COMMISSION MEETING

THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 2008

 

PRESENT:                 ROBERT L. BAILEY, PRESIDENT

                                    NANCY CARTMILL, COMMISSIONER

                                    W. SCOTT BIAS, COMMISSIONER

                                    WILLIAM T. WATSON, COUNTY ATTORNEY

                                    STEPHEN ZOELLER, COUNTY MANAGER

                                    SHARON ROSS, ASSISTANT COUNTY MANAGER

                                    FOR BILLABLES AND PAYABLES

                                    CHRIS TATUM, ASSISTANT COUNTY MANAGER

                                    FOR PERSONNEL AND PURCHASING 

 

Robert L. Bailey, President, called the regular meeting of the Cabell County Commission to order at 10:00 a.m.

 

APPROVE: 

 

W. Scott Bias, Commissioner, moved to approve the agenda as presented.  Nancy Cartmill, Commissioner, seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous. 

 

Nancy Cartmill, Commissioner, moved to approve purchase orders #08-4497 through #08-4865 and pay jackets.  W. Scott Bias, Commissioner, seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous. 

 

W. Scott Bias, Commissioner, moved to approve the minutes from the March 6, 2008 Commission meeting, erroneous assessments, land consolidations, split tickets and probate documentation.  Nancy Cartmill, Commissioner, seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous.

 

Nancy Cartmill, Commissioner, moved to approve handwritten checks to Mountain State Blue Cross and Blue Shield, not to exceed $100,000.00, from the Cabell County Medical Insurance Fund.  W. Scott Bias, Commissioner, seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous.

 

CITIZENS REGISTERED TO SPEAK

 

Ruth Adkins, Lower Heath Creek Road, appeared before the Commission requesting the Commission’s help in closing a road.  Mrs. Adkins stated she had a petition from the residents. 

 

William Watson, County Attorney, stated there was a procedure that must be followed and he recommended that Mrs. Adkins’s request be placed on the next agenda for discussion and for her to submit the petition at that meeting.

 

 

 

 

THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 2008

PAGE TWO

 

#056                            RESOLUTION, CABELL COUNTY COMMISSION

 

                                    RE:  IN THE MATTER OF THE RENEWAL OF A LETTER OF

                                             CREDIT BY GUARANTY BANK & TRUST COMPANY

 

W. Scott Bias, Commissioner, moved to approve the renewal of a Letter of Credit by Guaranty Bank & Trust.  Nancy Cartmill, Commissioner, seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous.  Exhibit (A)  

 

#57                              LETTERS, KIM WOLFE, SHERIF

 

                                    RE:  EMPLOYMENT – ALTERNATIVE SENTENCING  

 

W. Scott Bias, Commissioner, moved to approve the employment of Jennifer Lynn Turner and Joseph C. Ciccarelli as part time Alternative Sentencing Officers, effective April 1, 2008, with a rate of pay of $12.21 per hour.  Nancy Cartmill, Commissioner, seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous. 

 

#058                            APPEARING, FRED WILLIAMS, ESQUIRE

 

                                    RE:  CONSIDERATION FOR ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION

                                             REGARDING THE CREATION OF A TAX INCREMENT

                                             FINANCING DISTRICT, APPRROVAL OF A TAX 

                                             INCREMENT FINANCING DISTRICT PROJECT PLAN

                                             AND SETTING A DATE FOR THE HOLDING OF A

                                             PUBLIC HEARING WITH RESPECT TO THE

                                             CREATION OF SUCH DISTRICT AND THE APPROVAL                                            OF THE PROJECT PLAN

 

Fred Williams, Attorney, informed the Commission this project would be to develop infrastructure such as public roads, water lines, a sanitary sewer plant, sewer lines and the extension of a main gas line, an electric transmission line and telecommunications infrastructure.  Mr. Williams stated the project was in the industrial park, located on state Route 2.  Mr. Williams went on to say a public hearing would be held on April 17, 2008, at 10:00 a.m., in the Commission Chambers. 

