Weirton seeking consultant for rental inspection program
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WEIRTON -- Weirton Council will be seeking proposals from outside vendors as part of efforts to relaunch a previously approved rental inspection program.
During its meeting Monday, council unanimously approved a resolution to advertise for a request for qualification for a consultant "to initiate the City of Weirton Residential Inspection Program."
Prior to the vote, though, Ward 7 Councilman Terry Weigel asked whether there truly was a need to hire an outside group for the program.
"I thought we had it pretty much worked out," Weigel said, noting the plans established by the city when the program originally was launched in 2019.
The Rental Inspection program initially was set to include inspections of rental properties in the city to assess their habitability, with a fee-based permit system helping to cover the cost of a city-employed building inspector.
"We can't seem to get anybody hired," Ward 4 Councilman George Ash explained.
The company hired as part of the program start-up will be responsible for early inspections within the program, as well as establishing guidelines for when the city is able to hire a dedicated inspector.
"The initial process and inspection will be done by an outside company," Ash said.
City Manager Mike Adams, noting there had been early discussions with a company, explained a previous city manager had established procedures for contracting with such firms, including a formal bid process with a request for qualifications.
By following the procedure, Adams said it should avoid any concerns of impropriety.
"That way there is no question about the process," he said.
Ash said they estimate there are 3,000 rental units in Weirton, although exact numbers aren't yet available. He also said rentals which fall under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development would not be part of the inspection program.
In related matters, council also unanimously approved the first reading of an ordinance modifying Ordinance 2084, which originally established the rental inspection program.
Details on the amendment were not immediately available, and no discussion was offered from council. It still must go through a second reading to be effective.
(Howell can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com, and followed via Twitter @CHowellWDT)