Weirton department heads report on roads, safety, libraries and community programs

Weirton — Multiple department heads updated City Council on operations, community programs and ongoing projects at the Jan. 12 meeting.

Public Works Superintendent Jeff Berry reported the salt bin is roughly 75% full, with 300 tons on order, and the department has taken delivery of about 16 tons of cold mix to continue street patching; he said the street department still needs two truck drivers. Planning and Development Director Mark Miller said Thrasher Engineering completed its quarterly review of Marland Heights Road with no significant roadway movement observed and that St. Joseph's College has purchased the former Liberty School property and plans to propose an 11-home subdivision to the Planning Commission in February.

Code Enforcement (Nick Stewart) noted Inspector Dave Ziegler passed the Plumbing I exam and Inspector Ty Kelly passed the Building I exam, and that signs on Collier's Way have been removed. Fire Chief Kevin Himmelrick said community partners provided $4,600 to start a smoke-detector program, enabling distribution and installation of over 600 detectors in homes without working alarms; he also said Weirton Local 948 raised $5,100 for WVU Children's Hospital.

Police Chief Charlie Kush reported December activity included 622 calls for service, 28 citations, 53 misdemeanor arrests and five felony arrests. He described new traffic-camera technology assisting hit-and-run and fleeing-suspect investigations and said officers began 12-hour shifts on Jan. 11. Kush said officers are conducting traffic checks and coordinating with business management and the Department of Highways to address congestion near the Walmart/Wash-Rite area.

Transit Director Kevin Davis reported ridership is up about 10% from this time last year. Utilities Director Butch Mastrantoni asked the Mayor and City Manager to schedule a work session with the Water Board to review operational matters and clarify questions about transparency and service performance; he said the Water Board provides monthly operational and financial reports, including Public Service Commission documentation, and meets publicly each month.

Parks and Recreation Director W. Coty Shingle said the youth basketball league has 184 participants and that parking at the Millsop Community Center may be limited during evening activities; he also announced completion of a south-wall exterior finish. Library Board President Molly Mosser said the board is actively seeking a new director, business manager and on-site bookkeeper and thanked City electricians for installing LED foyer lighting. City Manager Michael A. Adams noted a temporary channel and strip drain is redirecting water believed to be from an old mine under Pennsylvania Avenue; he also said bids for a citywide comprehensive plan will go out soon and that South 11th Street will be closed up to Red Rider Road for maintenance on Jan. 13.

Council took no separate votes on the departmental reports, which were provided for informational purposes.