 

W. Scott Bias, Commissioner, moved to approve the adoption of a resolution for a public hearing regarding the creation of a tax increment financing district project plan.  Nancy Cartmill, Commissioner, seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous.  Exhibit (B) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 2008

PAGE THREE

 

#059                            APPEARING, PAUL RYKER, ESQUIRE

 

                                    RE:  PETITIONER SEEKING TO APPEAL FIDUCIARY

                                             COMMISSIONER’S REPORT IN THE ESTATE OF

                                             JOHN CLEDITH BECKLEHEIMER 

 

Paul Ryker, Attorney representing Jonathan Sexton, appeared before the Commission with a petition seeking to set aside an order of February 7, 2008, regarding the Fiduciary Commissioner’s decision of January 29, 2008, in which Mr. Ryker stated he believed a technical error was made. 

 

Mr. Ryker stated that after the estate was closed and the fees were paid, a claim by Charles Beckelheimer was referred to a Fiduciary Commissioner. Mr. Ryker further stated that Mr. Sexton was then notified a hearing would take place and Mr. Sexton was told he would not need an attorney at the hearing, however, Mr. Beckelheimer did appear at the hearing with his attorney.  Mr. Ryker went on to say Mr. Sexton was not fully aware of the consequences of agreeing to go forward with the hearing without an attorney to represent him.   

 

Bernard Nibert, Attorney representing Charles Beckelheimer, stated the claim was filed in a timely fashion and Mr. Sexton was notified of the hearing and was given the opportunity to go forward with the hearing or to obtain an attorney.

 

After a lengthy discussion, Nancy Cartmill, Commissioner, moved to grant the petition and to remand this matter back to the Fiduciary Commissioner.  W. Scott Bias, Commissioner, seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous.

 

#060                            ESTATE OF WINSTON K. HARBOUR

 

                                    RE:  CONTINUATION FROM MARCH 6, 2008, COMMISSION

                                             MEETING OF SUBSTITUTE APPOINTMENT OF

                                             ADMINISTRATOR  

 

Linda Kay Wichman, Attorney, informed the Commission an agreement had not been reached between the petitioners, regarding the Estate of Winston K. Harbour.

 

William Watson, County Attorney, recommended the Commission appoint the Sheriff as the Administrator.

 

Nancy Cartmill, Commissioner, moved to approve that Sheriff Kim Wolfe be appointed as the Administrator of the Estate of Winston K. Harbour.  W. Scott Bias, Commissioner, seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous. 

 

 

 

 

 

THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 2008

PAGE FOUR

 

#061                            RESOLUTION, CABELL COUNTY COMMISSION

 

                                    RE:  EMPLOYMENT – CCEMS 

 

Nancy Cartmill, Commissioner, moved to approve the employment of Tracey S. McComas as a full time secretary for CCEMS, effective March 21, 2008, with a rate of pay of $13.15 per hour.  W. Scott Bias, Commissioner, seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous. 

 

#062                            RESOLUTIONS, CABELL COUNTY COMMISSION

 

                                    RE:  RECLASSIFICATION – CCEMS 

 

W. Scott Bias, Commissioner, moved to approve the reclassifications of Cheree E. Sevy and Ashley M. Davis as full time EMTs, effective March 21, 2008, with a rate of pay of $7.29 per hour.  Nancy Cartmill, Commissioner, seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous.

 

#063                            NOTICE OF AWARD AND AGREEMENT

 

                                    RE:  STONE AND MORTAR REPAIR, 5TH AVENUE

                                             EXTERIOR SIDE CABELL COUNTY COURTHOUSE 

 

Connie Gray, Administrator of Grants, Planning and Permits, stated that General Restoration was the low bidder with a bid of $164,730.00 and an alternate bid of $11,610.00, for the steps.  Mrs. Gray further stated a grant had been received, in the amount of $80,000.00, for the restoration and the county would contribute $96,640.00 towards the project. 

