City manager, vacant buildings before council

FOLLANSBEE -- At Monday's Follansbee Council meeting, city officials were asked about filling the city manager's position, addressing vacant buildings and prohibiting pet owners from keeping their dogs out in the cold.

Mayor David Velegol Jr. said he will ask council to consider naming Jack McIntosh city manager and dispense with advertising for applicants.

"No matter who we bring in, there's a two-year learning curve and even then, they're not going to know what Jack knows," said Velegol, who added, "You've got the best person currently."

Council agreed to appoint McIntosh, the city's water superintendent, as interim city manager in December while John DeStefano struggled with COVID-19, a battle he lost on Jan. 28.

Velegol acknowledged he had supported advertising the position through the West Virginia Municipal League when that was suggested by 3rd Ward Councilwoman Kathy Santoro in December but said he's since changed his mind.

Councilman at large John Casinelli said he also believes McIntosh has done a great job but thinks the job should be advertised.

Cassinelli said in the event McIntosh is hired, he shouldn't continue to serve as water superintendent, something Velegol said could be considered.

"Those are two full-time jobs and they have to be handled by two full-time people," said Casinelli, who added over time, McIntosh could be stretched too thin while attempting to do both.

Resident Vito "Skip" Cutrone said he's not against McIntosh but believes the city should advertise the job because it may attract someone else with excellent qualifications.

Al DeAngelis, a member of the city's water board, said the city isn't likely to draw candidates with the same experience in water and wastewater treatment systems.

In other business, Cutrone asked if council has considered adopting an ordinance for vacant buildings similar to the one used in the city of Elkins.

To encourage property owners to maintain their buildings, the city requires the owners to register them and pay fines for vacant structures ranging from $200 to $2,200 or more, depending on the number of years.

City Attorney Michael Gaudio said with the exception of the registration requirement and fines, the city has regulations very similar to Elkins'.

Cutrone said following the Elkins ordinance more closely would make out-of-town owners more accountable for their buildings.

He said the city has buildings on Main Street that have been vacant, without utilities, for 30 to 40 years.

"Why aren't you doing anything about it?" Cutrone asked council, noting city officials have discussed establishing a town square and a new firehouse in part to beautify the city.

Gaudio said anyone may file a complaint with the city's building enforcement committee, but the city can't take action unless a building has been determined to be structurally unsound.

Casinelli, who chairs the committee, said it is working to address about eight structures, including four on Main Street, but it takes time to pursue them legally.

He noted property owners must be given time to address the complaints and in some cases, action is complicated by multiple family members owning a structure.

"We do have some ready to come down," Casinelli said.

He confirmed $350,000 is allocated in the city's budget each year for the removal of condemned structures and any unused money may be carried over to the next year.

When the city razes a structure, it places a lien on the property so that if it's ever sold, it will be repaid for the cost of the demolition.

Council members also heard from Carri Welsh, who asked them to consider an ordinance prohibiting residents from keeping their dogs outside during extreme heat or cold, thunderstorms and other extreme weather.

Welsh said setting specific temperatures would be helpful in enforcing the ordinance.

Velegol noted different breeds have differing levels of tolerance for heat and cold and the ordinance could reflect that.

Welsh said while there are exceptions, most dogs don't cope well with extreme heat or cold and her aim is to protect them from such conditions.

Also addressing council was Sophia Rosso, a junior at Brooke High School, who offered to hold a candlelight vigil this fall to remember local residents who died during the pandemic.

Rosso said she hopes to hold the event and others in neighboring communities as her senior honors project. She said candles could be sponsored by the deceased's family or friends, with proceeds going to Bruins Helping Bruins, a food pantry and clothes closet at the high school.

Plans were made to consider the request and other matters discussed Monday at council's next regular meeting. It will be held at 6 p.m. March 8 at the Follansbee Community House.

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