| After the Calhoun Commission unanimously voted to accept the former Minnie
Hamilton property in Grantsville for a proposed Emergency Services Center,
efforts have grown to keep the facility at Mount Zion.
The current center at Mount Zion is inadequate and "falling apart." It does
not meet minimal fire code standards and the life of the building is growing
short.
Nearly all the principal parties agree a new structure needs to be built.
Delegate Bill Stemple advised the Commission he already has $90,000 in
funding committed to the project.
At last night's Commission meeting, commissioner Bob Weaver asked his
fellow commissioners to request $100,000 from this years Budget Digest,
giving the project top priority. They agreed to submit the request to
Stemple. The Digest, however, may fall victim to state budget cuts.
The Hamilton property, owned by the Knott's United Methodist Church, was
offered to the commission for $10,000, with the church board and
membership asking the Commission to proceed with a friendly
condemnation. The church deed contains a clause which would prevent the
property from being used other than a church. The property is worth several
times the asking price.
After the issue was on the Commissioner's agenda several times, including
public meetings, three principal entities who would use the center have
gone on record to keep the facility on the Mount Zion ridge.
Office of Emergency Service Director Bill Stemple wants the center to be at
Mount Zion, and letters recommending the Mount Zion site have been sent
to the Commission by the Calhoun EMS Medical Squad board of directors,
the 911 Advisory Board and 911 Director. Stemple has submitted some
architect drawings to be considered.
Visitor to the meeting, Mrs. Coleman Burrows, spoke for residents in Grantsville and the northern section, saying "Access problems exist for us, now services are available at Minnora." She feels residents in northern Calhoun suffer from a poorer response time.
Stemple first suggested locating the center behind the new Calhoun
Middle/High School, but numerous individuals objected to the site because
of safety reasons. He then suggested the purchasing of the Gary Dye
garage on Phillip's Run.
New county commissioner Rick Sampson said he believes the center
should be in Grantsville, the Hamilton property being the most viable site.
"Access for all county residents would be better served," he said, in view of
the services available from the Minnora sub-station and the fire
departments in southern Calhoun.
Randy Burgess, EMS Director and Barry Pitts, 911 Director, told the
Commission there would be a radio coverage problem if the center was
moved to Grantsville.
Earlier last year a report was given the Commission by Miller
Communications indicating the change in location would not be a
problem.
Former Commissioner David Barr said the Hamilton property was by far the
best deal financially, with access to needed services for northern Calhoun.
"It is a balanced location," he said.
A letter to the Commission from Jerry Riggs, President of the 911 Advisory
Board and Barry Pitts, 911 Director, says the center should be "located near
the current elevation in order to maintain effective radio
communications."
Another letter to the Commission from Calhoun County Emergency Medical
Squad board members recommends the purchase of a piece of property
belonging to Mark Shock near the current EMS/911 building at Mount Zion.
It is available for $15,000.
The EMS Board of Directors said "We feel that it would be in the best
interest of all concerned to have the new building on the Mt. Zion ridge." It
was signed by Ed Eisley, President; Randy Burgess, Director; Glen Hanlin,
Vice-President; Cheryl Greathouse, Treasurer; Lisa Purvis, Secretary; Patty
Wilmoth and Jerry Riggs, members.
The Emergency Services Center will continue to be on the agenda, processing
the issues.
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