January 8, 2009

<Scott Shares Vision for Solid Infrastructure, a Better Life

        Workforce and Economic Developer Tom Scott shares his two-year vision for Monroe County with county commissioners during the Dec. 23 meeting. To his right is Jeanette Harter, who was named director of Job and Family Services on Dec. 23. Seated are several members of Team Monroe, active citizens, business and community leaders dedicated to positive progress in Monroe County.

by Arlean Selvy
Publisher
        County budgets were discussed with Jeanette Harter during the Dec. 23 meeting of Monroe County commissioners, who also heard  the routine monthly report by Tom Scott, workforce and economic developer.
        Scott revealed his two-year vision for workforce and economic development.
        Following his report, commissioners commended Scott for the job he is doing.
        Scott said, “The Vision calls for the continuation of some efforts initiated in 2008, regarding a much needed commitment to create a solid foundation of infrastructure, directly tied to an enhanced quality of life ...”  He noted in his Vision that, “Achieving the goals and objectives disclosed within this Vision will require the combined efforts of our elected and appointed officials, business and community leaders and private citizens within a bipartisan team approach that embraces, endorses and prioritizes application of both compromise and vision.”
        Current  projects include efforts toward the re-opening of the abandoned rail line south of Powhatan Point, extension of the Black Walnut Parkway, utilization of the Black Walnut Center as an events facility, water line and sewer extensions and/or creation, airport expansion, excursion boat, incubator kitchen, enhanced educational and library facilities, creation of horseback riding trails and pursuit of federal funding.
        Proposed projects include the creation of expanded lodging facilities within the county and increased workforce in the recruitment and/or retention of warehousing, manufacturing, servicing or retail entities.
        With regard to the rail line project, Scott said it is vital to the fiscal health of an existing company and to potential expansion of economic development along the riverfront.
        Extension of Black Walnut Parkway is not expected to evolve before 2018. Scott said the project will be kept in the forefront, and an open dialogue maintained with government entities vital for success. “The parkway extension is needed to enhance ingress and egress to the Commerce Park,” said Scott. He noted it will enhance potential for the park to begin fulfilling its potential possibilities.
        Concerning the Black Walnut Center, located in Commerce Park, Scott’s Vision notes the continuation of efforts to market the facility as an incubator for businesses to utilize (as needed) in transitioning to Commerce Park. He said offering the facility to “for profit” promoters will serve to enhance the cash flow of the CIC, increase tourism and awareness of the  Black Walnut Center.
        In his Vision for water line and sewer extensions and/or creations, he mentioned Grizzle Ridge and Sardis areas.
        About airport expansion, the Vision notes: “while dialogue has been established with FAA, this project can only evolve when FAA requirements for pre-determined volume of flights are achieved. Meeting those requirements can be enhanced by recruitment/expansion of businesses that rely on aviation as an integral part of their transportation needs.”
        Concerning an excursion boat, the Two-Year Vision notes this project “... represents a valuable asset in enhancing tourism within the county. Dialogue continues, with a proposed timeframe of Spring 2009, as the start-up date.”
        The incubator kitchen, a project which opened in 2008, represents potential for a myriad of benefits to current and/or potential county residents/business es for expansion or creation of operations.
        “The kitchen provides opportunities to utilize an  inspected and licensed facility and potential for additional facilities; plus mandated labeling, co-op and mobile meat processing/packaging as well as creation of ‘Made Exclusively in Monroe County’ recognitions,” wrote Scott.
        Another success in 2008 was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)  between Belmont Technical College and county commissioners.
        Members of the Team Monroe Education Committee with support from the leadership at BTC developed the MOU for higher education offerings. Presented to commissioners June 24, the MOU spells out what is expected of the county and what BTC will do as a key partner coordinating regional higher education providers.
        Scott wrote in the Vision that the committee “must prioritize improved public school facilities and the expansion of the number of library facilities within Monroe County.”
        A dialogue with representatives of Wayne National Forest re-opened in 2008 about the creation of horseback riding trails. Trails  would serve to enhance probability of increased tourism as well as create potential for creation/expansion of smaller commercial entities to service those who  utilize the trails.
         Regarding federal funding, Scott wrote in his Vision statement that: “if the new Washington administration follows through on initial indications that previously required local matching funds requirement will be reduced, this may signify pursuit of stagnant projects that had been shelved due to inability to provide matching funds.”
        Scott wrote that he, as Work-force and Economic Developer for Monroe County, will continue to be the facilitator and driving force in establishing, enhancing and maintaining relationships with groups and organizations that have provided support or advisement for Work-force and Economic Develop-ment.
        Proposed projects include the creation of expanded lodging facilities within the county and increased workforce in the recruitment and/or retention of warehousing, manufacturing, servicing or retail entities.
        Scott said  he could not guarantee success in every project. He added, however, that, “A promise that an exhaustive effort will be maintained in the relentless support in the areas of enhanced Workforce and Economic Development for Monroe County is provided with the presentation of the Two-Year Vision.”
        Visitors attending the Dec. 23 meeting included several members of Team Monroe, which is facilitated by Scott. Team members  present were: Marjorie Baumberger, Ruth Ann Ridgeway, Wayne and Karen Forshey, Hugh and June Hyre, Aaron and Charlene Miller, Kiven Smithberger, Joe Urbanek, Joel Davis, Helen Carpenter, Dan Greenlee, Charles R. Storey, Merry Vargo and Dennis Ward. Also attending were Carl Davis, commissioner-elect; Jason Harter and Jim Williams.

