The Tyler County Commission met in regular session on Tuesday, January 11, 2022, at 9 a.m. in the Courthouse Chambers in Middlebourne. Commissioner Mike Smith opened the meeting with nominations for the 2022 officers. Eric Vincent was nominated as President and Lance Hickman as Vice President. The nominations were seconded and approved, along with the minutes of the December 29, 2021. Also approved were the minutes from the December 10, 2021, special meeting, the December 29, 2021, special meeting, the Fiduciary Report from County Clerk Neil A. Archer, II and the Exonerations.

First up was Steve Thomas from the Friendly City Council requesting funds for improvements throughout Friendly. The commissioners approved funding for fixing two storm drains, one located at the Mail Pouch Barn and the other on Birch Lane at a cost of $11,508 and the grading and graveling of all streets at a cost of $19,980 for a total of $31,488.

Prosecuting Attorney Luke Furbee asked the Commissioners to approve a new hire for his office. The Commissioners approved Diane Mason as a part-time receptionist.

Next up on the agenda was Patricia Keller from the Middlebourne EMS discussing the levy ballot order.

Prosecuting Attorney Furbee led a lengthy discussion on how wording should be presented on the ballot.

The discussion centered around increased valuations and how to use the excess money that the fees would provide. It was decided that Luke would prepare a final document with an explanation of reduced rate/rollback terminology, which is a new provision to the ballot, and present it to the Commissioners at the next meeting on January 25. The new wording on the ballot would apply to both the EMS and Fire Levy.

Tom Cooper, OEM Director for Tyler County, presented an agreement to the commissioners made with the New Martinsville Regatta Committee to acquire a skiff boat. The agreement states that the Regatta Committee would be able to use the boat for two days a year on the fourth weekend in September during the New Martinsville Regatta.

Luke Furbee recommended a clause be added to the agreement for a 30-day notice of termination to which the commissioners agreed and the document for the donation of the skiff boat to Tyler County OEM was approved.

Josh Fulks, E-911 Director, approached the commissioners with a service agreement for fire inspections at the E-911 Center from Brewer and Company for $1,100 a year. Josh explained to the commission the service agreement is important to maintain the fire systems at the new center. The commissioners gave their approval.

The commissioners also approved the following nominations to committees for 2022. Extension Service – Eric Vincent, Economic Development & Planning – Mike Smith, Elections – Mike Smith, Eric Vincent, Lance Hickman, Libraries – Mike Smith, 911 – Eric Vincent, Homeland Security & OEM – Mike Smith, Little Kanawha RC&D – Lance Hickman, MOVRC – Eric Vincent, Animal Control – Eric Vincent, Seniors Citizens & Nutrition – Lance Hickman, Workforce Investment Board – Lance Hickman, Americans with Disabilities Act – Eric Vincent, Court Security – Mike Smith, Tyler County Public Service District – Mike Smith, Tyler Co Youth Camp – Lance Hickman, LEPC – Mike Smith, Budget & Finance – Eric Vincent, Mike Smith, Lance Hickman.

The County Commissioners approved a request from the City of Sistersville for $11,500 for the addition of two new boat docks at the Allan Maxwell Memorial Boat Docks. The docks will be built and delivered to the city by Genesis Services, LLC out of Beverly, Ohio. The two additional docks will allow the city to offer additional space for boaters to rent for the season and provide access for public boarding of passengers that launch at the river.

Under Public Comment, a representative from the library expressed concern regarding parking at the Tyler County Public Library in Middlebourne and the new Judicial Building. The commissioners explained that the area behind the Judicial building would be used as a parking lot once construction is complete. Currently there is a house located on the future parking area, and it will be removed to provide the extra parking spaces.

Following the approval to pay the bills the meeting was adjourned. The next meeting of the Tyler County Commissioner is scheduled for January 25 at 9 a.m. in the Chambers of the Courthouse.