G-Editorial™: IT TAKES A VILLAGE

Annual Linkage meetings have been completed for all schools in the county.  At those meetings Principals, LSIC members, Teachers and Students presented the state of the state of Gilmer County Schools before the Board of Education and the public.

The Students are to be congratulated.  Each presenter was articulate, knowledgeable and captured the audience attention.  Did you know we have aspiring artists, journalists, rocket scientists, meteorologists, broadcasters, documentary film producers, story tellers and homemakers in Gilmer County? That we do and so much more to be very proud of.

The Teachers must receive credit for encouraging those young minds and letting them know that they can dream and achieve.  Both tenured and new are striving to make our schools a better place.  Are we working to support them?  That needs to be a question in the forefront when it comes to educating the children.  Teaching professionals need to know that their hard work is appreciated. With the introduction of new curriculum known as Common Core the task ahead will not get any easier.  We need and must support good Teachers.

Community attendance and interest was very evident at the Sand Fork, Troy and Normantown Elementary meetings. They were upbeat and positive as Principals spoke about their schools future goals and how fun the past year had been.  Unfortunately the numbers were very low at the two Glenville school meetings.  Is this indicative of a pocket of apathy or perhaps bad timing? Hope public participation improves next year.

It was disturbing that behavioral problems including high numbers of reported physical assaults were an issue reported at Glenville Elementary.  The Principal emphasized a need for an elementary alternative learning center to handle problems. One expulsion was documented.  There was also one reported at Troy.  However the Principal at Troy said they use a room across from the office as their alternative area to separate a problem child, get them refocused and prepared for return to the group setting. That is a proactive response geared to keeping a child in trouble within a peer setting that should be applauded. Gilmer County schools are not overstaffed.  It takes caring and quick thinking using the resources at hand to get it done.

Most are aware of incidents at the High School over the past year. The presentation was well done and very informative.  Incidents of discipline numbers decreased from the prior year but included documentation of 3 expulsions.  A local mother who will have a child entering High School next school year expressed serious concern and wanted to know what was being done about the bullying, bomb threats and drug busts.  She reported that State Police said there had been an arrest. This was confirmed by the Principal who stated there were others under investigation but it was an ongoing Police matter and could not be discussed.

The Vice Principal and the State Superintendent voiced the opinion that these things happen at every school and went on to say that many times the first thing they hear of a problem is when the parent calls wanting something done about it.  Administrators were in agreement that Parents not taking enough responsibility for their child’s behavior was a contributing factor to the problems here. The Mother reminded them she could not be concerned about other schools, just the one her child attended and demanded to know what was being done. Then members of the Board Of Education spoke up, saying they had no knowledge of any expulsions in Gilmer County. Expulsion indicates total removal of a child from the school system and of those brought before the board this year none had been expelled. It was asked why they were not using the alternative learning experience at the Career Center rather than expel. The senior member stated “We do not throw our children away.” Shortly thereafter the meeting was adjourned.

Since there was no administrative explanation, no denial, the question remains who approved the expulsion of Gilmer County Children? Who is in charge?  By WV Code and advisement of the State BOE that is a function of the local board even under intervention..  No child is to be suspended beyond 10 days without being brought before the local board for hearing either in executive session or open public meeting as decided by their parent or legal guardian and may have an attorney present. They are entitled to due process under the law, not to be pushed around at the state’s discretion.‘’

To that end Parents must join together and stay involved guaranteeing not a single Gilmer County child will be tossed to the side. No one can do that but you.  Expulsion is a very serious matter that can set the tone for the rest of life.  It should be used only as a last resort. Nothing can be done to avoid it, no assistance provided when events are cloaked in secrecy.  Apparently you must insist upon being informed.  Information will not be offered. Attendance at all school meetings must become a priority.

State BOE, do not take arbitrary action behind closed doors. When it comes to how you treat the children here there can be no secret acts.  Protect the student name if the family wishes but follow your own rules and state laws.  Follow educated and well thought out procedures.  Do this for the only reason you exist,  Do this for the good of the children. Expulsion must not become a routine punishment. It solves no problems.  It shoves students in trouble out of the door, away from possible help and into a world they are obviously not prepared for. Gilmer County doesn’t give up on its children.

~~  The Gilmer Free Press ~~

Officials Mark New West Virginia Pipeline Safety Law

State and local officials are marking West Virginia’s new pipeline safety law.

Governor Earl Ray Tomblin held a symbolic bill signing Monday at the Sissonville Volunteer Fire Department.

Tomblin had signed the bill into law on April 29, 2013.

The legislation raises state penalties for safety violations to federal levels.

Fines levied by the Public Service Commission increase from $1,000 to $200,000 per violation.

Maximum penalties per incident jump from $200,000 to $2 million.

The law applies to an estimated 11,000 miles of pipeline that run within the state’s borders.

Federal rules apply to interstate transmission lines, such as the one in Sissonville that ruptured last December.

No one was killed, but the resulting inferno destroyed a section of highway and four homes.

Community Concerns™: Delegates Walker and Boggs, Why Tolerate Withholding of Information ....

The second year anniversary for the State’s seizure of Gilmer County’s school is near. Seizing control of the schools by the State humiliated the County and to add insult, citizens have not been informed of improvements the State has made during its rule plus the remaining tasks to be completed before the school system can be restored to local control.

The failure of the State to disclose information promotes a belief that it is treating Gilmer’s citizens similar to conquered people under martial law. In addition to be denied information they have no say in how their tax money is used for schools or anything else associated with administration of the County’s public schools.

Despite assurances that the State’s knows what it best for public schools there is no credible proof that in other counties with seized school systems education outcomes have markedly better. Take McDowell County for an example.  After a decade of State control too many of its children remain non-proficient in reading and math.

Honorable Delegates, you have authority to require the WV Department of Education to provide citizens with the following information and an urgent appeal is made for your intervention. The information is known to be accessible through your authority as legislators.

# By referring to the audit report preceding the seizure of the County’s schools what are the specific tasks that have been completed to eliminate documented deficiencies?

# What specific tasks remain to be completed before all the school system’s deficiencies are corrected?

# What is the State’s schedule for completing remaining tasks to enable citizens to know when the school system can be returned to local control, and why did the State fail to submit its official exit plan promised in 2012?

With the State’s present way of doing business it appears that it authorized itself open ended options to do as it pleases with Gilmer County’s schools while avoiding any accountability, an anathema to good government.

Legislative Update – by – Delegate Brent Boggs - House Majority Leader - 05.13.13

Mid-May is already here and Mother’s Day was celebrated last Sunday.  I hope each of you either took the time to visit your mom, call or show your appreciation.  If that was not possible, take the time to remember all the good and wonderful things that only a Mom can provide.  I was blessed to spend Sunday with my Mom and I appreciate beyond words all the positive lessons learned – and continue to learn – from her. 

It was great to be home after several days away on work related business.  We arrived home Wednesday evening after spending the afternoon at the Capitol on the way home and review some of the Governor’s bill signing.

One of the saddest moments of the session came as we were debating a bill, sponsored by Delegate Charlene Marshall and of which I was a co-sponsor, duly named Skylar’s Law.  HB 2453 was named after 16 yr. old Skylar Neese, a Morgantown teenager that was reported missing and later found deceased in Pennsylvania.  According to recent news reports, she was apparently killed by teenage classmates from her school.

However, when the bill was introduced, Skylar was still reported missing.  At that time, the Amber Alert was not issued because she was initially thought to be a runaway by law enforcement.  The law modifies the extremely effective Amber Alert system to include any child, age 17 and younger, which has disappeared and is believed to be in danger.  Amber Alerts in West Virginia are issued through a partnership between State Police, the West Virginia Broadcasters, the West Virginia Emergency Alert System and the National Weather Service.

Skylar’s parents were at the Capitol earlier this year to ask legislators to support the bill, which passed the House by a unanimous vote.  After passage in the Senate, Governor Tomblin signed the bill, effective July 11, 2013.

I cannot imagine the sadness of the Neese family but I truly appreciate Skylar’s parents working with legislators to seek a law that may be of assistance so other parents may not have to go through this horrific nightmare they have experienced.  If only one child can be saved by expanding the Amber Alert with the passage of Skylar’s Law, it will be worth any cost.

Periodically, the office of State Auditor Glen Gainer conducts audits of counties, municipalities and other local governmental entities as required by law.  During the most recent session, I worked closely with the Auditor on HB 2851, which Governor Tomblin signed into law May 1, 2013.  Many of the entities did not have the funds to pay for the audits are delinquent and in reality, have no means to pay.  Therefore, the bill will have the chief inspector establish a one-time audit cost amnesty program to be conducted during the 2014 fiscal year.  The amnesty program will apply only to: (1) Audits conducted by the chief inspector; and (2) Audit costs that are for fiscal years prior to the two most recent audits completed or in progress as of July 1, 2013.  The chief inspector will establish procedures and forms for processing applications to the program.  An entity is not eligible to participate in the amnesty program unless fees related to its two most recent audits completed or in progress as of July 1, 2013, have been paid in full prior to its request for amnesty.

Hopefully, this will assist many local or county entities that need some modest fiscal assistance.  I appreciate working with Auditor Gainer on this and other issues.  Glen does a great job for our citizens.

Another bill, important to our military personnel - SB 460 - relates to exempting active duty military pay for resident individuals serving thirty or more continuous days on active duty in the armed forces of the United States, National Guard or armed forces reserves for the taxable year in which the individual has separated from active military service; and providing certain limitations.  This bill was also signed by the Governor.

