Highland County Board of Supervisors September Meeting

The Highland County Board of Supervisors held it’s monthly meeting September 6.

During Board comments, Supervisor John Moyers spoke about safety issues he saw with both the Mountain Mama Road Bike Challenge and the Highland County Fair.   At Mountain Mama, he encountered bikers on the roads earlier than he was expecting, because he said publicized information indicated that Mountain Mama would begin at 8am.  He came upon one biker stopped in the road before 8am.  He said it needs to be publicized that some riders start earlier.   County Attorney Melissa Dowd replied that bike riders are entitled to use public roads any day, at any time and drivers should always be aware that there may be bikers on the roads.  She added that cyclists should also be riding responsibly.  She said some riders at Mountain Mama like to start early so they are not riding in a pack with others.   Supervisor Moyers was also concerned about the Saturday night Truck and Tractor Pull at the Fair, because people were riding in the trucks.  He said that was a safety issue and, in the past, he knew that the liability insurance wouldn’t allow that.  County Attorney Melissa Dowd asked if the county should send a letter to the Fair Board and the Recreation Commission regarding the concerns.   Supervisor David Blanchard said he felt it was not the county’s place to send a letter.  He encouraged Supervisor Moyers to talk with the Fair Board and Recreation Commission, since he witnessed the events.  Supervisor Blanchard also said he heard people had concerns about the Truck and Tractor Pull at the Fair.

Supervisor David Blanchard welcomed Highland’s new Sheriff, Ronald Wimer.  Sheriff Wimer will finish out former Sheriff David Neal’s term.  Supervisor Blanchard said he appreciated the seven years David Neal served as Sheriff and he hoped that he will enjoy his retirement.

The Board appointed the following to the Local Emergency Planning Committee for three-year terms:

Doug Siron of the McDowell Volunteer Fire Department,

Jerry Moats, Ham Radio Operator,

Emily Malcolm, Director of Social Services,

Josh Simmons, Building & Zoning Administrator,

Ronald Wimer, Sheriff,

Scott Smith with Allegheny Mountain Radio and

Erin Will, Deputy Clerk of the Circuit Court.

During public comment Betty Mitchell, representing the Economic Development Authority, told the Board about a housing study that is underway which includes both Bath and Highland.  The study will evaluate the availability of housing.  The Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission is conducting the regional housing study.  Mitchell said work with focus groups will be underway over the next two or three months.