By Chelsea Blair
The Greenbrier County Commission’s regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, May 7, began with several financial approvals, including $758 allotted to the Meadow River Trail for consulting by Greenbrier Environmental and $142,844.84 to Lynch Construction for work completed on the Trail, supplied under TAP Grant reimbursement.
The Commission then considered proposed permit fee increases presented by the Greenbrier County Health Department. Commission President Tammy Tincher stated that this proposal is a review and increase of all fees needed within all health departments across the state to make them more consistent and to meet the needs of what the health department requires. The proposed fees were previously presented at a March public meeting and were approved at the Health Department Board meeting last week. The permits were sent out, pending approval from the county commission, to become effective on July 1. The motion was approved unanimously.
Next, Homeland Security Director Don Havens asked the commission to consider the approval of submission of a Homeland Security Grant 20-SHS-69 application for the WV Emergency Management Division for fiscal year 2020. The grant will cover the replacement of a License Plate Reader (LPR) device that was installed on I-64. The device was mounted on the I-64 westbound exit ramp in White Sulphur Springs several years ago. Havens stated that for no explained reason, the device was damaged and taken down, never being replaced. According to Havens, the LPR is a very vital tool connected to the 911 Center as well as the National Crime Institute that reads every license plate traveling by and led to the capture of “bad individuals” from North Carolina several years back.
He informed the Commission that they received a quote from those who provide the system at $21,448 and the DMV has funds available to help cover the costs. Also, Havens said David Houge was able to find funding from the year 2020 funding source that will cover the total cost of equipment and installation, with the exception of about two hours labor by an electrician. Havens reached out to Chris Ratliff, who originally completed the wiring when the device was originally installed, and Ratliff agreed to provide the work. The WV State Police are also installing an LPR device on I-64 eastbound in Greenbrier County near the Summers County line. The resolution prepared to file a grant will be sent to the state for approval. All commissioners approved the motion unanimously.
They then discussed the consideration awarding of bids for Group 1 and 2 structures included in the WV DEP Abandoned and Dilapidated Structures Program, presented by Building Inspector Steven Simmons. The bids were opened during the Apr. 16 special meeting but more clarification and information on the bids was needed before moving forward. One structure was dropped due to the scope of work required. The low bidder, LD Hannah, who is recommended by Simmons, is willing to stand behind their original bid. Simmons provided an addendum to the commission, signed by LD Hannah and all parties involved, that the scope has changed, and the bid will remain the same. The commission approved the motion.
The final item on the agenda was presented by representatives for the WV Community Action Program, including Angela Scott, Teresa Sheets, Connie Irvin Horne, and Susan McCoy, who presented a resolution that would recognize May as Community Action month, celebrating the Community Action’s 60 year anniversary. Scott explained that there are two groups in Greenbrier County that make up the Community Action Program, the Mountain Heart program, and North Central Community Action. She added that Mountain Heart covers 33 counties in eastern WV and the local office covers Greenbrier, Monroe, Summers, and Pocahontas counties. The program provides childcare services and referrals, Birth to Three, medical waiver services, weatherization, and some counties provide Head Start programs. Along with those, the North Central Community Action also provides utility assistance, voluntary income tax assistance and more. Tincher thanked the representatives and motioned to approve May as Community Action Month in honor of their 60-year anniversary, the motion was approved unanimously.
Before adjournment, Tincher made note that early voting continues through Saturday, May 11, at the Romano Law office in downtown Lewisburg as well as in Rupert at the Rupert Community Center. She added that May 14 is Election Day.
