Chad Abshire

Staff Writer

GILBERT — The Gilbert Town Council met Monday evening and conducted its first meeting of the new year, discussing the town’s upcoming election, water projects and more.

Mayor Vivian Livingood, to begin the meeting, asked the council to officially support the county’s excess levy, which will appear on the March ballot.

“I’ve looked over it and it has the kids in mind,” Livingood said. “It’s the same deal that’s been in place for more than 50 years and won’t raise your taxes.”

After a brief discuission, the council unanimously voted in support of the levy.

Later during the meeting, the town’s attorney, Glen Rutledge, announced that the county would reintroduce the fire levy that failed last year to run alongside the school’s excess levy on the March ballot. He did not go into detail.

The council next heard an update from Rick Roberts, an engineer with E.L. Robinson, regarding the ongoing water projects in Browning Fork, Gilbert Creek and Horsepen.

According to Roberts, of the four contracts awarded to different companies, two are behind schedule, one is on schedule and another is ahead of schedule. However, he still expected for the project to be completed at its intended date of June 9.

Regarding how far the project would extend into Gilbert Creek, Roberts said that while the plan was originally to reach the post office, “the funding won’t allow for it.”

However, Roberts mentioned that he anticipated for there to be some leftover pipe and funds to go farther, “but almost definitely not to the post office.”

Mayor Livingood mentioned that people were excited for the project, but were disappointed when they learned that the project might not reach their home.

“One man asked me if he could just buy his own pipe,” she said.

Next, Fire Chief Mike Tolley spoke to the council and announced that the fire department had received its certification.

The council praised Tolley and the department for the achievement. Tolley mentioned that it was the first time in the department’s history that it had received certification. The fire department will remain certified until Dec. 7, 2017.

“It is dedicated people like you and exemplary fire departments like yours that are at the core of protecting the citizens and property of the State of West Virginia and your effort and hard work are sincerely appreciated,” Supervisor Tim Provaznik, with the Fire Department Services Division of the State Fire Marshal’s Office, said in a letter to Tolley that accompanied the certificate.

In two brief discussions held afterward, the council carried two unrelated motions:

• All tickets must be paid by check or money order by request of Municipal Judge Michael Kane.

• Adopted the texting ordnance after the resolution’s second reading, prohibiting the use of texting and other hand-required communication devices within the town while driving.

Lastly, the council discussed the town’s upcoming election. The filing period will last from Jan. 14 until Jan. 26 and cost $50 for mayor, $35 for recorder and $25 to run for a seat on the council.

Mayor Livingood announced her intention to seek re-eletction, as did Councilmen Randy Livingood and Curtis Lester, along with Councilwomen Jennifer Miller and Sharon Murphy and Recorder Michael Fox.. Councilman Todd Westfall decided to not seek re-election. The general election will be conducted at town hall June 11, from 6:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m.

The Gilbert Town Council meets the second Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at Gilbert Town Hall, with the next scheduled meeting set for Feb. 11. Meetings are open to the public.