ELLENBORO, W.Va. – Tommy and Andrea Mitchell came to request help from the town when Ellenboro Council met Monday, Dec. 13.
The couple, who live off the alley beside Dodd’s Sporting Goods, reported that a section of Dodd’s property was framed in with concrete, and cut off access to their land.
The ledge is too high to drive over. Mrs. Mitchell told Council that she spoke to the workers pouring the cement, and was assured at the time they would return and cut down the ledge, forming a ramp. That was not done.
Town Manager Chuck Hinton promised, “As soon as the weather allows, we will get on it and take care of it for you.”
Another access problem, not yet resolved, was presented by Gary Poling.
Poling has been asking Council for six months to come up with a solution to a problem caused by a divorce decree granting him property, but no way to get to it.
Town attorney John Scott was reached by phone for his guidance.
The alley that would have granted Poling access was seemingly abandoned by the town years ago, and a resident who owns both sides now has a structure built in the middle of it.
Scott stated since the neighbor has land on both sides, he has the right to petition for the alley to be closed, which he has reportedly done.
Poling expressed frustration with the current situation, saying he has to carry items several hundred feet, through residents’ yards. He stated his willingness to maintain the alleyway himself, if he is allowed to use it.
Attorney Scott will research whether Poling has any legal standing to protest the closure of the alleyway, and let him know.
Hinton reviewed the issue of putting a flagpole at the municipal center.
Jim and Sylvi Caporale, American Flags and Poles, Marietta, Ohio, visited the site to advise on the best place to put the flagpole, and recommended a 50-foot aluminum pole with a 10-inch base.
Due to high winds on top of the hill, the original $5,000 quote for a thinner metal and smaller base were scrapped, and the price is now $8,000, including an inground sleeve, which the town will be responsible for installing.
A 12x18 foot flag will cost $399. The Caporales recommended buying two, so one could be repaired if necessary.
Garrett Construction could supply a light to illuminate the flag at night.
Council decided the money for the flagpole will come from the one percent municipal sales tax fund, which currently has a balance of $137,522.
Municipal
Code
Council reported no inquiries have been received after publication of the new revised municipal code for two weeks in the Ritchie Gazette.
Attorney Scott advised the next step was to make an open call for anyone who has questions.
It was suggested the animal code be changed to reflect the one used in Ritchie County, but Scott recommended any amendments be done later.
Tank Online
The new water tank is online and working well. It’s filling as it should, and the electronic system is also functioning as it should.
The town is now buying directly from the Hughes River Water Board. The Industrial Park and the Ron Lane property will still receive their water from Pennsboro.
In other business, the Council did the following:
•Drawdown #13 was approved for the water project, $39,175.04.
•Thrasher Engineering also presented the project administration fees for Phase II of the sewer project for $45,000. That will come from project funds.
•The Council went into executive session, and when they returned to regular session, it was announced that town manager would be receiving a raise in pay to reflect his value to the town, and the work he has put in. Hinton will go from $16.20 hourly to $17.30, and have the same benefits as town employees, including a $200 Christmas bonus.
•Approved the minutes from the Monday, Nov. 8, meeting and the financial statement.
•Noted how much better the town Christmas lights looked after employees replaced the bulbs with LED. Mayor Steve Lewis stated that next year, he would like to see a display on the Rail Trail bridge.
•Lewis would like to put in a pickleball court, and update the town signs, including the state championship sign, reflecting the county football team’s recent win.
•Hinton reported the HVAC was replaced in the municipal center, but baseboard heaters in the wrestling team’s practice room have not yet been installed.
The next meeting of Ellenboro Council will be held Jan. 10 at 6 p.m.
