By Stephen Smoot
Commissioner Patsy Trecost opened the second regular meeting of October with a prayer in which he stated “we just thank You today.”
To open the session, Commissioners heard from Brenda Welch in public comment. The area resident had come to share her frustrations with her neighbors’ dogs. She opened with playing a recording made at her residence.
“That barking is 30 feet from my bedroom window,” she opened. Welch explained that the problem started when the neighbors moved in a month ago. Since, according to her, the constant barking of several outside living hunting dogs has prevented her from enjoying sleep or peace.
Neither county law enforcement nor animal control had the legal authority to address barking. Animal control officials explained they could deal with abuse, but the animals seemed cared for.
Welch asked for action on the issue because “I get little sleep and lots of frustration.” She concluded that if no help could be forthcoming, she’d have to move.
Next. Commissioners honored National Disability Employment Awareness Month. The group requesting the proclamation gathered together in front with Harrison County Commission President Susan Thomas. Thomas read the proclamation and urged those who were disabled and needing employment assistance to call their hotline.
After a discussion with Michael Queen about a historical preservation levy initiative, covered elsewhere this week, another history oriented organization brought a request forward.
The Northern Appalachia Coal Mining Heritage Association made q special funding request to help with the cost of two $1,800 signs. Each would go to a specific site where coal made history in Harrison County. They also requested suggestions on where future signs could go in Harrison County
Commissioners then took up discussion on the County’s rail trail system.
Commissioner David Hinkle shared that he placed on the agenda an item concerning standardization of the trail throughout the county. He explained that the trail should “maintain a good standard. Right now, we don’t have any.”
Thomas stated that “I want to feel good about” any standardization plan accepted and Trecost asked for more time to consider the issue. Hinkle concurred and the Commission agreed to discuss in the first meeting next month.
Thomas said to Hinkle “I appreciate that” to his willingness to allow more time to discuss.
Another request came for support to help with the construction of a splash pad at the City of Clarksburg’s park at Nutter Fort. Hinkle and Thomas both stated that they’d prefer to wait and see if they could get additional information on its plans before the Commission decided yay or nay.