Morgan County Commission 
Meeting Minutes

June 4, 2009

Members Present: Thomas Swaim, Brenda Hutchinson and Stacy Dugan

The meeting was opened by Debra Kesecker, County Clerk at 9:32 a.m.

Administration
On a Stacy Dugan/Thomas Swaim motion, the County Commission approved the minutes from the May 28, 2009 County Commission meeting after amendments. This motion carried.

Budget Meeting
The General Budget meeting that was set for June 26, 2009 at 9:30 a.m. has been changed to 1:00 p.m. on June 26, 2009.

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 discussed the possibility of the Parks and Recreation board interviewing and hiring the employee. The County Commission will continue to discuss this option and make a decision.

Meeting with the Governor on June 11, 2009
The Commission were invited to meet with Governor Manchin on Thursday, June 11 at 10:00 a.m. at the Inn in Charles Town, WV for the ceremonial signing of the WESTPEP. The Commission may also participate in National Trails Day events with Governor Manchin in Harpers Ferry, WV. Commission President Brenda Hutchinson and EDA Director Bill Clark will meet with Commerce Secretary Kelly Goes for a special meeting for EDA Directors and Commission Presidents at 11:45 a.m.

Teen Court- Update
Charlie Willard, from the Morgan County Partnership approached the Commission to give an update on the teen court program. Mr. Willard explained that currently there are 33 students in middle school and 20 high school students in the program as volunteers. Mr. Willard explained that the program has held a mock trial and are planning two more trials in June. Mr. Willard said that he has spoken to local attorneys and they have expressed interest in volunteering in the program. Mr. Willard reviewed the teen court program budget with the Commission and requested funds in the amount of $6000.00. The Commission stated that they think this is a good program for children to get involved in and the program can help children understand the law. Commissioner Hutchinson explained that on June 26, 2009, the Commissioners are having a general budget meeting and will review the requests for funds from organizations. Commissioner Hutchinson requested Mr. Willard fill out a request for funds form and return it to the Commission Secretary. Mr. Willard thanked the Commission for their time and took a request form.

Bob Ford- Tax Committee- evaluate taxes
Bob Ford approached the Commission to discuss evaluating property taxes. Mr. Ford made a request to the Commission on the possibility of forming a volunteer tax committee to evaluate taxes. Mr. Ford explained that he is willing to get volunteers to work with the Assessor’s office to evaluate property taxes. Mr. Ford stated that according to West Virginia State Code, the Assessor has to be the secretary on the committee, Assessor Ronnie McIntire was present and agreed to be the secretary. Commissioner Hutchinson explained that she had some questions concerning the county modifier being raised and the evaluating system correcting itself. The Commission discussed the possibility of forming a committee and Commissioner Hutchinson requested that Mr. Ford present a list of committee members with their credentials to the Commission. Commissioner Hutchinson requested there be an individual with banking or insurance experience on the committee. Mr. Ford stated that appraiser Kent Kesecker has volunteered to be on the committee. Mr. Ford agreed to get on the agenda for the June 11, 2009 meeting and present a tax committee volunteer list to the Commission for review.

Greg Rote & Travis Cooper- REAP SOP ( Rehabilitation Environmental Action Plan) (Standard Operating Procedure) Questionnaire for litter control
Greg Rote from the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection approached the Commission to discuss the REAP Standard Operating Procedures Questionnaire for litter control. Mr. Rote explained that the Standard Operating Procedure is a comprehensive three year plan to assist counties in building successful litter control programs. This year twelve of the criteria must be met in order to qualify for local economic developments grants from the West Virginia Development Office. Mr. Rote, the Commission and County Administrator, Bill Clark reviewed the questionnaire and discussed ways to improve litter control in Morgan County. The Commission agreed to approve Bill Pechumer as a litter control officer after verification of his certification of training and agreed to create a litter control task force. Mr. Rote stated that REAP will provide financial aide up to $10,000.00 for annual countywide cleanup of litter on public lands programs. The Commission agreed to explore the possibility to have litter control handouts and coloring books distributed in the local schools. The County Commission thanked Mr. Rote and Mr. Cooper for their time. Commissioner Hutchinson stated that she had learned a lot of beneficial information. Approval for Bill Pechumer to become a litter control officer will be placed on a future agenda at a Commission meeting.

Bill Clark- Paw Paw Bends Rail Trail Agreement
Bill Clark approached the Commission and presented a resolution for the Paw Paw Bends Rail Trail Agreement. Mr. Clark explained that the agreement is for a project for the construction of a rail trail between the Town of Paw Paw, WV and Kessler Tunnel. Mr.
Clark explained the total project cost as set the agreement is $393,000.00 and the amount of funds available for reimbursement from the West Virginia Department of Transportation, Division of Highways, is 80% of the $393,000.00 for project reimbursement of $314,000.00. The County Commission will be responsible for 20% of the eligible project costs in the amount of $78,600.00. The Commission thoroughly discussed the agreement with Mr. Clark and decided to make a motion. On a Thomas Swaim/Stacy Dugan motion, the County Commission authorized its president, Brenda J. Hutchinson to execute and enter into all contractual agreements for the Paw Paw Bends Rail Trail Transportation Enhancement Program project in Morgan County for the amount of $393,000.00. This motion carried.

Maxie Maggio- Stone for Courthouse
Maxie Maggio approached the Commission to discuss the stone for the new
Courthouse. Ms. Maggio explained that the stone the Commission had
approved at the last meeting would be an additional cost of $12,600. A sample
of the stone originally included in the specifications was presented to
Silling Associates several months ago, and Silling did not believe it would
be appropriate for the building. Silling Associates then requested other stone
samples from Milestone and the manufacturer provided a sample which the
Commission and Silling Associates agreed upon without being informed there
would be an additional cost. Silling Associates has requested to see additional
samples on the Commission’s behalf, and they will review them next week at the
construction meeting on Thursday, June 11, 2009.

Adjournment
On a Stacy Dugan/Brenda Hutchinson motion, the County Commission adjourned the meeting at 12:35 p.m. This motion carried.

Upcoming Meetings
June 11, 2009 @ 3:30 p.m.
Morgan County Commission Meeting
Morgan County Commission Meeting Room

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