he Sistersville City Council met in regular session on Monday, May 9th at the City Building in Sistersville. Following the Pledge of Allegiance and the acceptance of the minutes from the April 11th meeting, the meeting began with the approval to pay the bills.
Under Department Head reports, Jason Rice Water and Sewer Department Head, reported the water loss percentage in the city has dropped considerably from a high of over 40 percent to a low of below 15 percent. Jason explained that the reduction was due to better tracking of leaks and the water project.
Barbara Vincent, from the Sistersville Planning Commission, reminded council that the Spring Clean-up is scheduled for May 15 through May 21.
Connie Boyd, President of the Park & Pool Board, reported the board has restarted a campaign to financially support the pool through their sale of sponsorship fence signs. The response from the community has been great with 13 signs purchased to date. Any business, company or individual can purchase a sign for $300. The signs will be displayed around the pool on the fence. For more information about purchasing a sign, please call the city building.
Under the water project update, Jessie Parker from S&S Engineering reported that the follow up meeting with Bob Litman from Litman Excavating went very well. Mr. Litman has agreed to come back to Sistersville to finish the cutting and tapping of the old water lines beginning on June 6, 2022. S&S Engineers will have an inspector on site while the work is being completed. Council was informed every attempt will be made to notify citizens ahead of time if they will experience a water shut off while work is being completed. Litman is hopeful this will be very limited and not affect many residences. Mr. Litman’s only request was the city pay for the restoration of the work at a cost of $27,000. Council agreed to pay the restoration fee so the city can finally end the water project.
It was also reported that the new pump for the booster station had arrived but was only capable of pumping 230 gallons per minute, and the requirement for the pump is 250 gallons per minute. The pump was returned. To correct the capacity problem, a different impeller will be installed.
Under old business, council has held discussions concerning the street fee charge and the possibility to change from frontage distance to a flat rate for all citizens. The rate discussed is $10.00 per household. Council approved moving forward with the proposal, and there will be a first reading of the change at a date to be determined, as well as a public hearing before any changes to the street fee are implemented.
Also, under old business Mayor Rice gave the council an update on the proposed new hospital. He said there was still no news on the state’s contribution of $10 million.
Under new business, council approved the removal of Alex Northcraft from the city’s accounts at Union Bank and adding City Recorder Megan Keller.
Next, Mayor Rice swore in Chief of Police Rob Haught for his reappointment and City Recorder Megan Keller for her reappointment.
Council then approved pay rates for the Sistersville Park and Pool summer employees, a new rate of $100 for the daily rental of the large shelter, and an increase for daily admittance to the pool for the 2022 summer from $3 to $4 for each guest 3 and above.
Council also approved purchasing security cameras for the Alan Maxwell Memorial Boat Docks at a cost of $588.
There was no one present for public forum and the meeting was adjourned. The next scheduled meeting of the Sistersville City Council is scheduled for June 13th at 7 p.m. in the City Building in Sistersville.
