By Leigh C. Merrifield
The regular monthly Work Session of Shinnston City Council was held on Feb. 23 rd, with the first order of business being reports from the Mayor and City Manager. Both mentioned that the WV DEP will be handling a project of drilling and grouting in East Shinnston and the Mudlick area. This is to determine if there is any need for stabilization in areas of abandoned mines and to ensure there are no subsidence issues.
Mrs. Drainer also noted potential funding may be available for the City Park’s trail system as there are abandoned mines in that area. This will be discussed with the Harrison Rail Trail.
The City has received Community Project Funding applications from Congressman Riley Moore and Drainer said some park projects that have been on the table for some time might qualify for this assistance.
A few possible examples are a splash pad for the pool, updated grills at park pavilions, and lighting at the TrailHead. Drainer also reported that the Union will soon be voting upon whether they will accept the counterproposal for their contract.
She added that Public Works has named some wish list items to be considered if the budget would allow it. Requests included a plow to equip another truck for snow removal, replacing an older meter truck, and a new roof, garage doors and heaters at the City garage where equipment is stored. She is still awaiting a list from the Police Dept. to see if some of their needs can be fit into the budget.
Mayor Kovalck stated that the design for the water project in Shinnston began over ten years ago and that it had been needed well before that. “This is a very costly endeavor and we didn’t have the funding to get it totally completed all at one time, but Phases 1 and 2 have been carried out and we are ready to get the ball rolling and tackle Phase 3 very soon. This will complete the update of our entire water system and I would like to see this all carried out before 2027.” He concluded, “We will go after grants and search for all the funding opportunities we can to lower the cost to the City and its customers.”
The City Manager explained that this final stage of the water project would prioritize the water tanks, the water plant, and the water intake; secondary would be replacing lines downtown. “This will remain up in the air until funding is gathered to see how much we can do,” she added. Mayor Kovalck said that prior to the water project being initiated, the City had a 40% water loss, and since Phases 1 and 2 were begun and completed, the water loss has significantly dropped to below 10% and consistently remained there!! Areas of Phase 3 work will be prioritized according to the age of the lines in those areas. Garbage services were also discussed. The City had some complaints from customers about the rise in their bill for this service and that trash had not been regularly collected in January. Council agreed that the weather had no doubt affected trash pickups when we were affected by winter storms. However, they have checked into other options – bids from other contractors and even City employees taking it over.
Kovalck stated, “This would entail buying our own new equipment, upkeep of that equipment, employees to handle the job, dump fees, etc., and it would likely not be cost effective, so it might be best to stay with the service we currently have.”
Lastly, Council discussed the Excess Levy that will be on the ballot in the upcoming election. Mayor Kovalck stressed, “We need to make it clear to voters that this levy is NOT an additional levy; it is simply the continuance of our current one – one from which 80% of the money is used for street and sidewalk repairs and replacement.” He added, “There was a time prior to this levy when property owners had to pay for paving the streets in their own neighborhoods, and this was particularly costly for residents with a corner lot! This is a good reason to support renewing this Excess Levy because none of us want to return to that!”
It was also mentioned that a tentative plan is projected to replace the bridge in front of Gibby’s; this will be handled by the State. The City already has plans to continue paving an additional five streets and six alleys this year. This will include the block between Bridge and Rebecca Streets in the downtown area.
The remaining 20 percent of the levy will fund recreational upgrades and maintenance – park, pool, amphitheater, the downtown greenspace, and supporting community events. Mayor Kovalck concluded, “We have an aggressive agenda for improvements to our City; we anxiously await Spring weather to hit the starting line and begin moving forward.”
To safeguard proper asphalt compaction and curing, favorable weather conditions will impact when paving projects will be scheduled since materials used are sensitive to temperature and moisture levels.