NEW CUMBERLAND — New Cumberland Council, during its meeting Monday, agreed to a request by the city’s mayor to hiring an engineering consultant to represent their interests as part of the planned Route 2 realignment, but not without setting some conditions.

Mayor Will White requested council’s approval to hire the firm HRG as part of the road project, which will see a portion of state Route 2 redirected through New Cumberland’s downtown.

“We need an engineering firm to watch on our behalf,” White said.

HRG, White said, previously had worked on various utility improvement projects for the city, and would be familiar with some aspects of New Cumberland’s streets and water and sewer networks.

“They are talking with the State of West Virginia, and the State of West Virginia knows we want them,” White said. “We need this overseen on our behalf.”

White said the cost for the service was approximately $12,300, and claimed the DOH would be covering those costs for the city. However, City Clerk Tammy Jenkins said recent email exchanges indicated there was a possibility the city may have to cover a portion of the expenses, with the total cost also not necessarily reflected in what the mayor had discussed.

Members of council expressed concern over the uncertainty.

“We don’t want to get stuck paying it,” Ward 1 Councilmember Missy Perkins said.

Ward 1 Councilman Michael Watkins agreed, making his motion to approve the use of HRG contingent upon the City of New Cumberland not having to take on any of the costs.

The DOH selected its plans, originally known as Alternative 4, in the summer of 2020. The proposal involves taking Route 2 along its current path on Ridge Avenue, down Station Hill and Madison Street, before diverting to a new path running parallel to the railroad tracks before reconnecting with the current Route 2 just north of the New Cumberland Volunteer Fire Department.

The plan also would take a portion of New Cumberland Park.

Speaking at an August 2022 meeting of New Cumberland Council, DOH representatives said the plan was to advertise the project sometime this spring, with construction taking a little over a year once it was able to begin.

In other business, Monday, council:

Approved the appointment of Nicholas Nolder to serve the remainder of the term for the Ward 2, Seat C council post. The office became vacant following the recent death of Councilmember Judy Bartley;

Approved Draw 23 for the sewer project of $17751.27, and Change Order 14 for the water project of an increase of $8,626;

Agreed to rent a lift to assist with the installation of veteran tribute banners in the city;

Agreed to switch its liability insurance coverage from the state Board of Risk and Insurance Management to WV Corp;

Set a Water/Sewer Committee meeting for 5 p.m., May 8; and special council meetings for 5 p.m., May 15 to canvass the city’s election results, and 5 p.m., May 17 to certify the results. A council workshop will be held immediately following the May 17 meeting.

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