Jaynell Graham
Editor
At the July 1 meeting of Marlinton Town Council, Mayor Sam Felton reported that the last billing cycle revealed that the town’s water system pumped two million gallons less last month due to finding and repairing leaks in the system. The improvement also reduces costs for man hours, chemicals for water treatment and electricity.
In Public Input, Cyla Allison, representing the Pocahontas County Artisans Co-op, asked for council’s help in repairing the box car and caboose that sit on the track at the depot. Both cars have deteriorated to what she believes is a crisis situation. The cars belong to the Marlinton Railroad Depot, Inc., but Allison is visiting various organizations and government entities in hopes of putting together a united force to work toward saving these distinctive additions to the town. Allison equated the project to that of the European story Stone Soup, encouraging each member of the town to share a small amount of their assets for everyone’s enjoyment.
She estimates that roof repair and a new floor for the boxcar would cost $1,500 to $2,000. Repairs to the caboose are estimated at $5,000 to $10,000.
Councilmember Gail Hyer reported that the Rental Ordinance should be completed by the end of July.
With the seating of a new council, it was necessary to appoint new members, and Hyer, Nelson Hernandez and Chris Curry were appointed to serve on the Rental Compliance and Permit Committee.
Wayne Hypes, of Dunn Engineering, advised council that the new water plant has been put into service. Two new tanks at the plant are now in operation. Work has begun inside. A new floor will be poured, then the walls will come down.
Hypes anticipates the project will be completed on time, as there have, so far, been no problems.
Katie Workman presented the Draft Comprehensive Plan for the town. This has been a three-year project, which has received guidance from the WVU Land Use and Sustainable Development Law Clinic.
Council accepted the draft plan and set a Public Hearing to submit comments on the draft for Monday, August 5, 6 p.m. in council chambers at the Marlinton Municipal Building. Copies of the draft plan are available for review at the town office, McClintic Library and the Pocahontas County Courthouse. Written comments may be submitted prior to the scheduled hearing.
In other business, council
• approved a motion to proceed with the Mon Forest Town Initiative.
• approved a motion to use Dog Tax monies to establish two Dog Sanitary Units – one at Gazebo Park and one on the Greenbrier River Trial. Plastic bags for dog waste will be provided and containers for disposal will be maintained by town workers.
• agreed to send a letter in support of an 18-month pilot project for proposed Mountain Transit Authority bus service in the county.
Liaisons were appointed to ensure various departments, public places and communication are maintained for the benefit of town residents.
Felton encouraged the liaisons to report issues to the town office.
The liaisons are: Maintenance, Scott Gibb; Garbage, Bill McMann; Office and Building, Gail Hyer; Cemetery, Scott Gibb; Streets, Sidewalks and Beautification, Chris Curry; Water Plant, Joe Smith; Fire Department, Chris Curry; Police, Scott Gibb; Personnel/ Wages, B. J. Gudmundsson and Joe Smith.
Marlinton Town Council meets the first Monday of each month, holidays excluded, at 7 p.m. in council chambers on the second floor of the Marlinton Municipal Building.