Town of Ansted

The documentation covers multiple Town of Ansted Council meetings from July, August, and September 2025. Key discussions and actions included: appointments to the Sewer Board and Zoning Board; scheduling a public hearing for the comprehensive plan; approval for a Fall Ball and Cornhole Tournament fundraiser; approval for youth soccer practice use of park fields; adoption of a resolution supporting a transportation alternatives grant application for Rich Creek Sidewalks Phase I; approval of General Fund and Coal Severance Fund Budget Revisions; appointment of a hiring committee for a maintenance position; discussion and approval of attendance for the WVML annual conference; an executive session to discuss employee annual raises, resulting in a 3% raise for most employees and specific pay adjustments/promotions; approving payment invoices for the Sewer Upgrade Project to The Thrasher Group, Inc.; adoption of a resolution adopting the comprehensive plan; first readings and adoption of the Unsafe Structures Ordinance, Building Code Ordinance, and Vacant Property Ordinance (with a correction for the latter); authorizing bids to clean up the landfill bridge area; discussion and tabling of matters concerning termite damage and repairs to the town museum, and the town dump truck tires; and second readings for the Unsafe Structures and Building Code Ordinances. Additionally, repairs to the Town Backhoe were approved in a special meeting, and authorization was given in a separate special meeting to sign a Letter of Support/Funding request for the NRG Town.

Key discussions during the regular meeting included reviewing the Dilapidated Property ordinance adopted by the City of Smithers for potential local drafting. The council reviewed a draft of the Town of Ansted Comprehensive Plan. A motion was passed unanimously to proceed with a parking improvement project along Log Town Road involving culvert and drop inlet installation at an approximate cost of $12,352.65. A proposal from Shentel for internet service for several municipal locations was tabled for review of other options. Approval was granted to proceed with a quote of $7,250.00 to replace the upstairs HVAC unit at the town hall. Council was reminded of the upcoming Laying of the Levy Meeting and the Town wide trash day. The Laying the Levy meeting on April 15, 2025, resulted in the unanimous approval of the Municipality of Ansted, West Virginia Levy Order and Rate Sheet 2025 - 2026, following notice of approval from the State Auditor. The May 1, 2025 meeting included a detailed update on various phases of the sewer upgrade project, noting that grant funding was approved for Phase II, estimated for completion in September 2026. The council approved two purchase orders for sewer plant parts and repairs. Approval was also given to proceed with a field survey along Mill Creek concerning property boundaries related to access for the Hawks Nest Trail. Discussions in executive session were held, followed by the unanimous approval to issue a cease-and-desist order to Gladrok Skate and Graphyx for license and tax issues, and a resolution to give Auntie Em's 30 days to comply with utility issues before a cease-and-desist order is issued. The May 6, 2025 Appointments Meeting involved appointing Municipal Election Commissioners, Clerks, and early voting clerks, along with setting pay rates for election workers. A special meeting on May 19, 2025, approved a motion for Councilmember Greg Brewer to spend up to $15,000.00 towards the purchase of a used bucket truck. Approval was also granted for the purchase of accounting and hosting software services from Edmunds, GovTech, to be split between the Sewer Department (2/3) and the Town (1/3). A special meeting on June 16, 2025, addressed opening a new, non-interest-bearing bank account for the Sewer Upgrade Project grant funds with United Bank, specifying signatories and account requirements. The June 5, 2025, regular meeting included the approval of the May financial reports and budget revisions for the General Fund and Coal Severance Fund, and a planned first reading of the Unsafe Structures Ordinance at the July 2025 meeting.

The council meetings covered several key administrative and financial actions. Discussions included reviewing and approving financial reports, adopting an ATV Ordinance, and addressing Hero Banner pricing, which was increased to $200.00 per banner due to installation expenses. The council updated the Town Business License application to include non-profits, setting a $15 annual fee. Personnel matters involved approving pay increases for two clerks, granting a raise to an employee based on a performance review, and authorizing the hiring of a new part-time clerk. Additionally, the council initiated the legal process for a minor boundary adjustment to annex an area owned by Hawks Nest State Park to resolve jurisdiction issues and gain associated tax revenue. Improvements for the town park were discussed, resulting in the approval to purchase two aluminum bleachers using a mix of project funds and town funds. Other approvals included moving opioid funds to the General Fund as needed for police expenses, authorizing a bid of $6,900.00 for HVAC repairs at the council chambers, making adjustments to the sewer department staffing following a retirement, and approving a resolution regarding the Hawks Nest Trestle Construction grant match. A separate budget meeting was held where the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget, including a request for a budget revision, was adopted.

Key discussions included the progression of sewer plant updates, noting a site change for Phase 2 construction and an upcoming review meeting for the M-Line replacement project. The council approved the purchase of new tires for the town dump truck and authorized soliciting bids for a surplus 2013 Ford Taurus police vehicle. The council unanimously voted to accept an offer from Fayette County National Bank to acquire their building and property at no cost, potentially for use as a new Town Hall. Regarding repairs, the temporary fix for the council chambers roof was tabled pending receipt of three bids and financial review, although a contract for roof and window sealing was later signed with Alpha Construction, Inc. The town also hired Paul Clay as the new Town Attorney, effective immediately, as the previous attorney withdrew. A decision on making the part-time clerk position permanent was tabled until more information on retirement expenses could be reviewed. Finally, the council approved a one-time year-end pay adjustment for town employees.

The council meeting addressed several key issues. A sewer project update was provided, along with discussions on a memorandum of understanding with the VFW. Approval was given for paving Florence Street and a committee was formed to review bids for town hall roof replacement. Budget revisions were approved for the Coal Severance and General Funds. Service agreements for sewer projects were updated and approved, along with changes to town bank accounts following a resignation. Concerns regarding ATV/Side-by-Side noise and speed were discussed, and a committee was appointed to review the town's ordinance. Personnel matters were discussed in executive session, leading to salary increases and title changes for several town employees. The meeting also included discussions on the town's sewer system software upgrade and a transition to new accounting software.