WEIRTON — Efforts to expand the city’s utility services are moving forward, but without the task force formed to work on the early stages of the project.

During Friday’s meeting of the Weirton Sanitary Board, Utilities Director Butch Mastrantoni announced the task force — which was comprised of representatives of the Sanitary Board, Weirton Area Water Board and Weirton Council — had completed its assigned tasks.

“Movement by the task force has been significant,” Mastrantoni said, announcing, as a result, the body would be dissolved. “Each board separately will continue on.”

Under the proposed expansions, the city’s sanitary wastewater treatment plant would grow from its current 4 million gallons per day capabilities to 12 MGDs, while the water treatment plant would double from 4 MGD to 8 MGD.

Public discussion of the proposed expansions began almost one year ago, when officials noted they had been approached by potential business prospects and it was determined additional service capabilities would be needed in the city.

Mayor Harold Miller, who also chairs the Sanitary Board, said he appreciates the efforts of the water and sanitary service employees to be proactive in their efforts to better serve the community.

“I’ve always identified that water and sewer were ahead of the game,” Miller said, noting improved utilities will assist in attracting development.

Miller specifically pointed to planned projects on former industrial property owned by the Frontier Group of Companies, as well as possible residential development in Weirton.

“People need to know this is going to be a big deal,” Miller said.

Mastrantoni also took a moment to thank the members of the task force, as well as the employees of the water and sanitary departments.

“It’s easy to be progressive when you have a staff like I have,” Mastrantoni said.

In other business, the Sanitary Board on Friday:

• Approved a resolution for the repair of the Flygt No. 2 sewage pump at the Ritchie Avenue lift station, at a cost of $9,522 from Precision Pump and Valve.

• Approved a resolution for the purchase of parts from John P. Place and Co., at $2,659.20, for the repair of the No. 1 Secondary Grit Pump. Repairs will be done in-house.

• Approved a resolution to contract with Assured Business Services LLC for payroll services.

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