The Parsons City Council discussed the Big Run hydroelectric project during their Tuesday, January 22 meeting. “I think this is a vitally important possibility, not only for the county, but for the city as well,” Council member Timothy Auvil said.
Auvil presented a document from the City of Parsons Planning Committee that recommended the city council fully endorse the project. “Let it be clear, this declaration is to show support for the project to move into the feasibility and study phase only,” the document read. The document emphasized the financial incentives of the project, which are estimated at $5 million annually.
“An opportunity like this could create jobs and continue to create jobs,” Auvil said. The council added the creation of resolution to support the project study to their next meeting’s agenda. The council intends to relay their resolution to other county entities, in hopes they will follow suit.
Kevin White presented on behalf of the Parsons Volunteer Fire Department. In 2014, the city established a $10,000 yearly truck equipment fund from the Harman Fund. Since 2014, the department received $50,000. White asked for the fire department to be considered during the Harman Fund allocations. White reported on the recent growth and improvements the fire department experienced. “For that investment of the $50,000 over the five years, the numbers show that you have a lot of return on your dollar,” White said.
White also asked the city to continuing sponsoring the entertainment that is provided during the street fair event.
Later in the meeting, Council member Auvil also reported that the lift station pumps are installed and working, which completes phase five of the city’s long term plan for the plant. One item at the sewer plant to be addressed is the need for an automatic chlorine feeder that regulates chlorine amount as the water level changes.
There were no updates on the Kingsford Sewer Extension Project or the Parsons Industrial Park Project. The council discussed the financial possibilities of the industrial park project.
The rental space on the second floor of the municipal building was discussed. Talks with St. George Medical Clinic furthered over the last two weeks. St. George would need time to remodel the space, totaling about six months of renovations.
The council discussed the rent at length. St. George asked to have a reduced rent during the time of remodeling. The council discussed the option of St. George renting the space for $700 during the remodeling, and then rent increasing to $1,000 when the clinic moves in. The council tabled the matter.
The city pays the utilities on the space. The other possible renters are two Maryland nurse practitioners.
The council discussed the estimate from the Tygarts Valley Conservation District for the Mill Race Park slough project. The council worked through obtaining the necessary right of way permissions from private landowners. The project intends to improve water drainage in the park. City Administrator Jason Myers estimated that clearing the slough would take about six weeks.
The Five Rivers Public Library Board appointed David Lambert as a board trustee member. The council paid an invoice totaling $25,588.99.
The next Parsons City Council meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Tuesday, February 5.
