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WELLSBURG -- The future of local parks was a recurring subject at Tuesday's Wellsburg Council meeting, with the announcement of a grant awarded for them and several requests for their use.
Mayor Dan Dudley said a $30,000 Local Economic Development Assistance grant has been awarded to the city through the efforts of state Sen. Owens Brown, D-Wheeling.
Asked how the grant will be used, Dudley said, "We hope to use it for all three playgrounds. Whatever we need."
He said most likely the money will be used to refurbish existing structures at the E.R. Nichols 1st Ward Park, 4th Ward Park and Betty Carr Recreation Site.
But he said he and other city officials have been exploring other improvements and additions for the parks, including handicap accessible playground equipment.
In recent weeks, council has met with Norm Schwertfeger, whom they have hired to seek grants for improvements to the parks and new attractions.
City officials also have joined many volunteers in cleaning and repairing the parks.
Dudley noted Reasner Funeral Home has invited volunteers to participate in a cleanup starting at 10 a.m. June 25 at Central Park and involving other areas.
Council also approved several requests for the use of parks and other city property.
Among them was one from Top Flight Security to hold a wine tasting Aug. 12 and 13 at the 4th Ward Park, with a portion of proceeds going to the Brooke County Animal Shelter.
Marty Sansone, a representative of the business, said the event will include food trucks, bands and drawings as well as a chance to sample assorted wines.
The request was supported by 1st Ward Councilmen Jack Kins and Jerry Nichols, 2nd Ward Council members Paul T. Billiard and Mary Margaret Rosso, 3rd Ward Councilmen Randy Fletcher and Tom Gaudio and 4th Ward Councilwoman Della Serevicz.
It was opposed by 4th Ward Councilman Charlie Harris, who said, "We typically haven't allowed alcohol in the parks."
Prior to the vote, Harris suggested the group seek another place in the city, saying, "I think it's a great idea. I just don't think it's right for the parks."
Council members had been advised of the group's plan to require proof of age from those attending, while City Solicitor Ryan Weld said he would ensure it had the proper permit and insurance for the event.
Council also granted requests from the Wellsburg 4th of July Committee to close sections of Fourth Street, Charles Street and other streets during such events as the Oil Can Derby, slated for the morning of July 4, and the Independence Day parade set for that evening.
Council also agreed to provide crews to aid with setup and trash at Central Park, where free concerts will be held at 7 p.m. June 27 through July 3 and to pay for portable toilets for those events.
It also approved the Wellsburg Kiwanis Club's request to use the Sixth Street Wharf for a new event, called a Duck Derby, set for July 3.
Eric Fithyan, the club's president, said plans call for numbered plastic ducks to be floated from the wharf, with the sponsors of the first to reach a designated finish line receiving prizes.
Council members suggested ways the wharf area could be spruced up before the event.
Council also granted a request from St. John Catholic Church to have a procession of people and vehicles from the church on Charles Street to Central Park and onto Main Street back to the church.
Slated to start at 5 p.m. Saturday, it is part of Corpus Christi, a religious observance.
In other business, council approved the second readings of three ordinances involving trash, yard waste and debris.
One states trash left for garbage crews may not be placed on sidewalks or curbs or along streets or alleys earlier than noon on the day before it's collected and the empty containers shouldn't remain later than noon on the day following collection.
The ordinance is in response to complaints of garbage cans and trash blocking sidewalks and streets.
Another states no one may throw or deposit onto a roadway glass bottles or other glass, nails, tacks, wire, cans or other substances likely to injure a person, animal or vehicle or to clog or damage catch basins or storm sewers.
And a third ordinance prohibits property owners, contractors and others from sweeping, raking, blowing or otherwise placing grass clippings, leaves and other yard waste into streets. Violation of the ordinance entails a fine of $100 to $500 for each day it continues to occur.
The latter two ordinances are intended to help alleviate blocked drainage structures that have contributed to recurring flooding in recent months.