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WEIRTON -- The city's Public Works Department may soon be getting some new equipment.
During Wednesday's meeting of the Weirton Finance Committee, members of city council agreed to recommend a resolution for the purchase of one Caterpillar 420 backhoe loader for the Street Department of Public Works.
The price has been set at $116,000.
"It's being purchased through our national purchasing agent," Public Works Director Rod Rosnick said, noting it is expected to be available in between 20 and 24 weeks.
Finance Director Diana Smoljanovich explained the purchase will be through a lease agreement.
Ward 7 Councilman Terry Weigel said, normally, he has promoted waiting on large purchases until the city has a better picture of its finances for the year, as a result of the COVID pandemic.
"We don't need to wait," Weigel said.
The backhoe is among a series of proposed equipment purchases discussed in recent months, which includes a new boiler for the Public Works building. Rosnick said bid preparations for the boiler are being finalized, noting it would simply be a matter of determining a timeline for the project.
Marsh reminded the committee Public Works had been authorized to seek bids on four items, including the backhoe and boiler, with the possibility of more purchases in the months ahead.
The committee also recommended a resolution authorizing a contribution of $5,000 to the Brooke-Hancock County Veterans Memorial Park Inc.
"We did the same amount last year and the year before," Ward 6 Councilman Enzo Fracasso said.
Weigel, however, noted when the contributions began, council had been under the impression it was a one-time request. It now is done each year, he said. Smoljanovich added the amount has increased at various points.
The resolution is being sponsored by Ward 4 Councilman George Ash, who also is an officer with the veterans park.
A resolution allowing the city to continue a contract with A.G. Lucas Consulting LLC also will go before council. Under the contract, the city will be provided with consulting services for medical/blood-borne pathogen requirements, at a cost of $400 per month.
(Howell can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com, and followed via Twitter @CHowellWDT)