 

Nancy Cartmill, Commissioner, moved to approve the notice of award and agreement with General Restoration for the restoration of the stone and mortar repair for the 5th Avenue side of the Courthouse and to also approve the alternative bid for the steps.  W. Scott Bias, Commissioner, seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous.    

 

#064                            LETTER, RESOLUTION AND GRANT CONTRACT, CABELL 

                                    COUNTY COMMISSION

 

                                    RE:  FY 2007 COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION GRANT

                                             PROGRAM MADIE CARROLL HOUSE PRESERVATION

                                             SOCIETY - $1,000.00 PROJECT #07LEDA0038 

 

Mrs. Gray informed the Commission the funds from this grant would be used for the replacement of a heat pump and furnace on the first floor and to repair the second floor heat pump.

 

 

 

THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 2008

PAGE FIVE

 

W. Scott Bias, Commissioner, moved to approve the grant contract, in the amount of $1,000.00, for the Madie Carroll House Preservation Society.  Nancy Cartmill, Commissioner, seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous.  Exhibit (C)

 

#065                            LETTER, RESOLUTION AND GRANT CONTRACT, CABELL  

                                    COUNTY COMMISSION

 

                                    RE:  FY 2007 COMMUNITY PARTICIPATING GRANT

                                             PROGRAM MOUNTAIN STATE CENTER FOR

                                             INDEPENDENT LIVING - $4,500.00 

                                             PROJECT #07LEDA0039 

 

Mrs. Gray stated the funds from this grant would be used to make repairs to the elevator and for renovations to the facility for a VOIP phone system.

 

W. Scott Bias, Commissioner, moved to approve the grant contract, in the amount of $4,500.00, for the Mountain State Center for Independent Living.  Nancy Cartmill, Commissioner, seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous.  Exhibit (D)

 

#066                            LETTER, RESOLUTION AND GRANT CONTRACT, CABELL  

                                    COUNTY COMMISSION

 

                                    RE:  FY 2007 COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION GRANT

                                             PROGRAM THANKS, PLAIN AND SIMPLE - $4,500.00

                                             PROJECT #07LEDA0042  

 

Mrs. Gray stated the funds from this grant would be used to upgrade the existing computer system, website improvements and maintenance, and equipment and software upgrades. 

 

W. Scott Bias, Commissioner, moved to approve the grant contract, in the amount of $4,500.00, for Thanks, Plain and Simple.  Nancy Cartmill, Commissioner, seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous.  Exhibit (E)

 

#067                            LETTER, RESOLUTION, AND GRANT CONTRACT, CABELL  

                                    COUNTY COMMISSION

 

                                    RE:  FY 2007 COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION GRANT

                                             PROGRAM CABELL-HUNTINGTON CONVENTION &

                                             VISITORS BUREAU - $2,000.00 PROJECT #07LEDA0045 

 

Mrs. Gray informed the Commission the funds from this grant would be used for equipment rental associated with Ribfest at Harris Riverfront Park.

 

W. Scott Bias, Commissioner, moved to approve the grant contract, in the amount of $2,000.00, for the Cabell-Huntington Convention and Visitors Bureau.  Nancy Cartmill, Commissioner, seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous.  Exhibit (F)

THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 2008

PAGE SIX

 

#068                            LETTER, RESOLUTION, AND GRANT CONTRACT, CABELL  

                                    COUNTY COMMISSION

 

                                    RE:  FY 52007 COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION GRANT

                                             PROGRAM HUNTINGTON YMCA-KENNEDY CENTER

                                             $20,000.00 PROJECT #07CGP008

 

Mrs. Gray stated the funds from this grant would be used for the construction of baseball, softball and soccer fields, and for fencing, dugouts, site development, and to assist in the development of a road and a parking lot.  

