Elected or appointed: Voters’ opinion on Follansbee police chief sought

FOLLANSBEE -- Voters in the city's June 13 general election will be asked whether the city's police chief should be elected or appointed while plans to replace the city's streetlights and record meetings for the city's website took a step further at Follansbee Council's meeting Monday.

Council unanimously agreed to survey voters about whether the police chief should be an appointed position while also making plans to hold an informational meeting on the subject at a date to be announced.

Following the meeting, Mayor David Velegol Jr. said the intention is to gauge public opinion and the results, for or against, wouldn't dictate council's action on the matter.

"It's not a binding election. It's only a survey," he said.

Fourth Ward Councilwoman Alexis Russell stressed the idea, supported by others on council, that an informational meeting should be held to convey the pros and cons of an appointed or elected chief.

No date has been set for the meeting, though City Clerk David Kurcina stressed action should be taken in the near future for the question to be placed on ballots.

He said he will prepare the ballot language on the issue for council's approval.

Following the meeting, City Attorney Michael Gaudio said such a change to the city's charter would require two readings and a public hearing and couldn't occur until 2025.

Larry Rea, the city's current chief, is unopposed in his bid for another two-year term in the position.

Over the years, current and past councils have debated various aspects of the chief's role, including whether the official should serve primarily as an administrator for the department or be a certified law enforcement officer.

In other business, Velegol advised he's prepared an advertisement for contractors to install 20 to 25 new streetlights along the west side of Main Street from the 800 block near the former Gabby's Cafe to Raymond Street.

He said plans for the work include replacement of sidewalk surrounding the current light posts, conduit, cable and the posts themselves because a consultant with May Engineering of St. Clairsville expressed concern about their condition.

Velegol said the new posts will be fitted with a double light fixture and spaced apart to more adequately illuminate the street.

The project is to be funded by about $700,000 in federal American Rescue Act funds awarded to the city.

First Ward Councilwoman Tammy Johnson reiterated a need for lighting at the south end of Main Street.

City Manager Joe DiBartolomeo said grant money could be obtained to install others.

Others on council noted solar powered lights installed recently along the street as a temporary measure could be moved to that area until the light posts there also can be replaced.

Council also authorized Velegol to advertise for someone to record video of council's meetings for the city's website.

Velegol said bidders will be asked to submit a base race for council's two regular monthly meetings and an hourly rate for any special meetings.

Whether to record and post the meetings had been debated for several months, with 3rd Ward Councilman Nick Cekinovich suggesting it would help to inform the public about issues and problems faced by council.

Though council members had been divided over it, the panel in March unanimously agreed to pursue it.

Velegol said helping to tip the scales in its favor was the fact Cekinovich, in a trial run, had videotaped statements that would have been helpful in the city's efforts to block controversial plans for a medical waste incinerator in the city.

He recently announced plans for the plant have been dropped.

Also on Monday:

— The mayor and council recognized Brooke High School sophomores Ruarii Stoll and Olivia Snyder for winning $750 through the West Virginia University Extension Service's My Hometown is Cool contest for new signs and possibly furniture for the city's swimming pool.

Students participating in the statewide contest are encouraged to describe positive things about their communities as well as ways they would use its prize money to make improvements there.

Adam Haught, the students' advisor and a business instructor at their school; said local winners also include Landon Hurley, Madison Brown and Wyntar McQuiston, who won $750 for improvements to the Bruins Helping Bruins food pantry and clothes closet at the school.

— Council agreed to provide $20,000 for this year's Follansbee Community Days at the request of Velegol, who said the volunteer committee behind the three-day festival usually raises about $50,000 through three or four fundraisers and sponsorship by local businesses.

— Resident Denise Arthurs complained of people parking along a bend at the top of Gilbert Avenue, making it difficult for vehicles coming down the hilly street to pass.

Steve Meca, the city's public works director, said it's also been difficult for city trucks.

City Police said they would investigate.

— Eric Fithyan, president of the Follansbee Chamber of Commerce, announced the group's free concerts at Follansbee Park will return on the last Monday of each month from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The first will be held on Memorial Day and feature Cross Creek the Band.