Please send your inquiries to the Capitol Office at:  Building 1, Room 224-M, Charleston, WV 25305.  Or, call the Capitol office at 304.340.3220; Assistant to the Majority Leader, Jennifer McPherson at 304.340.3942 or fax to 304.340.3213.  If you have an interest in any particular bill or issue, please let me know.  For those with Internet access, my e-mail address is: “Brent.Boggs@WVhouse.gov” .

You may also obtain additional legislative information, including the copies of bills, conference reports, daily summaries, interim highlights, and leave me a message on the Legislature’s web site at www.legis.state.wv.us/.  When leaving a message, please remember to include your phone number with your inquiry and any details you can provide. Additional information, including agency links and the state government phone directory, may be found at www.wv.gov. Also, you may follow me on Facebook at “Brent Boggs”, Twitter at “@DelBrentBoggs” , as well as the WV Legislature’s Facebook page at “West Virginia Legislature” or on Twitter at twitter.com/wvlegislature.

Continue to remember our troops - at home and abroad - and keep them and their families in your thoughts and prayers.  Until next week – take care.

G-LtE™: Gilmer County It is Time to Act

Well Gilmer County, here we are.  Our school system is still under State intervention and we still have unanswered facilities issues.  For the second consecutive year the Superintendent’s request for SBA consolidation funding was denied.

The plan, one elementary school to be located on Little Crooked Run is an attempt to bring all students in to one central location.  Once more a plan that fails to meet the transportation timeline requirements established in W.V. Code and greatly increases the cost.  This is a plan to build a school that will have no gymnasium, no library and no auditorium. Is that what you really want?  Do we really want to have to drive the children from a secondary to a main road in order to catch a bus? Don’t even think about the “hollers”.

I write this letter to discover if it is fact that the Parents, Grandparents, Caregivers and Tax Payers really want just one elementary school in Gilmer County.  Will that meet the needs?  We know it cannot meet the laws. President Simmons reports on the desire of every citizen he has spoken to and has reported to our Board of Education that they speak in favor of this one school.  Is this reality or, given the fact there is no project started, would you like to see Gilmer County have the opportunity to vote on a bond issue to be used to construct a second school? Would you like to see a vote on that? One funded by Gilmer County Taxpayer bonds to run concurrent with funding for a second to be requested from the W.V. School Building Authority. If we are ever going to do this the time is now.  Another funding cycle and it will be too late. Permission has to come from the State Board of Education to even try. We are quickly reaching the point of now or never.

Fayette County school district has been under state authority for quite some time but was recently granted approval to vote for bonds and avoid unwanted consolidation through WV State Board of Education.  Fayette County was given the legal right and opportunity for their citizen’s voice to be heard no matter what the outcome.

Why shouldn’t Mr. Blankenship and State Board of Education Superintendent James B. Phares restore that same right to the people of Gilmer County?  It is a question some feel should be asked and can be pursued if that is the will of the people. SBA Director Manchin has indicated to both the Democrat reporter and Coalition Facilitator they would look favorably on such an effort. It was the original deal.

If our right to vote is returned we can debate whether one should be located close to town but toward Sand Fork (already SBA approved) and possibly one at the also approved Letter Gap site, maybe one for 240 students and one for 155 to accommodate our remaining 395? Or discuss any other possibilities you want. Gilmer County can come to an intelligent consensus if given options and the opportunity to hear proposals and be part of the decision making process. Surely this is food for thought for all concerned Gilmer County citizens?  If we funded a bond and consolidated to two schools would there be reason for the large excess levy that supported four?

Most know we don’t need 79 acre sites for an elementary school.  A future high school was projected by Superintendent Blankenship, Principal Butcher and President Simmons in public meeting not to be needed for at least 15 years.  A high school must meet the centralized need of the students for Glenville State College and Calhoun/Gilmer Career Center access and, given a greater amount of time by law to transport the older students, can be done.  That must be for future discussion at a more relevant time. Today, the needs of our youngest are on the table.

Hope to see community comments to this letter, It will also be taken to the Glenville Democrat/Pathfinder as well. Mr. Ramezan, Mr. Corcoran, will you please run a public opinion poll asking whether Gilmer County feels the need of one elementary school or two and if they would vote for a bond issue to fund a second school? The time is now. This is the last chance to even try.  After one school is funded it will be too late. The subject must be broached to the State before time runs out to try and make it possible.  Neighbors, your consideration and feelings on this important issue would be appreciated.

~~  Author on File ~~

CommunityConcerns™: Mounting Evidence of Gilmer County’s Failed High School

The world famous U. S. News and World Report organization published annual assessment data for the Nation’s high schools. Gilmer County’s high school fared poorly. Its math proficiency score was 37% compared to 27% for reading.

After the State’s seized our schools without warning it imposed what seems to be additional punishment by depriving top quality educations for our high school students. The students, through no fault of their own, are entering a highly competitive world at a distinct disadvantage because of insufficient math and reading skills.

Replacement of the high school’s principal should have occurred long ago as part of a comprehensive plan to upgrade the school’s educational performance.  Why has that not happened? Does the principal’s family wield fear over the State’s decision-makers, do any senior State officials including Ron Blankenship genuinely care about our children’s welfare, and what options do Gilmer County’s people have to get the high school’s performance improved while our elected school board is powerless to make improvements? When the highly touted Common Core Standards are implemented it is unlikely that they alone will improve academic outcomes for math and reading at the high school unless a new principal with proven leadership qualifications is installed.

An immediate change of leadership at the high school is critical. Based on interpretations of statistics in the State’s database the County’s grade schools perform well, but after students enter high school their proficiency in math and reading suffers. That underscores need for a new principal to help contribute to a better education for our children.

The high school’s substandard performance is enabled by inaction by Governor Tomblin, Dr. Linger, Dr. Phares, Mr. Heinlein, Mr. Mattern, and Mr. Blankenship. There is ample blame for Delegates Boggs and Walker too. Until these powerful individuals intervene a new principal will not be hired. A continuance of inaction by the officials will devastate the County even more because a principal is ultimately responsible for achieving favorable academic outcomes. A convincing argument cannot be concocted to refute that truism. Refusal by the State’s officials to act responsibly for the betterment of our children defies logic to promote spreading anger and disgust among Gilmer County’s concerned citizens.

Mr. L. Wade Linger, in your article printed in the Charleston Gazette on May 05, 2013, you advocate that the State Board of Education’s must act decisively to solve West Virginia’s daunting public school system problems. Why not heed your personal counsel by demonstrating that you mean business by using your authority as the president of the West Virginia Board of Education to provide Gilmer County with a new high school principal?

~~  Author on file ~~

Gilmer County Commission Regular Monthly Meeting – 07.07.13 - Tuesday

APPOINTMENTS

•  09:15 RETA KIGHT - RE:  Gilmer County Recreation Center Audit Report & Invoice of $2,500.00 for FY Ending 06.30.2011

•  09:30 SHERIFF LARRY GERWIG – RE:  Letter of Request to Wright Express Fleet Card, to add Bridget Norman as a contact person, and change the last name of Kerrie Tallhamer to Kerry Workman

•  09:45 MARGARET & LARRY BROWN – RE:  Jack’s Septic & Weston Transfer and Gilmer County trash service

•  10:00 DAVE MATTHEWS – RE:  911 Addressing

ROUTINE BUSINESS

      Discussion and/or action on:

              •  Exonerations and/or Consolidations:
                      »  Dorward Energy Exoneration of $24,292.00 due to error made by filer status of “Late Filer” with breakdown as follows:

                                                —  State - $129.90

                                                —  School - $10,080.53

                                                —  School Levy - $4,577.81

                                                —  County - $7,430.49

                                                —  County Levy - $769.03

                                                —  Fire/Ambulance - $1,304.24

              •  Approve estate qualifications and estate settlements

              •  Board Appointments and/or Resignations

                      »  Dorinda Dee McCullough, Administrative Assistant Office of Emergency Management

              •  Budget Revisions

              •  Budget Control Report

              •  Approve invoices for payment

              •  Approve County Commission Minutes

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

              •  Amendment of Gilmer County Recreation Center By-Laws Direct Deposit of Payroll

              •  Swearing In of New Employees

              •  1st Reading of Ordinance Prohibiting Synthetic Cannabinoids and Certain Other Synthetic Drugs

              •  Liability Insurance for Gilmer County Certified Emergency Responder Team “CERT”

              •  Clarification on “PAY” section of Susie Kirkpatrick’s Contract for OEM Director

              •  Acceptance of “Local Emergency Planning Committee By-Laws and Procedures 03.27.2013”

NEW BUSINESS

      Discussion and/or action on:

              •  Audit Results

                      »  Gilmer County Recreation Center

                      »  Gilmer County Board of Health

                      »  Gilmer County Commission

              •  New Port needed for better internet functionality

              •  FEMA Acknowledgement of Receipt of Flood Insurance for the Holt House

ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

ADJOURNMENT

Legislative Update – by – Delegate Brent Boggs - House Majority Leader - 05.06.13

I write this week on the road from Detroit on a brief work-related trip.  It’s been nearly twenty years since I’ve been here and I’m renewing some old acquaintances from throughout the United States that I’ve made through the railroad over the past three decades.  We’re looking forward to traveling home in a couple days and back to the Capitol and work.

First, I want to thank the Braxton Ministerial Association for hosting the annual prayer breakfast last Thursday in conjunction with the National Day of Prayer.  Annually, the President issues a proclamation to recognize the first Thursday in May as a day of national prayer, reflection and remembrance.  Additionally, the focus this year regarding the needs of children in poverty fit perfectly with the “Feed to Achieve” legislation passed by the Legislature and signed into law in recent days.

I want to again express my appreciation to these dedicated pastors and to the community leaders in attendance for taking time to gather in thanksgiving and prayer for our nation, state and community.

