Housing assessment study suggested

Weirton officials looking to take inventory of residential property in city

WEIRTON -- The City of Weirton may soon be taking an inventory of all residential properties located within the community.

During Wednesday's meeting of the city's Finance Committee, it was recommended the city enter into a contract with Mackin Engineering Co., in the amount of $29,966, to perform a housing needs and assessment study.

Planning and Development Director Mark Miller explained the idea came about with former City Manager Joe DiBartolomeo as part of discussions with the Frontier Group of Companies and others on prospective development opportunities in the city.

"It's just really taking a dive in to see what we have and what we need," Miller said.

Miller said the city had received three proposals for the study, but is opting to go with Mackin as the firm already is familiar with Weirton through its work on updating the Comprehensive Development Plan and the Unified Development Ordinance.

Ward 3 Councilman Fred Marsh said he feels it is imperitive, once the study is complete, the city keep possession of the results, and not provide copies to outside agencies.

Ward 6 Councilman Enzo Fracasso agreed.

"They can look at it if they want, but they can't take it with them," Fracasso said.

The study is expected to last for approximately nine months, Miller said, adding there are potential housing developments being discussed in the city and the study would be beneficial to those projects.

Marsh said the information also can be used to assist in a proposed rental registration program being discussed by council.

The contract proposal will be considered by Weirton Council during its 7 p.m. Monday meeting.

In related matters, the committee also recommended an amendment to the city's contract with Mackin Engineering for the update to the UDO. Miller explained the city already had allocated $24,830 for the contract, but would be adding $10,632 to cover additional work.

"We'll certainly have input," Miller said.

The city's UDO was first drafted in 2005.

Other items recommended by the Finance Committee were:

¯ A resolution to authorize revisions to the 2018-2019 fiscal year general fund budget

¯ An ordinance modifying Ordinance 1313, the city's salary ordinance

¯ A resolution with Justice Business Services for asbestos abatement at 129 Era St., for $1,994

¯ A resolution with Pulice Construction for the demolition of 129 Era St., for $7,700

¯ A resolution to renew the annual support contract with CivicPlus for the city's website, at a cost of $10,633.88.

¯ A resolution for a contract for the fireworks display for the city's Indpendence Day observance at a cost of $14,750.

(Howell can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com, and followed via Twitter @CHowellWDT)