Jaynell Graham
Editor
Marlinton Town Council was advised at Monday night’s meeting that the 300,000 gallon water tank near Mountain View Cemetery is now in operation and the old 100,000 gallon tank has been removed. The contractor needs to do final grading and seeding and reinstall fencing at that site.
Wayne Hypes, president of Dunn Engineers, said new tanks are in place at the water plant on Ninth Avenue and they are ready to accept water. In addition, Orders Construction will be back on site in two weeks, and work at the plant “will pick up steam.” The avenue will be shut down for a time to bring in a crane to set new filters for the plant. The public will be notified about the date and length of time of this disruption to traffic. Hypes anticipates that the water plant roof will come off in the first week of June.
With regard to the ongoing water improvement project, council approved payment of invoices for construction, engineering and administrative costs in the amount of $94,939.50.
In other plans for improvement to the town, council approved an “intent to apply” for a Department of Transportation Sidewalks Grant as well as for a grant for a proposed trail around the hill near Fourth Avenue, which will lead to a fenced overlook above Rt. 39 near Mitchell Chevrolet.
The Marlinton Town Election for mayor and five council seats will be held Tuesday, June 11.
Council approved a recommendation from Recorder B. J. Gudmundsson regarding fees associated with this election.
Those fees include: $125 for Election Day workers; $30 for worker training; $50 for two alternates, who will be on standby; and $9 per hour for early voting commissioners.
In the public input portion of the meeting, Mark Strauss advised that the Farmers Market will begin Saturday, and asked that the town grade the parking area prior to that time. The lot suffered some damage during snow removal in the winter.
In other matters
• Councilmember Scott Gibb reported that the Rental Permit Committee is working to make sure all applications and necessary paperwork will be ready so as to streamline the process when it is put into effect, and a new job description is being developed for the position of Code Inspector.
• Discovery Junction Chair Joe Smith reported that the Pasta Palooza fundraiser, held the evening before the Great Greenbrier River Race, was a success. The group hopes to net $900.
• Council had the first reading by title of the Floodplain Ordinance amendment for non-residential structures.
• Council voted to approve a Letter of Support for Region IV and Region I grant application for USDA Reconnect Funds for improved broadband.
• Council approved to amend the town’s traffic codes to match those put forth by the West Virginia Municipal League. The adoption of this change will require three readings.
• Town Police Office Travis Cook reported on his activities for the month of April. His reports indicate that issues within the town have been diminished by the presence of a law enforcement officer.
Marlinton Town Council meets the first Monday of each month, holidays excluded, in council chambers on the second floor of the municipal building.