Water project receives large boost

FOLLANSBEE -- Efforts to upgrade the city's water treatment system have received a major boost in the form of a $3.125 million grant.

Mayor David Velegol Jr. introduced Joe Edmiston, an independent grant writer hired by the city, who shared the news at Monday's Follansbee Council meeting.

The grant has been awarded for the first phase of a major water project involving improvements to the city's downtown and Hooverson Heights treatment plants, replacement of aging water lines and a new water tank with greater capacity.

Jeff Ekstrom, an engineer with Ghosh Engineering, said plans for the project have been submitted for the state health department's approval.

Edmiston said the city was among entities in a 17-county region that competed for the grant, which was awarded by the Army Corps of Engineers. He said property easements and rights of way accounted for its 25 percent local match.

He said City Attorney Michael Gaudio, late city manager John DeStefano and others provided invaluable information for the application, which was supported by U.S. Sens. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va.; and Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va.; and U.S. Rep. David McKinley.

Council also learned from Barb Zimnox, community development specialist with the Brooke-Hancock Jefferson Metropolitan Commission that the city has been approved for a $375,281 grant from the state Infrastructure Development Council for emergency repairs to a sewer line near Blosser Lane.

Zimnox acknowledged the aid of Ghosh Engineering in securing the emergency funds, which require no local match.

Velegol thanked Edmiston for his efforts while noting many provided assistance.

"These things don't happen by accident. It takes a lot of hard work and commitment," he said.

Eckstrom noted plans also are under way for upgrades to the city's wastewater treatment plant, pump stations near the fire station and the city's south end and the separation of combined stormwater and sewer lines.

The city is among many ordered by the federal Enironmental Protection Agency to separate the lines to ensure raw sewage doesn't enter waterways during heavy rain.

A $1.8 million loan also has been secured for the water and sewer upgrades.

In other business, Velegol said he was told parking space in front of Follansbee's post office has been monopolized by some vehicles. He questioned whether a 15 or 20 minute limit should be posted.

Vito "Skip" Cutrone, a local business owner, said the problem has been a recurring one and may be the result of staff from other establishments parking there. He suggested writing to owners of nearby businesses about the issue instead.

Fourth Ward Councilwoman Alexis Russell noted handicap-accessible spaces are available in the post office's adjacent parking lot.

In related business, Third Ward Councilwoman Kathy Santoro questioned whether the crossing signal at the nearby intersection is working. City Police Chief Larry Rea said he would check with the state Division of Highways, which maintains it.

In other business, the council members:

¯ Observed a moment of silence for DeStefano, who died on Jan. 25 after battling COVID-19 for several weeks. DeStefano, who was 64, was in his 16th year as city manager and had served previously as city councilman.

Velegol said he was moved by the many staff and community members who expressed their condolences, noting Manchin, Capito and McKinley were among them.

In addition, the U.S. flags that hang along Main Street were lowered to half-staff and a large black wreath was placed on the City Building by Santoro, who served many of the same years as DeStefano.

¯ Observed as Interim City Manager Jack McIntosh opened the following bids for a new garbage truck: Fyda Freightliner of Cannonsburg, Pa., $172,640; and Total Equipment Solutions of East Liverpool, Ohio, $190,584.

Velegol said bids received for computers for the City Building have to be rejected because they weren't submitted sealed.

¯ Heard from Velegol who said he will ask council at its next regular meeting Monday to consider raising the number of hanging flower baskets along Main Street from 33 to 77, a number it once had. He said residents at the city's south end had asked for flowers to be placed there.

The meeting will be held at 6 p.m. at the Follansbee Community House to allow for social distancing. Those attending should wear masks.

(Scott can be contacted at wscott@heraldstaronline.com.)