Sistersville City Council Sets Spring Clean Up Days
Sistersville City Council met in regular session on Monday, April 11th at 7:00 p.m. at the City Building in Sistersville. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, the meeting began with the approval to pay the bills.
Under Boards and Committees, Mayor Rice reported to council that the power washing of the Sistersville pool was complete by Blastco. The Park and Pool Board has asked Blastco to submit a quote to do the needed concrete repair in the pool in preparation for opening day.
A change in how the city charges street fees was discussed by council regarding a flat rate for all citizens versus footage in front of their property. The matter was tabled until next council meeting. Also tabled was the cityás ability to charge garbage fees for multiple housing units and an update for a grant request for the Virginia Terrace sewer project. Under delinquent utility accounts a decision was made to wait until the city is set to go live on the new billing software which should occur in November. The new software will give the city the ability to identify the delinquent accounts more accurately. At that point efforts will be made to collect all delinquent utility account payments.
Under new business Bob Litman and Steve Thomas were present at the meeting for a discussion regarding unfinished work from the water project. The city continues in discussions through legal representation to resolve several remaining untapped/unclosed waterlines. Litman stated their work is complete, but the city believes it is the responsibility of Litman to complete the needed repairs before the project can come to a close. Council asked Mr. Litman if he was willing to sit down with the city engineers to discuss the 10 lines that need cut and tapped. The city is waiting on his response.
Mayor Rice also reported that the city has received a $1000 donation from the Sistersville Alumni Association toward the purchase of a new roof for the James E. Willison Family Center. The city has received estimates for the replacement and will hold a special meeting to discuss funding for the project.
Council gave their approval for the Sistersville Planning Commission to hold a Spring Cleanup from May 16th through May 21, 2022. Council also gave approval for the Sistersville Community Service Organization to hold the annual July Picnic Celebration in the Park to be held on Sunday, July 10, 2022. A rain date was set for Monday, July 11, 2022.
Council is considering a noise ordinance regarding Jake Brakes, a type of compression release brake that helps truck drivers slow down their truck without wearing out the service brakes. They are often identified by the very loud noise they make when the compressed air is pushed out of the exhaust. Council would like to place signs on Rt 2 restricting the use of the brakes. Councilman Chuck Heinlein has a call into Charleston for guidance on placing the signs and is waiting for the answer.
Council then went into Executive Session at 8:45 to continue discussion regarding Litman and the unfinished water project work. There was no action reported from the session. Following the Executive Session, the meeting was adjourned. The next scheduled meeting of the Sistersville City Council will be held on May 9, 2022 at the city building in Sistersville.