 

 

W. Scott Bias, Commissioner, moved to approve the grant contract, in the amount of $20,000.00, for the Huntington YMCA-Kennedy Center.  Nancy Cartmill, Commissioner, seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous.  Exhibit (F)

 

#069                            RESOLUTION, CABELL COUNTY COMMISSION

 

                                    RE:  IN THE MATTER OF AUTHORIZING THE PRESIDENT

                                             OF THE CABELL COUNTY COMMISSION TO SIGN A

                                             POWER OF ATTORNEY ALLOWING SCOTTSDALE

                                             INDEMNITY COMPANY TO DISPOSE OF A DAMAGED

                                             2003 FORD CVP OWNED BY THE COMMISSION  

 

W. Scott Bias, Commissioner, moved to approve the matter of authorizing the President of the Cabell County Commission to sign a Power of Attorney to allow Scottsdale to dispose of a damaged vehicle.  Nancy Cartmill, Commissioner, seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous.  Exhibit (H) 

 

#070                            AGREEMENT, CABELL COUNTY COMMISSION

 

                                    RE:  USE OF COURTHOUSE GROUNDS PERMIT

                                             NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER MAY 1, 2008

                                             11:00 A.M. -1:30 P.M. 

 

Nancy Cartmill, Commissioner, moved to allow the use of Courthouse grounds for National Day of Prayer, May 1, 2008.  W. Scott Bias, Commissioner, seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 2008

PAGE SEVEN

 

#071                            DISCUSSION/ACTION:

 

                                    RE:  REQUEST GOVERNOR JOE MANCHIN TO VETO

                                             SENATE BILL 696 DEALING WITH PROPERTY TAX

 

W. Scott Bias, Commissioner, moved to allow Stephen Zoeller, County Manager, to prepare a letter to send to Governor Manchin requesting he veto Senate Bill 696.  Nancy Cartmill, Commissioner, seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous. 

 

#072                            DISCUSSION/ACTION:

 

                                    RE:  EMPLOYEE BENEFITS SUMMARY

 

Chris Tatum, Assistant County Manager, informed the Commission that due to some changes made in the benefit package for county employees, a letter will be placed with each employee’s paycheck explaining the investment the county was putting forth for each employee.

 

W. Scott Bias, Commissioner, stated he believed that social security, medicare and worker’s compensation should be taken out of the letter, as this was required by law and wherever a person worked it would be taken out of their paycheck.

 

Commissioner Bias asked Mr. Tatum if a letter had been sent to each employee about ordering prescriptions by mail and Commissioner Bias was told no that had not been done. Commissioner Bias went on to say this would be a cost saving to the employees and he wanted the employees to be notified of this option and he wanted this in a separate letter. 

 

W. Scott Bias, Commissioner, moved to approve sending a letter to employees regarding the compensation provided by the Commission and to leave out the social security, medicare and worker’s compensation.  Nancy Cartmill, Commissioner, seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous.

 

#073                            DISCUSSION/ACTION:

 

                                    RE:  IMPROPER EXPENDITURE OF PUBLIC FUNDS IN

                                             SHERIFF’S TAX DEPARTMENT SALARY LINE ITEM

 

W. Scott Bias, Commissioner, stated that when the Commission had budget meetings and they would ask for the elected official’s employee’s salaries, he believed the Commission was not getting the accurate amount.  Commissioner Bias further stated he did not have a problem with what the elected officials paid their employees nor was he not trying to tell the officials what to pay their employees, however, he had a problem with what they tell the Commission when requesting pay raises. 

 

 

 

THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 2008

PAGE EIGHT

 

Kim Wolfe, Sheriff, stated what he did, by giving money for extra duties in the Tax Department, was encouraged by the Commission and the Commission had done the very same thing. 

 

Robert L. Bailey, President, stated he had always told the officials that if they had a vacancy in their department and they did not want to fill that vacancy they could take the money and give raises to the employees, however, you could not, by state Law, give bonuses. 

