The Board created by this Article shall have the powers as set out for the water board in Section 38 of the Charter of the City and the powers provided for the sanitary board in Chapter 16, Article 13 of the West Virginia Code, as now existing and as amended; further, such powers are as provided for a combined waterworks and sewage system in Chapter 8, Article 20 of the West Virginia Code, so far as all of the same may be applicable. In addition thereto and notwithstanding that the powers may be duplicated, it shall have custody, management, operation, control, maintenance, planning, construction, installation, improving, extending and bettering of the combined waterworks and sewage system and the storm water system of the City and for the use thereof; and shall have all powers available to boards of municipalities in the State provided by laws now and in the future for the custody, management, control, operation, maintenance, planning, construction, installation, improving, extending and bettering of waterworks, sewage and stormwater systems, separately or combined and all necessary, convenient and incidental powers to carry out the intent of this article; to employ engineers, architects, inspectors, superintendents, managers, collectors, attorneys, and such other employees as in its judgment may be necessary in the execution of its powers and duties and may fix their compensation, all of whom shall do such work as the Board shall direct; and generally to contract for and pay the expenses incurred in the necessary and incidental exercise of its powers. All such compensation and all such expenses incurred in the exercise of its powers shall be paid solely from the funds provided under the authority of West Virginia Code 8-20-1, et seq., and 16-13-1, et seq.; and pursuant to any other law authorizing municipalities of the State to manage or operate or construct public works and to finance the same by the issuance of revenue bonds and the Board shall not exercise or carry out any authority or power given it so as to bind such Board of the Municipality beyond the extent to which money shall have been or may be provided under authority of law. No contract or agreement with any contractor, materialman or supplier for services or materials exceeding the sum of twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) shall be made without advertising for bids which bids shall be publicly opened and an award made to the lowest responsible bidder, with power in the Board to reject any or all bids. The City Manager shall have the power and authority to expend up to a maximum amount of three thousand dollars ($3,000) on any expense item or repair without the necessity of obtaining the prior approval of the Board. After the construction, installation and completion of any work, or the acquisition thereof, the Board shall have custody, management, operation, control, maintenance, planning, construction, installation, power to improve, extend and better the same, and may order and complete any extensions, betterment and improvements of and to the work that the Board may deem expedient, if funds therefor be available or are made available as provided by law, and shall establish rules and regulations for the use, operation and maintenance of the combined waterworks and sewage system and of other appurtenances, extensions, sewers and drains connected therewith, and do all things necessary or expedient for the successful management and operation thereof. All public ways or public works damaged or destroyed by the Board in carrying out its authority under this article shall be restored or repaired by the Board and placed in their original condition, as nearly as practicable, if requested so to do by proper authority, out of the funds provided by law.
(Ord. 2016-10-1. Passed 11-7-16.)