By Tom Burgess
Hardy County Commissioners held their regular November meeting on Tuesday, November 6, 2024 with a call to order by Commission President David Workman with the Pledge of Allegiance, and a prayer led by Commissioner Steven Schetrom II. The approval of the October 1, 2024 meeting minutes took place.
Commissioner Workman introduced Paul Lewis, Office of Emergency Management/911 Director for his report. Lewis reported that tower and building work is continuing, as well as that from Power Connections, who ordered the automatic transfer switch. That switch and the Generator will be installed by Power Connection soon, as well as that propane gas line into the generator.
T-Mobile also contacted Lewis requesting that their cell service be placed on the Helmick Rock Tower if room is available. T-Mobile also sent a tech to assess the tower and the ability of having their gear added. If this works, they will determine if adding their own small building might work. Lewis also discussed if T-Mobile would consider going on the Lost City tower.
Lewis also held a meeting with Next Generation 911, who is one of the companies doing business with the State. They would like to demonstrate their systems for the County Commission. Other equipment will be put on order that would add tactical channels to the OEM/E9-1-1 System. Most of this added equipment will be added in the new tower.
During the month of October, Lewis reported that they had a total of 704 calls handled by the 911 center and dispatched to first responders. Law enforcement had these calls: Wv DNR had 19 calls, HC Sheriff’s Office, 305 calls; Moorefield Police Dept. had 211 calls and WV State Police had 51 calls.
EMS had: West Hardy Ambulance Service had 132 calls; HCEAA had 89 calls and Wardensville Rescue had 42 calls. The fire departments had these calls: Capon Valley VFD had 8 calls; Mathias Baker VFD had 9 calls and Moorefield VFD had 27 calls. OEM/911 had 19 calls that we referred to the DOH.
Lewis attended the Oct. 30 meeting of the Office of Emergency Services in Romney to schedule the next year and training needs. Also, he reported that his office have refurbished radios for the Clerk’s office.
Lastly, he reported that the $4,000 Local Emergency Planning Grant will be available soon. LEPC funds distribution are made after the entire grant amount is spent and invoice for recovery is submitted.
Next, Sheriff Steve Dawson reported that his office will request the acquisition of a new vehicle. The issue was discussed with Commissioners and the HCC Coordinator. Sheriff Dawson also reported that his office is working a double murder.
Next, Bill Ours, HC Health Department Director reported that his office will soon be searching for a new computer system for the Office. He indicated that the source of the new system would not be the state computer system, based on pricing.
Regarding the Office’s new building, Ours reported that occupation of the facility would likely take place after the first of the new year. Also, this weekend the new floors will be installed. Ours also requested $12,500.00 for sidewalks at the new facility. This request was approved by the Commission 3-0.
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Lastly, Ours made a public plea for residents not to approach stray or wild cats. The treatment for a cat bite is a series of rabbies shots and can cost up to $10,000, he said. Finally, Ours stated that additional COVID tests will be ordered and provided to residents at no cost. COVID shots will carry a cost, but not to residents whose insurance covers the shots.
Prosecutor Lucas See then appeared before the Commission and requested payroll for a parttime worker in the amount of $10.00 per hour. The Commission voted 3-0 in the to approve the request.
Anthony Rao, HC Parks Director, reported that a recent assessment of Park employees states that they consider the parks department is a good place to work. He also reported that his team is looking for a new container site.
Next, Eric Schaeffer and Hannah Heishman, with the McCoy’s Grand Theater and Museum reported that work is underway to celebrate the theater’s 100th Centennial Celebration in 2027. They reported that all of the incandescent light bulbs would be replaced by energy efficient LED lighting, among other upgrades including increased plays and shows invited from around the region.
Peggy Moomaw, HCC Staff, reported that she is looking for a website designer to update the site. The Commission voted to table the action, 3-0. She also provided the commission with the social media report. Lastly, she requested membership in the National Information Officer Association, which carries an annual fee of $90. The request was continued until the December meeting.
Wendy Branson, HCC Coordinator, reported that she plans to pursue a grant for a Day Report Center in the County. Such centers in West Virginia generally support reductions in repeat offenders through education and an individualized treatment plan. A letter of support for a grant was approved 3-0 by the Commission. Branson asked the Commission for two resolutions for Board of Education Resource Officers and the Sheriff’s Office and the Commission voted 3-0 for both requests. Also, Branson said she plans to apply for a JAG grant, which is used to foster a crime-free environment in local communities.
Then, Branson submitted the October Dog Pound Update. This raised a discussion among the Commissioners, which will be continued. Lastly, she read and requested approval for a sealed b for a 2025 Dodge Durango Police Cruiser.
HC Clerk Greg Ely then addressed the Commission and requested an order barring objections to the estate of Betty Lou Wegner and Stanley Swantkowski It was approved 3-0. Ely reminded the gathering that a public hearing would be held on Wednesday, 11-6-2024 at 9 AM on a text amendment to the Zoning Ordinance for renewable energy. Also, the Farmland Preservation amount collected by the Clerk was $18,816.60. And the October Jail Bill amounted, to $38,293.01.
NOTICE: There will be a public Special Meeting on November 19 at 9 AM in the Courthouse on Ambulance Authority funding issues.
Lastly, the Commission voted 3-0 to determine whether two county pay increases were provided after the deadline. The December Commission meeting will be held on December 3, 2024.
