Dr. Cynthia Kolson of PRO/OnTrac presented the Blueprint Community program to the Parsons City Council during the November 13 meeting. The goal of the Blueprint Community designation is economic revitalization and increased quality of living.
The Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburg runs the program. According to their website, the initiative “creates momentum for revitalizing older communities and neighborhoods.”
Through coordinated investments from public and private funders, the initiative promotes strong leadership, collaboration, and development of regional planning.
New program participants undergo training with a coach that will come in to work with community leaders.
“We are building the city’s resume,” Kolson said. They are accepting applications for six open positions throughout the state.
Kolson asked for a letter of commitment from the city. According to City Administer Jason Myers, Woodlands Development Group would like to partner with Parsons for the project. Applicants must pay $500 for submission.
Also reported at the meeting, “The ice rink has been installed and secured on the new concrete pad,” Myers said. “We’re trying to figure out what kind of surface we need to install outside of the ice rink.” A grand opening of the rink is scheduled for the night after the Christmas parade.
Council member Amy Wagner was appointed as the city’s representative on the Tucker County Development Authority.
Trooper Travis Roberts reported that there are three qualified candidates for patrolman positions for the city police department.
Trooper Roberts also reported that certified letters were mailed to city residents with excess debris on their property. “Some people have cleaned up their stuff, and some people are making pretty good strides,” Roberts said. The council discussed resulting citations for residents who do not clean up their property.
The council requested service from the Tygarts Valley Conservation District to remove debris from Wamsley Run from Chestnut Street to Walnut Street. The council utilized their Rainy Day Fund as their funding source for this project.
Another chlorine leak took place at the water plant on November 6. About 10 pounds of chlorine leaked, which destroyed the computer in the plant.
The council discussed holiday parade details. There were no developments regarding the Kingsford sewer extension project.
The next Parson City Council meeting is schedule for 6 p.m. on Tuesday, December 11.
