TRAFFIC SIGNALS, PUBLIC REQUESTS — A proposal by state officials to eliminate traffic signals in the city and a change in the handling of public requests were among matters before Follansbee Council on Monday. -- Warren Scott

FOLLANSBEE — A proposal by state officials to eliminate traffic signals along Main Street drew concerns from residents at Monday’s Follansbee Council meeting, while the mayor suggested a different way of handling public requests.

Mayor David Velegol Jr. confirmed the West Virginia Division of Highways has advised of plans to remove traffic signals at State Street, currently flashing yellow and red only; and Ohio Street, which have been bagged for some time; as well as ones that are operating at Raymond Street and near the former entrance to the coke plant.

Velegol said he’s also learned some consideration has been given to creating three lanes of traffic on Main, which is part of state Route 2.

The mayor said he and other city officials are opposed to such measures and plan to meet with state highway officials on the issue.

The news came after council heard from a few residents who also opposed the elimination of traffic signals.

Resident Janet Knox said many vehicles on the busy street pass through the intersection of Main and State streets at a high rate of speed, making it dangerous for pedestrians to cross.

She and Vito “Skip” Cutrone, who noted he owns businesses on State Street, noted many youth cross the intersection to reach Mahan Park.

Cutrone added without a signal at Main and Raymond streets, it will be very difficult for vehicles to turn onto the street from Hood’s Pharmacy.

He said if the state’s plans are carried out, “This is going to be very dangerous and there are going to be a lot of accidents.”

Area resident Keith Robinson said he’s also concerned because his mother lives near Main and State streets.

“If they don’t (reinstate) that light, only bad things are going to happen,” he predicted.

Before hearing from the residents, Velegol advised that moving forward, public comments would be limited to 5 minutes each and there would not be a “back and forth” exchange of questions and answers.

Resident Jeanmarie Byrge told council she can understand a desire to prevent meetings from being chaotic but asked, “How does anybody get any response to their comments?”

She also suggested agendas for the meetings could be more detailed, indicating what action council intended to take.

“We will get back to you,” Velegol told her.

Following the meeting, he said an effort will be made to address recurring complaints during a meeting. He said his intention is not to squelch public comment but to address the recent occurrence of three or four attendees speaking at the same time.

“We want to address everything, but the back and forth (exchange) creates tension,” said Velegol, who added that can lead to chaos.

In related business, 3rd Ward Councilman Nick Cekinovich asked if anyone had responded to an advertisement for someone to record and post council’s meetings on the Internet.

When Velegol indicated no one had, Cekinovich suggested approaching a group he has heard about.

High grass also was a recurring complaint at the meeting.

City Police Chief Larry Rea was asked how many property owners have been issued warnings they are in violation of city code addressing the issue.

He said about 13 had, and someone has been hired to cut the grass, for which the city will place a lien on such property for all grass cuttings done there for the year.

Velegol noted the property owners are given seven days to cut their grass before the city intervenes.

Also on Monday, Velegol applauded the volunteers behind the Follansbee Community Days festival and the Howard Verner Memorial Car and Motorcycle Show hosted by Lyle’s Auto.

Cekinovich acknowledged Johnna Lahita, a Brooke High School senior who organized a 5K run around the festival to raise money for the Bernie’s Kids toy drive.