Joseph Solberg

The meeting commenced with a moment of silence in remembrance of former city manager Nate Stansbury's aunt. A visitor introduced himself as interested in an upcoming city council position, outlining his background and desire to contribute to the city's beautification and desirability for businesses and families. The council approved the minutes for the December 1st and December 15th meetings. Updates were provided regarding the Historic Landmarks Commission, noting a requirement for setup in SAMS to draw down USDA grant funds for the Weston Cultural Project, and the Planning Commission, which is set to receive an update from the WVU Law Clinic on zoning ordinance change proposals. Finance reports detailed December collections, including sewer and stormwater, and noted that fire fees had increased from the previous month. The finance section also discussed the ongoing investment strategy involving Certificates of Deposit (CDs) with maturity periods limited by state code to 364-day or six-month terms. The Street Commissioner put capital investment in new salt spreaders on the council's radar due to aging equipment and announced an upcoming medical leave for surgery, concurrent with the City Manager's parental leave. The Police Chief noted a reduction in academy candidates and introduced the Peer Embedded Officer, Lindsay, who provided detailed statistics on her outreach work assisting unhoused individuals with accessing identification, housing, medical appointments, and treatment programs, sharing specific success stories regarding family reunification and sustained sobriety.

The session included a public comment segment where a resident registered for the vacant Ward 2 seat discussed his background, including being an English native, obtaining multiple degrees, and running a local business. The primary discussion focused on the update regarding annexation, specifically concerning the Stone Coal area's wastewater treatment. Expert advice suggested replacing the existing package plant with a new one, estimated at under $1 million, as opposed to a sewer extension estimated between three and five million dollars. It was noted that replacing the package plant necessitates annexation due to state code prohibiting non-municipal package plants. Discussions also covered the financial implications, including how customer rates would cover the new plant's cost and the potential for rate increases due to operating the current deficient plant. Furthermore, the council discussed potential financial impacts from a forthcoming D-E-P order related to the deficient plant operations and the need for annexation to mitigate stricter enforcement. Another topic involved road infrastructure concerns related to the potential annexation of The Meadows area, noting past hesitation due to road maintenance costs versus projected property tax revenue. Finally, the council reviewed future election schedules, noting that municipal elections must transition to county elections by 2032.

Discussions during the meeting covered several operational and administrative matters. Key topics included assistance provided to elderly residents during snow clearing operations and the status of the temporary sidewalk clearing personnel. Updates were provided on police academy training progress and personnel matters. The building code section discussed the ongoing power pole project, relocation of services for Christmas lights, and coordination with the power company for pole upgrades. Demolition work under the grant program concluded, with final reimbursement pending receipt of the final waste management bill. The status of the DAP grant program and potential legislative changes affecting it were mentioned. The City Manager reported on an increasing volume of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, leading to plans to introduce a FOIA ordinance at the next meeting. Communication from the Department of Highways recommending the closure of the Forest Street Bridge was discussed, noting the lack of immediate threat but also the need for independent traffic studies if closure is pursued. The appointment of Joyce Sprouse as the new Finance Manager was approved. Other items included updates on the license plate reader camera installation and discussions regarding the downtown Wi-Fi initiative, which is linked to existing camera infrastructure.

The special session meeting addressed the appointment of a council member to fill the vacant Ward Four seat, resulting in the appointment and subsequent oath of office for Adam Sims. A significant portion of the meeting involved a discussion with Kimley Horn regarding the Riverfront project, specifically focusing on concerns about the dam structure, potential modifications for kayaking access (portage or chute options), and the requirement for future structural integrity studies and environmental documentation. Additionally, the council discussed revisions to the vacant structures ordinance, addressing concerns related to property owners on fixed incomes, properties listed for sale at unrealistic prices, and properties with building permits issued but no actual improvement work being conducted. Legal counsel will review language for amendments to ensure fairness while maintaining the ordinance's purpose of encouraging property movement.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance. Key discussions involved agency reports, including updates on the Arnold Cemetery's successful nomination to the National Historic Registry, scheduled meetings for various commissions, and an update from the Weston Arts Council regarding past events such as open mic nights and a landscape painting class, as well as upcoming plans including a comedian event and a photography contest. Finance reports highlighted the previous month's fire fee collections, significant year-to-date increases in business license and vehicle registration fee collections, and a decision was made to transfer funds from the vacant structures fund to the general fund. Further financial actions included the approval of the check detail report and the transfer of ARPA funds to the general fund to cover remaining authorizations. Updates were provided on street department projects, including work on Bank Street and Pump Station 7 issues. The police department introduced a new patrol officer starting in January and discussed plans for a safety class with AAA at the high school. Finally, the city manager noted the pending status of the Finance Manager position.