Michele Ann Fluharty

The council addressed the second and final reading of Ordinance #482. Leroy Ellison was hired as the code enforcement officer. The council reviewed and approved the purchase of replacement lamp posts for the Joel McCann Trailhead. Budget revisions for the General Fund and Mead Fund were explained and accepted. Spring Clean Up Day was rescheduled to May 31. The EPA will inspect the radio-read meter installations on April 16. An update was provided on the swinging bridge replacement project, which is on hold until meter installations are complete. The city clerk reported the completion of election filings. The outstanding bills were reviewed and approved for payment.

The meeting addressed the adoption of the General and Coal Severance Fund Budgets for FY 2025-26. Bids for the demolition of the Malone Building were reviewed, and the low bid from Blue Gold Development was accepted. Discussions included tenant evacuation during the demolition. The first reading of Ordinance #482, adopting the updated Employee Handbook, was conducted. Payment of Pay Requisition #7 for the Burt Hill Tank Project was approved. The Mannington Lake Association announced a Tadpole Tournament and raised concerns about littering. Updates were provided on police department staffing and equipment, completion of the pickleball court, and installation of new radio read meters. The council also discussed replacing light poles at the trailhead and interviewing a building inspector for the code enforcement position. A report was made about aggressive dogs running loose, and the outstanding bills were reviewed and approved for payment.

The meeting included a report from the Mannington Park Board regarding maintenance needs at Hough Park, such as lighting, water meter installation, water line extension, and parking lot repairs. Region Six PDC presented a payment request for the CDBG Project. Discussions also took place regarding the General Fund and Coal Severance Fund Budgets for FY 2025-26, and Spring Clean Up Day was scheduled for May 3, with authorization for renting two dumpsters. Additionally, there were department reports on radio read meter installations and flow tests for fire hydrants. Filing dates for the June 3 election were announced.

The meeting included a presentation on Pay Requisition #6 for the Burt Hill Tank Project. An agreement with EQT for temporary surface use near the new Buffalo Street Bridge site was tabled. Department reports covered updates from the Police Chief on academy progress and cruiser equipment, from the Superintendent on spring projects like water meter installations and bridge replacements, and from the City Clerk on continuing with Nexbillpay for payment services. There was also a discussion on the Hardesty Bridge Project. A budget work session followed to review Coal Severance Fund and General Fund budgets for FY 2026.

The council meeting addressed several key issues. The Moose Lodge's funding request was tabled. An updated employee handbook was approved. Bids for Phase 3 of the Demolition Project were reviewed, with Beatty Construction's bid being accepted. Plans for replacing Christmas lights were discussed. The Mannington Lake Association was scheduled for discussion at the next meeting. Department reports included updates on road salt usage and grant applications. The council also discussed the status of a debt repayment and approved payment of outstanding bills.