By Stephen Smoot
Harrison County Commission President Susan Thomas opened last week’s regular meeting with a moment of silence dedicated to Lost Creek Council member Joanie Oliverio, married 25 years to husband David, mayor of the same town.
“She passed away suddenly Sunday morning,” shared Thomas.
During public comment, a gentleman named Larry Cann addressed the Commission. He shared that he received notice via certified letter on a Saturday that his property was in violation of the dilapidated structures ordinance.
“It wasn’t even my property,” noted Cann. He added “I’ve since received a letter saying it’s no longer my issue.”
The structure in question belonged to another resident in the area. Cann received the notice by mistake, but questioned why letters are sent out in such a way as the recipient gets them on Saturday. He added that if it was his building, he’d have no idea how to pay to rectify the issue.
He was followed by Dave Sutton “a recovering addict” who appeared to talk about use of opioid funds.
Next, Commissioners heard a request for $2,000 to support the annual clerks’ meeting. Funding would support trainings, presentations and other activities. Answering Commissioner David Hinkle’s inquiry as to whether it would be simpler to have that office do a budget revision, Harrison County Administrator Laura Pysz-Laulis explained that would create complexity instead. State regulations on spending would come into play if it was a budget revision instead of an award from the County Commission.
Funds will support Harrison County’s hosting of the event that draws county clerks from all 55 in the state.
The City of Clarksburg presented a special funding request, asking for $2,000 to pay for free entertainment for children during an April 25 event at Veterans Administration Park. Commissioner Hinkle stated that “I’m curious if our Parks and Recreation has ever gone to the City of Clarksburg and asked for funding. It seems we’re always being asked to fund Clarksburg Parks and Recreation, but have they ever funded our Parks and Recreation.”
Commission President Thomas asked Pysz-Laulis if it was a one or two day event. It being a one day event, it only rated $1,500 in support according to general practice. The request received an affirmative vote from all three commissioners.
Cartoon Headquarters also received $3,000 for their Family Fun Extravaganza. The free event raises money for Community Elevation. “We do not charge anything for admission or parking,” their representative informed the Commission. The four day event runs from April 23 to 26.
Commissioners then discussed with Harrison County counsel Trey Simmerman a Rail Trail related issue. United International, owner of a tract of land that is proposed for use with the Rail Trail has indicated that it wishes to maintain control of the property. Simmerman reported that they “will fight” due to “issues around reactivation of the line” but also they “would talk to us about the County having room for a trailhead in that corridor.” Commissioners voted to adopt a “switchback” route that would satisfy both sides.
With some County agencies, such as Parks and Recreation “receiving good donations,” Simmerman helped to develop policy guidelines around that practice. This would head off Commissioner Hinkle’s concern that a wide open policy would encourage people to drop off almost anything at County offices. “I don’t want to become Goodwill,” said Commissioner Hinkle, who said of the policy “we’ll give it a try.”
Next came a lengthy discussion of the proposed animal control facility. Originally it was slated for construction on County owned land near the airport. Harrison County later acquired the Sunset Ellis property in the wake of the burning and closing of the business near Shinnston.
With the United States Army Corps of Engineers still evaluating the Sunset Ellis site on US 19 to determine if it is part of the “Waters of the United States,” American Rescue Plan Act funds allocated for the center will themselves sunset at the end of 2026. Commissioner Hinkle explained that “if we don’t spend it, we lose it.”
This situation encouraged County officials to spot a possible alternative site on Meadowbrook Road.
Commissioners expressed in serious tones their frustration over the consideration of yet another site.
“I’m trying to wrap my head around what we’re doing with animal control,” stated Commissioner Hinkle. Commissioner Patsy Trecost cited the unsuitability of the current facility for the staff. “Last week the discussion was to evaluate the property at Ellis . . . we purchased the property with that intent.”
Commission President Thomas shared her frustration as well, saying “I thought we had a plan.” She later referred to the County’s search for property for the emergency telecommunications center. “We bought how many pieces of property for a 911 center?” She then stated in reference to concerns about standing and potentially flowing water at the Ellis property that she examined the Meadowbrook site. “It looks wet too.”
“When are we going to stop doing this?” Commissioner Thomas asked rhetorically, then added “When we buy something and we’re going to do something, let’s do it. Now we have two pieces of property all of a sudden. I don’t know what we’re doing.”