The Mineral County Commissioners on Tuesday appointed four county residents to a new litter task force, charging them with developing a “blueprint” for the unprecedented litter-control initiative.
Commissioners President Janice LaRue agreed to serve as the county representative on the five-member Litter Control Task Force. The other members named Monday are: William Nichols of Ridgeley, Tom Youngblood of Keyser, Karen Hartman of New Creek and Dan Stemple of New Creek.
Commissioner Wayne Spiggle, who helped to spearhead the group’s formation, applauded the residents’ willingness to serve on the task force.
“This is a blue-ribbon committee...,” he said, noting the members’ qualifications and commitment. “I’m very encouraged and really appreciative.”
Spiggle said there are no specific guidelines for the group’s responsibilities, but state officials may be able to offer guidance during the task force’s initial organization process. “I look at this as a think tank,” he said. “We will look to them for a blueprint and strategy for cleaning up the county.”
In other business, Marc Bashoor, the county’s director of emergency management, briefed the commissioners on progress at the new 911 center near Keyser High School. “We have four walls, and hopefully we will have roof trusses on later this week,” he said.
According to Bashoor, work is proceeding on schedule, with the building set to be finished by late November or early December. However, the county may not be ready to move in at that time, as the move itself will be a protracted process.
Bashoor appeared before the commissioners to present a grant proposal to help fund operations of the emergency management. The 2008 Emergency Management Planning Grant, in the amount of $102,000, is a 50/50 split between the county and the federal government, leaving the county responsible for about $51,000.
Bill Burt appeared before the commissioners to provide an update on the development of the Alkire Mansion as a transitional living facility for treatment of substance-abuse victims. He said $26,000 has been raised for the facility, which will house 18-19 male residents with alcohol or drug dependancy problems. Another $75,000 is needed, but development is proceeding, with the organization now certified as a 501-c3 non profit and ready to sign a long-term lease with the city of Keyser.
“The old Alkire Mansion is beginning to come together piece by piece,” he said.
Burt said the group’s next effort will involve development of a treatment facility for women. The plan is then to develop as many as 10 other facilities throughout the region. He said the Alkire Mansion is the only such facility in West Virginia located east of the Allegheny Front.
“Without you, it wouldn’t have been done,” he said in presenting the commissioners with commemorative plaques.
The facility is going to be named “The Carpenter’s Shop,” in recognition of the contributions of Ed Carpenter, and in reference to Christ’s worldly occupation. “What we’re trying to do, by calling it the Carpenter’s Shop, people who use Him as a higher power, will be able to turn to Him,” he said.
Burt noted that the recent picnic fundraiser netted $1,700, and will be an annual affair. He also thanked Boggs Supply for providing all of the materials at cost.
County officials told the commissioners a proposal to revise the county building code will be delayed until next month while the details are completed. Part of that effort will focus on penalizing contractors or homeowners who have begun work without obtaining a permit. Currently such offenders have 10 days to obtain a permit if they are caught.
“You’re always in a mode of trying to catch the people who know better,” said Mike Bland, county coordinator.
Finally, the commissioners agreed to pay the county’s annual dues for membership in the West Virginia Association of Counties. As a smaller “class three” county, the dues total $5,000. Commissioner Cynthia Pyles moved to pay the dues “as late as possible,” her motion winning the enthusiastic support o the other two commissioners.
“We don’t have to be first...” she said with a laugh. “No hurry.”