Wheeling City Council will soon get technological upgrades and a new facelift in its council chambers.

Council passed an ordinance to pay the company Rodata more than $65,000 for the technology updates. Part of the project includes new state-of-the-art video screens which City Manager Robert Herron said will show headings or ordinances and how City Council votes.

In addition, Herron said there will be a sound amplification system and a digital recording system that will transcribe meeting minutes.


"I think the technology improvements that we've made will automatically pay dividends to the public because as they sit down for a meeting, whether it be City Council or a board or commission, they're going to be able to see what's going on, be able to hear better what's going on and I think be more informed, if they take the time to come to the meetings," Herron said.


The technology upgrades are being funded by a special technology grant.


On Tuesday, council passed another ordinance awarding John Russell Co. a $93,000 contract to renovate chambers. Herron said the city has been planning for the chambers renovation project for three years and had budgeted for $75,000 to $100,000, so it is under budget.


The renovation project will include a new table for the council in the front of the room and electrical improvements. After that's complete, the city intends to carpet and paint the room.


Officials said their goal is to have the improvements complete by the end of the year.

The projects are the latest change for the council. Recently, council members passed an ordinance to permanently change council meeting times to noon and 5:30 every other Tuesday.