By Stephen Smoot
It did not take long for the state’s salary enhancement assistance program to reap a positive harvest in terms of supporting volunteer first response in Pendleton County. Commissioners in the second meeting of the month heard about improved responses and also morale.
The meeting opened with the customary invocation from Roger Dahmer, commissioner. He asked that “You guide our words and our actions.”
The business meeting began with discussion of a Pendleton County Health Department proposal. In the previous meeting Brooke Hott, health department official, requested consideration of an ordinance requiring lots of five acres or less in subdivisions be approved as having an appropriate location of a septic system.
More than five acres, Hott said that caveat emptor, “let the buyer beware” would be the rule.
Commissioner Jimmie Bennett said, “I don’t think it’s a bad idea. If I were the buyer, I’d want to make sure I could put a septic tank in.” Dahmer added, “I move that we make the change as requested.” The commission approved the measure.
Next, Rick Gillespie, Pendleton County Emergency Services coordinator, reported that the 911 center had five applicants for open telecommunicator positions and will start conducting interviews next week.
He moved on to discuss the obsolete system “that records all telephone lines and radio channels” operated by emergency management and first responders. Gillespie received a quote of $50,834 to purchase a modern system from GSA and requested that plus a 10 percent contingency amount to cover any unexpected costs. The commission approved the request.
Gillespie then shared that a major National Radio Quiet Zone study had commenced and would conclude its work by January of next year. “It’s pretty in-depth” he said, “It’s looking at Pendleton County and Pocahontas County. Gillespie told the commission that he asked that any recommendations made be paid for by the federal government instead of the counties.
Some officials involved in the Quiet Zone indicated that they wish that any changes not only protect the intelligence and scientific operations conducted there now, but also in the future.
Finally, he requested that the access road to be constructed to the new Seneca Rocks area tower be named Biby Road after the landowner who sold the access rights.
Mike Alt, Pendleton County Emergency Rescue training officer, came to “thank everyone for the support.” This came from a salary enhancement program, part of which was intended to boost stipends paid to volunteer first responders. “There have been a lot of good things over the last month and a half.”
Tina Eye, President of Pendleton County Emergency Rescue Squad, added that “we’ve never had a complete roster at all four squads.” She stated that now “all four squads have a roster” and “more people are coming on board.”
“People are talking and noticing,” she added. Bennett stated that he had noticed the difference while monitoring his scanner.
Finally, Keely Smith, Franklin Town Council member and new recreation director for the Franklin Board of Parks said, “Thank you for your funds for the town pool. They will be put to good use.”
