Greenbrier County Commission

News Releases

Wednesday, February 11, 2009 - West Virginia Daily News

Commission Discusses Animal Control, Cable Service

by Lindsey Wolford

Less than a half dozen people appeared at the public hearing during the Greenbrier County Commission meeting to speak on the proposed expansion of the county planning commission.

The response to the proposal was mixed as Fred Ray voiced his opinion that the county should just get rid of the planning commission and Vernon Hayslett expressed his support for the expansion.

Phyllis Tuckwiller addressed the commission on the issue stating, "I think five [people on the planning commission] is too few and 15 is too many. We need good representation but 15 is an unweilding number. As a real estate broker I think we need direction for the county."

After a short period of comment from the community the public hearing was adjourned and the commission continued with regular business on the agenda.

During the public comment period, Jerry Gillespie addressed the commission about the agenda item regarding authorization for the animal control officers to carry handguns for animal euthanasia.

Gillespie explained a situation she had with the county animal control where her kitten was killed after being shot by the officer who thought the cat had rabies. She expressed her concern with permitting the animal control officers to carry handguns because after the rabies tests came back her animal in fact did not have rabies.

Several other residents expressed their disapproval on the authorization of the animal control officers carrying handguns.

One of the animal control officers, Robert McClung, was present during the meeting and was asked to explain the reasoning behind the request to be authorized to carry a handgun.

"Many times I am confronted by a dangerous animal. I've been bitten 14 times in less than two years and I've been charged five times since January. I feel sorry for Ms. Gillespie and I am sorry for what happened. I am certified to carry a shot gun but it stays in the truck. Some times it takes nine minutes and sometimes 45 minutes for back up to arrive. I can't wait 45 minutes," McClung stated.

County Commissioner Brad Tuckwiller explained that he wanted to table the issue for more thought and because of Ms. Gillespie's comments. He also said he wanted to talk to Greenbrier County Sheriff Jim Childers about McClung becoming the humane officer which would also allow McClung to bring charges against people for animal cruelty.

Chris Haynes and 911 Center Director Dan Edwards revealed the winning bid for the addition to the 911 center which went to Lynch Construction out of White Sulphur Springs.

The bid base came in at $52,995, the bid for the standing seam roof alternate was $1,000 and should there need to be rock excavation that bid came in at $200 per cubic yard.

The commission passed a motion to approve the president signing a notice of award to Lynch Construction.

Also on the agenda were local residents Jim Snyder and Kevin McMillion who addressed the commission about problems with cable service providers.

Snyder explained to the commission that he lives in the Fort Springs Apartments and their cable provider was Time Warner. He went on to say that the service was inconsistent at times and there were several problems but that Time Warner explained all problems would be fixed when the DTV transition took place.

Snyder later found out Time Warner never planned to participate in the transition because they sold out to Windjammer Cable. Snyder along with McMillion and the other residents in the apartment complex received letters from Windjammer welcoming them to Windjammer cable; however they had never been previously told their cable company was being bought out.

The letter welcomed the residents to Windjammer cable and approximately one week later the residents received a letter explaining that Windjammer would no longer be serving them.

In a letter dated January 17, Windjammer Cable stated, "We regretfully notify you that Windjammer Communications must suspend cable service and shut down the cable system serving your community. We anticipate suspending all cable service by February 17, 2009. The cable system is no longer economically viable due to the age and condition of the cable plant, the impending loss of analog broadcast signals as of February 2009, and the rapid increase in programming cost for both traditional cable programming and the local television stations."

The letter continues, "As you are aware, there are excellent alternative video providers available. While you may choose whichever of these providers best meets your needs, Windjammer has made special arrangements with one of them. The enclosed offer from DirecTV has been designed to help ensure that you have available a quality service that can be installed in time to prevent loss of video services. Please call the number on the enclosed offer to learn more about it. Sincerely, Windjammer Cable."

When the Public Service Commission (PSC) was contacted regarding this issue that [sic] explained that it is not only the 242 residents in the Fort Springs area that are affected but 77 customers in Asbury as well. Additionally, Windjammer has agreed to keep their 311 customers in Anthony Creek.

Snyder continued addressing the commission saying, "I ask you to take action and file a complaint with the PSC and have Windjammer continue to service the various parts of the county. I also ask we be able to see the franchise agreement with Windjammer.

Commission president Betty Crookshanks explained that after some digging it was found that during a previous commission there was a 120-day time period where the county was to respond to Time Warner and if no response was received no services would be rendered.

Crookshanks went on to explain that the deadline came and went and the proper correspondence never took place and that is what set the wheels in motion for the situation at hand.

