“Every day is a gift from You, Lord,” prayed Roger Dahmer, commissioner, to open the first meeting of September for the Pendleton County Commission.
Business began with the opening of sealed bids to purchase a 2014 Ford Explorer. Clifton Arbaugh’s bid of $1,202.99 secured the vehicle.
Diana Mitchell, director of Pendleton 911, provided a report. She opened by saying that after delays, the Next Generation transition for 911 service “is moving now.” “It’s in its migration phase,” explained Mitchell.
Next Gen 911 adds capabilities to the service that help authorities gather more information in different ways from a call. In addition to voice communications, texting and video also are available for use once fully implemented. Next Gen will result in more effective calls because of better and more precise information.
Mitchell also shared a concern. During the courthouse renovations as personnel migrated between temporary and permanent offices, a message was recorded for those calling in to pay taxes. “The message,” Mitchell said, “gives our number at the end.” This has caused confusion and frustration with those trying to pay taxes over the phone and also the 911 staff.
Carl Hevener, commission president, speculated that the office forgot to change the message after the renovations were complete. Karen Pitsenbarger then asked for a representative from the sheriff’s department to join the proceedings.
Deputy Josh Dempsey came to the commission meeting to address the issue. He stated that as the tax payment deadlines came closer, the volume of calls overwhelmed staff. Tristan Waggoner was pulled from bailiff duties to help answer phones. He stated that “we need to do better” and promised to have the message changed to resolve the situation.
“They shouldn’t be calling the 911 center. You’re 100 percent right,” Dempsey added.
Annie Humes, Seneca Rocks representative with Mon Forest Towns and Pendleton County Convention and Visitors Bureau director, discussed a request for proposal to upgrade the area around the intersection of US 33 and West Virginia Route 28. The goal lies in “what will make that intersection a better place.”
The proposal came after 18 months of discussions with locals, including “working with Harpers and Yokums,” as well as appropriate state and federal agencies. One example of a proposed improvement lay in a safe walkway connecting the businesses with attractions such as Sites Homestead.
She informed commissioners that no project would require county funds.
Next, Humes discussed a project connected to America 250. Each county received a time capsule in which to place objects for posterity. Humes is teaming with Haley Craig, Pendleton County Middle/High School eighth-grade social studies teacher. Students will learn about primary source materials and have the assignment to find those reflecting Pendleton County today so those who open the capsule can better understand it tomorrow.
She asked if the capsule could be placed in the courthouse grounds because it is unlikely that the property will change hands between now and the date to open it.
Betsy Orndoff-Sayers, candidate for House of Delegates District 86 and mayor of Wardensville, came to engage the commission. She stated that the nonpartisan nature of Wardensville’s mayoral office meant she could run for both mayor and delegate simultaneously.
Dahmer explained that she is running in Bryan Ward’s district. He declined to run for re-election this year.
Hevener noted that between Orndoff-Sayers and her opponent, Steven Schetrom, Hardy County Commission president, the district would benefit either way from a delegate well-versed in local government.
“Not many in Charleston know how small government operates. They have no idea how city government or county government works,” he added.
