluate whether code enforcement officers could enter rental properties at a tenant's request without landlord permission, citing concerns about tenant safety and valid complaints being blocked by landlords. - Vice Mayor Slavonakis's Remarks: Emphasized that wastewater treatment upgrades, while not glamorous, are essential to meet EPA standards and deliver clean water. Acknowledged community frustration with rate increases but stated the city has no choice but to address these issues. - City Manager Heron's Report: - The fire department headquarters project is near completion (punch list items remain); a public open house is tentatively scheduled for September 13, 2025. - The Clay School asbestos abatement contract has been signed; work is expected to begin next week and is a 90-day project. - Original Propositions: Introduced and approved several items: - $22,500 with James White Construction for valve replacement at Grandview Station (water). - $27,000 with Centrus for rental services for centrifuge (water pollution control). - $27,504.85 with Jim Shorty Auto Group for a 2026 Trailblazer LS for crisis response unit (West Virginia First Foundation grant). - $22,506.02 with Colossus Inc. for caliber mobile software annual subscription (police department). - Ordinance vacating and abandoning a portion of an alley in Elmwood and authorizing quit claim deeds. - $284,871 with Jim Shorey Auto Group for seven police vehicles. - $133,006.55 with Aircom for equipment to outfit police vehicles. - $33,350.01 with Motorola Solutions for police cruiser radios. - $38,506 with Northside Chrysler Dodge Gram for a 2024 Dodge Durango. - Resolution authorizing a lease with Mario and Patricia Degasparis for a portion of municipal-owned property adjacent to 114 Main Street and 121 Kenny Street (lease updating an agreement from the 1950s). - Resolution approving fiscal year 2025-2026 general fund budget revision number two. Key Outcomes - All ordinances and resolutions on the agenda were approved by unanimous votes (no recorded dissents). - The public hearing on the Degasparus lease was conducted without any registered speakers, and the lease resolution was subsequently approved. - Councilman Palmer's requests for a flagpole cost estimate and a legal review of code enforcement tenant-entry policies were referred to the city manager and legal department for action. - The city manager noted that the fire department headquarters project will be showcased at a public open house on September 13, 2025, with the move-in expected within a few weeks.

Wheeling City Council Meeting: August 12, 2025\n\nThe Wheeling City Council met on August 12, 2025, to address a range of administrative and public works items, including several ordinances for funding infrastructure projects, traffic safety measures, and public recognition of community achievements. All votes were unanimous unless noted. The meeting included a minor address discrepancy on a private club application and a request to waive the second reading on an e-citation system ordinance due to a grant deadline.\n\n Consent Calendar\n- All items under unfinished business and original propositions were approved unanimously by voice vote or recorded vote as noted below.\n\n Public Comments & Testimony\n- No public comments were made during the designated "those wishing to be heard" portion, though Carly Dipmar was present but did not speak.\n\n Discussion Items\n- Mayor's Report: The mayor recognized the Arts and Culture Committee for a successful arts fest at Wheeling Park, Bruce Wheeler for 24 years of producing the Blues Fest (now sold to Dan Millison at Waterfront Hall, with Wheeler continuing involvement), Jessica Zelinski for election as Secretary-Treasurer of the State Clerks Association, and the city staff and council for receiving a West Virginia Municipal League award for neighborhood program development projects.\n- Clerk's Report: A notice of application to operate a private club at 1281 National Road for Wakeham's FAR was presented. A council member noted the address appeared incorrect (suggesting it might be in the 2100 block or 281), and the clerk agreed to verify.\n- City Manager's Report: Robert Heron announced that Savage Construction will begin streetscaping on 12th Street between Main and Water on August 25, 2025, including new sidewalks and paving (trees already removed). He requested two readings for the e-citation system ordinance (Item 8 on the agenda) due to a grant deadline requiring submission by the end of the week. He also noted that the 11th Street paving project (Item 8 under original propositions) is the final piece of the Market Street parking structure project, originally intended but not part of the original contract.\n- Council Remarks: Vice Mayor Sklavenakis shared a positive reflection on a recent trip to Greece. Councilor Palmer thanked staff for the Municipal League award. Councilor Asaro reminded of the Ward One Crown Watch meeting at Ward Christian Church on Thursday at 7 p.m. Councilor Seidler requested increased grass cutting on city lots in two neighborhoods due to resident complaints.\n\n Key Outcomes\n- Unfinished Business (all approved by recorded vote):\n - Ordinance authorizing $48,350 to James Waite Construction Company for Duquesne Avenue and Valley View Avenue Sanitary Sewer Extension (ARPA-funded).\n - Ordinance authorizing $40,642.56 to Foster and Freeman for evidence collection equipment (2024 JAG grant).\n - Ordinance creating a traffic regulation at Route 2 and Northern Parkway to prohibit a right turn on red.\n - Ordinance creating a no-parking zone and installing a stop sign at Walden Avenue and Knox Lane.\n - Ordinance creating a four-way stop intersection and crosswalks at 17th and Wood Street.\n - Ordinance creating a loading zone from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 9 50 Main Street (for Bridge Tavern).\n- Traffic Commission Minutes from April 10, 2025: Accepted by voice vote.\n- Finance Committee Minutes from July 15, 2025: Accepted as received by voice vote.\n- Planning Commission Minutes from June 9, 2025: Held over by voice vote (no further action).\n- Original Propositions (all approved):\n - Ordinance for emergency demolition of 113 Ohio Street ($17,400, ARPA) – first reading.\n - Ordinance for excess liability workers compensation policy ($177,358.13, workers' comp funds) – first reading.\n - Ordinance for e-citation systems ($29,531.35, highway safety grant) – first and second reading approved (two readings granted per manager's request).\n - Ordinance for cybersecurity insurance ($20,057.92, split among funds) – first reading.\n - Ordinance for centrifuge rental services ($27,000, water pollution control) – first reading.\n - Ordinance for Greenwood Storm Sewer Improvements ($947,500, ARPA) – first reading.\n - Ordinance for wastewater treatment sludge dewatering services and centrifuge design ($382,640, water pollution control and sewer bonds) – first reading.\n - Ordinance for 11th Street Paving Project ($32,899, sales tax RCIP) – first reading.\n - Ordinance for concrete stair and landing replacement at WesBanco Arena ($165,000, arena RCIP to Greater Wheeling Sports and Entertainment Authority) – first reading.\n - Ordinance for anaerobic digester cleaning and repair (Contract A: $332,250, sewer bonds) – first reading.\n - Ordinance for anaerobic digester cleaning and repair (Contract B: $1,330,630, sewer bonds) – first reading.\n - Resolution accepting terms for Region 4 Highway Safety Program grant ($308,500) – approved by recorded vote.\n\n Notes\n- The clerk's report contained an address discrepancy for a private club application at 1281 National Road; the clerk will verify.\n- The city manager requested and received a waiver of the second reading for the e-citation system ordinance to meet a state grant deadline.\n- No public comment was made during the "those wishing to be heard" portion.