The Governor has completed his review of legislation passed during the completed session.  In the end, Governor Tomblin exercised his veto authority on four bills.  They are:

SB 21 - Creating the Health Care Provider Transparency Act.

SB 65 - Exempting Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) retirement income of Division of Natural Resources police officers from state income tax.

SB 331 - Permitting Courthouse Facilities Improvement Authority to issue bonds.

HB 2738 - Relating to the Center for Nursing.

Otherwise, the Governor did not exercise his line item veto authority on any portions of the budget.  This is a rare event and one that demonstrates the close working relationship between the House, Senate and Tomblin Administration.  It also shows respect for the legislative branch of government having the “power of the purse”, as envisioned by our founding fathers.

In the past several days, nearly 150 bills were signed into law by the Governor.  As I write this week, the legislative website is down at the Capitol and I’m unable to give you the details.  However in coming weeks, we will be reviewing the major actions from the major committees:  Finance, Judiciary, Health and Human Resources, Government Organizations and Education, along with bills from Roads and Transportation, Senior Issues and other important committees.

Finally, I had the opportunity to spend last Tuesday in Huntington with Congressman Rahall, Senator Plymale, Delegate Craig and CSX Chairman Michael Ward at a briefing of current plans for transportation technology at the Rahall Appalachian Transportation Institute.  RTI has a reach far beyond Marshall University, developing new initiatives that have a positive impact on transportation by water, road and rail in West Virginia and across the nation.  In fact, RTI works on high tech and practical real-world solutions; they’re not just doing work and putting the concepts on the shelf.  On the other end, they have the resources for planning and are working on developing a feasibility study for an ATV trail system similar to the Hatfield/McCoy Trail that could be developed or extended in central West Virginia.

I’ve witnessed firsthand the millions in funds received and revitalization of many southern West Virginia communities by the influx of tourism dollars to restaurants, lodging, sales, rentals, and service facilities.  This also creates some good jobs.  If you couple this with the emerging efforts to take advantage of the Elk River for recreation and tourism, along with exciting development authority plans for Corp of Engineers Sutton Lake property, the future looks bright indeed – if we work together to make things happen.

Please send your inquiries to the Capitol Office at:  Building 1, Room 224-M, Charleston, WV 25305.  Or, call the Capitol office at 304.340.3220; Assistant to the Majority Leader, Jennifer McPherson at 304.340.3942 or fax to 304.340.3213.  If you have an interest in any particular bill or issue, please let me know.  For those with Internet access, my e-mail address is: “Brent.Boggs@WVhouse.gov” .

You may also obtain additional legislative information, including the copies of bills, conference reports, daily summaries, interim highlights, and leave me a message on the Legislature’s web site at www.legis.state.wv.us/.  When leaving a message, please remember to include your phone number with your inquiry and any details you can provide. Additional information, including agency links and the state government phone directory, may be found at www.wv.gov. Also, you may follow me on Facebook at “Brent Boggs”, Twitter at “@DelBrentBoggs” , as well as the WV Legislature’s Facebook page at “West Virginia Legislature” or on Twitter at twitter.com/wvlegislature.

Continue to remember our troops - at home and abroad - and keep them and their families in your thoughts and prayers.  Until next week – take care.

Gilmer County High School Graduate Interns at West Virginia Legislature

Jennifer Papouschek, a recent graduate of the University of Charleston, was selected earlier this year as one of a handful of Judith A. Herndon Internship Fellows for the 2013 Legislative Session.  Jennifer is the daughter of Kent and Susan Papouschek of Burnt House, Ritchie County.  Jennifer interned with Delegate David Perry (D-Fayette) this session

Jennifer attended Troy Elementary School and is a 2009 graduate of Gilmer County High School.

She majored in Public Policy with a minor in Psychology at the University of Charleston, graduating Cum Laude in December 2012.  Jennifer began working at the Department of Revenue, Office of the Cabinet Secretary, at the end of her freshman year as part of the Governor’s Internship Program.  She continued to work with the Department of Revenue until she began the Herndon Internship Program with the Legislature earlier this year.  Jennifer is no stranger to the House of Delegates, as she also served as a Frasure-Singleton Intern in 2010 with Delegate Ron Walters (R-Kanawha).

Delegate Perry spoke highly of Jennifer, stating, “it has been most refreshing and gratifying to have someone of her academic, professional and personal integrity to have shared the legislative process with for the session.“ As she wrapped up her work as the Legislature concluded the session, Jennifer reporting having a positive experience through the fellowship program.  “It has been an outstanding and rewarding experience to have taken part in the 2013 Herndon Internship. I am honored to have had the privilege to work alongside our state’s distinguished legislative members of the House of Delegates. This experience has allowed me to put my academic work into motion which I am confident will only further my ability to positively impact our state in the future.“

Delegate Boggs was pleased to welcome Jennifer to the Capitol this year.  “Jennifer was an important contributor in the legislative process with her intellect, strong work ethic, and communication skills. I am proud of her accomplishments and willingness to serve as one of our distinguished Herndon Fellowship interns.”

G-FYI™: Who Is Auditing The State’s Screw Ups? They Knew Better, Didn’t They?

The public should know this incident happened on April 18, 2013 at Sand Fork Elementary School in Gilmer County, WV. The school system is under state control with Ron Blankenship as state appointed superintendent.

The following is part of INTERCEPTED LETTERS, enough to show you how the Gilmer County Schools are run by Mr. Blankenship who is known to say “I am not aware of it”, “Everything is under Control”, and “this type of decisions are above my pay grade.”

Gilmer County Board of Health
Carl E. Nichols, M.D., Health Officer
809 Medical Drive Suite #3
Glenville, WV 26351

cc: Gilmer County Board of Health
Gilmer county BOE members
Amy Atkins, Director of Local Health
Mike Pickens, State BOE

Finally, the following is a quote from WV State Superintendent of Schools:

“...I do know that county boards of education or superintendents do not have the authority to refute an order from a public health officer. “

James B. Phares

G-LtE™: The Emperor Has No Clothes

Once upon a time, in the Land of Gil, there was a legal, active, school board.  The Land of Gil still has a school board, but they have been reduced, made largely inactive by people in Kanawha County who are out of the reach of taxpayers.  The Wise One in the Big House has seen that this is good and wants all to continue.  This keeps people under control and also keeps them from pointing fingers at the Wise One.

Anyhow, in the Gil Land of Fairies and Tales, the Wise one has seen to it there is NO President of the elected school board.  This is how the people are managed, shackled and kept on their knees.  Oh yes, there is ‘one’ who is referred to as the ‘big man’ or school board president.  But that is all an illusion.  It is not to be.

You see, the Wise One and his underlings have seen to it that the school board in the Land of Gil, has little power or authority.  No, that has been removed, taken from them.  The Wise One controls all.  The school board in the Land of Gil can only vote on school trips and expulsion issues.  Yes, they are held on a very short rope.

So you see, to have a school board President, that the school board will choose that person form our legally elected members.  The group of five.  Oh yes, they did decide to call one of their own a ‘president’.  But alas!  That cannot be!  They have no authority to so.  That authority was stripped from them when Mz. Marple and company removed Bennett, fired the never on the payroll Simmons, and told the rest, ‘just come to the meetings now’.

So you see, there is NO school board President in the Land of Gil.  It does appear that one is claiming to be President, but if there was a vote to elect Mr Simmons as board President, it was simply a superficial act.  Illegal even?  Going thru the motions in the Land of Gil.

~~ author on file ~~

Doddridge County: New Floodplain Ordinance Targets Oil and Gas Operations

The County Commission in Doddridge County, West Virginia is currently considering amendments to its Floodplain Ordinance as a result of a December 17, 2012 decision by the Circuit Court of Doddridge County. (Comments to the amended floodplain ordinance were due by March 25, 2013.) The facts and procedural posture of the Doddridge County case are convoluted. Essentially, in a civil action filed with the Circuit Court of Doddridge County regarding the issuance and then withdrawal of a floodplain permit, the Court took it upon itself to declare the Doddridge County Floodplain Ordinance unconstitutional, in part.

In its five page decision, the Court found that the “Doddridge County Flood Plain Ordinance is in violation of the West Virginia Constitution to the extent that the Ordinance fails to provide Due Process to surface and adjoining landowners potentially affected by the development for which EQT Production Company seeks a permit.” The Court further stated that “in order to comply with the standard requirements of due process afforded property owners under the West Virginia Constitution the subject Ordinance when being applied under circumstances involving the request for a permit which potentially affects surface owners who are situate within or adjoining the subject floodplain must afford notice and an opportunity to be heard upon the requested permit to this class of property owners.”

By way of background, each county and many municipalities in West Virginia have adopted an individual version of floodplain ordinance designed to comply with the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (“NFIA”) and implement West Virginia Code § 7-1-3v (“Floodplain and mudslide area management” passed by West Virginia legislature to implement the NFIA). The primary purpose of NFIA was to provide a government source for flood insurance which had become virtually unobtainable from private insurers due to severe flooding in the early 1960s. The National Flood Insurance Program (“NFIP”), managed by the Federal Emergency Management Administration (“FEMA”), implements the NFIA. The NFIP aims to provide flood insurance, improve floodplain management and develop flood hazard zone mapping. Accordingly, floodplain ordinances provide a regulatory framework for reviewing any construction development projects in a flood zone and authorizing, by permit, those projects meeting ordinance requirements. West Virginia county commissions in the core regions of Marcellus Shale development, including Brooke, Doddridge, Hancock, Harrison, Marshall, Ohio, Tyler and Wetzel Counties, have passed new or updated floodplain ordinances. Currently, all of these ordinances are nearly uniform and are based on a model floodplain ordinance generated by the West Virginia Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (“WVDHS&EM”).

