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Weirton still holding off on building demolition

WEIRTON — The City of Weirton is continuing to hold off on unbudgeted expenses until officials have a more clear picture of the city’s expenses.

The city’s Finance Committee met Wednesday morning, deciding to table two resolutions focused on the demolition of a property in the city.

The proposed resolutions were for asbestos abatement services from Justice Business Services in the amount of $1,437, and demolition services from Pulice Construction at $14,500, at 3613 Wood St.

Ward 3 Councilman Fred Marsh noted council previously had enacted a resolution not to undertake certain expenses in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Those expenses include property demolition.

“We have a resolution on file,” Marsh said. “It can only be undone by council.”

Two other properties previously had been presented for demolition costs. Those also were tabled. Code Official Matt Burskey noted demolition of the three properties would cost the city more than $39,000.

Ward 7 Councilman Terry Weigel, who made the motion to table the resolutions, asked if the Wood Street property was a hazard. Burskey said it wasn’t, although he does have concerns about squatters using the structure.

The members of the committee, which also includes Ward 6 Councilman Enzo Fracasso, noted the city would have a better idea of its finances in early August as revenue numbers from the fourth quarter of the 2019-2020 fiscal year become available.

The committee recommended a resolution for a contract with BP Real Estate and Auctioneering as part of an auction of city vehicles and other items planned for July 23.

Fracasso noted there would be no expense to the city, with the auctioneer receving 15 percent of the funds paid for the materials.

“He’s going to get paid from what he sells,” Fracasso said.

Several other budgeted costs received recommendations from the Finance Committee, and will appear on the agenda for the Weirton Council meeting at 7 p.m., Monday, in the Weirton Room of the Millsop Community Center. They include:

¯ A contract for GASB 34 accounting services with Kozicki, Hughes & Tickerhoof, PLLC for $30,000;

¯ Renewal of the city’s annual support contract with CIVIC Plus for support, maintenance and hosting of the city’s website at $11,165.57;

¯ Renewal of the annual support contract with AccuFund Inc. for the city’s accounting software at $8,999.25;

¯ An agreement with GOGovApps for GoEnforce Code Enforcement subscription, to last from Aug. 1 to July 31, 2021, at a cost of $4,284;

¯ A contract to purchase six new X26P Tasers with holsters and spare battery packs for the Weirton Police Department, in the amount of $7,578;

¯ The purchase of two 2020 Ford SUV fully equipped police cruisers for the Weirton Police Department in the amount of $85,335. Police Chief Rob Alexander explained this would replace a previously planned vehicle purchase, which had been canceled.

¯ A contract to purchase eight new sets of special response turnout gear for the Weirton Police Department’s Special Response Team at $36,192.16;

¯ An ordinance establishing and fixing water rates, fees and charges.

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

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