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Water issue talk in Wellsburg

WELLSBURG — Residents and members of Wellsburg Council discussed concerns with the city’s water system Tuesday.

“It’s so dirty that when we had that water break, I filled my bath with water in case I needed it,” said community member Wilma Stewart. “It was so brown, and what it leaves at the bottom is streaks of black.”

Stewart went on to give other examples of the water leaving marks, such as with her church’s holy water fountain.

“I know you say it’s not going to kill us, but what I want to know is why not?” questioned Stewart. “I mean it’s just filthy.”

Fourth Ward Councilman Charles Harris said he understood Stewart’s concerns.

“I can’t speak for the rest of the city,” noted Harris. “I’m aware that there are dirt problems in the Fourth Ward.”

Harris added that he is concerned with the water lines being purged after repairs, “so they have a chance to breathe.”

“I don’t know if that’s being done,” said Harris. “I assume it is.”

Harris continued to say he had dirty water earlier Tuesday come out of his kitchen, but said that it did not last.

Second Ward Councilman Paul Billiard noted brown water is an issue in his ward as well.

City Manager Steve Maguschak explained check valves in the system are being replaced.

Mayor Sue Simonetti added that engineers are working on replacing water lines coming into town as well.

In other matters, Amanda Dudley was sworn in as city clerk by Simonetti, and matters regarding the 2019 Primary Election were discussed.

Council voted to cancel the primary election and only hold the general election on June 11, because there are no more than two candidates for any position.

In addition, Misty Gamble and Gaynell Gamble were voted as ballet commissioners. Both reside in the city, and have served as ballot commissioners for previous municipal elections.

Lastly, council is considering having only one centralized location for voting, because there are no more than two candidates running for each position and it is believed to save money, with roughly $5,000 spent on the election every year.

Simonetti plans to contact the election clerk to gather more information.

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