FOLLANSBEE — Temporary and future use of city property and a possible partnership with a local church were among matters before Follansbee Council on Monday.

Mayor David Velegol Jr. told council representatives of Cedar One Realty have expressed interest in selling the former Jo-Jon’s property and several acres behind it to a developer who may bring multiple businesses to it.

Velegol said the Realtors are very hopeful such an approach can bring the economic development city officials hope to see at the site, which is at the city’s north end near the intersection of state Route 2 and Mahan Lane.

He said council would have the right to restrict the property’s use, and its sale would require a public auction.

Following the meeting, Velegol said council could set a minimum bid for the land based on its appraised value and Cedar One Realty would not receive anything until the property was sold.

In 2020, the city purchased the former Jo-Jon’s building and slightly less than an acre on which it stood for $195,000 and demolished the small, one-story structure, which had housed various businesses but stood vacant for many years.

Velegol suggested the property, which faces a four-lane section of state Route 2, could be marketed to a new business, such as a sit-down restaurant, which has been requested by many residents.

Since then, an unnamed business expressed interest in the Jo-Jon’s lot but failed to attend a public auction held for it in August.

Velegol acknowledged adult softball fields occupying a rear portion of the land would have to be relocated if the entire property were sold.

Third Ward Councilman Nick Cekinovich said while Velegol and other city officials have met with representatives of Cedar One, he would like for council to hear from them.

Velegol said he will arrange for them to address council.

Council members also heard from the Rev. Gerald Muoka of St. Anthony Catholic Church, who asked them to consider a partnership involving operation of the gymnasium at the former St. Anthony School.

The mayor earlier suggested the church could lease the gym to the city and the two could share in revenue generated by rentals of it.

He said the cost for the church to insure the facility under the Catholic diocese’s guidelines is cost-prohibitive but it would require no additional coverage under the city’s insurance, though its users might be required to sign waivers.

Velegol said the gym would be available for athletic use only, not private parties.

Fifth Ward Councilwoman Wendy DeAngelis said the gym would offer city leagues an indoor facility it has lacked since the former Carlin Dodrill Fieldhouse at Follansbee Middle School became home to the New Day Christian Center, a local church.

Cekinovich asked whether it was proper for the city to lease property owned by a religious organization and whether doing so would open the door to similar requests.

Velegol said he believes it’s justified because it would allow the city to provide a service to residents.

In related business, council learned Sycamore Church has asked to use the Jo-Jon’s property for a family-oriented event in the summer.

Councilman at large John Casinelli said he isn’t opposed to the event but wanted to know how traffic will be handled and was told representatives of the church will share more information.

Another request, for use of Follansbee Park, has been submitted by Monica Rotellini-Myers, a local business owner who has asked to hold a vendor fair there in July.

She was accompanied by Kevin Carroll of KC Productions, a group that has held special events at The Highlands and is helping to organize the Follansbee event.

Velegol questioned whether it would duplicate Follansbee Christmas in the Park, a city-sanctioned fall event, and whether it would lead to other groups seeking full use of the park.

Asked whether the event will raise money for charity, Rotellini-Myers said that will depend on how much the city charges for the park’s use.

Council asked Rotellini-Myers for more information, including insurance coverage for the event.

Council also heard from Blaine Tennant, who is teaming with 4th Ward Councilman Frank Pedersen to organize the city’s youth basketball league.

Tennant said the league will be open to youth entering grades K-5 in Brooke County and Weirton schools and its season will run from June 16 to July 19 at the city’s Mahan Playground.

He said depending on the number of sign-ups, the group hopes to have separate leagues for boys and girls, and it hopes to secure sufficient sponsors to allow them to participate at no cost.

Council also:

• Approved the hiring of Tom Ludewig as Follansbee Park’s supervisor for the summer and agreed to advertise for lifeguards, concession workers and other park staff for the summer.

• Approved the hiring of Mike Ayoob, a former Lewis County sheriff’s deputy, as the city’s newest police officer.

• Reappointed Ed Wilkerson to the city’s sewer board and agreed to advertise vacancies for seats representing the 2nd, 3rd and 4th wards on the water board.

Letters of interest in the seats should be submitted to the city manager’s office at the City Building.

It was announced council will hold a special meeting at 6 p.m. next Monday at the City Building to consider the city’s budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year.