| Grantsville's town council had a broad agenda last night, including how long the town hall building project should continue without results.
Gaylen Duskey reported on the Town Hall Committee regarding the construction of the proposed $270,000 facility.
Duskey said numerous grants have been requested for the project and requests have been made to do the asbestos abatement before a contract can be let to remove the structure.
"How long are we going to go on with this project?," asked councilman Charlie Whipkey, indicating a lack of results.
Mayor Wilbert Kerby said council originally authorized the Town Hall Committee for six months, indicating it has been ongoing for nearly two-and-one-half years.
"I think we we need something more concrete. We just can't keep going on year after year," said Whipkey.
Mayor Kerby said if a new town hall is built, it will be done with grants and donated money.
"There will be no loans," to get it done, he said.
Councilman Duskey said the committee has been advised the projected cost of construction has increased. "I'm hopeful we'll get some funding," he said.
Calhoun resident Gary May complained about property he is selling through the town to FEMAs flood mitigation program.
The houses are located in south Grantsville's frequently flooded bottom land near the river.
May said he has lost $1000 a month on rent, since the town advertised the properties were being purchased with the deal not been finalized.
"That was a press release from Charleston," said Kerby, the town was required to use.
"You're killing me," said May, "Either do something or not."
Kerby said May was in the mitigation meeting about the process and he knew about the hurdles.
"The hold-up has been the town's 10% match," said Mayor Kerby,
"We're trying to get an appraisal done," and get the deal unstuck.
- Discussion about relocating parking meters that operate and safety issues where parking is now permitted.
- Thrasher, an engineering firm, reported to the council regarding financing $2.2 million of improvements on the town's sewage system.
- Heard citizen's concern about missing street signs.
- A report was read regarding improvements on the town's water system.
- Discussion on what happened to the employee handbook.
- Mayor Kerby said he did not receive a response after writing a letter to the owner of the old Rainbow Hotel building, which the town considers a safety and fire hazard.
- Town Recorder Roger Propst issued a proposed budget to council, defining the procedure for completing the town budget.
- Propst advised the council that the town's levy passed, now a 5-year levy, with council members completing a canvass following the meeting.
- The town went into an executive session to discuss personnel issues, taking no action following the executive session.
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