By Leigh C. Merrifield
On Tuesday, May 25th, Shinnston City Council held a Special Meeting immediately followed by a Work Session. Executive reports and updates were given first.
Mayor Pat Kovalck welcomed newly elected Council member Kimberly Howell, who attended to witness the meeting procedures.
The mayor also reported that he and Council members Rodney Strait, Julia Currey, and Vance Sosinsky had attended the recent Harrison County Chamber of Commerce dinner where 14 Harrison County businesses were recognized as Centurions by both the Chamber as well as WV Secretary of State Kris Warner for having been in continuous operation for more than 100 years. Three of those businesses – all family-owned from their beginnings – hailed from Shinnston: Bice’s Greenhouse, Shinnston Plumbing, and the Shinnston News.
Mayor Kovalck and a few Council members were also among those present for the official ribbon-cutting ceremonies of two new Shinnston businesses: Taste of Fitness, located in the former Vincent Lumber building, and Toodles Massage Therapy, located upstairs in the former Shinnston News Building.
Kovalck noted that the Eagle Scouts will be installing a swing at the Ferguson Memorial Park and that they had asked permission to use the Shinnston logo for personalized signage on the swing.
He also read a letter from a concerned citizen reporting continuous neighborhood disturbances on Morris Avenue and asked the City to intervene.
City Manager Tori Drainer noted that patriotic banners and poles ordered to celebrate American’s 250th anniversary are expected to arrive at any time. She added that these purchases, most of which can be reused in the coming years, were more cost-effective than expected.
Mrs. Drainer announced that drainage issues on Vincent Street and East Pike Street have been taken care of.
The list of streets to be paved as soon as weather permits has been prepared and the paving schedule will be announced at the June meeting.
The City’s Safety Coordinator (Jacob Thompson with Mountain State Safety) has consulted with the City’s insurance company regarding signage at the pool to make sure it is all up to date and current with state law – signs showing WV State pool rules such as NO diving, NO running, chemical room safety, etc.
It was mentioned that funding from the Park Board’s BINGO fundraiser was used to purchase two new lifeguard umbrellas and a pool vacuum; they also plan to replace the doors on the chemical room.
City Manager Tori Drainer said that she and Economic Developer Brendan Gallagher have been staying in touch regarding the City’s BIG 250th anniversary plans for the July 1st Independence Day celebration at the park this year. The Shinnston Community Band will as always provide music, and Larry Gregory has confirmed that he will take care of the fireworks display, which will be even bigger this year. Quite a few food vendors will be arriving on site at 4 p.m.; the pool will remain open until 6 p.m.; Cartoon Headquarters will have bounce houses available for kids; and a special setting for family photos to be taken may be provided. It promises to be a spectacular evening to commemorate our nation’s history.
City Clerk Kathleen Panek announced that the Shinnston Community Band is purchasing a large flag that they would like for the City to hang at the back of the amphitheater for the July 1 Independence Day celebration. After this celebration, the flag will become the property of the City of Shinnston to use as they see fit.
Two action items were reviewed and voted upon. First was to review an easement of the Lee Reger Builds property that is partially used by the Rail Trail. The court had originally incorrectly recorded it as a deed, not an easement, so Council voted in favor of releasing that property; however, the City will still have a right-of-way there.
The second item was the formal presentation of opiod settlement funds for the Police Department’s purchase of a drone. This, too, was voted on and approved. The special meeting adjourned and moved on to Work Session discussion items.
Those included the following:
Discussion of Robinson Court allowing temporary setup of tables and chairs being used in that alley for special events held at nearby businesses. While some Council members thought it would be of more benefit than a hindrance, others disagreed. A formal vote will be taken at Council’s June meeting.
Councilman Rodney Strait said there are several properties in need of cleanup, and Code Inspector Duane Vincent will address this.
There was a discussion on whether to hold Wind Down Wednesdays monthly during the summer months. Brendan Gallagher suggested that because summer vacations often cut down on attendance, and considering the expense involved, he thought it might be best to hold Wind Down Wednesdays only during June and September, the months when there is greatest attendance. Considering the fact that Shinnston will be hosting numerous other events throughout the summer, no one disagreed.
It was noted that local talents are welcome to perform at the City Park’s amphitheater; however, they should check with the City because they would have to provide their own sound system, etc.
Update of the West Side Park was given, and the deed preparation has been in legal review but should be ready for signatures. Tentative plans are to backfill and put in a basketball court and playground. ESolutions is checking on the lights at the downtown basketball court and will be fixing those. The lights at the Trailhead are currently shut off due to upgrades being done.
The final discussion was on upcoming Board appointments and term expirations, and boards are encouraged to have reappointed members confirm their agreement to serve and turn in requests for reappointments for Council’s approval.
With no further business, Council adjourned to hold a brief executive session.
