ST. CLAIRSVILLE During Monday night's council meeting, leaders in the city of St. Clairsville heard an update from Global Geophysical Services regarding their proposal to create a seismic map beneath the city for the use of oil and gas interests. Michael McNew, permit supervisor, presented a map of their planned operations to the city for examination.
The process involves using trucks equipped with vibration devices to project waves underground. McNew added that it was possible to place buffers around historical buildings and other sites to avoid damages.
"Our concerns are with older infrastructure," said Planning and Zoning Administrator Tom Murphy, adding that he had contacted other communities where Geophysical Services had operated and had received no major complaints.
Article Photos
T-L Photo/ROBERT A. DEFRANK
Michael McNew, permit supervisor of Global Geophysical Services, presents a map of their proposed plan to map beneath St. Clairsville. Standing, from left, are council members John Bukmir, Frank Sabatino and Terry Pugh. Seated, from left, are council members Jake Olsavsky, Libby Heintzelman, Jim Weisgerber and Perry Jones.
McNew added that each landowner whose property would be affected would be contacted individually. They would be paid $5 per acre.
McNew said the permit process is ongoing but they hope to begin the project July or August depending on the participation of the community and landowners. He said the vibration mapping should take between three and five days although the preparation would take about four to six months. He noted the increase in local economy to be brought in by the work crews during their stay in town.
Murphy will review the map and equipment locations and deliver a report next meeting. Council will consider approving the proposal.
In other business, William Denham, resident, voiced concerns about the recent income tax results. He said the cost for preparing the city income tax was both costly and overly complicated this year. He asked if council could look into the matter and find a simpler and more economical method for recording and dealing with the city income tax.
Mayor Robert Vincenzo said city officials were working with the Regional Income Tax Agency to review discrepancies and correct the filing. He added that penalties would be forgiven for the first year. Vincenzo noted that the city was four months later in preparing the paperwork.
In other matters, Murphy noted there have been complaints of residents failing to cut their grass he noted that high grass makes a home for nuisance animals.
Vincenzo added that there have also been issues of people mowing their grass into the street, which causes a disruption and potentially blocks storm sewers.
"It's very easy to turn your mower in the other direction," he said.
Council Member Libby Heintzelman noted that prom night was this weekend and wished a safe and happy evening.
Council Member Frank Sabatino noted that the fire board would meet April 25, 4:30 p.m. at the main station.
Council Member Terry Pugh complimented the progress on the park district's pool project.
Council also passed an emergency ordinance authorizing the service director to solicit competitive bids for a Duperon flexrake low flow mechanically cleaned bar screen to improve the city's sewage treatment plant screening system. Vincenzo noted that reduce the amount of sludge to be hauled from the wastewater plant by eliminating some of the processes. Council authorized an expenditure in excess of $25,000.
Also, hydrants will be flushed through Friday. New pool meters are still available.
In matters of recreation, Council Member Jake Olsavsky reported that Belmont County Water and Soil will hold an annual tree sale pick at the Commercial building Wednesday and Thursday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
The National Pike Knife Club will hold their annual gun and knife show Saturday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
The Starr Family Circus will hold their show April 23, 7 p.m.
This year's Arbor Day celebration will be held may 4 at 11 a.m. at the Central Park Complex.
St. Clairsville High School will host the OVAC track meet in May, utilizing the recreation department's facilities.
Also, the recreation department has been approved for two grants through Belmont County Tourism. A grant for $2,500 will go toward a rib feast cook off. $500 was granted for the Boys Basketball Summer Classic Shootout.
The next council meeting will be held May 7, 7:30 p.m.
DeFrank can be reached at rdefrank@timesleaderonline.com
