By Adam Pack
The Greenbrier County Commission met briefly on Tuesday, June 13 to deal with matters pertaining to upcoming public works projects in White Sulphur Springs and the recent settlements between the state of West Virginia and several opioid manufacturers and distributors.
The commission began with the approval for hire of Bren Pittsenbarger for security officer. Sheriff Bruce Sloan, who was unable to attend, relayed to the commission that Pittsenbarger is experienced and qualified. The commission also accepted a bid for exterior work on the Day Report center in Ronceverte. The bid, for $7,920 from Adam Whanger Construction, covers paint as well gutter repair and other necessary superficial work.
In respect to White Sulphur Springs, the city reviewed the request for the release of TIF funds for two projects; the Route 60 East Sewer Project and the Mapledale Tank Project. The Mapledale Tank Project refers to the final design work by E.L. Robinson Engineering on a new tank to be built alongside the existing one along Route 92 and totals $20,000, and the Route 60 East Sewer Project pertains to the design, generation of easement mapping, and an environmental study, totaling $53,000. Both of these releases were approved by the commission.
Legal counsel for the county also presented Election and Release Forms related to opioid litigation settlements to the commission for review and approval. The paperwork presented was from two companies in the suit, Amenal and Mylan Pharmaceuticals, and would allow the completion of the settlement and for the release of funds to the county.
In other news, the county received the proposal for adoption of the proposed amendments to the 2014 Greenbrier County Comprehensive Plan. The Greenbrier Planning Commission has completed the mandatory public hearings as well as advertising necessary for these changes, and Councilman Phillips was quick to praise the work of that commission, saying that, “They had worked hard on getting these amendments made.” The county commission voted to approve the amendments as presented. The commission also has completed their review of applications for Arts & Recreation Grants, with a total amount of $346,302.95 being eligible for application, with a further $ 19,865 being withheld while “the applicants provide us with more information to determine eligibility,” Commissioner Tammy Tincher explained. Both amounts were approved by the commission and eligible organizations will be notified of their ability to apply shortly.
The county commission also read for the second time the updated Greenbrier County Floodplain Ordinance. The ordinance has completed its public comment period without comment, and was approved by the commission. The commission also announced that FEMA has completed their mapping process and will release and consider effective their new maps on July 5, 2023. Any citizens who would like to know where they and or their property fall on the new maps are encouraged to contact the county commission, who can assist citizens with getting in contact with FEMA. Citizens within any municipalities’ limits can also contact their city’s FEMA liaison for assistance as well.
The Greenbrier County Commission will meet again on Tuesday, June 27 at 10 a.m. in the Greenbrier County Commission offices, in the basement of the courthouse. The public is encouraged to attend. Interested parties should call 304-647-6689 ahead, as times and dates are subject to change.