Money For Phase II Of Marlinton Storm Drain Project May Be Hard To Procure

Marlinton, WV – Dave Sharp of Potesta & Associates told the Marlinton Town Council that funds for projects such as Phase II of the Marlinton Combined Sewer & Storm Drain project, may be harder to qualify for.

“The first phase of the project was funded through a lot of the stimulus money, [and] through grants; that money is not available now” says Sharp. “Grants aren’t as available now for this kind of project as they were at that time. There are some low interest loans out there, there are some grants, but they can’t promise you that they’re available until you actually come to them with a designed project, lay it on the table and they’ll tell you what’s available.”

Sharp says that regardless of how phase two is finally funded, they first must identify what is sewer, and what is storm drain. During the early part of phase one, the areas of primary concern in the system were smoke tested, but some lower priority areas were not. In order to qualify for any funding, whether grant or low interest loan, these areas must be smoke tested. Sharp says the town can get whatever contractor they wish but as a part of Potesta’s proposal, he adds a recommendation.

“This is a proposal, it’s about $4,000” he says. “This is for the identification and coordination to do that work; that does not include the actual work itself and I want to point that out. We work with a company out of Charleston, Underwater Services to do this on a regular basis.”

“In order to save money, one of the things we like to typically do is just have you contract directly with them. It takes us less time and reduces our mark up, we get the same product and it saves you guy’s money.”

Sharp estimates that the actual testing will cost between $2,500.00 and $4,000.00 for a total cost estimate of $6,500.00 to $8,000.00. After some discussion, Council voted to accept Potesta’s proposal.

In other business the Council heard a complaint for Larry Talkington about the property next door to his. He says there are numerous junk cars, trucks, motor, car parts, and tires. Talkington says, thus far, he has not been able to get any help from anyone or any agency.

All members of the Council are aware of the property. Councilman Zorn said his committee is working on preparing notices for not only that property but about 20 other similar properties throughout the Town. After the notices go out, the next step will be Citations. Zorn assured Talkington that the Council is working to resolve the situation and that he should expect to see some action soon.

Mayor Joe Smith reported to the Council that a house on the west end of the Rt 39 Bridge long thought to be on spring water is actually a part of the town’s water system. A meter has been located and the occupants will be billed in the future. Smith also reported that the Town is required by the Pocahontas Circuit Court to reopen the old Courtney Avenue. The judge gave the town 60 days to comply. Smith says that Keith Alderman will do the work within a few weeks.

Mayor Smith unveiled a new Aerial Photograph of Marlinton taken in the spring of this year and said they are available for purchase for $150. Anyone interested should contact the Town Office. Smith also told the Council that the Smithsonian Exhibit will be in the Town Auditorium from September 10th thru October 22nd and that the Auditorium will not be available for anything else during that time.

In other action council approved the following:

A resolution giving the Housing Authority more power in determining unsafe and nuisance properties

Having the Town Attorney work with the Assessors Office to correct several errors in the County’s tax maps

And changing the day for regular council meetings to the first Monday of the month.

Mayor Smith made the following Committee Assignments:

Housing Authority: Fred Burns Jr., Tom Dunbrack, Jim Smith, Roger Pressler, and John Snyder

Council Appointments:

Animal Control: Dave Zorn, Chairman, Natasha McMann, Norris Long and private citizen Chris Weber

Safety: Robin Mutscheller

Personnel: Robin Mutscheller, and Louise Barnisky

Wage: David Zorn and Louise Barnisky

Finance: Robin Mutscheller, Star Barlow, and Loretta Malcomb

Flood Control Coordinator: Robin Mutscheller

Parliamentarian: Natasha McMann

WEB Site: Robin Mutscheller. David Zorn, Loretta Malcomb, Natasha McMann

Department Liaisons:

Maintenance: Dave Zorn
Garbage: Louise Barnisky
Office and Municipal Building: Loretta Malcomb
Cemetery: Natasha McMann
Streets and Sidewalks: Norris Long
Water Plant: Robin Mutscheller

The Mayor also hopes to include several citizens on the committees, particularly Safety and Animal Control. The Mayor also said that all Council Members can attend committee meetings whether they are on the committee or not.