A vacant council seat representing Wellsburg’s 1st Ward and the upcoming departure of City Manager Steve Maguschak were among matters discussed by Wellsburg Council on Tuesday.

While he’s not submitted a formal resignation, Maguschak confirmed he’s conveyed to council he plans to retire after Jan. 24, 2026.

Maguschak has served as city manager for about 10 years, during which he has overseen several water and sewer projects and the creation of a handicap-accessible ramp to City Hall, among other endeavors. Of the position, he said, “It was a good job. I enjoyed working here.”

Maguschak came to Wellsburg from Mingo Junction, where he served as police chief and village administrator, juggling both positions for a time.

On Tuesday, 3rd Ward Councilman Randy Fletcher told council it should initiate a search for a city manager in the near future so a qualified candidate may be found well before Maguschak’s departure.

Mayor Dan Dudley said the intention is to hire a new city manager before that so he can spend time with Maguschak learning about the city’s operations.

Dudley also advised council two individuals have expressed interest in the vacant 1st Ward council seat.

He invited council members to participate in interviews with the two candidates in hopes the seat can be filled at council’s next regular meeting at 7 p.m. Aug. 12 at City Hall.

One of two on council representing the 1st Ward, the seat has been vacant since Jack Kins’ resignation, shortly before his death on June 29, following several years on council and many years serving with the city’s volunteer fire department.

In other business, 3rd Ward Councilman Tom Gaudio suggested council hold two voting meetings each month.

Currently council meets at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month to vote on various matters and at 6 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of each month for its committees meeting.

At the latter, council members who serve on the city’s various standing committees discuss assorted issues that may be voted upon at the former meeting, dropped or addressed by other city officials if no formal vote is required.

Gaudio said he feels the second meetings “are a waste of time because we can’t vote on anything.”

He said he’s not asking council members to receive additional pay for attending the second meeting.

Gaudio suggested the second voting meeting could be held on a trial basis, possibly for 90 days.

There was discussion about whether the meeting would replace the committees meeting and whether it would be held at the same time or later.

Council is expected to consider the move at its next regular meeting.

Gaudio also asked whether the owners of buildings can be prohibited from renting them if they owe the city money in taxes and fees.

In recent months, council members have discussed delinquent taxes owed by property and business owners.

Maguschak said he doesn’t believe the city can control the use of private property, but other actions may be taken against those who fail to pay taxes or fees.

Third Ward Councilman Geno Capp asked if owners of unused buildings may be fined, citing concerns about such structures becoming dilapidated.

Capp was advised a previous council established a vacant building ordinance in 2012.

The ordinance states owners of uninspected and unmonitored vacant buildings must register them with the city and pay a yearly fee.

The ordinance includes a fee structure of $200 for structures vacant for at least one year but less than two years, $400 for those vacant at least two years but less than three years, and $600 for those vacant for three years or more.

It states the reasons for the ordinance were concerns about such buildings creating a fire hazard, among other public risks; attracting criminal activity and hindering public or private efforts to rehabilitate or maintain surrounding structures.

At the time of registration, such buildings may be required to undergo inspection by the city’s building inspector, fire chief and police chief and corrective action may be ordered.

Maguschak noted city officials may pursue the condemnation of any building if it’s found to be structurally unsound.