By Chelsea Blair
The regular County Commission meeting on Dec. 10 began with the approval of $132,091.90 in Arts and Recreation transfers from savings to checking. $114,957 was approved for the Phase III of the Meadow River Trail, which is an AML grant reimbursement; $5,734.90 for the 2024-25 grant for the Greenbrier Aquatic Center to cover bleachers, first aid gear, and lifeguard tubes; and $11,400 to the Alderson 4th of July for 2024-25 grant for festival, entertainment, restaurants and security.
The first item of new business on the agenda was the consideration of a resolution designating the Greenbrier Valley Economic Development Corporation (GVEDC) as the lead economic development organization for Greenbrier County. Amy Trusdale, representing the GVEDC, presented the resolution. She explained that this application is submitted annually to the West Virginia Economic Development Office to request a matching grant for operational funding. A resolution from the commission naming the GVEDC as the lead economic development authority for the county is required for the submission of this application. The assessment is based on the most recent census, conducted in 2020, which recorded a population of 32,977 individuals, resulting in a total assessment of $41,221.25. These funds support the operations of the GVEDC. The resolution was approved unanimously, with the funds already accounted for in the current budget.
Next, the commission considered a resolution for the purchase of a conservation easement on property offered by Remington and Mary Perkins. The property, consisting of 407.29 acres in the Frankford district, is to be purchased by the Greenbrier County Farmland Protection Program (FPP) for $774,000. Amy Maloney of the FPP presented the resolution, reminding the commissioners that the purpose of the FPP is to protect land, primarily agricultural soil, and prevent subdivision. Currently, 3,325 acres are protected through the program. The FPP will contribute $387,000, with the USDA NRCS matching this amount with an additional $387,000. The resolution was approved unanimously.
The commission then considered Resolution #7 for the Greenbrier County PSD #2 Waterline Extension Project. A request for $64,912.93 was made to cover project expenses. The city had already approved the draw request, and the funds will be deducted from the American Rescue Plan funds allocated to this project. The commission also reviewed Draw Request #6 for the Greenbrier County GigReady Project, which included the payment of invoices for planning and technical services totaling $257,052. This amount includes $137,802 to CityNet, and two payments to Thompson and Litton, one for $81,000 and the other for $38,250. These funds, drawn from the TIF fund, were approved unanimously.
Three items related to the White Sulphur Springs TIF project were next on the agenda. The first was the consideration of Resolution #8 for the Route 60 East Sewer Project. This resolution authorized payments of $258,870.93 to Vicro Contracting for video contracting reimbursement and $21,103.01 to E.L. Robinson for engineering services to date. The resolution was approved unanimously. Members of Region 4 reported that the project is progressing well, with hopes to complete it by the end of March 2025, weather permitting.
The next item was the consideration of Change Order #2 for the Route 60 East Sewer Project. This change order involves the construction of approximately 2,300 linear feet (half a mile) of additional sewer line following an agreement with the Department of Highways. Due to discrepancies in the amounts presented, the change order was approved, pending the revision of paperwork to align with the expenditure schedule.
The final item concerning the White Sulphur Springs TIF project was an update on the Wastewater Treatment Plant Disinfection System Improvement Project. Region 4 reported that they are ready to advertise the project, as the city has reviewed the plans, and all necessary permits have been obtained. A pre-bidding meeting will be held on Jan. 7, and bids will be opened on Jan. 21, 2025.
The next item of business was the consideration to award the bid for the new EPDM roof project at the Greenbrier County Home Confinement building, located at 673 Edgar Avenue, Ronceverte (bids opened Nov. 26). Richard Wood, Construction Consultant, reported that two bids were received, one from H&H Developers and another from Adam Whanger Contracting. Wood explained that H&H Developers did not submit several required documents, did not meet the 20-year warranty requirement, and required a 50 percent deposit upfront. As a result, he did not recommend this bid. Adam Whanger Contracting, on the other hand, provided all the required documentation, specified a 20-year manufacturer warranty, a two-year labor warranty, and confirmed the use of the specified materials. The commission approved the bid from Adam Whanger Contracting, as recommended by Wood.
Before adjourning, the commissioners recognized Patrick Via for his service as Greenbrier County Prosecuting Attorney, as he prepares to begin his new role as a judge in 2025. Via’s tenure with the county began in January 2009. Commissioners Tammy Shifflett-Tincher, Richie Holliday, and Lowell Rose expressed their gratitude for his professionalism, dedication, and friendship. Tincher noted that while he would be missed as Prosecuting Attorney, she was excited to continue working with him in his new judicial capacity.
Due to the holidays, the next Greenbrier County Commission meeting will be held on Dec. 18 at 12 noon.
