By Leigh C. Merrifield
Shinnston City Council held its regular meeting on July 13th . In the absence of both the Mayor and Vice-Mayor, the meeting was conducted by longstanding Council member Mary Ann Ferris.
Several citizens petitioned to speak of their concerns. Steve Miker was the first to address Council regarding the revocation of a pool pass and if it included ALL activities on park property. The City Manager will discuss this further with those in charge of park decisions.
Joe Roberts was displeased that the library would not allow Faith Baptist Church members to use their electricity when providing food for the hungry in the adjacent parking lot. He also drew Council’s attention to unsightly trash lying around the park and pool area and at the dumpster. Mr. Roberts was directed to take the electricity issue up with the Library Board. The City Manager will address the park trash issue with the company that provides garbage pickup.
Chris Greaver was the last to speak, and he first applauded the high quality of the Independence Day celebration at the park this year. He also commented that he had noticed police doing more patrolling in East Shinnston for speeders and hoped they were at least issuing warnings to slow down. He also suggested that someone should be posting City events on its website instead of mostly on Facebook which many folks don’t follow.
The City Manager’s report included:
informing Council that the software technician had completed corrections needed in their system for bank reconciliations and will schedule a follow-up to ensure it remains working well. The City should still meet its timeline for the accountants’ visit.
She also reported that Council would have to hold a special meeting to approve budget revisions for carryovers.
Mayor Kovalck, the City Manager, City Clerk Kathleen Panek and Council member Vance Sosinsky have registered to attend the meeting of the Municipal League in Charleston on August 5th & 6th.
Mrs. Drainer will be taking part in a virtual class offered by the Public Service Commission.
The Mayor and City Manager will also be attending a meeting on plans for work on the South Shinnston bridge.
The Police Clerk will be temporarily working from the City’s office building while improvements are made at Police Headquarters.
Upcoming event dates were noted: Shakespeare in the Park on July 19th; City Wide Yard Sale on July 25th; and Shindy 2026 at the park on August 1st.
All new medical kits have been ordered for the pool, sewer plant, and an updated one for the Public Works garage.
The project outline for the dog park on West Side has been drawn up and Public Works has begun to clear the landscape.
Old Business included discussing the project outline for the Boat Ramp; construction is scheduled to begin in 2027.
Council also reviewed the proposed project outline for Phase 3 of the water improvement project. The City Manager has worked closely with Richard Gaines of Stantec and a few cuts were made. Mr. Gaines will put in a change order and start the process moving forward. Mrs. Ferris commented that this has been on hold long enough, and to avoid more costs going up, it needs to begin ASAP.
New business included naming a new Councilperson to sign City checks (replacing Amanda Sayers). Newly elected Council member Kimberly Howell agreed to be the new signatory.
Council also discussed the proposal for a replacement meter truck for Public Works. Bids will be gathered, and the City Manager confirmed that this expenditure had been included in the budget.
Another discussion was held to consider the request for the abandonment of a portion of an alley near Mercer Street. It was noted that all property owners would need to be contacted and any legal expenses would not be paid by the City.
The City Manager offered detailed plans of what would be handled in the coming months. The 30-day plan will encompass sidewalk replacement on the 400 block of Pike Street, 6 water tap installations, cleanup of properties for the Dog Park, and trenching revision for Walnut Street.
The 60-day plan includes 6” water line replacements, and the 90-day plan is cleanup for the Park Project on West Side.
The City Manager noted that Public Works had done an overwhelming amount of work in July, and they would be requested to set aside time slots to do beautification and cleanup of City property at the end of each week and the beginning of the following weeks.
Brendan Gallagher spoke briefly on the amount of high praise that was voiced regarding the July 1st celebration of our country’s 250th anniversary. Gallagher said it was a result of a highly coordinated effort of many people. “The only complaint I was given was that perhaps the sound amplification of the concert might have been a little much. I must compliment the Public Works Department who by the following morning had the park looking like nothing had ever happened there the night before.”
Following the meeting’s adjournment, Council met briefly to discuss personnel matter.
