Richard Long and Dana Johnson

Sistersville City Council, with a full agenda, met at the Sistersville City Building at 7:00 PM on Monday, June 13, 2022, with Mayor Bill Rice presiding. The approval of the minutes of the previous meeting and the approval to pay current bills, received unanimous support from the council members in attendance.

Councilman Chuck Heinlein expressed thanks to Russell Weekly and the Street Crew, along with Connie Boyd and Barbara Vincent who were in attendance representing the Parks & Recreation Committee for the good work done by both groups regarding preparations for the recent Alumni Weekend. Additional comments were tendered by Council Members regarding the good conditions and operations of the city pool.

Concerning the Virginia Terrace sewer project, Luke Peters of the Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Council spoke briefly of communications with the offices of both US Senators Manchin and Capito regarding funding for the project.

The local Senior Center is in need of roof and porch replacement. Contact has been established with West Virginia House of Delegates member David Kelly regarding funding assistance and Council is awaiting Delegate Kelly’s response. Council Member Chuck Heinlein expressed the importance of proper maintenance for the building, but also to the larger point of proper support and respect for the community’s senior citizens.

Installation of the new electronic water metering system will begin soon. Embracing such technology is an inspiring move into the future and should serve the city well in the coming years.

Council filled two current vacancies by voting unanimously to install Dana Johnson and Richard Long as council members representing the First Ward. Both men will serve two year terms. Mayor Rice swore the two men into office.

By unanimous vote, Council approved the employment of two people; one for the street crew and one for the sewer plant. Both are local residents. Hired was Eddie Van Horn and Mike Weekley. Van Horn will be employed for the sewer department and will work on getting licensed to operate the sewer plant. Weekley will work in the street department.

Newly sworn in Council Member Dana Johnson spoke of the importance of taking a long view regarding city employees and fostering and supporting their capacity to step up when vacancies occur in supervisory positions, or in other ways prepare for the inevitable retirement of experienced personnel.

There was general discussion regarding trees overhanging roadways, loose gravel on streets and roads, road blockages, a right-of-way issue that has hopefully been solved, albeit with a detailed solution, and the possibility of an apparent cat thief on the prowl.

Connie Boyd gave an update on the swimming pool, saying it’s open daily and prior to the season starting received new paint by the inmates at St. Marys.

One resident questioned council on the timeline for paving a certain street on McCoy Heights, while council also addre4ssed the issue of a gate installed by a homeowner that closed an alley preventing the city crews. That issue has been resolved. Mayor Rice added the town has three streets scheduled to be paved this season including Jackson.

Council adjourned at 8:01 PM. The next regular meeting of city council will be held on Monday, July 11, in the council chambers.