The March 2, 2021 Commission meeting was called to order by Shawn Glaspell, President, at 9:01 AM after holding a silent prayer and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
Under public comment, Florence Adams, AFLAC, spoke to the commissioners concerning products that are offered through AFLAC, confirming that Whole Life Insurance is available, and gave a comparison of the cost of AFLAC Whole Term vs the costs of Liberty, which indicated that AFLAC’s cost would be the lesser of the two.
Each of the commissioners spoke, thanked those who were in attendance, commented about how good the weather was and that COVID numbers were coming down in the County, and thanked those who are involved with COVID vaccinations.
The Commission decided to deny the protests for the Board of Review and Equalization from Sandy Bonnell, George B Craig, Larry Gander and Coastal. David Sponaugle reported that in October, unless resolved, the Commission would be required to hear protests from Mark West, Ridgetop Royalty, Antero Resources and Cevasco Family Trust.
Prosecuting Attorney Brooke Knight Fitzgerald requested to present the proposed budget for the Prosecuting Attorney’s office while in Executive Session. The Commission went into Executive Session at 9:16AM and returned to Regular Session at 9:21AM. No action was taken.
DeeDee Nicholson, President of the Doddridge County Fair Board presented a financial request in the amount of $50,000 for the 21/22 budget, indicating this was an increase from their past requests to cover the rodeo, to be held on Wednesday night of the fair.
She went ahead to explain that they were considering not having the talent show and possibly replacing it with a singer. Those that have either already been contracted or are considering signing a contract include: Zach Ryan, John King, Cody Egal, and others. She also indicated that Saturday’s entertainment would begin in the afternoon and run into the evening with different entertainers.
Under Donation of Ford F-150, after a discussion concerning each of the available vehicles, the Commission approved giving the Ford F-150 (previously driven by Animal Control) to the DC PSD. They also approved the title transfer of the 2009 Ford back to the Commission, leaving the Ford F-350 in the possession of the Commission.
David Sponaugle spoke to the issue of the abundance of surplus vehicles in the parking area at the courthouse, encouraging the Commission to sell them. Glaspell noted they were getting ready to place them for bid.
The Commission decided by consensus to continue with the COVID Policies and Procedures that are currently in place until after all employees who want the vaccine have been vaccinated.
Discussion was held concerning opening the gym at the old WUGS. By consensus the Commission decided to wait until the meeting on the 16th to discuss the reopening of the gym.
George Eidel, Floodplain Manager reported there is one Floodplain Permit Number 21-589 – Doddridge County Park. He noted this was for a yurt that had already been built without a floodplain permit.
He went on to gibe the OES Report noting the 911 Dispatched Emergency calls (see page 8 of this paper), attends a zoom meeting with the State weekly, there had been one structure fire and two weather events without damage.
He noted that he has been picking up the vaccines now given every Friday, for the Health Department and that the National Guard registers the vaccinations that are given for the State where the Heath Department registers those given on the Federal system. Last week, over 400 vaccines were given with another over 500 to be given this Friday.
Neal Romaine, DCAA, reported the DCAA had $160,669.18 in their Primary Account; $282,299.52 in The FUND and the income for February was $17,957.99.
Under Consideration of Internet Equipment Agreement with the DC Schools, Glaspell noted the Commissioners had been asked by the Schools if they could place a wifi hotspot on the location of the Middle Island Grade School Lot. The Commission approved basically placing an antenna with a Internet hot spot on the location so that the students in the area would have internet access.
David King (COW) reported they had received more shelving for the Prosecutor’s Office and would be finishing this job soon.
He also reported the Annex bid documents had been advertised; Pre Bid Meeting was the 11th at 1:30PM; the were due in by the 30th at 1:30PM and the bids would be presented and voted on April 6th, at the Commission Meeting.
There were no Budget Revisions; no Exonerations; and the Commission approved two probates.