By Heather Clower
The Parsons Advocate
After 18 years with the City of Parsons as a water and wastewater operator, Michael Helmick is regretfully resigning. John “Red” Lipscomb spoke briefly, stating, “He got me started in this business, I look up to Mike and showed me a lot of ropes about stuff, he taught me to be the person I need to be in this industry.” Helmick stated, “It’s been a pleasure working, I consider this family.” He continued, “Circumstances, as my resignation letter read, I hated it, but health wise I just couldn’t do it.” “When I first got sick, this gave me the drive to come to work, so it actually helped me heal and I do appreciate that.” A plaque was presented to Helmick in appreciation for his work provided to the city of Parsons for nearly two decades.
Paula Stahl was present to listen to the meeting which was to cover Sunnyside Lane potentially being turned into a one way street. This would assist with the residents of Tucker Manor and the way their parking spots are angled into the building. After brief discussion, Councilman Tim Auvil made a motion to make Sunnyside Lane a one way street going north from Second Street to Third Street. Councilwoman Melissa Jones seconded the motion and all were in favor.
The minutes were approved for the July 21 meeting with a motion by Recorder Bruce Kolsun and a second by Jones. Financial Administrator Danielle Sponaugle presented two invoice lists for approval, the first in the amount of $16,036.33 and second for $1,105.05. Both received motions to approve with Councilman David Greenlief abstaining.
County Administrator Jason Myers presented a quote for the Rock Boss chainsaw that the city workers requested at the last meeting. Other companies were consulted and the quote from W.Va. Outdoor Power had the cheapest at $1,124.96 which Auvil made a motion to approve with a second from Jones.
Events Coordinator Tammy Michael requested to order signs to place throughout the county to recognize and thank the essential employees, health care workers, and first responders. All members voted in agreement to move forward with funding the project.
R.J. Hovatter with Thrasher Engineering was participating in the meeting via virtual platform to discuss the Pulp Mill Bottom Pond and Sewer Extension Project. With the bridge to be installed at the pond, Hovatter wants to evaluate the base of the pond to ensure the bases will be situated on solidity. Once that is determined, sketches can be designed for the council to decide which approach they wish to take. Auvil wishes to include all items desired for this project into one engineering plan which would assist with future grant requests and money distribution. This led to discussion relating to permits, transfer of water from the river to the pond, benches, and other amenities desired for the pond.
Hovatter also touched on the Kingsford Sewage Extension Project stating that the lines have been staked out and the contractors are hoping to begin August 10. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, it is difficult for the company to obtain pipe, but hope that changes soon.
Chief Deputy J.E. Kopec provided a July monthly activity report which listed one felony case where two drug dealers were apprehended, one misdemeanor case, one moving violation citation, two other citations, and 15 code enforcement public contacts. A total of $610 in methamphetamine was seized along with $1,717 worth of additional property seized including a 2004 Ford Mustang GT. “So it’s been a pretty good month,”said Kopec. “Good people coming forward with information is great,” he added. This assists in building a case against these individuals.
John “Red” Lipscomb stated that Fairfax Stone and Brandon Wilfong wanted to meet with him earlier that day. “They’re wanting to put a new batch plant right beside Central Supply,” he said. Central Supply’s contract with Kokosing in the Spring and was picked up by Fairfax with a desire for the city to provide the plant with water. This would require running additional water lines to that property, that could turn into some revenue for the water department. It is speculated that Fairfax would utilize from 5,000 to over 100,000 of gallons of water per month.
Lipscomb brought up the Hach Service Partnership quote that is due in September for the maintenance and repair on the lab equipment. As the council flipped to these quotes, Lipscomb also announced that due to COVID-19, all water operator licenses throughout the state of W.Va. are extended until July of 2021. Kolsun made the motion to approve the Hach quote with a second by Jones and all in agreement.
Constant repairs of main sewer lines are presenting issues for the city workers. Attempts are also being made to remove vast amounts of gravel from the lines to get them back in full operational capacity.
Auvil, Chairman of the Planning Committee, provided a report to the council from the planning committee that listed current and future projects. Councilwoman Amy Wagner asked about the ice rink listed to be dismantled, which she was told it was going to be taken down and put into storage with a basketball court taking its place. “But I thought it was supposed to be a permanent structure,” she said. “It’s not being utilized,” said Auvil, “So we’re going to put in something that will be utilized.”
Wagner also asked about the item stating the shoe plant parking lot was going to be paved. Discussion commenced on which parts were going to be paved which resulted in explaining that the whole lot would not be paved, just the one area.
Myers announced that the Ambassador Project Books that the City of Parsons sponsored are being received by local children. Mayor Dorothy Judy also acknowledged the free library that was constructed along the trail by a resident. Myers continued stating that the handrail extending down Second Street along with the fence has been installed, the new playground equipment has been assembled though is not complete or ready for use, and there is a new door at the business office. The door to be installed at the City Building has been backordered due to COVID. The blueprint community is working on a strategic plan and multi page brochure.
Tammy Michael, events coordinator, along with Wagner have been working on a Hometown Heroes Banner Project that will be displayed during Veterans Day to honor our veterans and service personnel. The goal is to sell 100 banners with approximately 30 sold to date.
Wagner also mentioned several drivers are using the parking spaces in front of Stevens Realty as a right turning lane and discussion of how to prevent an impending accident followed.
A fiber optic map was presented from the Zayo Group to approve the plan. Auvil confirmed he looked over the plan and is confident it is appropriate. Auvil made the motion with a second by Jones.
Myers presented a packet of information pertaining to the proposed garbage rate increase. The report indicated that the city serves 696 customers with trash service. The last garbage ordinance was passed March 31,2008, which was over a decade ago. The Tucker County Landfill has recently activated a rate increase which is the purpose of implementing the rate increase throughout most municipalities within the county. Myers used figures provided by the landfill and current financials to provide the council with facts to base their decision on. According to his report, utilizing the old landfill rates, the city would lose nearly $9,000 with the current city rates in place. This also does not account for any money being set aside to purchase a new garbage truck when needs arise, which is what the intentions are for this fund. If money was saved for the truck and the rates were not increased, the city would then lose nearly $27,000.
Currently, residents pay $15 for five bags of garbage and what is proposed is $20 per month. Myers stated, “I don’t want a rate increase, but we don’t have a choice.” Dumpster costs will also increase by $34 at the one week timeline. With these rate increases, the city would end the year approximately $8,700 to the good while also allowing money to be set aside for a new truck. In addition to the new rate, the proposal of the new ordinance includes bulky item removal allowing each customer to dispose of two bulky items per month. These items include refrigerators, washing machines and dryers, appliances, televisions, furniture, and other large items that cannot fit inside a trash bag. These pickups will take place on the last Thursday of each month, though customers are asked to call ahead to schedule the pickup. Customers who exceed the limit will be charged for the disposal of the items. When asked for a motion by Judy, Jones made the motion to approve the proposal with Auvil making a second. These new charges will be on the bills received on or around September 15.
The next item of business was to appoint an individual to serve on the Tucker County Development Authority, though this item was moved to be tabled until next meeting. The annual terms and objectives letter of engagement from The Rodeheaver Group was presented and approved as such. The Personnel Committee made a recommendation to the city council to hire Steven Smith as a public works and street laborer. Auvil made a motion to approve the hire with a second by Kolsun.
Under correspondence, a notice was received from Atlantic Broadband that announced the company is implementing a new rate structure that will go into effect September 1, 2020.
This concluded the meeting of the Parsons City Council which is scheduled to return to business on Tuesday, August 18 at 6 p.m.
