Shinnston City Council met on July 27th for its regular work session and a Special Meeting which included a Public Hearing. Expecting a greater crowd and several representatives from First Energy, the meeting was held at the Woman’s Club clubhouse to accommodate additional seating.
Following the standard opening practices, Mayor Patrick Kovalck welcomed those in attendance and moved the Public Hearing to the top of the agenda. The Public Hearing was to discuss First Energy/Harrison Power Station’s announcement to possibly terminate their water service with the City of Shinnston. The mayor encouraged those who wished to offer comments to do so with courtesy and respect, despite potential differences of opinions.
Mayor Kovalck explained to those attending that many years ago, the City was approached by officials from the Harrison Power Station, inquiring about the possibility of the City taking over their provision of water. The City did so, updating what was needed, adding a line and an additional tank to help the power plant in 2005, and has since been their water provider. He stated that the power plant would like to see a reduction of the charge they are paying the City ($4.14 per thousand gallons) because they feel they could build their own filtration system and save 50% of that cost.
The mayor stated, “Water rates for our citizens have not been raised since 2019, but should this occur, it will mean that we will have to confront that increase.”
He then introduced Tim Pingley, the power plant’s legal engagement specialist, who was the only plant spokesperson who attended. Mr. Pingley said they value the relationship they have with the City and added that their goal is not to hurt the City of Shinnston. However, he said they would like to see the City try to be competitive with the price cut they could have by handling their own water filtration.
Several people then offered their comments and asked questions. For instance, one person asked if the power plant paid a sewage fee like the residents do; the answer was no, they do not pay a sewage fee. This motivated another citizen to say that he felt businesses should be held to the same standards as citizens.
Another asked just how much of the water system’s income came from fees paid by the power plant. The answer was 41% of the city’s water budget comes from power plant fees. So, yes, this would most certainly hurt the City of Shinnston and its other water customers.
Shinnston resident Steve Cain worked for a company as an engineer back in the early 2000s when the City was approached by the power plant with a request for water. “They did not have enough water flow to take care of business,” he said. “It is important to know this information; the City of Shinnston rescued them and this project’s cost was 4.7 million dollars. It was a 40-year loan. Now, 20 years have passed and during that time, the power plant has had quality water to maintain their business, and their monthly bills have helped to make those loan payments. BUT, 20 years of that loan’s balance still remains, and I think the power company should still be helping the City repay the rest of that loan!”
Former mayor Sam DeMarco also recalled a time when garbage service was put out for bid and another contractor won the bid. The PSC denied the first bidder because it would have put the other vendor out of business. “I think it is important for everyone to know all this history from the past. If the PSC permits First Energy to move forward with this, it will strongly affect the City of Shinnston and its many residents/customers. They need to know this,” DeMarco stated.
Shinnston native Delegate Clay Riley was the last to take the floor. He mentioned that the rate the power plant has been paying for years was always considered to be fair, and now, at a time when everything is or has gone up, they want a reduction? “YES, it will greatly impact Shinnston citizens.
The Public Hearing then concluded and Council moved on to Petitions of Citizens.
Chris Greaver again approached Council about speeding and running red lights and nothing being done about it. He also cited examples when City police cannot be reached. He encouraged the City Manager and City Council to exercise the authority they have to get some results.
Chris Harrison also spoke about Code Enforcement needing to do some inspections and instead of just threatening to fine people, actually do it. He said it had been his experience that carrying through with fines makes a great deal of difference rather than just issuing warnings of potential fines.
Action items included: Coal Severance Budget’s 1st revision (passed); General Fund Budget’s 1st revision (passed); Change order for Phase 3 Water project (tabled for next meeting).
*City Manager Tori Drainer offered her executive report, noting that she had met with members of the DOH, Modjeski & Masters, and a third-party consultant regarding the South Shinnston Bridge. There had been a tentative plan of going to the left of the existing bridge coming into town, widening Monroe Street and taking the car lot out. Now, the property owner on the opposite side of the street, is willing to be bought out, so plans may need to be altered. Another meeting will be held soon to finalize plans. Construction is still intended to begin and be completed in 2027.
*The City has also received the go-ahead from the County Commission for the boat ramp and are working with Richard Gaines of Stantec and attorney Trey Simmerman to get the exhibits for the DOH.
*The Dog Park has been cleared of all debris and low hanging branches. The legal ad will be placed in the newspaper next week, inviting bids for the fence installation.
*Mrs. Drainer also gave a reminder about Shindy 2026 going on at Ferguson Memorial Park on August 1st from 1 p.m.- 10 p.m. It will include Farmers’ Market, craft vendors, inflatables, food, drinks, and lots of music.
Discussion items included:
Process for abandoning alleys: Councilperson Mary Ann Ferris said she thought that a policy should be established where all parties involved should be in agreement before an alley is abandoned.
Water/sewer projects will be done by City employees over the next 90 days, but note that work done on the Scudere property in Enterprise will take a great deal of time.
Councilman Andrew Kisamore noted that attention should be given to the area just north of Price Cutter clear to the 1st stoplight where there appears to be drainage issues that should be addressed. He also mentioned that Public Works might keep an eye out for eyesores, such as when fence rails along the trail are down, when garbage appears along our streets, etc. that are blemishes to the community. Kisamore also suggested that department heads submit reports, and police have 24 hour coverage and make it a priority to take and respond to calls.
Delegate Clay Riley made the final statement prior to adjournment. Riley announced that he met with the DNR Director and discussed getting the trail fixed and getting boats on the river. He asked for funding to be run through and felt they would quickly accommodate.
With no further business, the meeting adjourned, but an executive session was requested first to address legal and personnel matters; however, no action would be taken that evening.
