By Chelsea Blair
On Friday, Apr. 5, the Greenbrier County Commission appointed Nicholas “Nick” Dailey to the Commission following the passing of Commissioner Blaine Phillips on Mar. 20. Dailey is Phillips’ son-in-law, and said he “greatly appreciates the opportunity to serve my community,” as a County Commissioner. Commissioner Tammy Shifflett-Tincher said that while Phillips can never be replaced, she hopes that Dailey’s appointment would be what Phillips would want, and that they believe Dailey will do a “tremendous” job.
At their regularly-scheduled meeting earlier this week on Tuesday, Apr. 9, Dailey got to attend his first meeting as a commissioner alongside Tincher and Lowell Rose. Items on the agenda included supporting the MTA bus lines, reorganizing within the 911 Center, and declaring Public Safety Telecommunication week.
The meeting began with the approval of a total of $21,914.20 in Arts and Recreation transfers, which included $3,408.75 for E.L. Robinson Engineering services for the Meadow River Rail Trail, $2,894.25 for consulting with Greenbrier Environmental Group for the Trail, and $1,400 for board fencing at the Sportsplex site on Harper Road.
The Commission signed a proclamation declaring April 14 through April 20, 2024 as National Public Safety Telecommunication week to honor public safety telecommunicators. The proclamation stated that police, fire, and emergency medical services are critical to the protection of life and preservation of property, and acknowledged the quality and accuracy of the Greenbrier County Emergency Communications Center. Commissioner Tincher thanked Don Havens, director of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and the agency in which he represents, for their hard work.
County Attorney Britt Ludwig presented the commission with details on prospected reorganization within the Greenbrier County 911 Center. The change would pertain to promoting Carla Blankenship to the Manager of the Center, effective Apr. 9. Ludwig stated the agency has been contemplating the reorganization of the positions, and added that this would present some fiscal savings to the county. One of the elements of the proposed would eliminate the position of director of the 911 Center and replace the position with a 911 manager. The last aspect of the reorganization would be changing the name of the 911 Center to the Emergency Communications Center, which is the current signage at the facility. The changes would allow for one supervisor reporting to the manager, eight full-time dispatchers, and four part-time dispatchers.
Britt went on to state the position in which is currently filled by Jordan Clendenin is proposed to be updated to reflect his current responsibilities as well the responsibility of implementing the system upgrade. His title would be upgraded to 911 Systems Administrator.
Director Havens noted that Carla has been “nothing but exemplary in performing her duties and routing everybody around her and giving them her support. She has been a huge asset to me and the county and she more than deserves to be recognized for her efforts and her continued efforts.”
He went on to praise Jordan, stating, “Jordan, there is not enough words I can use to describe Jordan. He is another right-hand man of mine. […] again, I would echo what Britt said. I think these two individuals more than deserve your consideration.” Both position changes were approved unanimously by the Commission.
The Commission also considered a cost estimate and engagement of services for the Meadow River Rail Trail Phase Three. Commissioner Tincher discussed how one of the major funding sources for the work of the Meadow River Rail Trail is an Abandoned Mine Land Grant, with all projects within the Abandoned Mine Land Grant that have property requiring appraisal. Tincher moved to approve $7,500 for an appraisal by the Upshur Agency, which has been used to approve Farmland Protection properties in the past, and which is reimbursable and covered by grants. The motion was approved unanimously.
In other business, the commission considered a request to help fund the Mountain Transit Authority for the 2024-25 fiscal year. Tim Thomas, director of the MTA, stated that they have continued to expand in Greenbrier County. The last three years they have worked with WVSOM to improve connections in western Greenbrier County through grants. He was excited to inform the Commission that MTA is now running five days a week in the Rainelle/Rupert area to Lewisburg every day, twice a day. The focus of expanding MTA coverage on the western end of the county is providing transportation for those in recovery to work, trainings, or appointments. Thomas moved on to say this year’s trips have increased to 20,500 as of March, compared to 16,740 trips in the fiscal year 2019 and 26,677 trips in the full year of 2023. Rose moved to approve $12,000, up from $10,000 last year. The motion was approved unanimously.
The Commission also approved a bid submission for the City of White Sulphur Springs Route 60 East Sanitary Sewer replacement project for TIF (Tax Increment Funding) as presented. Bids were opened on Feb. 6, 2024, with the lowest bid being made by VIRCO Contractors in the amount of $1,844,172.50. Approval of the bid is now required by White Sulphur Springs.
The next County Commission meeting will be held on Tuesday, Apr. 23, at 10 a.m.
