On September 15, 2020, the Doddridge County Commission held their regular meeting which was called to order at 6:01PM after holding a silent prayer and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
The minutes were approved and Commissioners Means and Glaspell both spoke about COVID. Glaspell voiced his support for the Health Department and their work towards the care of the citizens through holding the upcoming COVID-19 testing. It seem as if there are those who are making harassing phone calls and statements on Social Media against this testing taking place. He indicated each person should be respected for their opinion and this shouldn’t be about if sports are allowed to play or not.
Brad Riffee, the newly appointed Executive Director and Board President Christopher Marsh of United Way spoke to the fact that Harrison County United Way had taken Doddridge County under their wing to form the Harrison and Doddridge County United Way.
As most are a ware, United Way is an organization that assist people and organizations in need through fundraising and the distribution of the funds raised (See More info on Page 2)
The Commission approved the request of Thomas and Patricia Combs to combine two parcels of land for tax purposes.
With financial requests of $498,371.22, the Commission approved $475,007 in the following donations: American Red Cross $2,500; Bi County Nutrition $5,000; Catholic Charities $5,000; Clarksburg Mission $$10,000; Community Resources $15,000; Doddridge County Recognition $3,000; DC Community Foundation $15,000; DC Economic Development Authority $44,800; DC Ecumenical Outlet $20,000; DC FRN $4000; DC Farmers Market $4,000; DC Health Dept. $60,207; DC Historical Society $$14,000; DC Humane Society $71,000; DC Solid Waste Authority $60,000; DC Youth Softball League $2,500; Health Access Inc. $15,000; HOPE Inc. $10.000; Salem Little League $2,500; VFW $1,500; BANCS VFD, Greenwood VFD, McClellan VFD, Smithburg VFD, and West Union VFD $20,000.
Catee Slater presented the Poll-workers List for the November 3rd General Election to the Commission for their approval. The list was approved.
The Commission approved a letter and agreement to be presented to the Emanuel United Methodist Church Board giving permission to the Commission to convert part of the church property into new Courthouse Parking. The agreement included the property would be landscaped and paved with the Commission liable for the upkeep.
The Doddridge County Fair and Park both were on the agenda as separate items of business. The Fair requested $45,000 to re-do the electric
that is used for the Fair, while they are upgrading the pool. Discussion was held with the Commission requesting other areas of the park to be included. (Note: this will save money by the Fair not being required to rent generators.) Their representatives were advised to return with estimates to include the expanded areas.
Greg Cottrill requested $700,000 to move forward with the parking and Splash Park upgrades. Through mixed sources a total of 1.4 million dollars had been raised towards the phase 1 of the pool upgrade. The Commissioners questioned the need to complete all of Phase 1 this year and indicated they did not have any more funds to give to them from this budget. They noted between the Broad Band project, water projects and building the new Annex, that 80% of their funds were already earmarked with the 20% being held back for emergencies. Mr. Cottrill apologized for coming to them at this time. The Commission was asked by an attendee how much they had saved and was told the total would be around $12,000,000. No action was taken.
DCAA was on the agenda to review bids for cardiac monitors/defibrillators. Neal Romain noted that no bids had been submitted. This item was tabled.
Under COVID Policy and Review there was no action taken.
The Commission approved the signing of the Division Order from Antero for the COVID well pad.
There were no Floodplain Permit=ts submitted and George Eidel went ahead to give the Emergency Call Report, reporter=d that he had delivered more PPD Supplies to the Schools, set up the inflatable tent for the Health Department to use on Thursday and the Tower Site is almost completed.
Neal Romain, Director reported: The DCAA Primary Checking balance is $130,390.13; The Fund Balance is $325,479.93 (Includes Insurance payment); and the Income to date for September is $12,880.42.
He was asked when the new units will be in and replied December. He noted they are purchasing all wheel drive units which didn’t come out until right before COVID started which has caused the delay in delivery.
COW David King reported that Thrasher was getting ready to bid out the Annex. He noted th bids would be due in on the 28th of October and they hoped to open them at the November 3rd 2020 Meeting. It was brought up that November 3rd was Election Day.. The Commissioners tentatively set their November meeting day for November 5th.
There were no Budget Revisions, or Probates presented for the Commission’s approval.
There were four Exonerations approved by the Commission.
