MORE SECURITY – Upgrades in security are set to be considered by Weirton Council during its meeting tonight. The meeting’s agenda includes a resolution for the purchase of two types of metal detectors to be used at the Weirton Municipal Building. -- Craig Howell

WEIRTON — Visitors to the Weirton Municipal Building may soon have to go through security screening before being able to enter.

Weirton Council is set to consider a resolution, tonight, for the purchase of two sets of FMD Pro metal detectors and two ZKT Teco HMD 100 hand-held metal detectors, at a cost of $29,957.

Proposed by Ward 1 Councilman Tim Connell, the resolution was recommended as part of Friday’s meeting of the city Finance Committee, and is on the agenda for today’s council meeting which will take place at 7 p.m.

“It’s what has to be done these days,” explained Connell, who explained he had brought the idea forward under a previous city administration, but it didn’t gain much traction.

If approved, one set of the FMD units would be located at the front doors of the Municipal Building leading to the main floor, with another set on the lower-level entrance by the police department.

Individuals coming into the building at either entrance would be scanned by the machinery, and, if necessary, the hand-held units would be used for additional screening.

While the resolution stipulates the devices’ use at the Municipal Building, City Manager Mike Adams noted the units can be transported to other municipal facilities – such as the Millsop Community Center – if the need arises.

“These are portable,” Adams said. “They can move from place to place.”

While there are security cameras located throughout the building, the metal detectors would provide additional support in the effort to protect municipal employees.

“This is long overdue,” said Mayor Dean Harris, who was in attendance at Friday’s Finance Committee meeting.

It was noted training would be needed to operate the devices, and a decision on staffing will be made when the time comes. Adams also indicated additional security measures are under consideration.