* This article appeared in The Parkersburg News

Wednesday, July 20, 2005

— Time: 7:38:25 AM EST

City closer to water rate increase

By JOLENE CRAIG

WILLIAMSTOWN - City council Tuesday night passed the first reading of an ordinance for a 3 percent water rate increase.

This would be the first city-mandated water rate increase in nearly two years, said Councilman Ron Erb.

While residents have recently seen two separate sewer rate increases for 7 percent and a 2 percent for the ultraviolet light disinfection upgrade, the upcoming 3 percent water rate increase is a separate issue.

The public will have a chance to comment on the ordinance during the Aug. 2 council meeting before council takes the second and final vote.

It could take up to six months for the water rate increase to be enacted, said Councilman Marty Seufer.

This is because council needs to send the information to the state Public Service Commission for review and receive confirmation back before the increase can be added to the water service, he said.

"Because this increase is general maintenance, the city is in no real hurry to enact it, so the time really doesn't matter," Seufer said.

George Fenton, of Fenton Art Glass, informed council on the company's plans for its centennial celebration from July 29 to Aug. 2.

"We are planning a public celebration with activities and events and live music throughout all five days and I just wanted to let council know the plans so they are better prepared to answer questions from the public," Fenton said.

Parking and traffic control have been the biggest issues of the event that has activities ranging from a live QVC shopping channel remote to a dinner cruise, Fenton said.

"We are expecting a significant number of people coming into the area and we hope the community comes out but that makes traffic more of a problem," he said.

Fenton said the company has been working with local law enforcement, fire departments and city officials to close streets and plan areas for parking.

Starting July 28, Caroline Avenue will be closed to set up tents. After that Elizabeth and Cherry streets will be closed for more booths and tents, Fenton said.

"The Fenton Art Glass factory parking lots will be open to the public and we have permission from Jeff Martin (owner of The Silos and Painter's Crossing) for more parking in his green area between the Silos and W.Va. 14," Fenton said.

"We are prepared, but still praying for good weather."

Council approved police Chief B.D. Adkins' request to forbid parking on the north side of the street for the 200, 300 and 400 blocks of Seventh Street from Williams Avenue to Henderson Avenue.

The north side of the street was chosen because fewer people park on that side of the street and there are fewer homes there, Adkins said.

"With the upcoming parking situation with the school this ordinance will be needed," said Councilman Paul Jordan.