Mt. Zion PSD board members (L to R) Shirley Mace, Sharon
Postalwait, (Attorney Tom Whittier) and Roscoe Gainer, had
several executive sessions Friday night, making some decisions
By Bob Weaver
Following an emergency executive session, the Mt. Zion PSD board voted last night to place secretary-treasurer Wilma Mace on administrative leave, hiring Saundra Ballengee to serve in the position.
Mace has not appeared at the last two board meetings, nor has she been in contact with board members, who indicated she has been ill.
During a public comment period, resident Pam Breese expressed concern over the financial status of the PSD, asking "Have you asked Ms. Mace for a financial statement? I'm really afraid you're
in the red."
Board member Shirley Mace said board members have been unable to obtain information regarding finances from the secretary-treasurer.
"She hasn't been back since the (financial) question was asked,"
said Shirley Mace.
All indications are that the PSD has been unable to pay their bills.
The WV Public Service Commission has ordered the PSD to supply minutes and financial records since 2006.
The Calhoun Commission, using a Freedom of Information request, was unable to obtain records from Mace this summer, except for a few cursory records.
The state Public Service Commission, following a request by the Calhoun Commission, an action also endorsed by Mt. Zion PSD board members, announced the scope of their investigation yesterday.
The Commission has "hereby instituted a general investigation into the acts, practices, and services provided by the Mt. Zion PSD."
They indicated the investigation and decision will be completed
on or before February 18, 2010.
Following a number of public comments, board chairperson Sharon Postalwait said, "We're trying to get to the bottom of it."
The PSD board, in what they said was a reluctant move, voted to award the pipe contract to Bruce Allen, indicating they want to move the $5.2 million water project ahead.
Contractor Ron Lane (left) who removed any additional cost stipulations from his bid last night, expressed concern about the bid process used by project engineer Jim Hildreth.
The PSD board indicated Lane's bid change could not be accepted because of set time frames.
Lane said "Hildreth stole this job from me," indicating he would be taking legal action. He raised issues about Hildreth's business practices, indicating he likely has been involved in conflict of interest matters.
Turning to Hildreth, who was present for the meeting, Lane said "Congratulations Jim, you did a great job stealing a pipeline job."
Hildreth had advised the Mt. Zion PSD that if they selected Lane's company, it was a "risk management" problem, and that they would be sorry. Lane's bid was $200,000 under Allen's bid.
Much of Friday's meeting was conducted in executive session, likely under advisement of their attorney Tom Whittier.
Details of the meeting will follow ...
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