Jaynell Graham
Editor
Marlinton Town Council tended to business in a laid back and amicable fashion Monday night. Coming up on the end of the year, the agenda was light, and so was the mood in council chambers.
Region 4 Community Project Specialist Cassie Hughart got things off to a positive start, advising council that approvals are complete for the town’s Water Improvement Project. A pre-bid conferece will be held after the first of the year and the project will be put out for bid in late January or early February.
The council also voted to support Pocahontas County Parks and Recreation Director Lauren Bennett’s pursuit of a grant to fund two walking trails within the town limits. One would be an easy access fishing trail to Knapps Creek which would run from the board of education’s property on Fifth Avenue to – and along – the creek and loop back to the Greenbrier River Trail. This trail would provide fisherman, young and old, a safer venue than fishing off the bridge on Stillwell Road.
The second proposed trail would lead off of Fourth Avenue and allow access to the overlook along Rt. 39 near Mitchell Chevrolet.
At this point, no liability is assumed by the town for either of these trails.
Council began a discussion of increasing costs for perpetual care and opening/closing graves at Mountain View Cemetery. There has been no increase in these costs in approximately 20 years.
“We don’t want to raise prices,” Mayor Sam Felton said, “but sometimes you have to.”
The town incurs additional expense when it is called on to open and close graves on a weekend, which often leads to overtime for its employees. In addition, mowing and weedeating costs have continued to increase over the years.
A special meeting will be held Friday, December 8, at 4:35 p.m. to consider applications for the position of town judge. The deadline for applying is Thursday, December 7, at 4:30 p.m. This is a part-time position which will require a minimum of one-half day (½) per week.
Council appointed Felton to the Planning Commission to fill the seat vacated by Gail Hyer, who recently resigned.
Work continues on the Residential Rental Ordinance and council voted to extend the compliance date to March 1, 2018.
Due to the New Year’s Monday holiday, council will meet Monday, January 8, at 7 p.m. in council chambers.
