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Weirton council considers license plate readers

WEIRTON — The Weirton Police Department may soon add a new tool to its arsenal.

During its meeting Wednesday, the city’s Finance Committee recommended authorizing the acceptance of a grant from the state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management for the purchase of license plate readers for use by the police department. The grant would be for $40,000, with a $20,000 match by the city.

The resolution will go before the full Weirton Council during its meeting Monday.

Police Chief Charlie Kush explained current plans are to outfit three city cruisers with the license plate readers, which will provide a scan of motor vehicles’ license plates.

“It will alert us to let us know if there’s an active search,” Kush said.

Ward 6 Councilman Enzo Fracasso asked if there would be a limit as to the types of crimes which may be involved.

“It will mostly be for criminal and felony investigations,” Kush explained, noting it would provide information on warrants and active searches, but not traffic tickets, for example.

Kush reported the West Virginia State Police, sheriffs departments in both Hancock and Brooke counties, the Wheeling Police Department and Pittsburgh Police all have license plate readers in use.

“They’re all on the same network,” he said, adding the system will not be limited to situations in the immediate area.

Finance Director Diana Smoljanovich noted the purchase will be included in a planned budget revision, as it was not originally part of the 2020-21 fiscal budget.

In other business, Wednesday, the Finance Committee:

¯ Recommended a resolution for an agreement with Pulice Construction for the demolition of a structure at 407 Engle St., at a cost of $4,700;

¯ Recommended the purchase of a 3 million BTU Lochinvar Crest high efficiency boiler for the Public Works Department, at $105,198;

¯ Discussed a request for financial support of the Business Development Corp. of the Northern Panhandle, of $33,062.50;

¯ Decided not to recommend a contribution to the First United Methodist Church for the Children’s Ministry program in the amount of $1,000;

¯ Recommended the purchase of an International Chassis with a Loadmaster 25-yard packer for the Sanitation Department of Public Works at a cost of $165,608.08. Public Works Director Rod Rosnick noted, if approved, it would be 10 months before the vehicle was available.

The Finance Committee also held a 20-minute executive session, with members discussing CARES Act funding and the manner in which it can be appropriated.

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

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