By Kara Linaburg
In the June 26 city council meeting, a list was presented of items of action completed for the fiscal year of 2023 by the city council. The list is as follows:
- Paved seven roads
- 2. Established street sweeping schedule
- Established hydrant flushing schedule
- Painted hydrants
- Replaced and upgraded telemetry for the tanks
- Completed AMR project
- Paid off one water bond (in December 2022)
- Built two new pavillions
- 14 new businesses opened
- Both sidewalks complete
- Initiated DEO program for dilapidated house demolition
- Installed electric source at performance center for music
- Two years’ worth of audits complete
- Installed new phone system
- Created fire safety inspection program
- Painted the pool
- Fixed water slide, pool pipes, and repaired two pumps
- Reopened the parking lot on Pike Street
- Upgraded and restructured building inspection program
- Three new events established: St Patrick’s Day parade, Rollin’ Coal Brew Festival, and Shindyfest
- Booked headline acts for summer tour concert
- Added signs to the citywide sign project
- Fixed drainage and road where VanRufus and Oakwood meet
- Acquired two properties on Charles Street to demo so that little league can be seen when entering Shinnston
Mayor Rodney Strait, in his brief report, said that the new pavilion on the hill is nearly complete. “They need to run electricity to it and finish up a few minor things on the outside of it.”
A ten thousand dollar donation has also been given towards the park, which Strait said will be announced at the July 4th celebration.
City manager Chad Edwards said of the art walk and farmers market that happened in Shinnston June 17, “turnout was not quite what we were hoping for, but I think it was successful.” He said this will be an annual event, and they plan to find new ways to see all the vendors.
“It was kinda spread out,” he said, as a way to get people to walk through the town. He said the city will learn from any mistakes and be even more successful going forwards.
The parking lot near Casey’s is officially “ open for use.” Edwards said, “there is plenty of room to turn around,” and “there’s been no backlash,” from the citizens nor anyone else about the opening. Edwards said that they still plan on doing a sidewalk of sorts, which has been discussed by the council in the past in order to follow DOH regulations.
Edwards also took the time in his report to thank the Lion’s Club for the dinner they held for the city’s employees. “It was very nice,” he said. Several of the council members had been able to attend and enjoyed the food and appreciated the Lion’s Club efforts.
