The Parkersburg City Council met Monday, December 1.
Several road construction projects were discussed. There was consideration about the need for more time extensions for the Newell Avenue reconstruction and why the project had a lack of work performed on a timely basis. The council had no objections to opening Newell Avenue between Watson Way and Circle Drive, but the contractor will need to perform the necessary steps to allow residents to safely drive in the area. They then tabled a change order to adjust the completion date to July 1, 2026.
The east Third Street alley reconstruction project is ongoing. The south section of the alley remains closed due to unforeseen circumstances. The south entrance is installed, but residents will not be able to use the alley from the south until the alley approaches are backfilled and the contractor agrees with opening it up to traffic. They then voted to continue with a nuisance abatement process against an adjacent property owner until the lateral support to the alley that was removed is restored.
The lack of progress on the Wemple Street/Lincoln Street construction was discussed. The storm sewer intake tops were not completed, the sidewalk extensions at the intersection to and from the elementary school were not completed, and a driveway approach was not installed prior to snowfall. While the road is driveable, city administration asks that residents use caution and avoid the area when possible.
In other action items, they approved an agreement between the city and Parkersburg Economic Development to allow the sharing of Deputy City Clerk Alex Bellows to promote economic development activities.
After a public hearing, they denied an application for a home occupation permit for a mental health practice at a residence. The council expressed willingness to help the individual find a suitable location for the business.
Mayor Mike Timmer also announced that the city received a $1,000 safety grant from ICAP to be used for playground safety mats.
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