Craig Howell IN MEMORY – During Tuesday’s meeting of Weirton Council, city officials held a moment of silence in tribute to the life and service of former councilman George Ash. Ash, who had approximately 30 years of combined service on city council, died June 3 at the age of 75.

WEIRTON – Following two months of debate, Weirton Council filled a post on the Weirton Area Water Board Tuesday, appointing city resident Bob Kolanko to the seat.

The appointment was approved by a 6-1 vote, with Ward 5 Councilwoman Brittany Holloway casting the dissenting vote.

It was the second attempt at an appointment to the Water Board in recent months, with Mayor Dean Harris announcing during the May council meeting that a previous candidate had withdrawn from consideration following social media commentary.

Prior to the vote, similar issues were discussed, with Ward 1 Councilman Tim Connell claiming commentary on social media platforms questioned Kolanko’s credentials.

“Now, again, we have the same social media mob,” Connell said, pushing for the approval. “This issue has been pushed down the road long enough.”

Holloway said she believes the online commentary was not meant to be malicious.

“They simply want to express their concerns and their feelings,” she said, adding that she knows Kolanko and others who have applied for the post love Weirton and want to serve, but people are frustrated. “I hope we can move past a lot of this, because people don’t feel heard.”

The seat in question on the Water Board previously had been held by George Ash and expired May 31. Ash, who previously served a combined 30 years on Weirton Council, died last week at the age of 75. Members of council, wearing black ribbons Tuesday, held a moment of silence in his memory.

Earlier in the meeting, some residents also spoke on the issue of the appointment, as well as continuing concerns with the Weirton Area Water Board and the water system itself.

Among those was resident Chris Gruda, who has applied for appointments to the board on multiple occasions.

Noting he works in the water industry, Gruda said he feels he would be a good candidate for the board.

“I know how to fix it,” he said of the water system, while claiming the Water Board will not be able to get any grants or funding assistance for the approximately $190 million improvement project it faces.

Karen Mentzer presented council with water filters she said were used for only three months in her home.

“This water needs to be fixed,” she said, while also voicing her support for Gruda for the board appointment.

Brian Barrett, meanwhile, questioned the process used to fill board and commission seats in the city, suggesting the possibility of public involvement and more transparency in the process.