By Stephen Smoot
The Pendleton County Commission in its first meeting of April spent much of its time considering and approving resolutions and proclamations, each of which touched on a vital issue for the community.
Prior to the meeting’s opening, Roger Dahmer, commissioner, read a proclamation from Governor Jim Justice marking April as Child Abuse Prevention Month. The statement from the Governor stated that “children are the key to the state’s future success,” and also urging that “preventing child abuse and neglect is a community responsibility.”
After reading the proclamation, which needed no approval, Dahmer opened the meeting with the customary invocation. His prayer asked, “Lord be with us, guide us, protect us.”
Next, commissioners read and approved resolutions expressing appreciation and praise for the work of both Pendleton 911 and area first responders. The resolutions honored their tremendous efforts during the wildfires of March 20 through 24.
Additionally, Terry Ryan and Bryson Gribble were on hand, along with Diana Mitchell, Pendleton 911 director. Ryan, Gribble, and Mitchell were staffing the 911 center during the rash of fire calls between 12:14 p.m. and 1:20 p.m. on March 20, with another call coming in at around 5:30 in the evening.
Rick Gillespie, Pendleton County Emergency Services coordinator, added that “Terry and Bryson were the two on duty when it all broke loose. Diana was directing. They did an amazing job and those we called in did an amazing job.”
“We could’ve lost several structures,” he noted. Also saying, “We could have lost way more acreage.”
Mitchell and Gillespie both praised Gribble, who started work as a telecommunicator in December. Gillespie noted that “he literally got his baptism by fire.” Mitchell praised how well Gribble used his training, remaining calm and cool even in the most challenging of circumstances.
Dahmer said, “We’re glad to have you on board, Bryson.”
The resolution expressed appreciation to all telecommunicators who served during the event, including those unable to make it to the county commission meeting.
Elise White, Pendleton County Clerk, brought up an issue tabled at the last commission meeting. She then produced a new draft of the employee handbook with the changes included. Commissioners approved the new policy.
Amber Nesselrodt, executive director of the Pendleton County Convention and Visitors Bureau, came to the commission to ask the body to sign a letter of support for a Mon Forest Towns project. The organization connects 12 towns in the Monongahela National Forest, including Franklin and Seneca Rocks. The project involves posting more wayfarer signs to help visitors better locate local attractions.
Nesselrodt added that the CVB’s “new website launched last week” and that they are still working with the state to get the new welcome signs installed at the county boundaries.
Next, commissioners quickly passed the Fair Housing Resolution. This statement is required of local governments to help them to remain eligible for funding opportunities, such as the Community Development Block Grant program from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.
White spoke next to pass along a request from the South Branch Day Report Center to use opioid funds to defer the cost of their rent at the Pendleton County Business Center. White said that she had read the guidelines and shared that “I don’t see where it would be a problem taking it out of the opioid fund” since “treatment is an acceptable expense.”
Carl Hevener, Pendleton County Commission president, added that “there’s several places in here that says it’s for treatment. We got this money. Where else is a better place to put it than treatment?”
