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FOLLANSBEE -- Improvements to the Follansbee Community House and local parks will be considered by Follansbee Council in the months ahead, and the public is invited to share their own ideas for the latter.
Council also has made plans for a public meeting to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of an elected or appointed police chief.
On Monday, council voted 5-1 to hire M&G Architects and Engineers of Wheeling, for about $15,000, to present options and renderings for improvements to the Community House, a rental hall operated by the city near Follansbee Park.
Supporting the move were 1st Ward Councilwoman Tammy Johnson, 2nd Ward Councilman Charles McCoy, 3rd Ward Councilman Nick Cekinovich, 5th Ward Councilwoman Wendy DeAngelis and Councilman at large John Casinelli.
Mayor David Velegol Jr. also was a vocal supporter, saying having designs completed would improve the city's chance of securing grant money for the improvements.
Fourth Ward Councilwoman Alexis Russell, who voted against it, said she would like to see other engineers considered and feels other projects should be completed before starting a new one.
Velegol said the building's front entrance and kitchen are among areas being eyed for improvements.
He said designs have been completed for a handicap-accessible ramp and there are plans for city personnel to repair its soffit and fascia this summer.
Velegol said though the building is near Follansbee Park, it functions separately from the city's system of parks, serving as the site for various private parties, community events and occasional council meetings.
Council also agreed to employ consultant Joan Simonetti to conduct a brainstorming session centered around park improvements.
The move is intended to help council prioritize improvements to the parks while accepting input from the public.
It was suggested by Russell, who said, "We just want to come together with a plan."
The meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Monday in council chambers of the City Building.
Council also has made plans for a meeting at 6 p.m. May 23 at the Community House to share with the public pros and cons for having an appointed police chief or keeping the office an elected one.
Over the years city officials have noted an ordinance establishing the position doesn't require the chief to work a specific number of hours and there has been some debate over whether the chief should be a certified police officer or serve primarily as an administrator for the police department.
Council has agreed to place the question of an elected or appointed police chief on ballots in the city's June 13 general election but only to measure public opinion.
City Attorney Michael Gaudio said such a change to the city's charter would require two readings and a public hearing and couldn't occur until 2025.
Larry Rea, the city's current chief, is unopposed in his bid for another two-year term in the position.
Also on Monday, Velegol shared a letter from resident and local business owner Debbie Puskarich, who expressed gratitude to Rea, who also is the city's fire chief, for the times he aided her late husband, Rich, while he was battling cancer.
Velegol added Puskarich has made a $1,000 donation to the fire department.