WELLMAN

The Wellman City Council held a public hearing Monday night for the FY26 proposed property tax levy, which no members of the public attended. The regular business meeting followed, at which the council approved the concept for a veterans and first responders memorial to be constructed at the city-owned property on Highway 22, currently home to an LED sign.

“Half it is going to be for the veterans. The other half is going to be for first responders, including the Wellman Fire Department, the Wellman ambulance, and then our county offices -- 911 dispatchers, the sheriff’s department, emergency management is going to have a full section there too,” Mayor Ryan Miller said.

Although specific details have not been determined, the city now has a visual to share during fundraising, which began with a soup supper hosted by the Wellman Rotary earlier this year. The City will contribute funds to the project as well, the source of which will be WCRF municipal grants.

Mayor Miller read a proclamation declaring April 13-19 National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week in Wellman. Cara Sorrels, 911 dispatch supervisor, attended the meeting; she has served 37 years with Washington County, and shared some of the special activities the county’s 14 dispatchers will enjoy next week.

“We certainly appreciate everything that you guys do,” Miller said. “[You are] unsung heroes, you’re the ones behind the scenes that actually get to make it all happen.”

Council Action

In other business, the council set a public hearing for the FY26 budget for Monday, April 21 at 5:30 p.m.

The council approved the adoption of policies for CDBG funding and also a service agreement with ECICOG. The city was awarded $500,000 in CDBG grant funds toward water main replacement; up to $30,000 of those funds will go to ECICOG as a part of that project.

The council approved temporary construction easements for Highway 22 frontage near DJ’s Casual Café, where the DOT plans sidewalk improvements, likely to be completed in 2026.

The council approved a $4,500 quote from J&S Plumbing, Heating & Air to replace 17 thermostats in the Parkside Community Center.

The council approved the use of a recreational vehicle as temporary human habitation through Nov. 30 for residents selling their home to live in while building a new one. The “very nice Toy Hauler” camper has already been set up for water/sewer service.

The council tabled discussion and action on the vacant Public Works employee position; it expects to hold a closed session on this issue later in the week.

New Life Church Update

At the close of the meeting, council member Aaron Fleming, who is also lead pastor at New Life Community Church, announced that the church is purchasing downtown property from Austin Bayliss (the former Driscoll Studio building), where the church will first move their offices, then worship services. The church, launched in 2007, has been based out of Parkside Community Center since 2011.

“The city has been great to work with,” Fleming said. “It’s been fun to work with Austin too.”

The Wellman City Council will next meet on Monday, April 21 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall.