Steubenville Council approves mineral lease over public objections

Steubenville City Council voted 6–1 on July 14 to accept a bid to lease the city's mineral rights after a public hearing that drew multiple residents who urged rejection.

Mayor Ralph Petrella opened the discussion and allowed public comment before the formal vote. Local residents voiced concerns that leasing could permit industrial activity near Beatty Park and other parcels. Dr. Randi Pokladink, an environmental scientist, told Council she lives near an active well pad and said the area has “turned into an industrial zone,” raising worries about radon and listed chemicals. Other commenters described daily radon monitoring, tremors attributed to heavy equipment and the absence of specific protections for homes, parks and schools in the draft lease.

Councilmember Thomas Albaugh (recorded as Mr. Albaugh) defended the procurement process and noted adjacent properties already under lease; he said the firm advising the city is recognized in Ohio. After discussion and questions about how lease proceeds will be handled, Mr. McManamon moved to accept the mineral lease bid and Mr. Albaugh seconded. The motion passed with six ayes (Walker, Albaugh, Gorman, Hoover, McManamon, Terpenning) and one no (Mayo). Mayor Petrella declared the motion carried.

Law Director Costa Mastros told Council the city will perform final due diligence on the payment and next steps, and said the spending pathway will require further legal and procedural actions. “This is going to be a process and it won’t happen for a while, it’ll be at least 90 days if not more,” Mastros said.

Councilmembers and public speakers suggested the city consider placing lease receipts into a reserved fund. During public forum, Paul Macdonald reiterated the request, urging the city to hold proceeds in reserve "just in case something does go wrong."