Marlinton Town Council Puzzled Over Water Leak On Second Ave

Marlinton, WV – The Marlinton Town Council conducted a lengthy discussion of a standing water problem at 415 2nd Avenue at their regular meeting Wednesday night. Mayor Dennis Driscoll said he is aware of the problem. He says he can’t figure out where the water is coming from.

There was an old drain in the area at one time, but his crew has been unable to open it. He says that a permanent solution is at least two years away when the remainder of the storm drain project is completed. For now, Councilman Norris Long and the Mayor will take another look at the area and see if a temporary fix can be made.

The Mayor reported that there are no leaks detected in the water system. He also says a new screening system has been installed to prevent blockages on the Knapps Creek water intake. Although it requires occasional cleaning, he says the system has greatly improved the reliability of the intake.

In other business, Councilman Long says he has received a confidential legal opinion on the ongoing town law enforcement debate.

“Since our last meeting, I have received highly reliable information, from an extremely reputable source, a lawyer, regarding our discussion on the hiring of the Sheriff’s department, and the question of whether it can or cannot be done” says Long. “I was told that if it’s not specifically written that they can enforce the ordinances, then they can’t, by state code.”

Pocahontas County Prosecutor Donna Price was unable to attend due to a recent personal medical problem. She will be asked to come to the next Council meeting to discuss the issue further.

The Mayor told Council about the initiative to pave the roads in the Mountain View Cemetery.

“We met with some folks who lived here and were brought up here in the County, and they want to help us by paving the Cemetery” he says, “that part that’s not paved; and repave that part that is. And they are setting up a fund to hopefully get enough money to do all of it.”

The Mountain View Cemetery Paving Project Fund is at the Pendleton County Bank. Although the Town has little involvement at this point, the Fund will be considered a Town Account and will be audited as all others are. If the project fails to raise the needed money, all donations will be returned.

Council passed the First Reading of the new, revised town animal ordinance. This new revision covers all aspects of animal control including one new provision concerning rabies vaccinations. The draft 26 page ordinance is now available for public comment at the Town Office during regular business hours. Citizens are invited to stop by, review the Draft, and make any comments they wish. If there are no substantial changes, Council will conduct the Second Reading and vote on passage at its next regular meeting.

The Council also took the following actions:
Declined a request to support WVMR radio festival coverage

Approved advertising for a part time, seasonal position at the Mountain View Cemetery

And agreed to pay Poll Workers $100 per day during the early voting period that starts June 1st.