<Public Servants Sworn In

~ Davis Sworn in as County Commissioner ~
Carl Davis was sworn in as Monroe County Commissioner at ceremonies held Dec. 30 in the Monroe County Common Pleas courtroom. Administering the oath of office was Common Pleas Court Judge Julie Selmon. Holding the Bible for Davis is his wife, Michelle.

Photo by Arlean Selvy

 

~ Price Sworn in as County Commissioner ~
        Tim Price was sworn in as Monroe County Commissioner at ceremonies held Dec. 30 in the Monroe County Common Pleas courtroom. Administering the oath of office was Common Pleas Court Judge Julie Selmon. Attending, from left, are Price’s daughters Lauren and Leanna Price, and his wife, Rhonda Price, who held the Bible for her husband.

~ Tustin Sworn in as County Engineer ~
        Lonnie Tustin was sworn in as Monroe County Engineer at ceremonies held Dec. 30 in the Monroe County Common Pleas courtroom. Administering the oath of office was Common Pleas Court Judge Julie Selmon. Raising his right hand, Tustin placed his left hand on a Bible held by the Judge.             

~ Black Sworn in as Sheriff ~
        Chuck Black was sworn in as Monroe County Sheriff at ceremonies held Dec. 30 in the Monroe County Common Pleas courtroom. Administering the oath of office was Common Pleas Court Judge Julie Selmon. Black’s wife, Michelle, held the Bible for the ceremony.                               

~ Beth Rose Takes Oath of Office at Skyvue ~
        Monroe County Clerk of Courts Beth Rose took her oath of office at Skyvue Elementary, where her son Jared is a student. Judge Julie Selmon administered the oath of office. Students are studying government and Judge Selmon held a question/answer session. “They had some good questions,” noted the Judge.           Photo Submitted

<Commissioners Approve 2009 County Appropriations

by Arlean Selvy
Publisher
        Permanent appropriations for all county budgets with the exception of the General Fund were approved last week by Monroe County  commissioners, who also approved the temporary budget for the General Fund.
        The temporary General Fund budget for the first quarter only is $1,036,695.61.
        Total 2009 permanent appropriations for all other budgets, including Monroe County Care Center and Job and Family Services, total $16,800,650.37. Of that amount the JFS budget totals $3,498,325 which includes $2,771,325 in Public Assistance; $205,000 for the Child Support Enforcement Agency and $522,000 in Children's Services.
        Prior to approving the budgets, officials discussed payment of bills with Jeanette Harter, who handles the general fund budget, and Katrina Carothers, deputy auditor. Officials agreed that only the bills with late fees will be paid.
        Carothers indicated she had given the various departments “a heads up” on what’s being done. Commissioner John Pyles requested a memo be sent to department heads.
        Patty Schoonover, Sardis EMS, approached commissioners regarding a rental contract for the building housing an emergency vehicle. The contract, between commissioners and the fire department, was renewed at $200 a month.
        Schoonover said there is a leak in the roof and indicated tile is falling She said they haven’t looked at the top of the squad to see if there’s any damage. According to discussion, ceiling tile has fallen due to the leak.
        Schoonover noted the retirement of Cora Weyman from Sardis E-Squad. Weyman has served the squad for 33 years.
        Officials commended Weyman for her years on the squad. “That’s a lot of dedicated service,” said Pyles.
        In other business, commissioners signed contracts for HMO and PPO health insurance plans with the Health Plan of the Upper Ohio Valley.
        A resolution was adopted authorizing commissioners to file an application with the state to participate in the Industrial Site Improvement Fund program.
        Wage increases were given to Adam Lehosky, Jack Riley and Christina Gallagher to comply with the minimum wage scale. The three work in janitorial positions at the courthouse.
        The Dec. 30 meeting started at 8:30 a.m. and recessed at 8:55 a.m. when Pyles left to attend a meeting of the board of elections. He returned at 9:35 a.m. and the meeting resumed.                     An executive session was requested by Ronda Piatt, dog warden, for personnel with regard to hiring. No action was taken after the session, which ended at 9:50 a.m.
        Officials immediately went back into executive session with Mike Seyer with regard to contracts at Monroe County Care Center. According to Pyles, Seyer gave an update on the progress. The session ended at 10 a.m.
        From 10:40 until 10:53 a.m., officials were in executive session with Jeanette Harter as director of Job and Family Services, with regard to firing. Following the session, Commissioners Francis ‘Sonny’ Block and Pyles authorized Harter to complete the unemployment forms for Debbie Haney.
        The meeting adjourned at 11:30 a.m. as Pyles had to leave for the day. Commissioner Bill Thompson was not in attendance at the meeting.

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