WEIRTON - City Council will take a look at several traffic issues recommended by the traffic commission, among other agenda items, during its regular council meeting today.
Traffic commission members reviewed several requests and suggestions in May dealing with parking issues in the downtown area that are coming before council.
Safety concerns arose as fire trucks reported difficulty gaining access on Pleasant Avenue. According to officials, there have been numerous emergency calls where crews have not been able to get through as a result of the number of cars parked along the street - with emergency medical calls facing arrival delays.
Council will look at two proposed ordinances that will, if passed, install parking restrictions on Pleasant Avenue 30 feet on the right side and the entire length of the road on the left side.
In addition, council will discuss restricting parking on Wells Street on the left side for 65 feet and eliminating commercial vehicle parking in residential zone areas of the city.
Traffic Commissioner George Reddish recommended an addendum that would help police monitor and take action when necessary.
The addendum states that "all trucks in excess of 3/4 ton (dump trucks, box type trucks, stake body trucks, vans, etc), buses, wreckers, bucket trucks, cranes, motor homes, campers, all-terrain vehicles, boat trailers, work and tool trailers, lawn tractor trailers, horse trailers and livestock trailers will not be permitted to be parked, stored or otherwise left unattended on city property, streets or alleys in residential zoned neighborhoods."
The final parking issue council will look at will be to determine whether to install parking spaces in the 3100 block of Orchard Street to improve parking space along the street. The ordinance, if passed, will be in place for a three-month trial basis.
Also on the agenda is a resolution to enter into mutual aid agreements with the Wellsburg and Hooverson Heights volunteer fire departments; an ordinance to amend the restriction on open burning in the city; authorization for financial support to the Weirton Area Community Foundation for the Wheeling Symphony and $5,000 to Weir High School for beautification of the new stadium; a contract for milling and paving for the 2012-13 fiscal year; renewal of workers' compensation insurance; ordinance for the mayor to retain title as chairperson for the municipal police and fire pension and relief funds; and an ordinance that will establish the position of sanitation loader and pay rate as part of the city's overall salary ordinance.
