By Heather Clower
The Parsons Advocate
Councilwoman Cindy Robeson took the roll for the Davis Town Council meeting in the absence of Recorder Andy Snyder and Councilwoman Jeannette Tekavec Ware. The meeting was dispensed from its regular meeting with a motion from Councilmen Al Tomson and John Felton to hear from guests.
Kaycie Stushek with the West Virginia Community Development Hub offered a brief presentation to the council to explain what programs they offer that the town may be of interest in. “The whole key of the program is to capitalize on the growth that tourism is having around recreation, especially in these locations,” stated Stushek. “The last tourism report from last year listed Tucker County as one of three examples where it’s really booming,” she added. “The key is to capitalize on that market potential and economic potential and invest in downtowns so that downtowns are ready to take that investment in terms of buildings and businesses,” Stushek said.
More in-depth details were given to the council for their consideration of the program, which they will review further and discuss. The grant process due date is in April, therefore a decision will be made in time to take advantage of that opportunity if decided it is what is best for Davis.
Mayor Doug Martin provided accounts payable to the council before reviewing the water improvement project invoices. The total invoices came to $444,811.13 which Tomson and Felton made a motion to pay with all in favor. After reviewing the 2021-2022 budget which runs from July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2022, Martin noted, “It’s up a little more from last year.” It is crucial that the revenue coming in matches the expenditures, which Tomson stated, “You’ll see that it exactly matches.” This budget does not include the sewer or water, and the property tax amount is prepared and set by the county, not the municipality. Tomson and Robeson made a motion to approve the budget with everyone voting unanimously in favor.
Councilman Terry Helmick provided a list of the projects pertaining to streets, alleys, and waterworks in the council packets. Guest Jennie Helmick asked if the sod was going to be replaced where it was disrupted from the water project. Martin said once the project is complete, it will be addressed and more gravel will be put down.
Martin informed the Council that the number two filter is down which has postponed work being done at the water plant. The contractors will need to be issued an extension due to delays also caused by the weather. It is estimated that the work in town is 75% complete with approximately 85% of work done at the plant. An invoice for a new digital pump was received in the amount of $2,700, which Martin explained that the older style, manual pumps are $1,850 and the money saved on chemicals for the digital will make up the difference.
The cemetery has been actively selling lots and basketball is going on at the Community Center. Felton wished to address concerns citizens have brought to him about the recently purchased trash truck not being utilized to collect trash throughout the town. It was said that the truck has summer tires on it and chains have not been purchased yet, therefore in inclement weather, it is difficult to maneuver. Helmick added that the haul road at the landfill needs to dry up as well before the truck with its current tires can get in and out safely. The dump trucks are still being used to collect trash in some of the alleys due to accessibility.
Felton also brought up the green truck and plows that have not been used. Martin said some of the plows are being used for parts. Felton suggested using what can be from the plows and truck and sell the rest. “We will clean it up,” Martin assured.
Tomson included a copy of the property appraisals in the council packet in consideration of making a town park on a piece of property that will connect to the landlocked park on the other side of town. “An appraisal is important because if we get federal or state money to buy the land, the property cannot be sold for more than the appraisal, so we needed to know what the amount was that we’re looking at as the ceiling,” Tomson explained.
J. Helmick brought up that the kids can rarely use the park they have now due to the excessive goose droppings. She asked if there was a way to remedy the situation, which Martin said multiple efforts have been made to do so. Tomson added that “We’re looking at buying the property for a couple of reasons, one is we want to keep access to the river, a big, wide access to the river, on this part of town so it doesn’t get built on and filled up with buildings.” Tomson made a motion to pursue the property and to come to an agreement with the current landowner with Robeson making a second. Tomson then made a motion to get the property appraisal with a second from Felton and all in favor.
A motion was made to pay the bills before the meeting was adjourned. The Davis Town Council will meet again on Wednesday, March 24, at 6:30 p.m. at the Davis Town Hall.