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The construction of a new EMS ambulance, 911 and
Office of Emergency Services building, is looming on the
horizon. The current center at Mount Zion does not meet
standards, is cramped and in general dis-repair.
The Calhoun Commission will be looking at sites
suggested by the organizations, and Del. Bill Stemple,
who is also the OES Director, says he has obtained
$90,000 for the start of the project.
Commissioner David Barr says he believes additional
funds can be obtained to build a first class facility. Barr
said the county has been limping along with a
sub-standard building for years, not likely to meet fire
codes or many basic requirements for an emergency
center. The center does have some state-of-the-art
equipment.
The Commissioners want to establish a center that
would last through this century and adequately serve the
county.
The current center has been beset with problems beyond
cramped space and the building falling apart. A control
box for the emergency generator caught fire Saturday,
filling the building with smoke. 911 and EMS employees
used a fire extinguisher on the box. Numerous lightning
hits have caused problems at the facility.
The Commission discussed the financial implications of a
$27,000 bill received from the State Auditor for a special
audit requested by the West Virginia Supreme Court. The
audit was related to an investigation of former
Magistrate Steve Johnson's office.
Commission President Larry McCallister said such
unexpected mandates tips the county into financial
trouble very quickly, particularly when the item is not
budgeted.
All three commissioners contend the bill is inappropriate,
since the Commission has no constitutional jurisdiction
over the magistrate's court.
The Commission was also required to pay a $7,000 bill
for a regular annual audit.
Calhoun Clerk Richard Kirby is continuing to address
some serious problems with the summer youth program,
which historically has employed a large number of
Calhoun kids.
The Commission discussed the possible use of the old
Wayne Underwood Field. Commission President Larry
McCallister said if the Board of Education gives the land
to the Commission for continued recreational use, grants
will be written by October for further development of the
project.
Problems seem to be continuing with McKenzie
Engineering regarding contractuals to implement E-911
in the county. McKenzie advised the Commission by
letter the county had not lived up to its part of the
contract, stating "I have been asking for three (3) years
for the county's approved road name list and route
direction."
McKenzie failed to complete the project based on his
own time lines two years ago, and then told the
Commission he had done everything he was supposed to
do. Calhoun Commissioner Bob Weaver has continued to
challenge his performance.
McKenzie was asked to provide new time lines, but he
failed to do so.
McKenzie now states if he gets some cooperation,
Calhoun County mapping and addressing can be
finished.
The Commission signed an agreement with the Mid-Ohio
Valley Health Department for continued service.
Other routine business and the paying of bills completed
the Monday meeting.
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