County floodplain ordinances generally define “base flood elevation,” “one hundred year flood,” “development,” “lowest floor,” “floodplain area” and other floodplain related terms. The ordinances also impose restrictions on construction within a floodway or floodplain and set design standards for permitted construction within the floodplain. The ordinances further establish forms and procedures for applications to the designated floodplain administrator for a determination of whether a development is within the floodplain and requires a permit. Whether a permit is required is essentially determined by where the project is located on FEMA approved floodplain mapping. From one county to another there are numerous minor differences between the ordinances. These differences arise from the counties utilizing different year versions of the model ordinance provided by the state and also of minor alterations made specifically by each county. These floodplain ordinances are extensive in scope, generally spanning 30 or more pages. Accordingly, businesses should review carefully the specific county ordinances applicable to any construction activity they may be planning.

Despite the relative uniformity of county floodplain ordinances historically, the Doddridge County Commission is proposing changes to its Floodplain Ordinance that vary significantly from prior incarnations. A non-exhaustive list of the more unique provisions includes:

•  expressly adding to the definition of “development” the phrase “oil/gas well sites, pads, pits, retention ponds”;

•  requiring the filing of all “contract(s)” related to the proposed development for review and retention, subject to redaction of proprietary and confidential information;

•  requiring the Floodplain Administrator to “review all objections, comments, protest letters and other writings submitted in opposition of said Permit Application and give due consideration to the same before granting or denying said Permit”;

•  authorizing the Floodplain Administrator, “in his sole discretion, to hold a public meeting wherein evidence can be taken or given by interested persons or parties. Said hearing shall have a court reporter present to record all testimony and receive all exhibits and evidence”;

r•  equiring a detailed Floodplain Permit Application, including the “amount in dollars of the actual total construction costs of the complete project irrespective of whether all or any part of the subject proposed construction project is within the Floodplain Area,” prior to determining whether the proposed work is located in a floodplain area or not;

•  requiring the County Clerk to serve notice of the permit application to each “property owner” and “all adjacent property owners and at least one adult resident for each residence on said properties . . . by Certified Mail,” and service by the County Sheriff if the certified mail return receipt is not returned within 10 days, and to publish a Class II legal advertisement notice of the permit application;

•  requiring the Floodplain Administrator to “notify any appropriate agency or authority if the Floodplain Administrator finds a violation of any non-Floodplain law, regulation or ordinance”;

•  and establishing an application for Floodplain Permit fee based upon a schedule set by the Doddridge County Commission using the “actual construction costs amount of the proposed construction as determined by the Floodplain Administrator,” only 80% of which will be refunded if the Floodplain Administrator “determines the complete proposed project is not within the Floodplain.”

None of the provisions noted above is found in floodplain ordinances for the other Marcellus counties mentioned above. The other county ordinances provide for a flat Floodplain Determination fee ranging from $20 to $30. A county’s determination whether a project is in a floodplain area could cost a significant amount for a substantial development project. Doddridge County’s proposed determination fee based on project cost, with 80% refund as applicable, is unique.

None of the previously mentioned Marcellus counties’ floodplain ordinances, at least as originally passed, contain provisions that directly target oil and gas development, nor any other specific type of industrial development. The revisions being proposed by the Doddridge County Commission appear to reflect a significant departure from the model and the message that Doddridge County appears to be sending to the oil and gas industry does not appear to be a positive one.  The question is whether these new provisions, if adopted, will spread to other counties.

In a subsequent article we will address the legal issues that may arise in the event that Doddridge County adopts the proposed floodplain ordinance and the interplay between the federal, state and local requirements of the NFIA/NFIP in connection with oil and gas development.

~~  Mark Clark   ~~

Legislative Update – by – Delegate Brent Boggs - House Majority Leader - 04.29.13

It’s always difficult to transition back from the legislative session to a regular work schedule, although on the railroad there seems to be no such thing as regular hours or schedule.  However, I used a vacation day last week to take Carson and Kenzie to the circus.  They had a barrel of fun and it was a great evening for Jean and me to enjoy the grandkids.

Earlier that day, I spend at the Capitol for some post-session work and planning for May interim meetings.  House and Senate clerks and legislative staff continue to prepare bills for enrollment, obtain the required signatures and deliver them to the Governor for his review and action.  Other than the three bills vetoed for minor errors and re-passed during the extended session, the Governor has yet to use his veto power since we adjourned.  Last week, Governor Tomblin has signed twenty-two additional bills into law.  They are:

SB 208 - Making supplementary appropriation from State Fund, General Revenue, to Department of Commerce, Division of Labor, and DHHR, Division of Human Services

SB 523 - Making supplementary appropriation of unappropriated moneys to various accounts

SB 524 - Supplementing, amending, decreasing and increasing appropriations from State Road Fund to DOT

SB 525 - Making supplementary appropriation of federal funds to various accounts      

SB 526 - Making supplementary appropriation of federal funds to DHHR, Division of Human Services-Temporary Assistance for Needy Families

SB 664 - Decreasing appropriations of public moneys in State Fund, General Revenue  

HB 2108 - Making the offense of failure to wear safety belts a primary offense  

HB 2361 - Relating to the definition of “eligible veteran” for certain state training and employment preference benefits

HB 2463 - Repealing the article that permits the sterilization of persons deemed to be mentally incompetent

HB 2521 - Relating to the West Virginia Contraband Forfeiture Act

HB 2538 - Expiring, supplementing, amending, increasing, and adding items of appropriation in various accounts

HB 2541 - Making a supplementary appropriation from the State Fund, State Excess Lottery Revenue Fund, to the Department of Health and Human Resources, Division of Human Services

HB 2553 - Authorizing the Secretary of State to administratively dissolve certain business entities

HB 2729 - Allowing schools to voluntarily maintain and use epinephrine auto-injectors    

HB 2815 - Clarifying and modifying the process of appointing and terminating guardians for minors    

HB 2858 - Relating generally to consumer rate relief bonds

HB 2923 - Relating to directors of state-chartered banking institutions

HB 2992 - Eliminating duplicative reporting requirements imposed on distributors of imported cigarettes

HB 3003 - Facilitating compliance with the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement      

HB 3028 - Expanding the number of hours temporary state personnel may work in a calendar year    

HB 3086 - Relating to juvenile services and criminal justice institutions    

HB 3159 - Granting exceptions from certain compulsory attendance statutes to the Monroe and Nicholas County school systems (local bill)

Finally, Governor Tomblin announced last week that his Chief-of-Staff, Rob Alsop, is stepping down soon after an extremely successful tenure.  I’ve known Rob for many years and he has performed admirably for the Governor and also in his many other prominent roles on the state and federal level.  I’ve worked closely with Rob in my role as Majority Leader and his professionalism, work ethic and ability to build consensus on difficult issues has resulted in extremely successful legislative initiatives for our State.  He has also helped forge a great working relationship between the Legislature and the Tomblin Administration.

Please send your inquiries to the Capitol Office at:  Building 1, Room 224-M, Charleston, WV 25305.  Or, call the Capitol office at 304.340.3220; Assistant to the Majority Leader, Jennifer McPherson at 304.340.3942 or fax to 304.340.3213.  If you have an interest in any particular bill or issue, please let me know.  For those with Internet access, my e-mail address is: “Brent.Boggs@WVhouse.gov” .

You may also obtain additional legislative information, including the copies of bills, conference reports, daily summaries, interim highlights, and leave me a message on the Legislature’s web site at www.legis.state.wv.us/.  When leaving a message, please remember to include your phone number with your inquiry and any details you can provide. Additional information, including agency links and the state government phone directory, may be found at www.wv.gov. Also, you may follow me on Facebook at “Brent Boggs”, Twitter at “@DelBrentBoggs” , as well as the WV Legislature’s Facebook page at “West Virginia Legislature” or on Twitter at twitter.com/wvlegislature.

Continue to remember our troops - at home and abroad - and keep them and their families in your thoughts and prayers.  Until next week – take care.

Linn: The Construction of the Inter-county School Should Begin Soon

In a few weeks, the beginning phases of construction of the first Inter-County school in West Virginia should start.

The school site is located on the border of Gilmer and Lewis Counties in Linn, WV.

The school is to serve the students from Troy Elementary School in Troy, WV (Gilmer County) and Alum Bridge Elementary School in Alum Bridge, WV (Lewis County).

The Lewis County Board of Education approved Capitol Valley Contractors of Elkview, WV as the company to complete the site work at its meeting Monday, April 22, 2013.

The low bid was just over $1 million, according to Lewis County Board of Education President Paul Derico.

The Funding for the construction of this school is provided fully by the West Virginia School Building Authority (WVSBA), therefore the approval of the bids is necessary by WVSBA

Gilmer County Commission Financial Statements -  Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2012

Following are The Gilmer County Commission Financial Statements for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2012 - Click to Read or Print:

•  VENDOR LIST

Gilmer County Recreation Center Receives Funding from Wes-Mon-Ty Resource Conservation & Development

The Gilmer County Recreation Center was recently presented a check by Jane Collins, Soil Conservation District Supervisor, for Gilmer County in the amount of $4,000.

This money was awarded to the Recreation Center, for two major projects, through a grant from Wes-Mon-Ty Resource Conservation and Development.

The Grant money will be used to implement a detailed plan designed by Andy Sentz, District Conservationist, with USD-NRCS to correct the erosion that has occurred near the swimming pool and the bank behind the newly constructed Bill and Reva Bennett Building.

