SPECIAL RECOGNITION — On Monday, Follansbee Council and Mayor Scott McMahon, left, recognized Dr. Michael Pipo for his many years of service, both as a dentist and in the military, and for his donation of his office, following his retirement, for use by Follansbee American Legion Post 45. -- Warren Scott

FOLLANSBEE — On Monday, Follansbee Council discussed a recurring parking problem, learned of a potential grant opportunity and recognized local residents for accomplishments that have benefited the community.

Third Ward Councilman Nick Cekinovich said he’s received complaints about vehicles being parked on sidewalks along Main and Chapman streets in the 3rd Ward while also noticing it occurring again on the city’s south end.

He said some of them have been close to a parking lot created by the city to accommodate residents at the south end of Main Street who complained their vehicles were struck or nearly struck by passing vehicles along state Route 2.

Cekinovich asked if a permit is required to park in the lot.

City Police Chief Larry Rea said no permit is required and his department has addressed vehicles that have been parked there long-term by ticketing them and having them towed.

He said citations also will be written for those parking vehicles on the sidewalks.

Cekinovich noted white guide lines on the outer edges of Route 2’s lanes have nearly disappeared in some areas and questioned whether repainting them would help prevent passing drivers from striking the parked vehicles.

Paula Haddon, a resident of the south end, said it might help.

Haddon said several accidents have occurred near her home, and two of her vehicles were destroyed.

Second Ward Councilman John Casinelli said state road crews have repainted the lines in the past and suggested the city contact the West Virginia Division of Highways.

In other business, City Manager Chris Manack-Stover said she’s learned of a grant from the West Virginia Job and Infrastructure Development Council that may be used for the match required for a federal grant awarded for a new roof, control panel and other improvements to the city’s water treatment plant.

The federal grant, in the amount of about $1.3 million, was awarded by the Army Corps of Engineers.

Manack-Stover said she will be meeting with staff with the Brooke-Hancock-Jefferson Metropolitan Planning Commission to discuss applying for the state grant.

Mayor Scott McMahon and council also took time to recognize Dr. Michael Pipo and members of the Brooke High School chapter of Future Business Leaders of America.

McMahon noted Pipo is retiring after operating a local dental practice for nearly 40 years and has agreed to donate his office for use by Follansbee American Legion Post 45, whose current building was closed after its roof collapsed following a severe storm in April.

He added Pipo also served in the Air Force and for many years in the Air National Guard, earning the rank of lieutenant colonel.

“You definitely have served your community in a variety of ways, and we applaud you,” McMahon told him.

McMahon recognized Brooke FBLA members William Harvey, Kai Bowers, Gavin Scott, Cooper Byers and Andrew Petrella for winning the Robin Hayhurst High School Pitch Competition.

He noted that under the leadership of their adviser, Chad Haught; working in two teams, the five pitched ideas for new inventions and won $2,500 to develop their ideas and $25,000 for Bruins Helping Bruins, their school’s food pantry.

In other business:

• Manack-Stover advised at next Monday’s meeting, council will consider approval of three people recommended for the city’s newly formed police board.

The recommendations came from the Brooke County Area Chamber of Commerce, local Fraternal Order of Police lodge and Rea.

The board will be charged with hearing complaints and concerns regarding the police department expressed by citizens and the officers themselves.

• City Attorney Michael Gaudio said a public auction is anticipated later this month for property off Allegheny Street once occupied by the city’s landfill and the Brooke County Animal Shelter.