FOCUS ON WATER — Bids for a major water project and financial issues involving the city’s swimming pool were discussed at Monday’s Follansbee Council meeting. -- Warren Scott

FOLLANSBEE — Issues involving water, whether it be what flows through the city’s water treatment system or what’s contained in the local swimming pool, were a recurring topic at Monday’s Follansbee Council meeting.

Mayor Scott McMahon announced the Army Corps of Engineers has opened bids for the city’s long awaited water project.

But he said unfortunately, the lowest bid came in at $9.5 million, far above the $4 million that had been secured for the project.

The Army Corps of Engineers had assumed the task of selecting a contractor, as a condition of the $3.1 million it awarded to the city, while the city has committed $1 million towards it.

McMahon said in light of the discrepancy, he, City Manager Chris Manack-Stover and representatives of the federal agency are working to cut the project with the hope that other aspects can be pursued in the not distant future.

“We’re trying to get it to budget,” he said.

McMahon said repairs and improvements to the downtown water treatment plant had been named a chief priority by Ghosh Engineering, which designed the project, and will likely be the city’s first goal.

Plans had called for the project to include upgrades to the facility and the water plant serving customers in the Hooverson Heights area and replacement of some main lines.

Proposed second and third phases were to include more line replacements and the installation of valves to reduce the number of customers affected when a line break occurs.

Resident Marty Bartz asked if there still are plans to establish a new water tank in the McKim’s Ridge area and was told that aspect has been abandoned.

Many of the city’s water customers have experienced disruptions to their service in recent months.

But following the meeting, Manack-Stover confirmed that has been the result of a sewer project that’s underway, with crews inadvertently breaking water lines while attempting to replace sewer lines, as well as aging water lines that have plagued the city for some time.

Officials in Follansbee and nearby communities have cited poor mapping of old lines as one reason for the accidental line breaks.

In related business, Manack-Stover said the city continues to seek an engineer to serve on the city’s sewer board to comply with state code.

In other business, Councilman at large John Schwertfeger said he’s learned the city’s swimming pool is at a deficit of about $62,273 while Follansbee Park is at a deficit of about $98,952.

Schwertfeger said that’s a combined deficit of about $161,225 though that will be brought down some by two anticipated donations of $40,000.

Tom Ludewig, seasonal manager for the pool and park, estimated at about $25,000 will be needed to replace several filters and a valve required to operate the pool.

Ludewig said the pool’s shallow end and the baby pool need to be repainted but he’s offered to do that.

Schwertfeger said to keep the pool open next year, it’s hours should be limited to Thursday through Sunday.

He said meanwhile, members of the park advisory board being formed could explore new features, such as fountains or a splash pad, and special events that could attract more youth to the pool and park as well as grants and other funding sources.

Schwertfeger said the ultimate goal would be to re-establish weeklong operations for the pool.

Earlier in the meeting, council heard from Joe Edmiston, an independent grant writer hired by the city, who reported on efforts to secure a federal Land and Water Conservation grant for the pool and a local grant to improve the sound system for council chambers.

Edmiston encouraged council members to consider smaller projects in their wards for which he may seek funds.

Also on Monday:

• Phyllis Riccadonna, a representative of the American Red Cross, asked council to consider waiving a deposit and other fees charged for the organization to use the Follansbee Community House for blood drives.

She said the drives help to save lives and raise no funds from which the organization could pay such costs.

Riccadonna noted the city-owned rental has been used for the blood drives in the past, and another is planned for Feb. 27.

• Monica “Mo” Rotellini-Myers asked the board to consider supporting First Fridays on Main events she plans to hold next year to promote businesses along the street.

Rotellini-Myers has organized Sidewalk Saturday events, featuring food trucks and outdoor vendors, to help promote the businesses.

• Fifth Ward Councilman Joe Kafton suggested hiring another officer for the police department to reduce overtime that has averaged about $9,000 per month.

He said an additional officer would improve the department’s efficiency and safety for its members, a statement supported by City Officer Ryan Brindley.

In related business, a proposed raise for the city’s deputy police chief was tabled for council’s next regular meeting, which will be held at 6 p.m. Oct. 20 because its normal meeting date falls on Columbus Day.

Manack-Stover noted the City Building also will be closed on that day.

• Manack-Stover said a golf scramble held this weekend to raise money for improvements to the Community House was a great success, generating more than $12,000.

Third Ward Councilman Nick Cekinovich, who heads a volunteer committee behind it and other fundraisers, acknowledged the many volunteers involved, businesses within and outside the city that served as sponsors and the staff of Highland Springs Golf Course for their assistance.

• Council set Halloween trick or treat hours at 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 30.

• Second Ward Councilman John Casinelli said there are plans to recognize long-time former Follansbee businesses on a plaque to be displayed at Ray Stoaks Plaza near the City Building. Anyone wanting to suggest such a business should contact him.

• Council observed a moment of silence for Ronnie Lodge, who worked for the city for 40 years and was an Army veteran. Lodge died on Aug. 20 at the age of 92.

Congratulations also were offered to Walt and Toni Kurkura, a local couple who recently celebrated their 70th anniversary.