G-LtE™: MR. BLANKENSHIP, FIX THIS MESS

MR. BLANKENSHIP, YOU HAD THE CONTROL AND THE TIME TO PREPARE FOR THIS PROJECT, THE CONSOLIDATED GILMER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL.

PLEASE DON’T ASK US, ALL WE SEE IS LESS IN THE CHECK BOOK AND DECREASING STUDENT PERFORMANCE.

~~ A CONCERNED CITIZEN ~~

Glenville City Council - Upcoming Meeting - April 22, 2013 - Tonight

Monday, April 22, 2013

6:30 PM

•  Public Hearing on An Ordinance Regulating Items Designed or Marketed for Use with Controlled Substances

7:00 PM

•  An Ordinance Regulating Items Designed or Marketed for Use with Controlled Substances - 3rd (final) reading

All meetings will be held in the Council Chambers, the public is welcome to attend.

Legislative Update – by – Delegate Brent Boggs - House Majority Leader - 04.22.13

Before beginning the news of the session, it is impossible to begin without commenting on the tragic and riveting events in Boston over the last week. And, while in the midst of the terrorist manhunt and shootout, a Texas community was nearly leveled by a fertilizer plant explosion.  Once again, our nation pulls together to prevail over terrorists and disasters.

This week, its back to the railroad as the combined budget extended session and first extraordinary session of the 81st Legislature ended last Thursday.  The budget conferees are to be commended for completing the work between House and Senate versions of the budget in near-record time.  Likewise, the bills placed on the Governor’s special call each passed and allowed legislators to conclude the business at hand.  The bills on the Governor’s special call proclamation were:

HB 103 - Distribution of state funds to volunteer fire departments

HB 105 - Rule-making authority relating to administration, collection and enforcement of local sales, use and excise taxes by Tax Commissioner

SB 1001 - Permitting Monongalia county commission levy district excise tax

SB 1003 - Relating to magistrate court system compensation

SB 1005 - Making supplementary appropriation from Civil Contingent Fund and Consumer Protection Fund

The volunteer fire department bill is especially important, as it provides a multi-year plan for shoring up the workers compensation premium dilemma facing many departments.  While it will require further legislative action in the future, it is the best start we’ve had in years in dealing with the problem on a long-term basis.

Also during the session, three bills were identified as having technical defects (incorrect title, code section, or other minor detail that, despite the small problem, would cause the legislation to be invalid).  The House amended and re-passed House Bill 2431, which relates to the application process for a state license to carry a concealed weapon; House Bill 2814, which relates to human trafficking; and House Bill 3160, which establishes a pilot initiative for schools. Schools that are built to serve students from two counties will establish a board to represent the needs of both counties.  This bill is extremely important to Gilmer and Lewis Counties regarding the proposed joint elementary school at Linn.  I am pleased the technical defect was noted and repaired while the Legislature was still in session.  Each of these bills is awaiting final action by the Governor.

Through last Friday, the Governor has signed into law 19 bills.  They are:

SB 60 - Relating to name-change notice publication requirements

SB 71 - Requiring descriptions of easements and rights-of-way include width in addition to centerline; exception

SB 80 - Including substitute teaching in job duties of certain professional educators employed by county boards

SB 197 - Expiring funds from State Fund, General Revenue, and making supplementary appropriations to various accounts

SB 359 - Relating generally to reforming public education

SB 383 - Authorizing family court judges appoint counsel in certain contempt cases      

SB 412 - Relating to county conservation district supervisors

SB 421 - Exempting certain school mascot from prohibition of firearms possession on school grounds (local bill for Parkersburg South High School)   

SB 430 - Defining “employment term” in Teachers’ Defined Contribution Retirement System    

SB 431 - Relating to public employer liability for delinquent retirement contributions      

SB 458 - Permitting PEIA operate Medicare retiree health plan on calendar-year basis  

SB 496 - Finding and declaring certain claims against state

SB 571 - Extending time Oceana City Council can meet as levying body (local bill for Wyoming County community)

SB 638 - Terminating certain severance tax exemption for production of natural gas or oil

HB 2487 - Prohibiting the use of laetrile

HB 2784 - Relating to the Deputy Sheriff Retirement System Act

HB 2940 - Relating to regional meetings among certain officials of county boards of education  

HB 3013 - Authorizing the establishment of job creation work groups

HB 3104 - Authorizing certain legislative rules regarding higher education

Now that spring has arrived, there are numerous fundraising dinners for good causes throughout the area. While it’s difficult to attend all, please take time to support the initiatives that will help our community, programs, and citizens.  It’s always enjoyable to enjoy these events with friends and neighbors. 

Finally, I want to conclude by expressing my condolences to the Butler family in the passing of our friend, Bayward Butler.  His faith, dedication to family, service to nation and state, education and public service was best exemplified by his quiet leadership.  He touched many lives and truly made a difference.

Please send your inquiries to the Capitol Office at:  Building 1, Room 224-M, Charleston, WV 25305.  Or, call the Capitol office at 304.340.3220; Assistant to the Majority Leader, Jennifer McPherson at 304.340.3942 or fax to 304.340.3213.  If you have an interest in any particular bill or issue, please let me know.  For those with Internet access, my e-mail address is: “Brent.Boggs@WVhouse.gov” .

You may also obtain additional legislative information, including the copies of bills, conference reports, daily summaries, interim highlights, and leave me a message on the Legislature’s web site at www.legis.state.wv.us/.  When leaving a message, please remember to include your phone number with your inquiry and any details you can provide. Additional information, including agency links and the state government phone directory, may be found at www.wv.gov. Also, you may follow me on Facebook at “Brent Boggs”, Twitter at “@DelBrentBoggs” , as well as the WV Legislature’s Facebook page at “West Virginia Legislature” or on Twitter at twitter.com/wvlegislature.

Continue to remember our troops - at home and abroad - and keep them and their families in your thoughts and prayers.  Until next week – take care.

G-LtE™: Comments and Questions on Editorial Letter:  “Are We Going from Bad to Worse”

This letter, its contents, its implications do not bode well for the children of Gilmer County.

Also disturbing are the two posts, one from R.Ross and the other from Gilmer School Facilitator.

These two comments are at the least contradictory.  I do not know who “R.Ross” is, but we all know who the identity of our Gilmer Coalition Facilitator.  As always, a signed response is likely to be more accurate.

The comments from R. Ross raise more questions than are answered.  That is fine.  Questions are always good.

Ross summarily states that the Gilmer Boards duties are limited to voting on trips and leading the pledge.

This being the case, why is board member Simmons leading the meeting?  Apparently he does not have the authority to do so, but Blankenship allows this to happen?

Ross also states that Simmons contacted three groups who stated that it is “improper” for board members to serve a dual roll at meetings?  That word “improper” is a long ways from being unlawful or illegal.  The fact that Simmons was trolling for advice seems to give credence that he was aware of his position, his own plans, and he was simply laying groundwork to provide cover for a future confrontation?

Ross.  Please provide the name of who “requested” Simmons attendance at Boggs meeting as well as those other than Armour.  Please explain why Armour was chosen.

There are board members with considerably more experience than either Simmons or Armour.

Now to a very questionable part of this letter.  Ross clearly states and I quote “Prior to the meeting there was language in the bill to exclude Gilmer County from having an equal say”.

The School Coalition Facilitator clearly has stated previously that the bill was all ready in the Senate Committee waiting for passage, prior to the politically motivated schmooze trip to Delegate Boggs office, if I have read postings correctly?

After talking with other sources, it certainly appears the intercounty governing bill was in Superintendent Blankenship’s office, prior to this Boggs meeting.

Ross, you may well want to continue your conversations with Simmons to see if you can get to the bottom of these opposing stories.

Is Simmons attempting to schmooze with the political crowd in Charleston to get Blankenships job?  Is Simmons attempting to some other ploy?  It has become very clear that since day one of this Gilmer School tragedy, the whole issue is politics and nothing to do with the welfare of our children.

All this is adult ego feed.  Reminds one of the movies showing phiranna feeding on their victims.

Shame on of you involved in the politic game.  How do you sleep at night?
~~  author on file ~~

Gilmer County Clerk: Notice to Creditors and Beneficiaries - 04.18.13

The administration of the estates(s) of the following deceased is pending before the Clerk of the County Commission of Gilmer County, 10 Howard Street, Glenville WV 26351.

The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

Notice is hereby given that the estate(s) of the following has been opened for probate.  Any interested person objecting to the validity of the will, the qualifications of the personal representative or the venue or jurisdiction of the court, shall file notice of an objection with the County Commission within ninety days after the date of the first publication or within 30 days of service of notice, whichever is later.  If an objection is not timely filed, the objection is forever barred.

All persons having claims against the estate(s) of the said following deceased, whether due or not, are notified to exhibit their claims, with the voucher thereof, legally verified, to the undersigned, at the County Clerk’s Office on or before July 17, 2013  otherwise they may by law be excluded from all benefit of said estate(s).  All beneficiaries of said estate(s) may appear on or before said day to examine said claims and otherwise protect their interests.

Claims against the estate must be filed in accordance with West Virginia Code 44-1-14a.

Clerk of Gilmer County Commission
Jean Butcher
10 Howard Street
Glenville, WV 26351

The date of the first publication of this Notice is : April 18, 2013

Glenville City Council - Upcoming Meetings - April 16, 2013 - Tonight

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

6:00 PM

Agenda:

•  Lay the levy - FY 13-14 Budget

•  An Ordinance Regulating Items Designed or Marketed for Use with Controlled Substances - 2nd reading

Monday, April 22, 2013

6:30 PM

•  Public Hearing on An Ordinance Regulating Items Designed or Marketed for Use with Controlled Substances

7:00 PM

•  An Ordinance Regulating Items Designed or Marketed for Use with Controlled Substances - 3rd (final) reading

All meetings will be held in the Council Chambers, the public is welcome to attend.

