Ira Aracich

The meeting included a citizen presentation regarding an open-air market, a discussion on a resignation notice for the Parks and Recreation Board, and the approval of a letter of support for naming a new bridge the Purple Heart Memorial Bridge. The commission approved resolutions for a courthouse facilities improvement grant, the advertisement of open positions for the Parks and Recreation Board, and the appointment of new members to both the Parks and Recreation Board and the 911 Advisory Board. Additional business included hiring an assistant maintenance technician, updating on cemetery maintenance, approving a 911 dispatcher promotion, reviewing animal shelter reports, hiring an animal care technician, advertising for an assistant prosecuting attorney, accepting volunteers into the sheriff's reserve, appointing a fiduciary commissioner, and approving travel and financial bills. The meeting concluded with information on upcoming 4-H club reopenings and adjustments to future meeting dates.

The meeting commenced with the invocation and pledge of allegiance. Key discussions included presentations from the Executive Director and Community Development Specialist regarding new appointments to the Planning Commission and the Weiron Transit Corporation's consideration of a Citywide Levy for transportation funding. The Commission discussed the proposed Senate Bill 258 regarding county road construction plans and potential sales tax levies for transportation improvements. Correspondence involved approving a letter of support for a grant application by Change Incorporated to continue transportation services. New business covered approval to enter into a contractual agreement for a Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grant application. The Commission approved advertising bid packages for grass cutting services, following a discussion on the merits of using contractors versus internal summer help. Other actions included approving a hearing date for a last will and testament in solemn form, approving the February 2015 monthly report for the Dog Warden, accepting the resignation of a part-time dispatcher from the Office of Technology and Communications, approving new members for the Sheriff's Reserve, approving a payment for a retiring Sheriff's Department employee's accumulated leave, and approving miscellaneous probates, exoneration orders, general county bills, P-card payments, fire location bills, Library Levy items, and Sheltered Workshop items. The Sheriff's Department noted the recent passing of K9 Freddy due to cancer. The Emergency Service Director provided an update on several ice jams, confirming that procedures would rely on natural thawing rather than dynamite or sending personnel into hazardous conditions.

The meeting covered the approval of minutes from a prior meeting on January 10th. Key discussions included granting a letter of support and a form for Fred McDonald related to the fiscal year 2020 Community Corrections grants application. The Commission approved a community criminal justice board membership agreement. The Lawrenceville Volunteer Fire Department received approval for a two-part financing agreement, including financing equipment (SCBA bottles and turnout gear) and a lease purchase agreement. The transfer of an animal shelter employee to a part-time 4-H and youth program assistance role was approved, effective February 11th, 2019. The resignation of a member from the Hancock County Parks and Recreation Board was accepted. Commissioners reported on a recent workshop regarding the road bond issue, noting that approximately $8 million of the $19 million allocated for Hancock County had purportedly been spent, with $11 million remaining unassigned, and updates were expected in March. The General County budget revision number three for fiscal year 18 was approved. Several board openings were addressed, including appointing an individual to the Resource Conservation and Development Board and readvertising openings for the Northern Panhandle Home Consortium Council, the Technical Advisory Committee representative to the Brooke Hancock Jefferson Planning Commission, the community at-large representative to the Brooke Hancock Jefferson Planning Commission, and an opening on the Northern Panhandle community criminal justice board. The Commission approved entering into a contractual agreement for the West Virginia Justice Assistance Grant Program for Prevention Resource Officers and another for the Drug Task Force, noting significant reductions in funding for both grants. The December 2018 animal shelter report and expenses were approved. Approval was granted to apply for the 2019 West Virginia Spay/Neuter Grant Program, with an anticipated outcome of assisting approximately 300 cats and 20 dogs. Two individuals were approved to be hired as part-time dispatchers effective February 1, 2019. A motion to table the purchase for new Sheriff's Department cruisers, pending a presentation from the Sheriff, was approved. General County bills, including specific travel expenses, were approved for payment, along with payments for animal shelter levy funds, library levy funds, and sheltered workshop levy fund requisitions.

The meeting included the approval of the July 20, 2017 meeting minutes. The executive director of the Convention and Visitors Bureau provided an annual report, noting projected revenue decreases and changes in state grant structures. Discussions covered approving a lease agreement extension with the Hancock County Solid Waste Authority until June 30, 2014, to facilitate grant applications for the recycling center, and hiring/advertising for animal shelter positions. The commission approved monthly reports for the Dog Warden and the 2018-2019 grant agreement with First Energy Nuclear Operating Company for the Beaver Valley Power Station. Finance actions included reviewing probates, states, acceleration orders, and approving general county bills totaling approximately $66,634.82, along with various levy fund bills. Citizen remarks involved a detailed critique regarding the cost and performance metrics of the county-operated animal shelter compared to previous non-profit management, including high animal death rates and increased operational costs. A subsequent discussion addressed the Attorney General's opinion regarding levy funds and allegations made in a public editorial concerning fund usage and communications.

The meeting proceedings included the recognition and presentation by Fiscardo Concrete regarding their business growth, including significant project milestones and plans for industry presentation, as well as the presentation of the 2020 K-9 report from the Hancock County Sheriff's Department detailing vehicle searches, track runs, apprehensions, and drug seizures. Correspondence involved a motion to support the Northern Panhandle Community Criminal Justice Board's 2022 grant application for the Lee Day Report Center. Additionally, a letter from Weirton Medical Center recognizing the Hancock County Health Department's efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly regarding vaccine rollout, was entered into the record. An announcement was made regarding the History Channel's show 'American Pickers' visiting West Virginia in April to scout private collections. The funding request from Blue Stream Farms for $25,000 was tabled pending further review and meeting with representatives.