By Gary Lee Stuber
While the two Clay County Commission monthly meetings may have been sparsely attended, they were chock full of optimistic news. Catherine Hicks recently assigned as the new spokesperson for the NRCS under the US Department of Agriculture Watershed Projects, made a presentation before the Clay County Commission during its first meeting in March, and gave all those present a handout. She gave listeners an earful of grant resources, as well, the best of which is offered by the West Virginia Grant Resource Center a joint venture between Marshall and West Virginia University that was created a little more than a year ago as an assistant to potential grant writers in all 55 counties. In the spring of 2022 the Center did a survey that discovered that 83% of grant applicants did not have a dedicated grantwriter, and that 78% would welcome assistance on grant writing from the Center.
Catherine noted that of the 55 West Virginia counties, Clay County was one of nine that they had yet to assist. So, on Monday, April 29, at 5 p.m., the West Virginia Grant Resource Center will be at the Clay County High School Panther’s Den to address that deficiency and offer help to those who attend. The Grant Centers support proposals involving workforce development, community development and outdoor recreation, job creation and retention, infrastructure and site development and/or economic development that will help address Clay County’s challenges and capture new opportunities. Clients can come to this meeting from various backgrounds and industries, including city and county government, nonprofits, public and higher education, local businesses and for-profit organizations.
In other commission business on March 12, Terry Martin told the board that the deadline for the grant they were working for the Grassyfork water project was coming up on April 19. The commission scheduled the next public hearing on the HUD Community Development Block Grant with discussion on the selection of the HUD-CDBG Project for 9:45 a.m. on April 8. This is of course, 15 minutes before the first Clay County Commission regular session for April in the same location.
Commissioner President Joyce Johnson and Commissioner David Schoolcraft were the only two commissioners present and were able to take care of other commission business of approving wills, estates and assignment of executors or administrators. The Commission got an update on the Judicial Annex, and approved projects for Congressional Directed Spending and Community Projects through our Congressional Delegation. The commission also agreed to be the fiscal agent for a grant to TC Energy and the GKRC&D for the Buffalo Creek Watershed. The grant would be for the installment of stream restoration structures on Buffalo Creek. The commission meeting was sparsely attended this time and aside from the two presenters previously noted, was relatively short and sweet as commission meetings go.
The second meeting of the monthn was also sparsely attended the 25th, but was also full of helpful information. All three commissioners were present for this 5 p.m. meeting.
The Commission approved the use of the allocated funds from the opioid lawsuit, approximately $278,000 to $279,000 of Clay County’s portion of the fund, to make a payment to Clay County’s jail bill at the Central Regional Jail. This is barely a dent in the $2 million dollar plus debt.
Commissioner Schoolcraft announced that the Annual Clay County Clean-up Sponsored by the Solid Waste Authority and Waste Management, Inc. will be Saturday, April 27, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Solid waste, metals, appliances, etc., will be accepted at Pierson Lumber lot as they have in the past. The tires, however, will be collected this year at the high school. Come early and be prepared for long lines.
Commissioner Johnson announced that on April 22 and April 23, Teresa Davis, the county commission, the high school, and any volunteers who are willing to help, will do a main highway cleanup. Busses will transport volunteers to various locations on Routes 4, 16, and 36, and bags and reflective vests will be provided by the DOH who will also collect the bagged trash. Lunch will be provided for all volunteers. Bring a good pair of gloves and a good attitude as we attempt to beautify our county.
Donna Salisbury and Cindy Mullins of the Clay Family Support Center has recently opened for business in the old NAPA building diagonally across from the new courthouse and Judicial Annex. They also announced a successful family event held the previous weekend at the Maysel Park. Instead of an egg hunt, the Support Center did an Extravazanza, carnival style series of booths with games serving 250+ families. Smith Funeral Home and Flower Shop provided hot dogs and snacks. It was well received. In the Clay facility they offer Yoga free every Tuesday, Zumba free every Thursday, both events are from 6 to 7 p.m. April 12 they will do an SAT ice cream social for the kids at the high school taking their SAT’s.
In other business the commission approved a list of Election Officials for the May 14, 2024 Primary Election. They accepted Greg Fitzwater’s resignation from the Solid Waste Authority, and adopted the Ambulance Enhancement Fund Polity. They accepted a letter from Allen King to appoint Nathaniel M. Legg as a part time Bailiff/Process Server/Home Confinement officer for the Sheriff’s Office and accepted the resignation of Brittany Jarrell as 911 Dispatcher and moved Christopher Parsons from part time to full time dispatcher. They approved various Wills and Testaments and approved Waivers and Administrators.
The commission also approved a resolution to accept a grant agreement from the West Virginia Economic Enhancement Grant to finish work on the Judicial Annex. Terry Martin announced that they hired ZMM, and approved invoices submitted by them. They also approved a resolution for the President to sign and submit Congressional Directed Spending Application for the relocation of Clay County 911 Communications Center to Triplett Ridge across from Clay First Baptist Church at the old camp ground. After approving invoices for Chapman Technical Group for design of the Big Otter Nebo waterline extension, the commission continued to Wednesday, March 27, to approve the Clay County budget for fiscal year 2024 to be ready at that time.
Your county commissioners invite the general public to attend these meetings and are encouraged to ask questions on items on the agenda. Commissioners acknowledge this as your opportunity to participate in your government and voice your opinions that are on the docket. The next Clay County Commission meeting will be held at the Commission room at the Clay County Courthouse at 10 a.m., on Monday, April 8.
