Highland County Board Of Supervisors November Meetings – Pt.2

This is Part 2 of a story on the Highland County Board of Supervisors’ meetings in November.

The November 6^th regular meeting began with presentations from Dr. Jay Langston and Robin Sullenberger from the Shenandoah Valley Partnership on the Regional Industrial Facilities initiative, which is exploring a commerce park on land adjacent to the Shenandoah Valley Airport in Augusta County. Augusta County, nor any single locality, can afford to develop the property individually, but are looking to host the site for revenue sharing.

Next, the Board heard from Highland Sheriff Bob Kelly, Sheriff Office employee Paxton Grant, and Emergency Services Coordinator Harley Gardner who advocated for the hiring of a full time public safety professional to serve as Highland’s Emergency Manager and 911 coordinator come next fiscal year. This would combine two current part time positions into one full-time. Mike O’Brien, who holds such a position in Pocahontas County, was also on hand to provide background and information on the job.

The Board took care of some routine matters, including holiday schedules and luncheon, reinstating an insurance claim for a totaled vehicle into the school budget, approving a letter of support for a Central Shenandoah Planning District project on flood zones, and approved that an individual be offered the McDowell water system operator position, as well as a quote for heating and cooling work at 165 Courthouse Lane. The Board tabled a request to return surplus monies to the school budget, citing upcoming legal expenses.

During the Board’s November 20^th work session, Justin Rexrode was introduced as the new manager for the planned state park in Hayfields, and David Frayer was approved for a term on the Highland Recreation Commission.

Supervisor Henry Budzinski thanked Ms. Dowd for her service, who offered to assist in Request for Proposals for new legal representation.

Supervisor Harry Sponaugle read a prepared statement in support of EMS Chief Kosenko and his work and improvements since taking the position, as well as apologizing for a confrontation between he and Mr. Budzinski, and made a motion to approve this statement, which passed unanimously. A motion was also made to recognize that the EMS Chief’s supervisor is the county administrator, and Board members are to refrain from efforts to undermine or manage the EMS Chief, which also passed unanimously.

Supervisor Paul Trible moved, and the Board approved, to offer Ms. Botkin the position of County Administrator, pursuant to reaching terms.

For Allegheny…