By Heather Clower
The Parsons Advocate
As Chairman of the Water/Wastewater Committee and Parsons City Council Member, Tim Auvil read a recommendation to the Council for a sewer rate increase to meet Public Service Commission regulations. The letter read, “The water/wastewater committee unanimously agreed and recommended to Council, as per the CPA’s recommendation, that a 25% increase to the entire current sewer rate structure is not only necessary, but critical.” In order to qualify for state and federal grant funding, the PSC requires a 1.5% median household income, which the City has fallen short on for a number of years with the last rate adjustment being over eight years ago. “This proposal would take the minimum bill from $21.48 to $26.85, a $5.37 increase,” read Auvil, adding that if the Council did not take action, the PSC could mandate an even higher rate than being proposed. “The City has been written up multiple times in its audits for not meeting this requirement,” he added.
Council understands that any rate increase is unfortunate, though at this time there is no other option. By implementing the 25% increase, PSC requirements will be met and will help provide the City the ability to make improvements to the sewer and storm drain systems, most of which have not been upgraded or replaced in nearly 100 years. At this time, the water rates are closer to compliance and will not need to be addressed until a later date. The increase will not be seen on local bills for a few months by the time all documentation is moved through the PSC. Future plans are to address the rates every two to three years to adjust rates a small percentage at a time to avoid another higher rate increase. Auvil made the motion to approve the 25% increase in the sewage rates with a second from Councilman David Greenlief with all in favor.
Carrie Smith with Region VII appeared via teleconference for a public hearing to discuss the City of Parsons submitting a Community Development Block Grant Application for the Parsons Emergency Water Preparedness and Resiliency Project. “It’s a connection between the two water systems in order to provide more stability to both systems in case of any kind of emergencies or mishaps, whatever the case may be,” explained Smith. It will also help fulfill the requirements for the Senate Bill. Applications must be received by January 29 and there has not been any indication when the panel will submit their selections to Governor Justice, who will have the final say.
The cost for the project has been updated from previous years and increased to $726,000. Auvil stated the last quote he saw was in 2016 and it was $575,000. The City is vying for grant money, which is competitive, to assist in this project. Parsons Volunteer Fire Department – Company 10 Fire Chief Kevin White spoke briefly on the topic sharing his enthusiasm for the project that will assist not only the Fire Department but also the Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security in providing this infrastructure.
Auvil read a commitment to allocate money towards the project from the upcoming Harman Fund draw, to which Smith suggested having, “skin in the game,” could help the City’s application in the selection process. Some of the scenarios Auvil mentioned that could be addressed with the implementation of the project were if there was contamination of either water source, a drought, or mechanical issues. The requested allocation from the committee from the Harman Fund is $50,000. Auvil made the motion to allocate the $50,000 to the project contingent upon approval of the block grant, with Recorder Bruce Kolsun offering a second with all in favor.
Eleni Brick with Thrasher Engineering informed the Council that a progress meeting for the Kingsford Sewer Extension Project has not been held since November due to the holidays, weather, and inability to get some materials needed to finish the project. Brick was under the impression that C.I. Thornburgh would have all of the equipment delivered that week, however, she is now being told it will be next week.
Auvil asked about an issue he was told about with the bore that was put into the future Industrial Park and that it may present flow issues. Brick assured that this is not an issue and explained how the system would flow and keeps the matter flowing. “We don’t see it being a problem in the future or currently,” Brick said.
Brick explained further that the boring under Route 219 was not done to engineering or Department of Highways standards; therefore it would have to be redone. “If it’s rebored, it will not be at your all costs,” she confirmed.
Kevin White, Chief of Company 10 Parsons Volunteer Fire Department, submitted a request for use of Second and Walnut Street predominantly, for May 15 through the 23 to accommodate the annual Fireman’s Homecoming Fair. The fair will run May 19 through the 22, which is not Memorial Day Weekend in 2021, or for the next three years. Kolsun made the motion to approve the street usage request with Councilwoman Melissa Jones making a second and all in favor. White did add that the fair will be contingent upon the virus and the Governor’s orders.
White asked the Council to once again sponsor the stage and the musical events for the homecoming fair. Funds allocated for this event have typically come from the Harman Fund allocations under the Betterment of the City of Parsons. The amount will have to be determined at the Harman Fund draw in March, but Auvil and Jones made the motion to allocate funds for the event.
In place of the Poker Run to kick off the Homecoming Fair, plans are in the works for sponsoring a triathlon. The contestants will run five kilometers, kayak, and then bike using portions of the Rail Trail from Porterwood to Hendricks, which is owned by the City of Parsons, the Department of Highways, and the United States Forest Service. Each entity is being asked permission for use of their section of the trail to hold this event, which is set to be held the Saturday before the fair as a kickoff event. The council agreed to allow the use of the trail for this event to serve as a fundraiser for the PVFD.
