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WEIRTON -- The city's Finance Committee, Wednesday, recommended the dedication of more than $70,000 in Coal Severance funds be put toward planned renovations at Starvaggi Memorial Pool.
The resolution, which will go before the full Weirton Council during its meeting Monday night, will allocate $70,075 "to assist in the renovations to the Starvaggi Memorial Pool."
The funds were part of Coal Severance dollars programmed for the 2024-25 fiscal year, which begins July 1, with the resolution sponsored by Ward 2 Councilman Chris Jonczak.
"I believe Chris wanted it specifically used for Starvaggi Pool," noted Ward 6 Councilman Enzo Fracasso during Wednesday's committee meeting.
The issue was raised March 25 as part of a special council meeting to approve the city's 2024-25 General Fund and Coal Severance budgets, when it was pointed out the funding had been programmed by Finance Director Diana Smoljanovich for use in parks and recreation. At the time, Jonczak expressed interest in having it specifically allocated for the pool, and it was suggested such a move could be done through a resolution.
City officials have long discussed proposals to replace the vessel of the pool, which was opened in 1968 and, in recent years, has been reported to lose approximately 5,000 gallons of water per day while in operation as a result of the condition of the pool vessel.
In December, council allocated $1 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding toward the project, with the Park Board, over much of the last year, working with PMV/SASI Architect and Engineering to design the project.
Even with those funds set aside, Ward 7 Councilman Terry Weigel expressed concern as to whether it would be enough.
"I think that's a project that's going to need additional funding," Weigel said, noting it will involve more than just the replacement of the pool vessel.
In other business Wednesday, the Finance Committee recommended:
A resolution authorizing the establishment of an interest-bearing account at Hancock County Savings Bank for the "City of Weirton Transit Fund 035," authoring the city manager and finance director to act on the city's behalf in relation to the fund. City Manager Mike Adams noted the bank was selected because it has a coin counter, which will be needed to tabulate bus fares for the fund.
A resolution to purchase a Caterpillar 3035DCT bucket-ditch-hydraulic 45-degree tilt for the Street Department, at a cost of $3,864
A resolution to place liens at 3611 West St., at $1,700, for demolition costs.