Morgan County Commission
77 Fairfax Street, Suite 101 Berkeley Springs, WV 25411 Telephone: (304) 258-8540 FAX: (304) 258-7305 |
Members Present: Thomas Swaim, Brenda Hutchinson and Stacy Dugan
The meeting was opened by Kim Nickles, Deputy County Clerk at 3:32 p.m.
Administration
On a Thomas Swaim/Stacy Dugan motion, the County Commission approved the minutes from the May 21, 2009 County Commission meeting after amendments. This motion carried.
False Alarm Ordinance Update
County Planner Alma Gorse created a noise ordinance and the Commission reviewed it. After the review, the ordinance will be forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney for her review.
Trip to Lewisburg for Osteopathic Medicine
The Commission set tentative dates to meet with the Director of the Lewisburg Osteopathic School of Medicine in Lewisburg, WV. The tentative dates set are June 18 & 19 or June 28 & 29.
Land Use Committee
Commissioner Hutchinson is working with Planning Commission President, Jack Soronen to establish a land use committee and should have an update regarding the committee before the end of June.
General Budget Meeting
The Commission set a date to have a general budget meeting. The date is set for June 26, 2009 at 9:30 a.m.
Quarterly Meetings
The County Commission discussed the possibility of holding meetings with the Mayors of Municipalities. The County Commission would meet with the Mayor of Paw Paw and Town of Bath to discuss and exchange ideas including grant projects, etc. The Commission decided to wait until after the election to contact and meet with the mayors.
Parks & Recreation Employee
The County Commission will hire a contracted employee to perform maintenance and mowing duties. The employee will be contracted to work during the months of April, May, June, July, August and September. The County Commission will advertise the position and have interviews. Anyone interested will need to provide a certificate of insurance for liability insurance to the County Commission.
Morgan County Patriot Award- Gerald Chaskes
The Commission received a letter from Fred Lamm conveying his great appreciation and support for Larry Springer, the Director of the Morgan County Public Library. Mr. Lamm wanted to thank the library staff for the outstanding support given to the AARP Foundation TaxAide operation they held at the library this past year. The Commission discussed the possibility of nominating Larry Springer for the Morgan County Patriot Award. The Commission will discuss the nomination with Gerald Chaskes.
Decision on Insurance Policy
After reviewing and discussing the insurance policies from BRIM Insurance through Smith Nadenbousch Insurance and the West Virginia Counties Risk Pool Insurance, the Commission came to a decision and decided to make a motion. On a Thomas Swaim/Stacy Dugan motion, the County Commission will join the West Virginia Counties Risk Pool Insurance as of the first day of July 2009. This motion carried. Commissioner Hutchinson said she believes the County Commission will have better, more comprehensive coverage with an emphasis on risk management with the insurance pool. Commissioner Dugan stated that neighboring counties that have the risk pool insurance speak highly of the insurance pool. The Commission noted they will be saving $61,466.00 annually by switching to the risk pool insurance. All three Commissioners agreed to the switch.
Member Agreement for the WV Counties Risk Pool Insurance
On a Thomas Swaim/Stacy Dugan motion, the County Commission authorized its president Brenda J. Hutchinson to sign the member agreement for the West Virginia Counties Risk Pool. This motion carried. Commissioner Hutchinson stated that the insurance will not go in effect until July 1, 2009.
Decision on Compensation for Addressing position
The Commission decided to go into Executive Session to discuss personnel compensation issues. On a Stacy Dugan/Thomas Swaim motion, the Commission entered into executive session to discuss personnel compensation issues at 5:45 p.m. This motion carried.
On a Stacy Dugan/Thomas Swaim motion, the Commission reconvened into regular session at 6:00 p.m. This motion carried.
On a Thomas Swaim/Brenda Hutchinson motion, the County Commission agreed to pay Peggy Oakes $3500.00 a year out of the 911 fund to perform extra duties and responsibilities relating to the addressing department. Commissioner Dugan opposed. This motion carried.
CEO’s Week- Proclamation
Barbara Spitzer approached the Commission with a proclamation for the Commission to sign recognizing the Community Educational Outreach Service week.
Commissioner Hutchinson signed the proclamation. Please see attached.
Janice Jones- Loss of Animal Request
The Commission reviewed a loss of animal request sent from Janice Jones. The request stated that her neighbors dogs had attacked her miniature horse and the horse died a few days later. The Commission reviewed her request and made a motion. On a Thomas Swaim/Brenda Hutchinson motion, the County Commission will grant Janice Jones funds in the amount of $300.00 for the loss of her animal. Commissioner Dugan opposed.
Commissioner Dugan stated that according to West Virginia Code Chapter 19-20-14 the owner or keeper of the dog shall be liable for any damages sustained, to be recovered in an action before any court or magistrate having jurisdiction of the action before receiving any compensation from this fund. Commissioner Hutchinson explained that the County would be reimbursed if Ms. Jones received compensation for the loss of her horse. This motion carried. The funds will come out of the dog and kennel funds.
Adjournment
On a Thomas Swaim/Stacy Dugan motion, the County Commission adjourned the County Commission meeting at 6:05 p.m. This motion carried.
Upcoming Meeting
June 4, 2009 @ 9:30 a.m.
Morgan County Commission Meeting
Morgan County Commission Meeting Room
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