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Weirton pulls energy project from agenda

WEIRTON – City Council on Monday agreed to hold off on a resolution authorizing the city manager to enter into a guaranteed energy savings performance contract with Honeywell International Inc.

The project would cost an estimated $2.29 million with 3 percent interest over a 15-year time span. It would include new LED traffic lights, new heating and cooling systems, thermostats and a new phone system for the city building; new windows and a boiler at the fire department; new lighting, new steam pool heating and domestic water heating systems for the Millsop Community Center; and several other general equipment replacements.

The decision came after an executive session was held to discuss contract negotiations. The resolution for the energy deal likely will be on the table again at next month’s regular City Council meeting after further discussion with Honeywell representatives, officials said.

Council also voted 6-0 to enter into a contract for the purchase of a tractor for the Public Works Department at a cost of $105,645 on a lease. Resolutions to purchase a mandatory respirator fit test machine for the fire department and to repair the gun range for the police department were passed unanimously. The police department soon will receive four new Tasers as well, and Ward 1 Councilman Ronnie Jones pointed out that funding for those will be provided by a grant.

Mayor George Kondik announced two awards at the meeting. The first award from the mayor’s office went to Justin Crago in recognition of his achievement in reaching Eagle Scout status. Crago gathered more than 2,400 items for the local domestic violence shelter and raised awareness of issues related to domestic violence.

“Your accomplishments and achievements deserve special recognition, and this award is an honor and a privilege to bestow to you,” Kondik said.

The second award went to Bertha Simich in recognition of honest and faithful service for the past 47 years. Simich has worked at the police department under 13 different chiefs in her time employed by the city.

“It’s surreal though,” she said. “I loved my job 47 years ago, and I love my job today. I just want to thank everyone.”

Ward 3 Councilman Fred Marsh reminded members of council and citizens present at the meeting that around this time last year, a memorial service was held in front of the Millsop Community Center for the victims of the Sandy Hook shootings. Everything gathered at that service to send to Newtown, Conn., was delivered by Lisa Petrovich, a former Weirton resident, meaning that families of victims received it directly rather than waiting for donations to be distributed through the usual processes. Petrovich sent a thank-you card as well as a gift of bracelets for council members, and Marsh read the card to council.

“The memorial service and numerous items that were sent from Weirton are very much appreciated by our community and especially by Steve and myself,” she wrote. “Thank you for your part in coordinating these efforts.”

The bracelets read “Sandy Hook strong,” and the names of all the victims were listed on the back of the packages.

Kondik announced nominations and council approved Bob Kolanko and Robert Gambill for the zoning board, as well as William Dalrymple, Chuck Robinson, Nate Mazur and Tamara Green for the planning commission.

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