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WEIRTON -- Parks officials anticipate the final phase of repairs to the south wall of the Millsop Community Center to begin in the coming weeks, but warn it will take some time before the project is completed.
The board previously entered into an agreement with Grae-Con Construction - the lone company to bid on the project - the complete the third phase of repairs and reinforcements of the south wall.
Parks Director Coty Shingle explained during Thursday's board meeting there are plans to begin the phase sometime in February.
"We're setting up a pre-project meeting," Shingle said, noting portions of the work, such as repointing the brick, sealing the windows and other structural aspects, can begin almost immediately. "That can be done as soon as they come in."
Two portions of the project, though, will take longer to complete, with Shingle saying plans for renovations to the ceiling over the pool area may have to wait until at least Memorial Day to cut down on the potential disruption.
"We will have to close the pool area to address the ceiling," Shingle said.
Shingle reported plans are to go with a more "open ceiling" concept, instead of installing tiles similar to what is located in the pool area now. He said that option will make it easier to maintain the ceiling area in the future.
Another delayed portion of the project will involve the installation of an air scrubber and air conditioner unit, which officials noted is being customized for the Millsop Community Center, and probably won't be available until November.
City council, during its December meeting, agreed to provide $1,720,000 toward the third phase, using funds from the city's American Rescue Plan Act allotment.
Efforts are continuing with several other improvement projects being planned by the Park Board, according to Shingle, with designs ongoing for the replacement of the vessel at Starvaggi Memorial Pool, as well as discussions on what improvements may still be feasible for Marland Heights Park.
In other business, Thursday, the Park Board held discussions on possible adjustments to employee wages, with the current proposal focused on eliminating a long-unfilled maintenance position. No final decision has been made, though.
Discussions also were held on plans for the Park Board budget, and the possibility of implementing a recreational levy.