Gilmer County Commission Special Meeting – 04.16.13 - Tuesday

CALL TO ORDER

ROUTINE BUSINESS

          Discussion and/or action on:

                  •  Budget Revisions

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

NEW BUSINESS

          Discussion and/or action on:

                  •  LAY the LEVY

                  •  911 UNITED Bank Account

                  •  Sugar Creek PSD

                  •  Cox’s Mills Water Line Extension

Legislative Update – by – Delegate Brent Boggs - House Majority Leader - 04.15.13

While the 60-day legislative session ended last Saturday night, the deadline most had on our minds this week is the April 15 deadline for filing income tax returns.  Meanwhile, the midnight end of the first regular session of the 82nd Legislature was busy until the end.  This week, the budget document will be reconciled between the House and Senate conferees; then to the Governor.

It will be several days until the House and Senate Clerks complete the complex job of sorting out bills that passed both houses during the last few days of the session.  The prison overcrowding bill (SB 371) will benefit both public safety and taxpayers.  Once in place, violent offenders will, upon the completion of their sentence, be monitored and supervised for a year upon release.  Non-violent offenders will be supervised for an additional 6 months after release.  This has worked successfully in many states, including Texas, saving millions for taxpayers while reducing the recidivism of prior offenders.  A few attempted to portray this Governor’s bill as soft on crime, but their assertions are both incorrect and misleading.  It will very definitely increase the safety of the public.

One item from last week I think needs clarified.  It was unfortunate that some members of the House chose to grandstand by offering amendments to the budget bill (HB 2014) that they purported would end Medicaid state funding of abortion.  As a pro-life legislator and serving years on the Finance committee, it’s well documented that public policy law cannot be made in the budget bill by simply removing a funding line from the budget. Finance Chairman White made that clear during the floor debate, along with case law.  The misguided amendment would have no effect of law and would have only forced funds transferred by DHHR from elsewhere in their budget.

The way to eliminate the Medicaid state funding of abortion is to introduce a bill – as I have cosponsored before and continue to support – that will prohibit the state funding of abortion by Medicaid.  While we’ve yet to be successful, I’m confident we will get there.  It is truly a shame that some legislators are more concerned with politically motivated amendments, sound bites and the next election than truly working for substantive change.

Likewise, a few of the same legislators astounded nearly everyone in opposing a bill, sponsored by Senator John Unger that would create the “Feed to Achieve” program (SB 663).  The plan contains no budget funding and would work with business and private donations to eventually see that each and every elementary school child has sufficient and nutritious food.

Teachers and parents alike know that that hungry kids can’t learn, concentrate or achieve to their potential.  I’m talking about the kind of hunger most folks have never experienced.  Many kids know the last meal of any substance they’ll have is school lunch on Friday until they return to school Monday morning.

Regardless of the situation in their respective homes, it’s not the fault of the kids.  I have great expectations for this program and how it may be a model for better student achievement by working to coordinate efforts to help our kids.

Finally, much was said and written about the failure of some bills at the end of the session.  Many good bills did not pass, as is always the case.  However, I believe while we are in the extended budget session, Governor Tomblin may place a few of the most important bills on an agenda call.  Minor differences between the two houses can be quickly ironed out and see a few more important measures passed.  The most important of these is the bill to assist our volunteer fire departments (HB 2945) which the Senate failed to advance.

Please send your inquiries to the Capitol Office at:  Building 1, Room 224-M, Charleston, WV 25305.  Or, call the Capitol office at 304.340.3220; Assistant to the Majority Leader, Jennifer McPherson at 304.340.3942 or fax to 304.340.3213.  If you have an interest in any particular bill or issue, please let me know.  For those with Internet access, my e-mail address is: “Brent.Boggs@WVhouse.gov” .

You may also obtain additional legislative information, including the copies of bills, conference reports, daily summaries, interim highlights, and leave me a message on the Legislature’s web site at www.legis.state.wv.us/.  When leaving a message, please remember to include your phone number with your inquiry and any details you can provide. Additional information, including agency links and the state government phone directory, may be found at www.wv.gov. Also, you may follow me on Facebook at “Brent Boggs”, Twitter at “@DelBrentBoggs” , as well as the WV Legislature’s Facebook page at “West Virginia Legislature” or on Twitter at twitter.com/wvlegislature.

Continue to remember our troops - at home and abroad - and keep them and their families in your thoughts and prayers.  Until next week – take care.

MLK: Thanks for ‘Feeding the Dream!’

In February, in honor of everything the great visionary Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. did for America, as Glenville’s Mayor, I made a pledge to hold a food drive in which we would collect 3,500 items for our community. All items collected were given out to families right here in our community through the Gilmer County Community Resources, Inc. (CRI) The results are in! I am very proud to announce that our community reached the goal!

JoAnn Stewart and Teresa Wayman, both of the Gilmer County CRI, smile while Glenville Street Commissioner, Stanley Starcher, paints the food drive thermometer!
During the food drive, many businesses, churches, civic organizations, and individuals pitched in. The Gilmer County Economic Development Association (GCEDA) sent a letter out to all businesses in Gilmer County challenging them to collect items for the food drive. The Gilmer County Senior Citizens Center won the “Battle of the Businesses” again this year! They collected the more items than any other Gilmer County business.

The church that collected the most items was Trinity United Methodist. They hold a ‘Souper Bowl’ Sunday food drive every year and are to be commended for their efforts! This year, they collected 1,980 items! Way to go Trinity UMC!

I would like to thank and commend everyone who participated! Even though the community food drive has ended, that doesn’t mean we should stop giving. Items are still needed for the food pantry, notably 2 lb. bags of flour and 24 oz. bottles of vegetable oil. Mrs. Stewart says anything someone can give will be used and appreciated. If you have questions on what the needs are, feel free to contact her at (304) 462-8698. While sitting at the CRI talking with Mrs. Stewart, I noticed a sign she has hanging above a bulletin board in the office which said, ‘We make a living by what we get…We make a life by what we give.’ If you’re able to give, I challenge you to continue to support the efforts of the Gilmer County CRI. Many families in our community need their assistance.

Thanks again to all that helped “Feed the Dream!”

~~  Glenville Mayor Allman-Duval ~~

GSC Attends Higher Education Day

The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (WVHEPC) sponsors Higher Education Day every year during the legislative session. The annual event is designed to salute West Virginia’s higher education institutions and to inform students, policymakers, and the public about post-secondary educational opportunities in West Virginia. Higher Education Day 2013 was hosted by Dr. Paul Hill, Chancellor of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission; Mr. James Skidmore, Chancellor of the West Virginia Council for Community and Technical College Education; and Mr. Ben Exley, IV, Executive Director of the West Virginia Independent Colleges and Universities Inc.

West Virginia’s Higher Education Day 2013 was held at the State Capitol in Charleston on Thursday, March 21st. Representatives from more than thirty of the state’s colleges and universities set up displays in the upper rotunda of the West Virginia State Capitol Building promoting their institutions. Faculty, staff, students, and administrators from each institution manned their booths by handing out information, talking with the public, and visiting with members of the West Virginia Legislature.

The display for Glenville State College included a promotional literature explaining GSC programs and fields of study that are available as well as photographs of the campus. GSC faculty and staff attending the event were: GSC President Dr. Peter Barr, Executive Assistant to the President and Hidden Promise Scholar Program Director Teresa Sterns, GSC Hidden Promise Scholar Program Coordinators Whitney Stalnaker and Stacy Adkins, and GSC Director of Alumni Affairs and Special Assistant to the President Debbie Nagy.

Glenville Sate College was also represented by nine GSC Hidden Promise Scholars:

•  Freshman Business Administration major Scott Ashley of Clendenin (Roane County)

•  Junior Education major Gabriella Brown of Arnoldsburg (Calhoun County)

•  Freshman Education major Allegra Davis of Salem (Doddridge County)

•  Junior Natural Resource Management major Ethan Epling of Spencer (Roane County)

•  Freshman History/Political Science major Tyler Fortney of Elkins (Randolph County)

•  Sophomore Education major Autumn Harkins of Grantsville (Calhoun County)

•  Freshman Education major Dillon Hovorka of Marlinton (Pocahontas County)

•  Freshman General Studies major Ashley Lambey of Clay (Clay County)

•  Freshman Education major Jacob Yocum of Elkins (Randolph County)

The students met Governor Earl Ray Tomblin and had their picture taken with him. They were also acknowledged during the session of the West Virginia House of Delegates by House Majority Leader Brent Boggs (D-Braxton County) of the 34th district.

Approximately one-hundred and fifty West Virginia GEAR UP high school students were also in attendance with displays highlighting a variety of initiatives and events held over the past year to assist students in planning, applying, and paying for education and training beyond high school.

Governor Earl Ray Tomblin presented Hill, Skidmore, Exley, and the college and university presidents with a proclamation declaring March 21, 2013 as Higher Education Day. Similar ceremonies were held in the state’s House Chamber and the Senate Chamber.

CommunityConcerns™: Gilmer County High School’s 2013 Third Tier OEPA Rating

West Virginia’s Office of Education Performance Audits (OEPA) published its 2013 Report of School Ratings (www.oepa.wv.us) including those for Gilmer County’s five public schools.

The ratings in a decreasing order of desirability are:

•  EA=Exemplary Accreditation

•  DA=Distinction Accreditation

•  FA=Full Accreditation

Among our schools the Normantown Grade School received the highest rating with a DA.

The other four schools including the high school received a third tier FA rating.

The high school’s diminished rating is alarming.

