By Stephen Smoot
Shinnston and its surrounding areas have served as a regular topic of conversation for the Harrison County Commission this summer with one ongoing issue an opportunity and the other two a persistent headache.
First, Commissioners discussed a proposal by McKinley to conduct rock coring at the site of the former Royal Chrysler structure at 720 Hood Avenue. Earlier this year the building collapsed and blocked US Route 19 just outside of Shinnston. A City, County, and State coordinated movement helped to remove the structure and open the road.
Concern still exists over the neighboring house on the hill above, which now potentially rests on unstable land. The owner, Pam Nichols, has addressed the Commission on the issue.
Harrison County Administrator Laura Pysz-Laulis shared that the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection would cover the $17,200 needed to pay for the drilling. Harrison County Commissioner David Hinkle articulated concerns about the County remaining involved with the ongoing work at the site. He worried about “some things in the contract” and added “I’m not sure why we’re really involved at this point.”
Hinkle read off a list of tasks that the contract indicated would serve as part of a scope of work, making sure to point out “stabilize remaining structure on adjacent property.” He reiterated “I want to make that point. It’s right there.” Protecting the neighboring home would also require, as Hinkle read, that “vibration monitors may be necessary to protect adjacent structure.”
Then, however, the document also states, as Hinkle relates, that coordination with stakeholders would take place for “relocation and risk management.”
Susan Thomas, Harrison County Commission President, said “we will all have to sit down and have a pow pow” to discuss steps moving forward.
Trecost interjected, saying “I see what David is saying, but the core drilling has to be done,” and Pysz-Laulis signaled agreement with that, before reminding all that the State would pay for this service.
Commissioners, however, shared concerns about the County’s long-term involvement. Trecost explained “David’s right. We are knee-deep in something and I’m not 100 percent sure how it falls on us.” Hinkle followed with “we applied for core borings and borings will come back. Who’s going to pay to engineer the issue when the borings come back?” Thomas answered “that’s something that somebody’s going to have to discuss.”
Hinkle referred back to the contract made with Safeco and asked if the County would “give them a pass,” to which Thomas said “I don’t know if it’s a pass at this point in time.”
Hinkle continued to point out that Safeco should be paying for the borings and a number of other aspects as well, insisting that “it’s their responsibility.” He then added “if we’re not going to abide by the contract, there’s no point in putting these things in the contract.”
Commissioners voted two to one to approve. Hinkle said after that he wanted it in the record that “Safeco is responsible for what we’re about to do.”
Next, discussions centered on work done to prepare the Sunset Ellis property for use soon. Pysz-Laulis stated that “contractors are out there today” picking up loose brick, stone, glass, and “everything else that’s left there.” She went on to add that “we’re confident the flea market will open August 16.”
After Trecost asked about the disposition of the projector building, learning that was not part of the scope of demolition work, Hinkle said “Patsy, my concern’s also all those speaker poles.” Myriad metal poles rise from the ground, set deep in concrete. Hinkle said “I’d like to see them all ripped out.”
Pysz-Laulis suggested that the depth of the concrete would make immediate removal difficult and suggested that PVC pipe be used to cover up what she termed “an eyesore.” Thomas suggested cutting the poles off at the ground and covering the remainder up, leaving the concrete in the ground.
Plans remain in place to construct an animal control facility and livestock barn on the Ellis property. Commissioners have also publicly brainstormed about other offices and services that could relocate to the approximately 40 acre plot.
Toward the close of the meeting, Trecost referred back to a topic the Commission had addressed via ordinance. That ordinance, however, has not yet seen a deterrent effect. “Where I live is a few miles from Enterprise,” the Commissioner said. He went on to explain that the nightly barrage of fireworks continues.
“It doesn’t stop. It’s seven days a week,” he related to the other Commissioners. He added “I’d love to know where these individuals are getting their money, because I couldn’t afford to do what they’re doing with fireworks.”
Trecost stated that the Commission may have to revisit the ordinance and the situation to get results. “I can speak personally that it’s every day . . . in certain locations of our county, it’s on top of you.”
