BUCHANAN GIVES E-911 ADDRESSING TIME-LINES - County's Industrial Park Has New Owner

(02/15/2008)
Calhoun's E-911 Director Gary Buchanan told Calhoun Commissioners Monday that the county's E-911 addressing and mapping would be completed by late summer.

Buchanan said the Town of Grantsville addressing is done.

The 911 Advisory Board has approved Buchanan's time frames for completion of the program.

He also reported work is being completed on the meeting areas of the new 911 center, and heating and cooling problems in the building have been corrected.

The county is seeking a new Office of Emergency Services director, replacing Bill Stemple, who has resigned. The commission is taking applications for that position.

The commission approved a stipend salary for the OES position, $5,000 stipend and $3,000 for travel and expenses, with one-half of that expense to be reimbursed by the state.

The deed transfer of the county's industrial park along the Little Kanawha near Grantsville to the Little Kanawha Area Development Authority has been completed, according to Director Diane Ludwig.

"The LKADC has assumed the debt," said Ludwig, and is negotiating on "returning one piece of property back to the park."

Ludwig says the LKADC intends to move forward on putting the land to positive use.

A number of items related to the upcoming election were approved, including an increase to pay poll workers $150, in addition to $50 for training. Calhoun Clerk Richard Kerby said getting poll workers is becoming very difficult.

Commissioner's agreed on the number of poll workers and set the drawing for candidate's names to appear on the ballot for February 19. Also approved, a Medical Emergency Absentee Voting Policy.

County Clerk Richard Kirby told commissioners he has ordered an extra supply of paper ballots "just in case there are problems" with the electronic voting machines.

Kirby has announced the county has been chosen for a pilot project for electronic poll books.

Budget requests were submitted by several elected officials for salary revisions passed by the county's salary and handbook committee, which is composed of elected officials and two county employees.

The commission does not set employee salaries, but is required to budget for them. Salaries of elected officials are set by the WV Legislature.

- The Commission, which will be working on the budget, is facing a 10% increase in health insurance costs (PEIA) on July 1.

- Judy Powell was appointed to the Building Commission.

- Sheri Johnson gave a report on the Youth Advantage Grant and program for Calhoun youth.

- Commissioner Kevin Helmick reported on the activities of the County Commission Association's, recent meeting in Charleston.

- County Clerk Richard Kirby said a grant application to be completed by the Calhoun County Park Board was not done within the time frame.

- Sheriff Carl Ballengee notified the commission he was hiring Justin Smith as a deputy sheriff at $8.25 an hour.

- The Calhoun EMS board recommended the removal of Phyllis Maze from the board, approved.

- Courthouse grant projects include replacement of the front steps and new outside lighting.

- The Upper West Fork Park walking trail, which has been approved, is moving ahead.

- Circuit Clerk Shelia Garretson has received a $26,000 state grant for record preservation.

- The commission is seeking an individual to serve on the Public Defender's board.

- The commission is meeting seven times during February as a Board of Equalization and Review, the remaining meetings are scheduled for February 20, 25 and 28.

- The commission will have three budget meetings during March, 10th, 14th and 24th. The regular meeting is March 10th at 9 a.m.