In any other WV County there would have been bold print newspaper headlines to address the suboptimum performance to cause citizens to demand corrective actions, but the news was not printed.  Why?

Citizens deserve to know specific causes for the high school’s third tier rating.

Why was monitoring not done by the State to prevent the third tier rating, and most importantly what are the specific actions planned to elevate the rating to the EA category?

Governor Tomblin,  Dr. Linger, Dr. Phares,  Dr. Gus Penix, and Delegates Boggs and Walker,  all of you were informed of our high school’s problems so what will it require to receive your corrective involvement?

Our School Board is powerless to act with its authority stripped by the State to emphasize the utmost necessity for your help.

This community concern deserves top priority attention in Gilmer County.

Gilmer County Economic Development (GCEDA), Glenville State College (GSC), those who caused the takeover (CUBIES), Gilmer Schools Coalition (G.S.C.), parents, teachers, and all other interested citizens, we have an urgent and immediate need to unite to achieve performance improvements at our high school.

Please attend future Board meetings to show community support for changes.

High praise is extended to Normantown Grade School’s students, principal Chambers, and its admirable teachers and staff for earning a DA rating.

With consolidated grade schools pending, proactive initiatives must occur to ensure that they are EA performers.

Because the Gilmer High School will not be replaced by consolidation, the community must demand whatever may be required, including a change of administration if necessary, to elevate its rating to an EA level. Anything lower than top performance will be unacceptable to prevent our high school students from continuing to be victimized.

Kudos to the GFP and Mr. Dave Ramezan for providing this important information to Gilmer County’s citizens.

~~  Author on File ~~

Glenville City Council - Upcoming Meetings - April 08, 2013 - Tonight

Monday, April 08, 2013

7:00 PM

Agenda:

•  An Ordinance Regulating Items Designed or Marketed for Use with Controlled Substances - 1st reading

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

6:00 PM

Agenda:

•  Lay the levy - FY 13-14 Budget

•  An Ordinance Regulating Items Designed or Marketed for Use with Controlled Substances - 2nd reading

Monday, April 22, 2013

6:30 PM

•  Public Hearing on An Ordinance Regulating Items Designed or Marketed for Use with Controlled Substances

7:00 PM

•  An Ordinance Regulating Items Designed or Marketed for Use with Controlled Substances - 3rd (final) reading

All meetings will be held in the Council Chambers, the public is welcome to attend.

Legislative Update – by – Delegate Brent Boggs - House Majority Leader - 03.08.13

The hectic pace of the Legislature became secondary last week to the sad news from Mingo County on learning of the loss of another of our fine law enforcement officers, Mingo County Sheriff Eugene Crum.

I join all West Virginians in sending my deepest condolences to the family of Sheriff Crum who was shot and killed on Wednesday while eating lunch in his car. A longtime magistrate and former Chief of Police in Delbarton, Sheriff Crum was diligently working to clean up his county and communities from the pill mills and drug blight plaguing Mingo County.  A close personal friend of Delegates White and Marcum, he will be missed by all West Virginians.  I pray his family and friends find peace in this time of tragedy and sadness.

While the murder suspect was apprehended after a shootout with Mingo County deputies, the sadness was felt far beyond southern West Virginia.  The senseless ambush and murder of Sheriff Crum is a grim reminder of the hazardous conditions under which our law enforcement personnel serve.

As of Friday, April 05, a total of 1,828 have been introduced thus far this session: 1,164 bills in the House and 664 bills in the Senate.  Of that total, 143 bills have cleared the House and 169 have passed the Senate.

Several bills were passed last week prior to the crossover deadline with many dealing with public safety.  Of the many bills passed, House Bill 2513 would improve enforcement of drugged driving offenses; a growing problem throughout the nation.  House Bill 2357 relates to “sexting” by minors. This bill would establish an educational diversion program to be put in place of prosecuting a minor for “sexting”. Minors engaged in transferring sexually explicit photos of themselves or others through the use of computers of interactive wireless communication devices would be required to attend this program.  House Bill 2550 would add a criminal offense for receiving materials portraying minors in sexually explicit conduct. It would increase the fines and penalties upon first conviction, enforce penalties for second or subsequent sentences or if a first offender had been previously convicted for an early sexual offense.  House Bill 2491 establishes a uniform policy for students enrolled in institutions of higher education and are called up or ordered to state or federal active military service, inactive-duty training or annual training in any active duty or reserve component of the Armed Forces of the United States or of the National Guard of this state or any other state.  This bill requires the Higher Education Policy Commission and CTC Council to establish a uniform course completion policy for all public colleges to implement for certain veteran students.  The policy will provide consistency among the institutions for determining how veteran students will complete courses and earn grades when they are called to active duty during the school term.  This bill is yet another step in making certain we give every opportunity to our military personnel to complete their educational endeavors.

In this last week, the Governor’s criminal justice reform bill seems to have new legs, as the concerns expressed by House democrats and republicans seem to be on track for possible resolution.  Likewise, a tax increment financing (TIF) bill to enable private development in the Morgantown area is likely to find its way onto the Judiciary Committee agenda.

There will be numerous bills moving between the two houses this week, especially Thursday through midnight Saturday night when the session constitutionally ends.  Any extension beyond Saturday will deal with the budget and any items the Governor places on the agenda.

Please send your inquiries to the Capitol Office at:  Building 1, Room 224-M, Charleston, WV 25305.  Or, call the Capitol office at 304.340.3220; Assistant to the Majority Leader, Jennifer McPherson at 304.340.3942 or fax to 304.340.3213.  If you have an interest in any particular bill or issue, please let me know.  For those with Internet access, my e-mail address is: “Brent.Boggs@WVhouse.gov” .

You may also obtain additional legislative information, including the copies of bills, conference reports, daily summaries, interim highlights, and leave me a message on the Legislature’s web site at www.legis.state.wv.us/.  When leaving a message, please remember to include your phone number with your inquiry and any details you can provide. Additional information, including agency links and the state government phone directory, may be found at www.wv.gov. Also, you may follow me on Facebook at “Brent Boggs”, Twitter at “@DelBrentBoggs” , as well as the WV Legislature’s Facebook page at “West Virginia Legislature” or on Twitter at twitter.com/wvlegislature.

Continue to remember our troops - at home and abroad - and keep them and their families in your thoughts and prayers.  Until next week – take care.

In honor of Sheriff Crum, Mingo County Sheriff

The Gilmer County Sheriffs Department has stationed one of their Sheriffs Cruisers in front of the Gilmer County Courthouse in memory of Mingo County Sheriff Eugene Crum.

Sheriff Crum was fatally shot on Wednesday, April 03, 2013 near the Courthouse in Williamson, WV.

Sheriff Larry Gerwig and other members of his Department are planning to attend Sheriff Crums services along with other Law Enforcement Agencies in the State.

City of Glenville Hosts Taser Class

On Monday, March 18, 2013, the Glenville Police Department hosted Taser Training at Glenville City Hall.

Glenville Police Chief Benton Huffman commented, “This Taser training provided re-certification for all officers in Gilmer County.  The City’s new officer, Patrolman Joey Garrett, is now certified on the use of Tasers as well.”

The course was taught by Bobby Holdren and Johnny Evans from the Nicholas County Sheriff’s Department.

Delegate David Walker - 04.04.13

As we come closer to the end of session, we are all working extremely hard to pass legislation and better West Virginia. This Wednesday marked the last day that bills had the ability to be passed in the house they were originally introduced in. This means that from this point on, each house will only be hearing bills from the other chamber in an effort to allow bills to reach the governor for official signing. As expected, this has kept us all extremely busy as we try to meet the deadline.

This week alone we have already passed over 50 bills. One of these bills was House Bill 2866. This bill was mentioned in earlier columns as it was being introduced. Now that it has passed the House, it will go on to the Senate for a vote. If passed, the bill would provide an exception to allow a resident of a dwelling house to discharge a firearm in a lawful manner within 500 feet of that dwelling house if no other dwelling house is within 500 feet of that house. It also raises the distance for a church or school from 400 feet to 500 feet as well.

In times where our gun laws are being question, it is very important to me to be able to co-sponsor a bill that continues to protect our second amendment rights. West Virginians have historically been very protective of their rights to bear arms and I will only continue to make sure we can go forth and keep our citizens ability to legally maintain firearms.

This week House of Delegates members also had the pleasure of celebrating World Autism Day. All delegates were asked to wear blue in honor of the day and were given candles with blue flames to support the campaign “Light it Up Blue” to raise Autism awareness. This is a condition that effects nearly 1 in 88 children, and 1 in 54 boys specifically. As with all causes, education is the key to understanding the condition and the first step to solving the problem.

Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns that you feel need addressed. You can reach me by calling 304.340.3135, by e-mailing “david.walker@wvhouse.gov” or writing to my office address: Room 210W, Building 1, State Capitol Complex Charleston, WV 25305.

Glenville City Council - Upcoming Meetings - April 08, 2013

Monday, April 08, 2013

7:00 PM

Agenda:

•  An Ordinance Regulating Items Designed or Marketed for Use with Controlled Substances - 1st reading

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

6:00 PM

Agenda:

•  Lay the levy - FY 13-14 Budget

•  An Ordinance Regulating Items Designed or Marketed for Use with Controlled Substances - 2nd reading

Monday, April 22, 2013

6:30 PM

•  Public Hearing on An Ordinance Regulating Items Designed or Marketed for Use with Controlled Substances

7:00 PM

•  An Ordinance Regulating Items Designed or Marketed for Use with Controlled Substances - 3rd (final) reading

All meetings will be held in the Council Chambers, the public is welcome to attend.

