Wellman City Administrator Kelly Litwiller told council members on Oct. 5 that she will meet with the Senior Dining Commission this week to discuss reopening of the Goodwin Senior Center. The center has been closed due to coronavirus concerns.

The center, located at 223 8th Avenue, provides meals and social activities to residents 55 years of age and older.

Council members asked Litwiller how the employees of the center felt about reopening. Litwiller said her discussions with employees indicated they would be willing to reopen the center.

Mayor Ryan Miller said he had received questions from elderly residents asking if the center was planning to reopen soon.  They told him that they had continued to dine out since the center closed.

In discussion, council members agreed that if all safety protocols were established and followed by the Goodwin staff, there was likely no more risk for the clients at the senior center than at a public restaurant. Also, they said, attendance and dining at the center would be a personal choice for residents who were willing to assess their own coronavirus risk.

As before the pandemic, the center would provide meals through three options: Carry out, dine-in service, or delivery.

Regarding social activities, council members said they were aware that seniors were meeting with one another for coffee at other locations and perhaps some activities could be re-established at the center with residents encouraged to follow appropriate safety guidelines.

Litwiller said she would inform the council of the commission’s decision. Council approval would not be required.

In other business, council members approved a renewal of a contract for solid waste collection and disposal and a recycling agreement with Cox Sanitation.

It also approved a resolution proposing a change in the monthly charge for trash collection. The new fee would increase from $6.75 to $9.75, monthly. Garbage bags would increase roughly $1 per 10-pack. Litwiller said it had been many years since there had been an increase in garbage rates while the contractors’ costs have increased substantially.

A public hearing on the item has been set for the next council meeting.

Council members approved the refurbishing of a generator for $6,250 by Ace Electric. The generator will serve as backup power for a lift station.

A third reading of a resolution to bring city ordinances into compliance with state laws regarding tobacco use and animal protection and control was waived and approved on a second reading.