Suzanne Stewart
Staff Writer
Marlinton Town Council got down to the business at hand Monday evening and swiftly worked its way through the evening’s agenda, including discussion and action concerning the proposed Verizon cell tower to be installed on Third Avenue.
The tower will look more like a flagpole and will, in fact, act as a flagpole, as well as a cell service provider. It will be located across from the Frontier office on Third Avenue.
Councilmember Gail Hyer voiced her concern about having to light the tower during the night if it has an American flag on it. She said the town has agreed to comply with the Dark Sky initiative with Watoga State Park to ensure that no manmade light will pollute the night sky.
United Site Development, LLC director of site development Tim Stark, who is overseeing the installment of the tower said it is not a requirement to use the American flag and the town is welcome to use a West Virginia flag, town flag or whatever they see fit.
Council approved, with a 4-1 vote, to install the Verizon tower on Third Avenue, with the stipulation that an American flag will not be displayed on the pole.
In discussing the floodplain coordinator/building inspector/compliance officer position, recorder B.J. Gudmundsson said that former position holder Zachary Graham said he felt the three duties were too much for one person to cover.
With that in mind, Gudmundsson suggested the town hire a full-time floodplain coordinator first, then hire a full-time building inspector, and after a year, fold the compliance officer position into the building inspector position.
Council agreed and approved advertising the full-time floodplain coordinator position.
During the hear callers/ public input portion of the meeting, council discussed vandalism reportedly taking place near Diane Apartments and the suggested need for street lights there; issues with residents being unable to pay bills on the town’s website at this time; and concerns about activities taking place at vacant property on Third Avenue.
In other action, council approved:
• Trick-or-Treat and trunk-or-treat in the town of Marlinton for Saturday, October 30, from 5 to 7 p.m.
• Region IV Resolution #57 – Water System Improvement Project.
• Region IV Resolution #6 – Sewer System Improvement Project.
• Region IV Resolution #2 – Emergency Repairs Project.
The Marlinton Town Council meets the first Monday of each month, with the exception of holidays, at 7 p.m. in council chambers or via Zoom and conference call.
