It's been more than a year since Marietta City Council approved $23,850 to provide a wireless network that would link city offices, as well as establish Wi-Fi "hot spots" at locations like the Marietta Aquatic Center and Ohio River levee where people could tap into the Internet with laptop computers.

But on Tuesday Marietta safety service director Chad Presley told council's special utilities committee that while the city offices are now linked, the Wi-Fi hot spots will have to wait.

"The first phase of the wireless project was to hook up city buildings, and that's done," Presley said. "The next phase was to hook up the hot spots, but (city network/wireless administrator Mike Flesher) left to take another position, and we have not replaced him. We have the equipment, but it will remain on the shelf until we hire a replacement."

He said Scott Steinel, the city's hardware and software administrator, is currently able to meet all of the city's information technology needs, and with city revenues down, the administration had decided not to hire a replacement for Flesher until absolutely necessary.

"The money for that position (approximately $30,000) will go back into the general fund at the end of the year," Presley said.

Councilwoman Kathy Shively, D-at large, said she understood the city's financial situation, but was concerned that Flesher was not being replaced sooner. Councilman Tom Vukovic, D-4th Ward, agreed.

"We have budgeted for that position, and it should remain filled," he said. "I feel we're losing a public service (by not providing the hot spots)."

"I'm not saying we don't need that position, but right now we're able to limp along without it," Presley said.

"But we bought that wireless equipment for the hot spots, and now it's sitting on a shelf," said Councilman Jon Grimm, R-3rd Ward.

Councilman Harley Noland, D-at large, recommended the administration provide council members with a list of decisions made each week which would facilitate better communication.

"We want to be apprised of any decisions so we can answer constituents if any questions come up," Noland said.

Presley agreed to provide that information.

In other business, the committee members agreed to continue allowing Marietta College and Washington State Community College to use two of the city's three available cable access channels for learning opportunities and to broadcast City Council meetings and public service announcements.

Also on Tuesday, council's streets and transportation committee agreed to apply for a $7,000 Ohio Department of Public Safety grant for a traffic study at the intersection of Third and Putnam streets.