By Stephen Smoot
On April Fools’ Day, Carl Hevener, Pendleton County Commission president, called the meeting to order, then looked at his colleagues and said, “May I have a motion to adjourn?”
After the chuckling subsided, Roger Dahmer, commissioner, delivered the customary invocation, praying, “We just thank You and praise You today.”
After the prayer, the Commission welcomed representatives from Community Action. April serves as an official month for a number of worthy causes, including Community Action.
Matt Hinkle addressed the commission first, sharing that Dahmer sat on the Community Action Board. He then explained that the organization and its work dates back to March 6, 1967.
He then introduced Becky Yokum, who recently joined Eastern Action from Summit Community Bank, saying that she “just did a resource day at North Fork Baptist Church just so folks know what we offer.”
Also present was Edna Mullenax. Hinkle shared that in her Family Resource Center based in Franklin, Mullenax “does a lot of life coaching type skills.” He added that those included cooking, parenting, budgeting, and much more.
Dahmer read the proclamation for Community Action, which called the organization “a robust state and local force” serving “99 percent of America’s counties.” The commissioners passed the proclamation in part to help Community Action celebrate 61 years of service to the nation.
Next, Karen Pitsenbarger gave a maintenance report, stating that HVAC had been installed in the community building. Also, some lighting issues at the Pendleton County Health Department building “had been taken care of.”
From Pendleton 911, Diana Mitchell reported that April also features National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week between the 13th and 19th. Rick Gillespie, emergency services coordinator for Pendleton County, suggested that the Commission pass a proclamation for it.
Hevener replied that “if anybody knows that stuff is coming up, please let us know.” He explained that the county commission wants to honor and recognize such groups, but that keeping up with the various official weeks and months is difficult.
Gillespie also noted that the office of emergency management had a “very bright light” installed on Elk Mountain to illuminate the area shown by the new traffic camera there.
Crews also installed a safety light near the Pendleton County Courthouse that produces a strong light that, along with a light moved closer to Main Street, better illuminates the area around the building.
A representative from P.A.W.S., the Pendleton County animal welfare organization, came to thank the commission for its support during the years. She stated that “last month was spay and neuter awareness month,” and that remains part of their mission. Their operations could be affected by a state measure that could cut funding from a source derived from pet food sales in West Virginia.
“We are very grateful for the community that pitches in,” she finished.
Pitsenbarger spoke next concerning the impending commencement of construction of the new courthouse annex. “Lantz moved their office trailer out there,” she said, then added that once final paperwork gets completed “we’re finally moving forward.”
Hevener said, “Keep your fingers crossed.”
Commissioners next passed a proclamation for National Library Week, which is April 6 – 12.
Commissioners got to meet two new field appraisers for the county, Ryan Maloy and Patricia Ruddle. Sandie Smith, Pendleton County assessor, said, “I think they’ll represent the county very well.”
From Pendleton County Emergency Rescue, Mike Alt provided a report, saying that March was “one of the busiest months we’ve had.” He added that 1,500 and more had signed up to urge the state to take care of the EMS salary enhancement fund. That fund had supported EMS compensation across the state, but the funding was mysteriously depleted even though established by statute.
Alt then stated that PCER was currently negotiating the purchase of a new ambulance, which is expected to cost around $300,000, but would not be ready for delivery for two years or so.
At the close of the meeting, commissioners agreed to prepare something for telecommunicators week. Dahmer made a motion to donate $500 to the school system to help with the music program. It was approved.