G-Eye™: Gilmer County Commission Special Meeting Report – 03.27.13

CALL TO ORDER

PLEDGE of ALLEGIANCE TO THE U.S. FLAG

Finalize the Fiscal Year 2013-2014 Gilmer County Budget

The budget for Fiscal Year 2013-14 was approved.

Proclamation for “Brother to Brother Day”

Presentation to Lance Robinson from Gilmer County Commission and the Veteran’s Program from Glenville State College.

*  Look for the ceremony on The Gilmer Free Press in a few day….

Gilmer County Commission Regular Monthly Meeting – 04.02.13 - Tuesday

APPOINTMENTS

        09:15 DAVE DORWOOD – RE:  Erroneous Tax Assessment by the State (may be via phone)

        09:30 JOHN NORMAN – RE:  Mon Power Storm Management Plan (304.761.4286)

        09:45 LENORA MARKS – RE:  County Trash Service

        10:00 DAVE MATTHEWS – RE:  911 Addressing

        10:15 DWAYNE BROWN – RE:  Butchers’s Hollow Road Sign

        10:30 MICHELLE STEVENS – RE:  American Red Cross

        10:45 JACK HEATER – RE:  LEPC By-Law Amendments

        11:00 DEVON HEATER – RE:  Sexual Assault Awareness Proclamation

        11:15 DENNIS FITZPATRICK – RE:  Unsafe Buildings and Lands Committee

ROUTINE BUSINESS

      Discussion and/or action on:

              •  Exonerations and/or Consolidations

              •  Approve estate qualifications and estate settlements

              •  Board Appointments and/or Resignations:

                        »  Martin Hess, Recreation Center Board

              •  Budget Revisions

              •  Budget Control Report

              •  Approve invoices for payment

              •  Approve County Commission MARCH & APRIL Minutes

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

              •  Industrial Park Package Plant Proposal

              •  Gilmer County Recreation Center By-Laws

                        »  change quorum to majority

              •  Renew LEPC Director and Deputy Director’s Contract

NEW BUSINESS

Discussion and/or action on:

              •  Approve FY 2012 Financial Statement

              •  FY 2012 Audit by State Auditor’s Office

              •  Lay the Levy Meeting April 16, 2013

              •  Tires for Assessor’s vehicle ($351.92)

              •  E-911 United Bank Account

              •  Direct Deposit of Payroll

              •  Swearing in of new employees policy

              •  Region VII Project Priority List

              •  Request to place FFA Sign at the “Welcome To Gilmer County” sign on WV Hwy 5 E

              •  Resolution naming GCEDA as leading economic agency for Gilmer County

              •  CERT Liability Insurance

ADMINISTRATOR’S UPDATE

Legislative Update – by – Delegate Brent Boggs - House Majority Leader - 04.01.13

After a busy week at the Capitol, Saturday’s weather provided some much needed outside work opportunities.  We celebrated a wonderful Easter Sunday at services and later with my parents, Justin, Jennifer and the grandkids.  While I had hoped it would work out for Jessica and the boys to be home too, we will be spending some time with them soon.

Reports indicate we’ve again been rattled by a minor earthquake in Braxton County.  I was contacted by news outlets Sunday afternoon, but it will be later this week before we can have the data analyzed. 

As we enter into the final fourteen days of the session (excluding the budget), this week looms large in the legislative process. April 3 (day 50) is the day that bills must pass their house of origin.  Otherwise, any other bill is dead for the session – except for budget bills, etc. – and, unless a series of technical motions are used.

As of last Friday, a total of 1,164 House bills and 663 Senate bills have been filed for introduction.  Of that number, 72 bills have passed the House; 92 have passed the Senate.  This will increase substantially in the coming week as a number of important bills are teed up for passage in both houses.  Members worked well into the evening last Friday in order to expedite and advance a number of bills emerging from the major committees.

The list of important bills this week far exceeds the space available, as will be the case next week.  However, legislation to address the volunteer fire department workers compensation issue is in play and working through the system.

House Speaker Rick Thompson along with myself and other members of the House leadership have introduced a piece of legislation in collaboration with the Senate President that would create monthly House and Senate workgroups charged with assisting West Virginia in acquiring the necessary tools for aggressively attracting jobs.  House Bill 3013 would authorize the Senate President and House Speaker to appoint job creation workgroups that would work independently or in cooperation with the Department of Commerce, the West Virginia Development Office or other executive offices or agencies of the state in order to obtain information to assist the Legislature’s efforts to take action toward increasing and attracting jobs in West Virginia.

Their activities could include, among provisions listed in the bill, meeting with existing businesses and organizations to discuss and further develop resources currently available to businesses in West Virginia which then could be expanded upon to grow job opportunities within the state.  The bill passed by a wide margin.  I think this is extremely important to our central West Virginia area.

I want to thank House Education Chair Mary Poling, Vice Chair Josh Stowers and the Education Committee for originating a bill last week that, if passed and implemented, will address many of the concerns with the proposed joint Gilmer-Lewis elementary school.  House Bill 3160 provides for a pilot initiative on governance of schools jointly established by adjoining counties.  Thanks to Education Committee member and Gilmer County Delegate Dave Walker for his active role in seeing this move forward.  The bill should be in the Senate by mid-week for their action.

One bill that was mis-drafted by Legislative Services dealt with minimum liability insurance on commercial carriers.  The bill was intended to increase the minimum liability insurance coverage only with taxis, commercial vans that haul passengers for profit, and would have excluded school buses, contract school buses and others modes of transportation.  Since the bill did not include the specific language needed and could have impacted other modes of transportation, thereby creating a possible hardship on commercial carriers, I had the bill killed out of an abundance of caution.

Please send your inquiries to the Capitol Office at:  Building 1, Room 224-M, Charleston, WV 25305.  Or, call the Capitol office at 304.340.3220; Assistant to the Majority Leader, Jennifer McPherson at 304.340.3942 or fax to 304.340.3213.  If you have an interest in any particular bill or issue, please let me know.  For those with Internet access, my e-mail address is: “Brent.Boggs@WVhouse.gov” .

You may also obtain additional legislative information, including the copies of bills, conference reports, daily summaries, interim highlights, and leave me a message on the Legislature’s web site at www.legis.state.wv.us/.  When leaving a message, please remember to include your phone number with your inquiry and any details you can provide. Additional information, including agency links and the state government phone directory, may be found at www.wv.gov. Also, you may follow me on Facebook at “Brent Boggs”, Twitter at “@DelBrentBoggs” , as well as the WV Legislature’s Facebook page at “West Virginia Legislature” or on Twitter at twitter.com/wvlegislature.

Continue to remember our troops - at home and abroad - and keep them and their families in your thoughts and prayers.  Until next week – take care.

Attention Gilmer Schools Coalition Members and Concerned Citizens of Gilmer County, Good News!

Delegate David Walker informed us that legislation first started by himself and Delegate Boggs on the governance of inter-county schools has been passed from the Education Committee by unanimous vote and is moving forward from that committee.

Also, an additional bill is in progress to set the standards for a clear exit plan after state intervention.

More information will be provided when available.

~~  Facilitator, Gilmer Schools Coalition ~~

AG Day 2013 in Charleston, WV

The West Fork Conservation District exhibited their display for AG Day 2013 in Charleston, WV on March 20, 2013.

Senator Doug Facemire, shown in the picture with Rick Collins, Gilmer County, Steve Hannah, WV Farm Bureau, Robin Ward, West Fork Conservation District Outreach Coordinator, Dinah Hannah, WV Conservation Agency Administrative Officer and Jane Collins, Gilmer County District Supervisor.

Gilmer County Commission Regular Monthly Meeting – 04.02.13

APPOINTMENTS

        09:15 DAVE DORWOOD – RE:  Erroneous Tax Assessment by the State (may be via phone)

        09:30 JOHN NORMAN – RE:  Mon Power Storm Management Plan (304.761.4286)

        09:45 LENORA MARKS – RE:  County Trash Service

        10:00 DAVE MATTHEWS – RE:  911 Addressing

        10:15 DWAYNE BROWN – RE:  Butchers’s Hollow Road Sign

        10:30 MICHELLE STEVENS – RE:  American Red Cross

        10:45 JACK HEATER – RE:  LEPC By-Law Amendments

        11:00 DEVON HEATER – RE:  Sexual Assault Awareness Proclamation

        11:15 DENNIS FITZPATRICK – RE:  Unsafe Buildings and Lands Committee

ROUTINE BUSINESS

      Discussion and/or action on:

              •  Exonerations and/or Consolidations

              •  Approve estate qualifications and estate settlements

              •  Board Appointments and/or Resignations:

                        »  Martin Hess, Recreation Center Board

              •  Budget Revisions

              •  Budget Control Report

              •  Approve invoices for payment

              •  Approve County Commission MARCH & APRIL Minutes

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

              •  Industrial Park Package Plant Proposal

              •  Gilmer County Recreation Center By-Laws

                        »  change quorum to majority

              •  Renew LEPC Director and Deputy Director’s Contract

NEW BUSINESS

Discussion and/or action on:

              •  Approve FY 2012 Financial Statement

              •  FY 2012 Audit by State Auditor’s Office

              •  Lay the Levy Meeting April 16, 2013

              •  Tires for Assessor’s vehicle ($351.92)

              •  E-911 United Bank Account

              •  Direct Deposit of Payroll

              •  Swearing in of new employees policy

              •  Region VII Project Priority List

              •  Request to place FFA Sign at the “Welcome To Gilmer County” sign on WV Hwy 5 E

              •  Resolution naming GCEDA as leading economic agency for Gilmer County

              •  CERT Liability Insurance

ADMINISTRATOR’S UPDATE

Gilmer County Levy Estimate for 2014 FY