By Heather Clower
The Parsons Advocate
With the Harman Fund money allocation behind them, the Parsons City Council is able to put into motion the many plans and projects on their plate. Though not all present in person, Councilmen Samuel Blosser and David Greenlief were able to join via teleconference to qualify the meeting with a quorum.
Following The Pledge of Allegiance and prayer by Mayor Dorothy Judy, the roll was called and previous meeting minutes approved by Councilmen Tim Auvil and Bruce Kolsun. Danielle Sponaugle provided the financial statement and payments for approval in the amount of $60,650.74. Revenue Control Reports and Operating Reports were presented by City Administrator and Treasurer Jason Myers as well as their revisions. It was also noted the budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2019 has been received and approved by the State Auditor’s office.
Myers explained the invoices for consideration and where those funds were being drawn from. Unfortunately, an unexpected issue in one of the city’s trucks has arisen and is in need of major repairs. The quote for the mandatory work is nearly $7,000 that will have to be withdrawn from the Rainy Day Fund. Myers did make known that these issues were not a repercussion from lack of maintenance and could not have been prevented. The second proposal was to pave the entire D&W Lane loop and the connection between Dollar General and Shop N’ Save in the amount of $30,526.45. The next quote from Triangle Heating was for an HVAC system in the City Community Building and additional duct work for a total amount of $10,400. It was decided to approve the HVAC proposal for $5,900 and postpone the additional project valued at $4,500. $4,000 was allocated for gabion baskets and stone on the Wamsley Run project and $20,000 for the Pulp Mill Bottom Pond project, both quoted from Tygart Valley Conservation District. Energy Fence Company, formerly Neil’s Fencing, provided an estimate of $8,380.00 to construct the backfield fencing at the baseball field in Pulp Mill Bottoms, which will match the already existing parameter fence. Cummings Construction Company offered a bid to replace the shingles on the Parsons Water Plant building along with new gutters and downspouts. The total for this project bid was $15,500. Cummings also submitted a bid for work to be done at Wellness 24. Of the quote for multiple projects, the only criteria approved at this time was the exterior washing and staining in the amount of $4,200
Unfinished business on the agenda came from the Parsons Industrial Park closing of the sale. Judy informed she had spoken with the Attorney explaining they have the money to close, but have yet to receive the paperwork to do so. According to the attorney, that paperwork is expected to be completed by end of week. Myers briefly stated that matters pertaining to the civil lawsuit are moving forward with depositions with parties involved being scheduled.
New business listed two resignations and a performance contract to consider. The first resignation request came from Linda Hockman after serving 25 years as Municipal Judge. The second was from Councilman Steven Sponaugle resigning from Parsons City Council as a result of relocating. Both were noted as “regretfully accepted” and their time and service was greatly appreciated. An advertisement seeking applicants for a new Ward 1 council member will be published soon and applications will be accepted. Once the application process is complete, interviews will be conducted to serve out the remainder of Sponaugles term, which expires July 1, 2020. A performance contract with Rick Modesitt & Associates for country music singer Cody Wickline for $2,500 was approved and will take the place of the performance by the Davisson Brothers Band scheduled for this summer 2019. Before continuing to correspondences, Myers noted an informative letter received from Surveyor, Jeffrey Adams. Question arose regarding a potential alley near River Street and St. Johns Street in Pulp Mill Bottoms. According to the survey results, there is no alley present and the deeds that refer to one will have to be amended. Landowners affected by this will be informed.
One correspondence was received from the Allegheny Highlands Trail regarding 2019 events. This flyer noted the Ramps and Rails Festival in Elkins on Saturday, April 27, a Grand Opening Celebration (a National Trails Day event) will be Saturday, June 1 in Elkins, the Blackwater Canyon Half Marathon will commence on Saturday, September 14, and finally the Run For It and Blackwater Canyon Bike Ride commences Saturday, September 28.
The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 16 at 6 p.m. Audience and guests are always welcome to attend.
