RACHEL DOVE-BALDWIN

Staff Writer

WILLIAMSON - Numerous topics of public and county interest were addressed during this week’s

regularly scheduled meeting of the Mingo County Commission, with all three commissioners in

attendance.

A date and time was proposed for Trick or Treat night in Mingo County, and Tuesday, Oct. 30 from 6-8

p.m. was the choice of the commissioners. More information will be available in the near future about

the City of Williamson’s sponsored family Halloween event that is held at the Williamson Field House, as

well as those scheduled in other municipalities.

The second reading of the required Floodplain Ordinance was conducted and adopted by the county,

with minor revisions to be included in the final draft. This ordinance is required by the State of WV and

by FEMA, and according to Kevin Sneed from the WV State Division of Homeland Security, will include

changes that stipulate a “2 foot free board” that will apply to all new businesses, houses and mobile

homes built or placed on property that is identified as being within the flood plain.

The structures will have to be 2 foot higher than the former measurements in effect before this

ordinance was adopted, and plans are also in the works that will require building permits to be

approved and issued by Bill Davis, Mingo County Floodplain Director, prior to constructing a business or

dwelling, or before placing a mobile home within the areas that are flood prone. This rule will not apply

to existing structures.

A decision was made to allow Mingo County’s Humane Officer to issue citations in situations where a

resident remains noncompliant with the rules and regulations that govern animal control. Officer Queen

will first issue a written warning giving the offender a designated time period in which to correct the

violation, and if that order is not respected, a citation to appear in magistrate court will be given. The

cost of the fines will be decided by the county court system, with a stiffer penalty and charge being

implemented for repeat offenders.

Jerry Lyall appeared on behalf of the Gilbert Kiwanis Club to request financial assistance with their

annual Christmas events that provides help for families in need. The commissioners voted and

approved a $1,000 donation to assist with these charitable and worthwhile activities.

Representatives of the Matewan Midget League requested assistance to purchase uniforms for those

participating in this year’s basketball season, explaining that the numbers of children involved in the

sport have increased and that uniforms were worn and had not been replaced in approximately 4 years.

Funding in the amount of $2,000 was approved.

Dave Farley was present during the commission meeting and spoke on behalf of the Mingo County

Library Board, requesting funding that will allow the board to garner more money from state

funding. Farley explained that matching funds are required in order to receive the allowed increase.

Commissioners voted to provide approximately $6,200 and encouraged Farley to approach the Mingo

County Board of Education for the additional funding needed, which would match the amount agreed

upon during the meeting.

“The library board does an awesome job and we commend you for your efforts,” stated Commission

President John Mark Hubbard. “The numbers state that over 72,000 books were checked out of Mingo

County Libraries last year, and that’s a wonderful accomplishment. Reading is a necessity for all of

mankind.”

October 12th will be the official opening day for the newly constructed Mingo County Airport located

in Varney, with the ribbon cutting ceremony planned for 11:00 a.m. The Airport Authority requested in

writing that the commission provide funding assistance to help meet the costs for the grand opening,

and the amount of $3,000 to be used toward this event was approved.

A motion was made and seconded to allow Chief Court Marshal Yogi Croaff and two bailiffs, Brandon

Maynard and Geraldine Maynard, to attend required training in Morgantown during the week of Oct. 1-

5. The WV Supreme Court picks up the tab for the cost of the classes and motel accommodations and

the commission approved the funding request for meal reimbursement for those attending.

A hiring request brought forth by Mingo County Emergency Services Director Jerrod Fletcher was

approved, and Linette Morrison was hired as a temporary 90-day 911 worker. Other hiring requests

made by the Mingo County Clerk’s office were tabled until the next meeting that is scheduled for

Wednesday, Oct 3.

If you wish to address a public need or if you have a request that you would like to present to the county

commission, you may ask to have your name or that of your organization put on the next agenda by

calling 304-235-0378.