COUNTY SEEKING A PROSECUTOR - Commission Looks At Projects, Makes Appointments

(07/16/2003)
The Calhoun Commission is actively looking for a new Prosecuting Attorney to replace Tony Morgan, who has resigned effective August 1. The Commission will hold a special meeting to deal with the issue and review applicants on July 21st at 4 p.m. Persons interested in applying should contact Calhoun Clerk Richard Kirby at 304-354-6725.

Clerk Richard Kirby said, despite some recent problems with cash flow, the county is in good shape keeping current with bills, including the payment of the regional jail bill.

The Commission is attempting to submit a grant to the Appalachian Regional Commission for special needs.

The completion of the Back Fork-Yellow Creek water project is near, with a new multi-million dollar water project on the board covering Millstone, Sand Ridge, Sassafras Ridge, Russett including Arnoldsburg south on Route 16 to a point near the Clay County line.

The Commission discussed issues surrounding the relocation of Calhoun's 911 Center and Calhoun EMS, the current building not meeting standards. "Part of the building has been down on the ground," said Randy Burgess, EMS Director.

The Commission has pursued the vision of constructing a new Emergency Services Center to house 911, an ambulance station, the Office of Emergency Services and possibly other occupants.

Beyond $70,000 already designated for the project by Del. Bill Stemple, no new money has been obtained. The Commission requested $100,000 for the Emergency Services Building, but Del. Stemple was unable to obtain additional funds from the Budget Digest this year. The Knott's Memorial United Methodist Church has offered to donate the Hamilton lot on Town Hill in Grantsville for county use. It is valued at $50,000.

Commission President Bob Weaver presented a list of alternatives to consider, including the relocation of 911 and leaving the ambulance service at the same location, or relocate the ambulance service and upgrade the current building to 911 standards.

There was discussion regarding the upgrading of the county's emergency radio system.

The Calhoun EMS Board of Directors advised the Commission they felt the relocation of the West Fork 410 EMS station from the Minnora Center was a positive move. They said "This (new)location...has better access, better water and better facilities, and is better suited for the needs of Calhoun EMS." A resolution was passed to request assistance to upgrade communication access to the county.

The Commission appointed Dan McDonald, Dick Ullum, Donnie Pitts and Jim Morford to the Little Kanawha Development Corporation Board.

Janet Davis was appointed to the Library Board and Neil Blankenship was appointed to the Building Commission, replacing the late Tom Gainer.

Ed Eisley submitted his resignation from the EMS board. Eisley has been appointed Assistant Superintendent of Security at the new Donald R. Kuhn Juvenile Center near Danville. The Commission appointed Mike Ritchie to the EMS board.

Diane Ludwig advised the Commission is filing a small grant for roof repairs on the old B. F. Goodrich building. Ludwig advised Coldwater Creek in Mineral Wells is looking for part-time workers.

The Commission approved the County Employee's Handbook which has been under review for the past three weeks.

The part-time pay rate for county employees was established from $5.15 and hour to $7 an hour.

Shirley J. Brown was given permission to solicit business from county employees.

The Commission reviewed Family Court and Security Standards, relating to space in the courthouse.

$1000 was approved for the Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department.

The Commission did budget revisions and reviewed the budget report, in addition to approving bonds, bills, wills, settlements and orders.

The Commission will have a fourth meeting scheduled in July on the 28th, to review the possibility of ARC grants.