Auvil asked White for a brief COVID -19 update, to which he responded that the Governor has set up 12 regional sites. This is taking the vaccines out of local control and making Randolph County the vaccination location. “We’re asking for 116,000 doses per week for West Virginia, currently we’re receiving 23,000 doses per week for West Virginia,” White said. Other states have not begun offering the vaccine or have received them but have not begun administering them. Fortunately, those who received the first dose at a Tucker County location, the second dose will be at the same place. The goal is to set up a drive thru style vaccination clinic for individuals ages 65 and older, but plans are still in process.
Lastly, White requested the annual contribution of $10,000 from the City from the upcoming Harman Fund draw. The money is being compiled to assist in purchasing trucks and needed equipment for the Parsons VFD, who to date has received $56,000. This has led to a $678,802.74 return in advanced fire protection for the coverage area. The request will be included on the request from the draw in March.
Minutes from January 5, 2021 were approved before Financial Director Danielle Sponaugle presented the invoice list for $18,541.82. Auvil and Kolsun moved to pay the bills with all in favor. City Administrator and Treasurer Jason Myers provided a revenue control report for the general and coal severance fund that were acknowledged with a motion from Auvil and a second from Councilman Michael Matlick. A request for revisions to the approved budget followed which reflected insurance claims, the Hometown Hero Banner line item, and other occurrences that cannot easily be planned for.
Over $135,000 has been applied for through the CARES Act with the biggest portion being a reimbursement of trash wages. Those funds will be set back into savings to go towards a much needed new trash truck when funds permit. Jones and Matlick made the motions to approve the revisions with all in favor.
Parsons City Police Chief K.L. Keplinger said from January 1 to date, two traffic citations have been issued with nine incoming calls for service. Two active felony investigations are ongoing, traffic control for food distribution along with two funeral escorts. “Thanks to Kevin White, we now have the CDC Approved PPE to be able to go in and do lifting assistance to the Covid positive without coming out and being quarantined,” shared Chief Keplinger.
At least nine applications have been received for interest in the Code Enforcement Officer vacancy that will be interviewed in the near future. A multi-disciplinary taskforce for child abuse has been joined by Chief Keplinger and Patrolman N.C. Gidley to become active members of the team. “In 2018, county-wide, 93% of our child abuse or neglect cases, there was a direct drug connection and that’s one of my concerns,” said Chief Keplinger. The Parsons City Police Department is also signing up to become a part of W.Va. Intelligence Exchange which is a database that will help track and monitor individuals coming into the area that may be of concern.
Myers moved into his report stating the Senior Banner Project will take place again with approximately 75 seniors looking to graduate in May. The banners for the first responders will also be displayed during the Homecoming Fair events and are being coordinated with Events Coordinator Tammy Michael.
A Valentine’s Day event is taking place on the Parsons Facebook Events Page where a picture and story can be shared. All entries will be put into a hat and the winners will be drawn randomly. St. George Medical Clinic sponsored $1,000 for the grand prize winner to enjoy a three day, two night stay at Canaan Valley Resort with tubing passes and a gift card. Other local businesses and restaurants have donated prizes such as gift certificates, dinners, and massages.
The Zayo Group has submitted their yearly rent for $8,400 to the City, and the Kids Connect Wi-Fi service is online at Mill Race Park, which is a monitored server open from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. Myers said Bolyard Construction has been working at the Community Building to stabilize the floor. “I’m glad we got them over there when we did,” said Myers as the floor was very weak in some areas. A recent renter had issues with the water lines freezing therefore skirting is being installed to help insulate the pipes. A handicap parking spot at the laundromat is being designated by City Employees in preparation for their re-opening hopefully to be in March.
Auvil briefly recapped the Parks and Recreation Committee meeting saying the Community Center cameras and wi-fi has been installed. Equipment is being brought in in preparation of setting the piers in the pond, though it is unknown if the pond will need draining again to perform these pours.
Mayor Dorothy Judy moved into new business asking for consideration of dedicating the Shavers Fork Railroad Trestle in memory of Hoy “Pete” Roy for his dedication to the Allegheny Highlands Trail and for his endless determination in saving the old trestle and converting it into a pedestrian bridge. Kolsun moved to do so with Councilwoman Amy Wagner offering a second with a unanimous vote in favor.
Kolsun read a letter from Jerry Hardy, Owner Second Street Laundromat, sharing his concerns over the business license ordinance. After brief discussion, Myers suggested tabling the agenda item to allow for guidance from Attorney Pat Nichols on the wording of the ordinance, which Council agreed.
Christopher Funk presented the idea of establishing Blessing Boxes at strategic locations throughout the City to offer non-perishable items that residents may be in need of. Funk is working to secure the needed materials and funds needed to erect the boxes along with donations and maintenance volunteers. Kolsun moved to approve the requested placement of the boxes with Auvil offering a second and all in favor.
The Parsons City Council will meet again on Tuesday, February 2, 2021 at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers.