By Leigh C. Merrifield
Shinnston City Council was invited to hold its regular meeting on June 8th at the Bice-Ferguson Museum, which gave City officials as well as all in attendance the opportunity to view the large impressive gallery of framed photos donated by former local, Dr. Paul Skinner.
It was a perfect evening to feature this historic viewing considering the fact that nearly two dozen people were in attendance!
Several people were present to speak to Council and draw their attention to some concerns they wanted to express.
The first to take the floor was Shinnston businessman Mark Southern, who was following up on the City’s intent to possibly use Robinson Court, the alley between 413 and 415 Pike Street, as an outdoor seating area with tables and chairs for public use. Southern noted that while he supports activities that draw people to Shinnston, he is apprehensive about safety and liabilities in this particular case because he owns the building at 415 Pike St. and has tenants living there. Southern was also troubled over the speculation that the alleyway was going to be gated.
Brendan Gallagher, owner of the Born & Bred Studio at 413 Pike Street, explained that the gating was only temporary when something was going on and would be easily and quickly removeable if need be. Mayor Kovalck added that there is seldom vehicular traffic on Robinson Court and that the alleyway would still be open as a walkable passage. Mr. Southern still expressed opposition and said he would not be held responsible should something happen there. This issue was to be voted on later in the meeting by members of Council.
Joyce Miker was the next to speak, and complimented the City on the patriotic banners that have been attached to poles throughout the downtown area. She also said the pool at the park looked to be in great condition; however, she thought it needed to be open more. She suggested that the Park Board should not close the pool because of predicted rain, but wait to see if rain actually occurred.
Pam Swiger objected to unoccupied property near her home where grass was not being cut. She recommended that the City should keep the grass mowed and send a bill to the negligent property owner.
Chris Harrison stated that he notices each year that people who attend the 4th of July celebration at the park are using residents’ yards in those nearby neighborhoods as a parking lot. He suggested that Council might want to look into transporting people who park elsewhere to the park for the festivities. Harrison had inquired and learned that buses could be available to do that for $40/hour. SDA member Brendan Gallagher noted that the SDA plans to erect NO PARKING signs this year as an attempt to alleviate attendees parking in yards and blocking driveways.
Chris Greaver, who recently took over his deceased father’s property on East Avenue, said he doesn’t see local police patrolling in that area and that traffic flies by, making it hard for some residents there to safely exit their driveways. He asked that the Police Department be more vigilant in stopping speeders in that area.
Following the approval of the minutes of the May 11th and May 26th meetings, Mayor Kovalck thanked Museum Director Debra Herndon for hosting both the Garden Club and City Council for their recent meetings and allowing them to enjoy the newly donated picture gallery in the museum’s meeting room.
Mayor Kovalck also delivered the City Manager’s report, which included the following:
The first Wind Down Wednesday was held on June 3rd and was a success, with the drink truck being a fun, new addition. The next Wind Down Wednesday and the final of the summer series of events will be held on September 3rd.
The new banners celebrating this year’s 250th July 4th anniversary have been installed throughout the downtown area.
City offices will be closed on Friday, June 19th.
Public Works has been busy; they have addressed: 9 water leak-related jobs, replaced service lines and meters; have completed annual hydrant flushing; water disconnects and reconnects; 3 days of reading meters; sewer flushing and installing clean outs; several days of grass and brush work on City properties and the softball field; ditching on Vincent St., digging for blacktop and patching holes, worked at the pool building’s bathrooms; dug drains on E. Pike St.; cleaned the shop and equipment; and hung patriotic banners downtown.
Brendan Gallagher verified that plans for the Concert in the Park on July 1st are in order. Musical entertainment will, as always, be provided by the Shinnston Community Band; food trucks will be setting up at 4 p.m.; Cartoon Headquarters will have inflatables for kids; a climbing wall will be new this year as well; and the pool will remain open until 6 p.m. that evening. Attendees should expect a SPECTACULAR fireworks display to end the evening. Mr. Gallagher thanked the Harrison County Commission for contributing additional funding ($1,500.) to the City in support of this event and to help cover added costs such as supplemental law enforcement to handle the heavy traffic.
Plans are to make this evening exceptionally memorable. Be prepared for a great celebration!
Council then proceeded to ACTION ITEMS:
Council voted to extend the water tap for Lumberport customers for another six months. They are using just under 400 gallons a month so it was unanimous to continue with this ‘good neighbor’ relationship with Lumberport.
A motion was made to close Robinson Court to vehicular traffic for special events held from March 1st through November 12th, but it will be left open to pedestrians. It was also noted the there is a 10 p.m. curfew, and if this becomes an issue, it will be revisited. This passed with 4 Council members in favor and 3 against.
Council also voted on appointments and reappointments of those serving on boards within the City, which are as follows: *Connie Payton was reappointed to the Library Board for a 5-year term; *the Planning Commission has two vacancies, and anyone who might be interested in serving may apply at the City Office Building. This is a 3-year term. *Lou DelRio was reappointed to the Park Board for a 6-year term. * Robert Bice III and Woody Maley were both reappointed to the Museum Board for a 4-year term; *Andrew Perine, Patrick Kovalck, Kathleen Panek, and Amy Wilson were all reappointed to the Shinnston Development Authority for 3-year terms: *Derek McIntyre was reappointed to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a 3-year term; *No other appointments and/or reappointments were required at this time. With no need for executive session and no further business to address, the meeting adjourned.
