| By Dianne Weaver
The process of building a new emergency services center for 911, Calhoun EMS and
the Office of Emergency Services had new developments and offers last night before
a packed crowd at the Calhoun Commission meeting.
The current building at Mt. Zion is in disrepair and will not meet safety
standards.
Commission President Bob Weaver reviewed the history of efforts toward
constructing a new center, indicating there was little community participation when
the issue was on the agenda numerous times last year and two public meetings
were held.
Commissioner Sampson has gone on record for a Grantsville site. Commissioner McCallister says he now favors a Mt. Zion site.
Weaver, along with Commissioner McCallister and Barr, approved the the Hamilton site last fall, although Weaver said he would like more information, building plans and cost estimates. All appeared committed to continuing ambulance and fire services in southern Calhoun.
Delegate Bill Stemple said he had obtained about $90,000
for the project, but
about $20,000 of that amount might not be available, according to County Clerk
Richard Kirby. The Commission voted last month to request $100,000 from the
Budget Digest this year, stating it should be considered top priority.
Jim Morford, president of the official board of Knotts United Methodist Church, then
made a special announcement, offering nearly two acres of flat land in Grantsville at
no cost to the county. The lot is known as the Hamilton property.
The church originally offered the site for $10,000. They paid close to $50,000 for the
property in 1984, according to Dick Ullum, a member of the church board.
"All of our members approved this at a meeting held yesterday," said Helen
Hamilton. "We want to do this for the people of Calhoun County." The Hamilton site is
restricted by a covenant which requires it to be used for church purposes, but the
church wants a friendly condemnation. A church member offered to pay the attorney
fees.
Members told the Commission the lot was ideal, and would need little site
preparation.
A proponent for the Grantsville location said "It is only 'four ambulance minutes' from
the Mt. Zion site."
A Mount Zion site on the Mark Shock property near the current 911/EMS building is
being supported by the director of Calhoun EMS Randy Burgess and his advisory
board, director of Calhoun OES Bill Stemple, and 911 director Barry Pitts and his
advisory board.
Burgess submitted a letter to the commission stating Shock has dropped his price
from $15,000 to $10,000, provided he would be deeded the current 911/EMS
building.
Northern Calhoun residents presented a petition with 250 names supporting the
Grantsville location for a proposed emergency services center.
Millstone resident Betty Price expressed concern for the West Fork section, in the
event the Minnora EMS station would be discontinued. A spokesperson for EMS said
there are no plans to close the southern sub-station.
OES Director Stemple, expressed concerns about radio communication problems at
the Grantsville site, an issue raised by supporters of the Mt. Zion location. Stemple
said a lack of money in the future could close the Minnora sub-station, and he was
concerned about access for all the people.
Stemple said he was against any condemnation proceeding on the Hamilton
property. "I have been told the church and its members are in agreement on
condemning this property and that it would be a friendly process. Due to the way I
was raised and the convictions I have since becoming an adult, I could not
personally take part in condemning church property of any kind, friendly or
otherwise," wrote Stemple.
Church members indicated they did not feel a good-will gift was any violation of
church discipline or Christian principles.
Commissioners McCallister, Sampson and Weaver passed a resolution to apply for a
$250,000 grant with the Appalachian Regional Commission for the emergency
center, and possibly new radio equipment. The county would have to provide
matching funds.
President Weaver told the group the commission will attempt to obtain clearer
information regarding the project "beyond the site location." The Commission decided to seek
three outside consults regarding the radio communications issue.
Stemple advised the Commission "Regardless of what the outcome is, I will continue to try and acquire funds for this building."
The Commissioners expressed appreciation to the people who came and offered
input into the project.
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