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WEIRTON -- Speeding issues and residential parking permits were the focus before the city's Traffic Commission Thursday.
Commissioners continued a discussion, tabled from their March meeting, concerning speeding and public safety concerns along a portion of Marland Heights Road.
The commission was asked to look into the issue at the request of a resident at 325 Marland Heights Road.
Police Chief Charlie Kush said he had reviewed records and found reports of two incidents in recent years where a vehicle went into the property in question.
"Snow was part of one and the other was a DUI," Kush said.
Ward 4 Councilman George Ash said, in his 27 years as a member of city council, he knows of three incidents.
The chief explained it would be difficult for his department to operate radar surveillance of the area, as there is no where for an officer to park and monitor traffic. He said he could have additional patrols through the area.
Public Works Director Rod Rosnick said he had looked into the purchase of a radar trailer to assist in monitoring the speed of vehicles along Marland Heights Road, receiving three quotes. He said he would submit the purchase to city council for consideration, but warned it would take four to 12 weeks for the trailer to arrive if it is approved.
Rosnick said a suggestion had been made of installing posts along a portion of the road, but he was concerned about potential liability issues. Commission Chair Romie Castelli said a guardrail also could provide problems, as there would be the potential to bounce any vehicle into the other lane of traffic.
The commission also will look into concerns about improper use of parking permits on Orchard Street after Ash and two residents reported an individual who had either borrowed or purchased a visitor permit to use for an out-of-state, work-related vehicle.
A long-standing ordinance requires residents on select portions of Orchard Street and Beech Drive to obtain parking permits, with each receiving two residential permits and one visitors permit.
"If you don't get a permit, you can't park on the street," Ash said, explaining the permits are tied to an individual's license plate.
It also was noted, those moving from out-of-state must obtain a West Virginia license within 30 days.
Commissioners offered to speak to the individual, and if that didn't work Ash said a new ordinance could be crafted to address the issue.
The commission also opted to deny a request from Ward 6 Counclman Enzo Fracasso to lengthen a recently installed no parking area on Hillcrest. Fracasso also expressed concerns on reported speeding on Bell Boulevard, but Kush said he would send additional patrols to the area.
(Howell can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com, and followed via Twitter @CHowellWDT)