 Grantsville businessman Jim Morris made a proposal to the town of Grantsville at
Monday's council meeting regarding the disposition of the current town hall and property. Morris said he was presenting his
proposal, which includes a trade-off using property owned by the Morris family for the town hall and property.
Property owned by the Morris family mentioned for the deal involves at least two parcels on lower Court Street, one building the former dental officer of his wife, Dr. Lynn Gilbert.
Morris said "I am doing this to give you more options."
The town buildings are in disrepair and assessments made a few years ago indicated they may be structurally unsound.
Mayor Gary Knight told Morris his offer was generous, and advised the Council to advertise for offers. He stated the town
should back-up and look at all the possibilities. Council then passed a motion to employ people to evaluate the situation and
look at all the options, an avenue they took in 2000.
Businessman Steve Satterfield was on the agenda to discuss his proposal for the property. He wants to build a convenience
store on the lot adjacent Rt. 5 and 16, but he did not appear. The town said Satterfield is yet to submit a written proposal
regarding a trade, although he did submit some drawings for a proposed town hall.
After tearing down the old town buildings on the site, Morris said he would build a professional office building. "This would
greatly improve the gateway to our county seat and provide office space for businesses to located near the courthouse," he
said.
The new building would be geared toward recruiting new businesses like accountants and computer technology specialists,
who would potentially hire local staff, said Morris.
Council listens to Morris proposal
Morris said no convenience stores or auto parts outlets would be located on the property. He expressed concern about what
the "town could legally convey" in the disposition of its property. He said he was not interested in the adjacent town parking
lot. "A parking lot is needed and the town should retain it," he said.
Morris said he has always had interest in the future of the town, that he and his wife donated all the Welcome to Grantsville
signs.
Mayor Knight questioned why the Stump Hotel was still falling down, since Morris is involved with the Calhoun Historical
Society in its renovation. Morris said a contract was being let on April 15th regarding the preservation of the site. The
Society received a federal grant for $208,000 for a family history center three and one-half years ago.
Knight, who supported Satterfield's proposal in comments he made recently to The Parkersburg News, said "Word has it
we are in the midst of a deal with Satterfield...but nothing could be further from the truth." Satterfield has made numerous
approaches to the town regarding the property. Town Council passed a motion in 2000 they would never do business with
Satterfield.
Chief of Police McCrosky advised the Council "The town property is the most valuable asset in this town....Heiney has some
options he would like to pursue."
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