By Stephen Smoot
The Town of Franklin held two meetings last week, one to go over the budget and also the official meeting. One of the main “problems” discussed lay with the town enjoying a balance that was $3,800 more than expected. State law requires that local governments operate under a balanced budget, including explaining unexpected surpluses.
Many local governments and other organizations have seen different sized windfalls from bank accounts due to the Federal Reserve raising the prime interest rate. Councilwoman Kristen Dingess noted “it’s a good problem to have,” and the revisions were approved.
The official meeting opened by welcoming Amber Nesselrodt, the new executive director of the Pendleton County Convention and Visitors Bureau. Nesselrodt plans to replace the current Mon Forest Towns representative with Sam Wood, owner of Shreve’s Store, as her alternate. Nesselrodt told the council that she needed the town council to officially approve these appointments.
According to its website, the Mon Forest Towns initiative connects municipalities in or near the Monongahela National Forest. It also says that “the MFT partnership was formed to cultivate relations across lands and forest gateway communities that will enhance the economy and quality of life for residents and visitors.”
Pendleton County has two Mon Forest towns, Franklin and Seneca Rocks.
Next, the council heard from Pastor Jason Boggs of Redeeming Grace. The church recently took over the old Franklin Elementary School for use as a worship center and a school. Boggs shared safety concerns about a stretch of Evick Road. Parking there has become a concern for the church. He stated that “we’re wanting to keep the community safe.”
Bob Horan, mayor of Franklin, noted that “he’s got the grade school up here, doing all kinds of good with it.” Horan asked if the church could inform people to not park there. Boggs indicated that despite 150 new parking spaces, some don’t listen.
“We’d have to have signs,” suggested Frank Wehrle, administrator for the Town of Franklin. Signs put up by the board of education were either removed or vandalized. Boggs suggested that the church could pay for the signs if the town could install them.
Jarred Rawson, town council member, suggested that because of the new school opening in August, “my feeling would be to act sooner rather than later.” Town officials agreed to purchase signs that stated “no parking” and would also clearly indicate that the owner of the vehicle, not the church, would pay the cost of the tow.
Horan stated that “this does not obligate us to enforce it.”
Wehrle then introduced the issue of town support for a Region 8 project. “The reason we’re discussing this is partly my fault,” he admitted.
At the February Region 8 meeting, Wehrle supported a request made of local governments to support hazard mitigation planning. County commissions were asked for $1,500 a piece, incorporated towns, $1,000. Previously, the state funded the program but money was cut off.
“We don’t do enough for Region 8,” Wehrle explained, adding that “they give us so much bang for the buck.”
The town council also heard the first reading of a proposed ordinance to expand the Franklin Board of Parks from the five members established in 1970 to seven. Wehrle explained, “functionally it won’t change how they operate.” Dingess, who currently represents the town council on the board, asked if fellow council member Keely Smith could also serve. Horan replied in the affirmative.
Elizabeth Scott then provided an update on Trout Fest, saying “we’re really excited this year.” The event, which will take place on May 5 and 6 in Franklin, has added entertainment. Organizers partnered with the Pendleton County Senior and Family Services to provide a morning breakfast and afternoon bingo.
Registration can take place at the senior center, main stage, and at the dinner. Scott also stated that participants in fishing events would have the opportunity to buy fishing licenses on site.
