ST. CLAIRSVILLE — St. Clairsville Mayor Kathryn Thalman updated council Monday on activity that has followed the decision to turn down a long-standing offer by Aqua Ohio to purchase the city’s water and wastewater systems.

During a teleconference session, she thanked engineer Jeff Vaughn, who conducted a study of the water system and concluded it was financially feasible to turn down privatization, conduct repairs and meet Ohio Environmental Protection Agency mandates while maintaining local control. She also thanked Aqua Ohio and council.

“That was a decision that was arrived at after all options were brought to the table. It was a long time getting to that point,” Thalman said.

The city will discontinue use of the water treatment plant and reservoirs in two years in accordance with Ohio Environmental Protection Agency mandates and purchase water from Belmont County.

However, Thalman leveled criticism at two longtime council members who she said chose to abstain or not be available for the meeting.

“I have to say I think you threw away an opportunity to represent your constituents and make their concerns and voices heard,” Thalman said.

Councilman Frank Sabatino, who has frequently opposed Thalman and who had not participated in the prior meeting, responded.

“I was the one who wasn’t there at the last meeting because of some last-minute complications that came up, and I resent her implying that,” he said.

Councilman Perry Basile responded to him.

“It wasn’t that … you missed, it was that you didn’t let anybody know,” Basile said. “There’s people on this council and the city who were legitimately concerned for your well-being.”

Council President Jim Velas said he had spoken to Sabatino about the issues that prohibited his participation.

Councilwoman Linda Jordan, who had abstained, said she had no comment.

Thalman also reported continuing talks with utility offices and preparing to move a booster station along a U.S. 40 connector line so Belmont County can supply the city. She said they will also continue to seek funding to mitigate basement flooding concerns at Bellview Street and Overbaugh Avenue.

Velas commended Don Smithberger, director of general services, and his crew for recent projects around the city. Smithberger reported completing repairs to a slip on the Highlands and repairs to a waterline break.

Thalman also commented on the importance of recognizing Memorial Day this Monday. She added the Noon Rotary Club project to place flags along the routes into St. Clairsville has made an impression.

Other thanks went to donors toward a new K-9 officer for the police department, and to businesses such as Domino’s Pizza for providing free pizza to city employees.

Thalman urged residents to continue taking precautions to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus germs during the ongoing pandemic. She hopes the city buildings will be open to the public soon. The pandemic has necessitated measures such as teleconference meetings.

Councilwoman Terra Butler read a statement from a resident of the Bellview Street and Overbaugh Avenue area, describing his issues with severe basement flooding in 2018 and 2019 and asking that council take action. Velas and Councilwoman Beth Oprisch said this issue would be a priority.

Jordan reminded council the annual summer concerts at the amphitheater were set to begin June 2, but she said this could constitute a mass gathering or be otherwise complicated by the pandemic. She suggested holding a meeting with the recreation director to determine whether to continue the concerts.

“I think we’ve got to use extreme caution,” Oprisch agreed.

Also, Jordan said the pool at Memorial Park would not be open for Memorial Day weekend. She said it will be determined if this will impact the cost of pool passes.

Thalman said more information about the gradual reopening of events with restrictions can be found at coronavirus.ohio.gov

In answer to a question from Oprisch, Jordan said the park itself is open.

In other matters, Police Chief Matt Arbenz reported a decrease in traffic stops during the pandemic, but added officers are encountering more drug activity and felony drug arrests.

Finance Director Annette Williams said she would have a report next meeting covering such issues as income tax and utility collections during the pandemic. The city has extended its forgiveness of late fees for utility payments through May 31.

Velas said it is very likely teleconference council meetings will continue through June.