On Thursday Tyler County Commissioners awarded the contract for heating and air conditioning at the magistrate building.

It went to Valley Plumbing and Heating, Inc. of New Martinsville, the lone bidder, at $14,905. The work includes installation of a new furnace and air conditioning unit for the second and third floors of the building. It was explained to the commissioners that the bid was for a 16 Seer High Efficient system which would have the condensing unit located on the side of the building and connected into the new duct work. New duct work will be added where needed as there is presently no duct work anywhere on the second floor, and an electrical box upgrade will also be necessary from a 50 amp to a 200 amp. service. A new four-ton air-conditioning unit will be installed on the roof for the third floor. Work is to begin as soon as possible and performed so as not to interfere with the Magistrate and Prosecutor’s duties.

The bid for the courthouse restoration work was also approved and awarded to Coon Restoration. The scope of work includes roof repairs, gutter repairs, hanger replacement, and new flashing behind gutters. There is also some patching and caulking to be done.

Nancy Creighton from Westbrook Health Services appeared before the commission to ask then to proclaim May as Mental Health Awareness Month. She explained to the commission the services which Westbrook provides to the county, such as bringing mental health awareness and services to the middle school students. She said they also have gotten a mental health counselor into the middle school to address mental health needs. She also said they have recently been awarded a substance abuse prevention grant which will help with the problem of underage drinking for the next five years. Commission President John Stender read a proclamation declaring May as Mental Health Awareness Month and the proclamation was unanimously approved by the commission.

The commission opened the bids for the generator for the Office of Emergency Management. The two bids received were both higher than the amount of the grant money approved. It was decided to again advertise for bids and to run the ads for two weeks beginning May 21, and ending May 28. OEM Director Tom Cooper said the grant money is only available until early June and then it would be lost. The commission set June 3 for a special meeting to open the bids in order to get the grant money on time. Cooper said he may try and request additional funds, although he wasn’t sure if they are available.

The commission approved the County Clerk and Circuit Clerk 2015 records Management and Preservation Grant application and resolution. They also approved a salary increase for newly elected officials as requested by the State Auditor’s office due to Senate Bill 1005.

Rusty Irwin, president of Status Wave, spoke to the commission about his progress in gaining access to the 911 towers and improving the reception to the outlying areas, mentioning there have been two state grants approved and he’s still working on license agreements. President Stender told him he needs to work with Josh Fulks of the 911 office.

The commission approved a name change for the Friendly Public Service District to be renamed the Tyler County Public Service District.

The new parking lot by the Stealey Green Center is still being prepared. The lot, which belongs to the Board of Education, was approved through an agreement between the county commission and the board to provide parking for people doing business at the courthouse and for anyone else doing business in town. It would also serve the needs of those attending sporting or other events at the center.

Luke Furbee brought it to the commission’s attention that the town has an interest in the parking lot as well as; the board gave them an irrevocable exclusive license to use the gym and parking areas when they gave the property to them. He said he would check with the town to see what their position is. The new parking lot has one point of egress and ingress. It is believed it would be in the best interest of all three to cooperate in the matter.

Commissioner Charles A. Smith reported that a man from the subcontractor working for Mon Power called wanting to park vehicles and equipment on county land near the county home. The commissioners agreed to give them permission with the stipulation they repair any damage and pay for any materials needed. It was also noted the area they wish to park on may need graveled and the subcontractor would also be responsible to gravel the area.

Commissioner Eric Vincent said he would like to thank everyone who came out to vote in the recent election and also the poll workers and everyone who helped. He commended those who ran in the elections and said everything went smoothly.

Stender said there is a need to purchase a John Deere tractor for the 4-H grounds. He said Bridgeport Equipment has offered the county a mower with a loader, which retails at $20,000, for $15,100. He said the loader was needed as they move a lot of dirt and debris out there. The commission approved the purchase. Stender also said the water well pump needs to be pulled and repaired, he said it would cost about $400 to repair the pump but the labor has been donated. Approval was given to repair the pump.

Clerk Teresa Hamilton read the fiduciary report and it was approved.

The next regular meeting will be May 27 at 9 a.m.