Proposed Weirton charter change denied

Ordinance would have established two council meetings each month

WEIRTON -- An attempt to change the city charter to allow Weirton Council to hold two regular meetings each month failed Monday after not receiving the needed unanimous approval.

Sponsored by Ward 1 Councilman Tim Connell, the proposed charter change would have established an additional regular council meeting on the third Monday of every month.

Under Article VI, Section I of the city charter, regular sessions of Weirton Council are set for the Monday following the first Tuesday of each month.

Connell explained he felt scheduling two regular meetings each month would allow council to address business more quickly, noting the city has been working on numerous projects.

"We could have had a lot of things done already," Connell said.

Connell pointed to Steubenville Council as an example, noting they meet each Tuesday.

"They have four meetings a month," he said.

In order for a charter change to move forward, it first must receive unanimous approval from council. Monday's vote was 6-1, with Ward 7 Councilman Terry Weigel voting against. Prior to the vote, Ward 4 Councilman George Ash offered an amendment, that if the proposal received any dissenting vote, or comments against it from the public, no further action would be taken.

"I don't want to see it on the ballot if there's an objection," Ash said.

While Weigel said he preferred the meeting schedule to remain as it is, others on council, including Ward 2 Councilman Chris Jonczak and Ward 5 Councilwoman Flora Perrone, said they liked the idea and felt it could be beneficial.

City Manager Mike Adams said, while he appreciated Connell's proposal, since stepping into his post, he has learned how much preparation is needed by staff ahead of council meetings, adding he feels having an additional meeting each month would take attention away from other duties.

"It's a time-consuming endeavor," he said.

City Attorney Vince Gurrera noted, while the issue was voted down Monday, there would be nothing preventing council from revisiting the idea in the future.

(Howell can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com, and followed via Twitter @CHowellWDT)