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A new ordinance related to a proposed home improvement program for older houses in Wheeling is among legislation scheduled to be introduced during tonight’s regular meeting of Wheeling City Council.
The ordinance slated for a first reading before city council this evening aims to provide financial assistance to aid residents in exterior home improvements for homes built prior to 1940. The proposed program - originally dubbed the Victorian/Older Home Repair Assistance Program - came out of the Development Committee of Council by way of a recent joint meeting between city council members and the Wheeling Historic Landmarks Commission, which provided input on the proposal.
Following the joint meeting at the beginning of the year, the Historic Landmark Commission nominated its members Betsy Sweeney and Gregory Smith to serve on a committee to develop criteria for participation in the program and a formula to evaluate applications and determine approval.
Wheeling City Councilman Jerry Sklavounakis, who has championed the proposed program from the start since late last year, was also selected to serve on the committee charged with hammering out the program’s details.
A budget of $500,000 from the city’s general fund is expected to be established for the Home Owner-Occupied Repair Assistance Program for Homes Build Prior to 1940. City leaders have noted that the program would not be eligible for use of pandemic relief funds.
Applications are expected to be submitted to the city’s Economic and Community Development Department, which administered previous home repair improvement assistance programs funded through money allocated to the city through the American Rescue Plan Act. The department also administers the city’s popular Facade Repair Program.
The ordinance is expected to receive a first reading during tonight’s city council meeting, which is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. in council chambers at the City-County Building, 1500 Chapline St. The legislation is expected to be scheduled for a second reading and final vote during council’s April 4 meeting.
Also tonight, resolutions are slated to be introduced to approve the city’s General Fund Budget for fiscal year 2023-24 and the city’s Coal Severance Budget for the next fiscal year. Revenues and expenditures for the next fiscal year, which begins July 1, are expected to top $37.6 million.
Prior to tonight’s regular council meeting, the Rules Committee of Council is scheduled to meet at 4:45 p.m. to continue discussions about proposed amendments to city codes related to cruelty to animals. The committee is also expected to discuss codification of the city’s Municipal Tree Board. The Finance Committee of Council is scheduled to meet at 5:15 p.m. to review the February Financial Statement.