July 1 is considered to be the start of a new fiscal year. This July was also the start of new terms for all but one of the elected officials for the city of Parsons.
Tucker County Clerk, Sherry Simmons was on hand to administer the oath of office to the newly elected mayor, recorder, and council members on Tuesday, July 1, 2014. Taking their oaths were Dorothy Judy, Connie Collins, Melissa Jones, Timothy Auvil, Patrick Gray, Bruce Kolsun, and Pam Ruediger. These newly sworn in members will join sitting councilman, David Greenlief.
Following the swearing in Mayor Judy called the meeting to order and proceeded to present her Committee assignment roster to the council.
Jason Myers, City Administrator and Treasurer informed council that the old maintenance garage property had been sold to the highest bidder, Joyce Bowers.
Bowers was in attendance and listened as Myers explained that she had asked for the city to play the closing costs. Myers stated, “City Attorney Pat Nichols had reviewed the request and given his approval.” These costs will be approximately $500. Council voted to approve this request and Bowers presented the city a check for $1,000 in earnest money.
Changing of the building and construction ordinances was once again tabled by council. These changes will bring the city into compliance with the state building codes, which supersedes any municipality codes. The building commission will review the proposed changes and bring recommendations to council.
Also tabled, was the petition to convert Bristol Avenue from a private way to a public way. Council members stated that more time was needed to study this request and speak with adjoining land owners.
At the request of the Park board council approved the purchase of an El Segundo Play System for River City Park, at a cost of $11,475 plus shipping. Additional playground equipment is under consideration for the park and may be purchased in the future. Council also approved the purchase of a truck for the Park Department at a cost of $3,500.
Pete Roy submitted a letter to council resigning as the city’s representative to the Tucker County Development Authority. Council approved his resignation with regret and appointed Bruce Kolsun as his replacement. Kolsun accepted this appointment.
In other business, council also agreed to accept the Parsons Police Department Eyewitness Identification Policy as presented by Chief Rowe. This policy is in compliance with the West Virginia State code, which states that law enforcement agencies adopt written procedures for conducting photographic and live lineups.
Since they were discussing the police department, council also discussed the purchase of a new police cruiser at a cost of $29,000. Prices are being researched for consideration.
The next meeting of the Parsons City Council will be Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 6 p.m. in the council chambers of the Charles W. “Bill” Rosenau Municipal Building.