 

Nancy Cartmill, Commissioner, stated that once you take that money and give it away, that position should be eliminated, however, this position has come back year after year.  Commissioner Cartmill further stated that other elected officials have eliminated the position when they gave their employees raises.  Commissioner Cartmill went on to say if an employee was taking on more work, they should be paid overtime or be given a salary increase.

 

W. Scott Bias, Commissioner, stated the Commission had requested letters from the elected officials, regarding pay, from January 1, 2008 until present, from the payroll office and were refused.

 

Adell Chandler, Circuit Clerk, stated that she did not believe the payroll department had refused to submit the letters, as they were working on getting the letters to the Commission at present.

 

Tom Bell, Chief Tax Deputy, stated that the Tax Department had, at this time, a stable department and because of that the employees had been able to take on extra duties.  Mr. Bell further stated that by giving the employees a bonus they saved the taxpayers a considerable amount of money by not paying fringe benefits.  Mr. Bell stated the Commission had paid extra money to their employees at one time.

 

Robert L. Bailey, President, stated the extra money that was given to the Commission employees was after Mr. White had left and that was to compensate them for the extra duties that were added on until a new County Manager was hired.    

 

President Bailey informed Mr. Bell the Tax Department should take the salary from the vacant position and give the employees a raise.

 

#074                            RESOLUTION, GENERAL FUND, COUNTY BUDGET                                     REVISION #10, FY 2007-2008

 

W. Scott Bias, Commissioner, moved to approve General Fund, County Budget Revision #10.  Nancy Cartmill, Commissioner, seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous.  Exhibit (I)

 

 

 

 

THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 2008

PAGE NINE

 

#075                            RESOLUTION, GENERAL FUND, STATE BUDGET

                                    REVISION #12, FY 2007-2008 

 

W. Scott Bias, Commissioner, moved to approve General fund, state Budget Revision #12.  Nancy Cartmill, Commissioner, seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous.  Exhibit (J)

 

PLACE ON RECORD 

 

W. Scott Bias, Commissioner, moved to place on record the minutes from the Cabell County Regional Plant Operating Committee, Inc., Regular Meetings, October 18, 2007, November 15, 2007 and December 20, 2007; Culloden Public Service District, Regular Meeting, January 16, 2008, Culloden Public Service District, Special Meeting, January 8, 2008; Greater Kanawha RC&D Council, Regular Meeting, February 20, 2008; Pea Ridge Public Service District, Regular Meetings, January 14, 2008 and February 11, 2008; Salt Rock Sewer Public Service District, Regular Monthly Meetings, June 12, 2007 through and including December 11, 2007 and Salt Rock Water Public Service District, Regular Meeting, February 12, 2008 OTHER DOCUMENTS TO BE RECORDED; Cabell Huntington Convention and Visitors Bureau, Inc., Statement of Revenue & Expenses, January 31, 2008 and February 29, 2008; Cabell-Huntington Health Department, Environmental Health, Combined Narrative, November, 2007 December, 2007 and January, 2008; Cabell-Health Department Clinic, Monthly Reports for 2007 and The Bank of New York, Various Trust Accounts, February 29, 2008.  Nancy Cartmill, Commissioner, seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous.

 

Stephen Zoeller, County Manager, informed the Commission they would need to set a date for a special meeting to approve poll workers and to approve the 2008-2009 General Budget and Coal Severance Funds.

 

W. Scott Bias, Commissioner, moved to have the special meeting on Tuesday, March 25, 2008, at 10:00 a.m.  Nancy Cartmill, Commissioner, seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous. 

 

Robert L. Bailey, President, adjourned the Commission meeting at 11:25 a.m., until the next regular scheduled meeting on Thursday, April 3, 2008, at 10:00 a.m.

 

 

          

 

 

 

                                                            _____________________________________________

                                                                    PRESIDENT, COUNTY COMMISSION

 

 

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