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FOLLANSBEE -- The use of federal C.A.R.E.S. Act funds to replace street lights along Main Street, the addition of new banners honoring local veterans and possible hiring of an assistant manager were among issues before Follansbee Council on Monday.
Mayor David Velegol Jr. told City Council members he will ask them at next week's regular meeting to consider spending about $14,000 to replace conduit under several street lights along Main Street so they may once again shed light on the busy section of state Route 2.
Velegol said crews will need to remove sections of sidewalk and some trees along the street to access and replace the electrical wiring for the lights.
The work is expected to involve the street's 700 to 1000 blocks.
Velegol also asked council to consider allocating about $7,000 each from the federal funds for trench boxes to be used by city crews making line repairs deeper than 4 feet and a light plant to be used by them at night.
Velegol noted that to date the city has been awarded $683,823 through the C.A.R.E.S. Act, federal legislation through which millions have been awarded to local governments and others financially impacted by the pandemic.
In related business, Velegol said following the recent discovery of an active case at the City Building, it has been professionally cleaned and disinfected and is expected to reopen on Wednesday.
For several months, to deter spread of COVID-19, city officials have encouraged those with business there to make appointments and use the phone and mail to conduct business whenever possible. Velegol said they should continue to do so.
Monday's discussion turned to the banners featuring the names and photos of 68 local veterans that hang from the street lights as well as utility poles lining the street.
Bearing the veterans' names, military branches and years of service, each was sponsored, for $60, by a loved one in their memory or honor.
Velegol noted when the banners were raised in 2018, it was announced they would be retired in two years and replaced with new ones recognizing other veterans.
He said around 20 or 30 people have since expressed interest in honoring a veteran with a new banner.
Velegol said unless more requests are to come, it's likely only some of the present banners will be lowered to make room for the new ones.
He said which ones will likely be determined through a random drawing, and those banners will be given to their sponsors.
Asked whether the new banners could be flown above Allegheny Street or in other areas, the mayor said he prefers for them to be displayed along the most traveled roadway in the city.
Those interested in sponsoring a banner should call (304) 527-1330 for information.
Velegol also asked council to consider creating an assistant city manager position.
Following the meeting, Velegol said he would like the position to be filled by Jack McIntosh, the city's current water superintendent. He said McIntosh could continue to serve in that capacity while receiving additional compensation for the new job.
(Scott can be contacted at wscott@heraldstaronline.com.)