A resolution to provide $400 bonuses to 407 city employees and ordinances to repair and demolish buildings in the 1100 block of Main Street are among the issues City Council will consider Tuesday.
During a Dec. 15 meeting of the city's finance committee, members Vice Mayor Eugene Fahey, Councilman Vernon Seals and Councilman James Tiu voted unanimously to spend $162,800 in taxpayers' money to fund the bonuses. But the money will not be distributed unless the full City Council approves a budget revision resolution.
West Virginia Managing Deputy Attorney General Silas Taylor is concerned that the bonuses may not be legal because he believes the state Constitution prohibits city employees from receiving extra compensation after performing the work they were contracted to do.
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Photo by Casey Junkins
Wheeling officials have begun the asbestos abatement and demolition of the former Downtown Wheeling Antiques building, 1120 Main St.
As for the buildings in the 1100 block of Main Street, the city in September issued $715,000 in Tax Increment Financing bonds to fund the recent purchase of the former Rite Aid building, former G.C. Murphy building and former River City Dance Works buildings.
Now, council will consider an ordinance to spend $25,000 worth of excess TIF funding with Erb Electric for "emergency electrical work" at the River City Dance Works building,1122 Main St.
City Manager Robert Herron said the electrical service lines leading into the building were in need of repair.
Fact Box
THE NEXT MEETING
= Wheeling City Council will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday in City Council Chambers on the
second floor of the City-County Building, 1500 Chapline St.
Before acquiring the other 1100 block buildings, city leaders purchased the former Downtown Wheeling Antiques building, 1120 Main St., with $20,000 in Community Development Block Grant money. Now, council will consider an ordinance to spend $67,780 in CDBG money with Edgco Inc. to demolish the building.
Herron said demolition of the Downtown Wheeling Antiques building is already under way.
According to the ordinances, both Erb Electric and Edgco Inc. were hired to perform "emergency" work on these buildings. No other work bids were received.
City officials continue to explore development options for these buildings in the 1100 block.