Trending
WEIRTON -- Weirton Council, during its meeting Monday, approved several items for the Weirton Police Department, including a grant request to provide equipment for the department's Special Response Team and the acquisition of a new K-9.
Council unanimously approved the acceptance of a grant of $70,000 from the West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management in support of the SRT team, which officials plan to reinstitute after it had been suspended last year.
"This would help us with equipment," Police Chief Charlie Kush said. "The equipment we have now is old."
Kush said his plan is to bring the SRT unit, a specialized tactical unit with officers trained to perform in high-risk situations, with 10 officers.
City Manager Mike Adams noted the unit's dismantling had been done by a previous city manager, who had cited budgetary issues.
"What better way to reinstate the team than to the tune of $70,000?" Adams asked.
Council also unanimously approved a contract for the purchase of one dual-purpose narcotic and apprehension dog for Weirton Police, at a cost of $8,000.
Kush explained the department currently has five K-9s, although two are set to retire in 2022. His plan would be to have four in the department in order to have one K-9 available for each shift.
Funds would come from donations made to the department.
A third resolution for the department authorized the purchase of two Focus H1 in-car camera systems for use by the patrol division, in the amount of $14,090.
Other issues approved by council Monday were:
A resolution authorizing the issuance of the Series 2021B notes to assist Weirton Medical Center in financing planned projects, and a resolution authorizing the execution and delivery of an engagement letter with Steptoe and Johnson in connection with its services as counsel on the Series 2021B notes. Officials explained council is acting as a conduit for the refinancing of the notes for the hospital, and there will be no cost to the city.
A resolution accepting a $9,800 grant from the state Homeland Security division to purchase a could back-up server and a year's worth of support software
A resolution to purchase a replacement radiator for the Weirton Fire Department's first due ladder truck at $6,162.36. Fire Chief Kevin Himmelrick explained the repairs already had been performed, at Adams' recommendation, as the truck is one of two used every day.
A resolution to purchase 1,000 luminaries for the Weirton Area Chamber of Commerce's "Lights of Hope" at $2,250
A resolution to authorize a $5,000 contribution to the Brooke-Hancock County Veterans Memorial Park Inc.
The first reading of an ordinance modifying Ordinance 1313 amending salaries of specific non-union municipal employees, which passed by a 6-1 vote. Ward 7 Councilman Terry Weigel voted against it.
The first reading of an ordinance rescinding the placement of a stop sign behind the 2700 block of Pennsylvania Avenue at the intersection of an alley and Powers Road
An ordinance to rescind a dedicated residential disability parking space at 208 North 15th St.
A resolution for a contract providing consulting services for medical and blood-borne pathogen requirements was pulled from the agenda, with Adams noting officials are looking at another option for the training.