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WEIRTON -- After tabling a proposal for two months to use the remainder of the city's American Rescue Plan funds for improvements to Marland Heights Park, an amended proposal for the project met the same fate Monday after some members of council requested more information.
A resolution to dedicate approximately $70,000 in Coal Severance Funds for Starvaggi Pool was approved, though not without some debate of its own.
After removing the original resolution from the table by a 6-1 vote, Ward 5 Councilmember Flora Perrone offered an amendment, changing wording from "of approximately $260,000" to "the remaining balance." Officials have noted that since the resolution originally was introduced in February, some ARPA funds have been used. The amendment also was passed 6-1, with Councilman George Ash casting the dissenting vote against both measures.
Prior to a vote, discussion was raised over the scope of the proposed project, which currently encompasses construction of a restroom facility and some sidewalk improvements. It was noted by Finance Director Diana Smoljanovich the descriptions had been presented to the Finance Committee last week, with a cost of $239,773 after Parks Director Coty Shingle worked with architect Mark Viola to cut down on some aspects.
"We went over it in Finance, and it came in lower than the balance," Smoljanovich said.
Ward 3 Councilman Fred Marsh explained the proposal called for a more simplistic approach, removing things like ceramic flooring in favor of concrete, for example. Ward 6 Councilman Enzo Fracasso, though, who sites on the Park Board, expressed concern for the potential of cost overruns.
During last week's Finance Committee meeting, Shingle explained the Park Board does have some funds which could be used to address such overruns if they occur.
Monday night, Shingle also noted much of the savings proposed also would be the result of work being done in-house by city employees.
Ward 7 Councilman Terry Weigel pushed for the project to move forward, calling Marland Heights Park "synonymous" with the city, and pointing out the number of events held there, as well as the high number of shelter rentals and the need for a restroom facility.
"It's a big key to parks and recreation in the City of Weirton," Weigel said.
Ward 2 Councilman Chris Jonczak, though, expressed concern, noting little explanation for some aspects of the project, as well as some members of council not seeing the scope until the beginning of Monday's meeting.
"You can't stick a line item without explanation for $26,000," he said, referring to one area of concern dealing with a cabinet area to provide access to plumbing and other systems for the restrooms.
On a motion from Ash, the amended proposal was tabled for more information under a 5-2 vote, with Perrone and Weigel voting against.
On the resolution authorizing $70,075 for Starvaggi Pool, Ash asked if it would be directed to anything specific, with Jonczak, who sponsored the resolution, saying he wanted the funds put toward the pool meeting various building and safety needs.
"It's just renovations to get this up to code," he said, explaining he knows the funds won't address every need, but he wants to make an effort to provide a safer environment until a full replacement of the pool can be done.
Perrone asked if there would be any workshops planned to discuss the proposal, claiming such moves were made for some of her previous requests. Marsh, though, reminded council the funds were programmed as part of the 2024-25 fiscal year Coal Severance budget.
They can't touch that until July 1," Marsh said, adding there will be time to get a particular focus for the funds' use. "He just wants to make sure the money doesn't go anywhere."
The funding resolution was approved 7-0.