By Leigh C. Merrifield
Shinnston City Council held its monthly work session on March 23 rd , a week earlier than usual due to the timeline of budget constraints. They first heard petitions of a few citizens.
Mark Southern spoke first, saying he had questions about what he heard the City had plans to do on Robinson Court, the alley between Born & Bred and a building he owns. Mayor Kovalck explained that they were considering closing that alleyway to vehicular traffic and using it as an outdoor eating space with tables and chairs for public use. While Mr. Southern found resistance to the idea of the tables and chairs being there permanently, he said he would give it more thought before formidably opposing it.
David Minor and Jim Scudere were present to represent the group that has hosted the “Party on the Green” for the past several years in August. Scudere read a letter from organizer Steve Glass, asking if the City would again partner with them as a sponsor of this event, which will be held on August 15 th this year. The event that offers continuous live musical entertainment throughout the afternoon and evening, has never failed to draw a large crowd and is open to everyone, not just Shinnston and Lincoln High School graduates. If the City agrees to being a sponsor, they have been asked for a monetary donation along with providing four portable toilets, garbage cans, and liability insurance.. Mayor Kovalck said that Council would consider the request but could not vote until its next regular meeting.
In his executive report, Mayor Kovalck stated that despite cold weather, the community’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade had grown since last year, but he would like to see it flourish even further in the future.
City Manager Troi Drainer formally announced that the Union contract with City employees had passed unanimously. She also noted that there had been some issues with Worthington’s water supply and that it is being examined.
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She has also been having conversations with City Attorney Trey Simmerman regarding a resolution about signage on Robinson Ct. and Church Ct. (beside the Lord’s Pantry). This matter is not definitely resolved at this time.
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The Budget has been approved and published.
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The City Attorney has approved the deed for the West Side property that was donated to be utilized for a park facility there.
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Public Works will set the pole for the post for the Little Free Library at Ferguson Memorial Park in the coming week.
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Conversations have begun with Greater Harrison to gain another retail customer by adding water supply to Coon’s Run.
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Drainer stated that a contractor has been officially chosen by the DOH for reconstruction of the South Shinnston bridge (near Gibby’s), a bridge that is 102 years old; this contractor will also be used for the Rail Trail repair. Start date not yet announced.
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As Council had previously discussed, Mrs. Drainer noted that the City Attorney had given her a list of possible incentives to encourage community development that other cities have used. Some of those ideas included offering incentives such as B&O tax credits, historic rehabilitation tax credits, façade grants, and others.
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Drainer has also been meeting with an engineer relating to upgrading the line in Enterprise to a six-inch line for a housing area/trailer park (23- 28 homes).
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Among discussion items, Council was given a copy of the street sweeping schedule that will continue throughout the downtown area and neighborhoods through May 1 st .
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Hydrant flushing will begin April 27 th , and the City Manager cautions water customers that opening hydrants will typically stir residue and turn water brown in the lines for a short time, so it would be advisable to avoid doing laundry until water flushing is completed. A schedule of locations and dates for flushing will be published as was done for the street sweeping so that residents are aware.
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A paving list has been given to Gary Amos (Amos Paving & Excavating) for pricing. A definitive list of locations and dates will be posted for this as well prior to this project beginning. Those streets with the most need of repair will be addressed first. Milling will be done if required.
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There have been some concerns about storm sewer drainage by the car wash across from Price Cutter that is being investigated. A similar situation occurred near GoMart where cinders and debris have been shoveled and removed and are now draining properly there.
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A season manager has been hired for Ferguson Memorial Park and Pool. Savannah Varner will return to that position and will be there daily. Pool Maintenance has also been addressed; the railing to the slide has been stabilized and the structure beam has been replaced.
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Council also devoted time to discussing the 2027 Excess Levy that will be on the May 12 th ballot. Mayor Kovalck stated, “We can’t stress enough the importance of making it clear to our voters that this is NOT an additional levy; it is merely a continuance of the existing levy that provides funds that enable us to pave our streets and sidewalks, as well as to maintain our park and pool facility. It is important that this continues!”
Watch in upcoming issues for details on some of the City’s upcoming summer events; details of these will be posted as dates draw nearer.