Craig Howell UP FOR GRABS – Follansbee Council, in a special meeting Monday, agreed to move forward with plans to purchase property located behind the Blue Wave Center, which once served as a football field for Follansbee Middle School and local youth leagues.

FOLLANSBEE – The city of Follansbee plans to make an offer for the purchase of property that once served as the football field to the former Follansbee Middle School.

Council met in special session Monday, with all five members approving a proposal to purchase the land at a cost of $125,000, pending legal review.

Mayor Scott McMahon explained the purchase would establish a more definitive boundary between Follansbee Park and the Blue Wave Center, while allowing for opportunities to potentially expand recreational offerings in the city.

“It would allow the city to true up its property lines,” McMahon said.

Councilman at large John Schwertfeger agreed, saying the move will benefit Follansbee Park.

“We’re doing this for the integrity of the park,” he said.

The property once served as the football field for the school and was part of the sale of the school site by Brooke County Schools in 2020 to local businessman Scott Ewusiak. The former school building is now known as the Blue Wave Center, serving as a business complex.

Part of the southern area of the football field property, close to Mark Avenue, has been converted into pickleball courts, with the northern area turned into parking for use by the New Day Christian Center, once known as the Carlin Dodrill Field House.

For clarity during Monday’s discussion, Ward 1 councilman Anthony D’Ulisse questioned the boundaries of the property up for purchase, with Ward 2 councilman John Casinelli describing it as from the high wall to the park and from Mark Avenue to the public parking lot. Casinelli noted his description was a recollection of the boundaries from prior discussions by the Brooke County Board of Education.

D’Ulisse also asked whether the church would still be able to have access to any of the site, which McMahon said it would.

“The church will have access to six spots when needed,” he said, noting for worship services.

Ward 5 councilman Joe Kafton asked about financial opportunities for the purchase.

“We’ve talked about bonds and other options,” Kafton said, with McMahon saying he has been informed a lease-to-purchase agreement would be possible.

In other business Monday, council agreed to appoint Wendy DeAngelis as interim city clerk, to begin as soon as possible, with a term lasting until June 30, 2027. The appointment follows the death in early May of Dave Kurcina, who served in the role for 26 years.

The position will go on the ballot in the city’s 2027 election, with candidate filing in January.

Council also agreed to advertise for a police officer at a pay rate of $24 per hour.