Craig Howell ISSUES DISCUSSED – Wellsburg Council held its regular meeting Wednesday, focusing on a variety of issues, including reported vandalism at the restroom for the ball fields at 17th Street Park.

WELLSBURG – City officials are looking into their options following reports of vandalism at the restroom facility for Wellsburg’s ball fields.

During Wednesday’s meeting of Wellsburg Council, Councilman Randy Fletcher said he had been at the ball fields at 17th Street Park because he had been told the restroom had been found unlocked despite the city establishing rules for its use.

While there, he said he found vandalism and damage to the facility.

“The toilet seat was ripped off the toilet,” Fletcher said, claiming garbage had been dumped near the building and the garbage can was missing.

The city had provided $3,500 last year for maintenance to the restrooms, officials noted, explaining it primarily is there for the Wellsburg youth baseball and softball leagues.

“I’m disappointed to hear they were unlocked,” City Manager Erica Tamburin said, stating a key had been provided to the leagues to make certain the restroom is locked after their games.

Council discussed inviting representatives of the leagues to meet with them and review the issue.

Councilman Larry Swanson asked about security cameras available at the park, with Tamburin stating there are cameras, but she had been told the ones in place don’t give a clear view of the doors to the restroom.

She added she has asked to have access to some of the cameras so she is able to review footage, if necessary, in addition to the police chief.

Councilman Jerry Nichols recommended having someone from the city staff make an effort to check the restrooms periodically.

“If you don’t have someone check them, you don’t know when they’re damaged,” he said.

Mayor Dan Dudley said another option would be to have the city’s police officers make it a more regular part of their patrols, feeling the presence of law enforcement may serve as a deterrent to those seeking to damage the facility.

Otherwise, he said, the city may have to make the decision to no longer allow their use.

“I think that would be one of the best things,” Dudley said, pointing to continued efforts by the city to beautify the community and the funds invested in the fields. “We’re trying to make a nice facility. If you have people commit vandalism, we might have to lock them (the restrooms) up.”