Commissioner Karen Lobban said "we can fight this. The PSC will help us and we'll get this complaint sent tomorrow."

A motion was passed to send a letter of complaint to the PSC in an attempt to keep the cable on in local resident's homes. Crookshanks echoed the motion and then encouraged Snyder and McMillion to write letters of complaint to the PSC and spread the word for others to send letters to the PSC.

All complaints to the PSC can be faxed to 304-340-0462 or mailed to Consumer Affairs Section of the Utilities Division, 201 Brook St. or P.O. Box 812, Charleston, WV 25323.

Thursday, February 26, 2009 - West Virginia Daily News

Commission Discusses Healthcare Reform, Tax Office

by Lindsey Wolford

The Greenbrier County Commission signed a resolution of support for health care reform in West Virginia.

The resolution states in part, "the opportunity to have access to health care is a basic need that all West Virginians share and it is the foundation for future generations...All West Virginians should have access to affordable health care, including prescription drugs, and these costs should not burden future generations and all West Virginians must have access to high quality health care and coverage, without discrimination or exclusions based on income, medical condition, employment status, gender, age, geography or other factors."

The resolution goes on to state, "Wellness and prevention efforts, including changes in personal behavior such as diet and exercise, should be top priorities. Health care coverage must be comprehensive and continuous, assuring that the medical and behavioral care needs of all West Virginians are met throughout all stages of life, from birth to death. Whereas comprehensive health care and coverage must be affordable to all purchases; individuals, families, businesses and government."

Also during the commission meeting Wednesday, February 25, Joan Browning from the Greenbrier County Committee on Aging requested a renewal of the commission's $2,000 contribution commitment and announced the launching of a new information program.

The program is to raise and spread awareness about the abuse and neglect of elder persons. The new program will not cost anything as it is only to provide information, however Browning stated "it is important that the public understand what elder abuse is."

Greenbrier County Sheriff James W. Childers addressed the commission during the meeting regarding a Point and Pay system that would allow county residents to pay their taxes online.

Childers explained that he was seeking the approval of the commission to get the system, however there are still some details that haven't been worked out.

"I would like to see a projection and get a clue what this is going to cost the taxpayer," Commissioner Brad Tuckwiller said.

Additionally, Childers requested the approval of hiring William Goodwin to be his assistant in the tax office. Childers explained that Goodwin would be able to help with bankruptcy filings and various other estate tax issues that the Sheriff's Tax Office is responsible for.

Tuckwiller had a few issues with hiring Goodwin which included diminishing the prosecuting attorney's office and dealing with the issue of health insurance and whether or not Goodwin would be eligible for it working 20 hours per week.

"I don't like the slippery slope of who is eligible and who is not [for health insurance] because under the county commission policy he is not."

It was decided that the issue would be tabled until the next commission meeting.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009 - West Virginia Daily News

Commission Approves Larger Planning Commission

by Lindsey Wolford

After considering the enlargement of the county planning commission for several weeks the Greenbrier County Commission made a decision.

All three commissioners voted to amend the 2003 planning commission board ordinance and change the number of board members from seven to 15. Greenbrier County Commission President Betty Crookshanks explained to those in attendance what was taking place before the vote.

"This ordinance expands the planning commission from the original nine to 15," Crookshanks said.

Greenbrier County Sheriff James W Childers addressed the commission with some news about grant money that will mean new equipment for county deputies.

Childers explained to the commission that through a Southern Regional Highway Safety Grant the county will be able to receive 15 laptops for the deputies' cruisers which is a value of $26,715. Additionally, he asked the commission if they would be willing to pay $10,686 for six more laptops so that every cruiser in the department was equipped with a laptop. The commission the approved request to purchase the six additional laptops.

Another available grant that Childers brought to the attention of the commission would allow for cameras to go in deputies' cruisers. That grant is valued at approximately $26,000 which will also aid officers and be an overall asset to the county.

One of the last things Childers discussed was that the sheriff's department is attempting to get $90,000 for a license plate scanner which would scan plates to determine if they were stolen or if the driver of the vehicle was a wanted person.

"If we land this we will be the first police department in the state to have it," Childers commented.

Later in the meeting, Childers made the commission aware that the grant money was obtained for the Prevention Resource Officer (PRO) program which allows sheriff's deputies to remain in both Greenbrier East High School and Greenbrier West High School.

The day report center was also a topic for discussion and the staff of the center have been working in conjunction with the county commission to find a new building to house the program.

Crookshanks explained that one of the possible sites may have a buyer, therefore the Masonic building is the other option to rent that the commission is considering which is American with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant.

Additionally, the day report center has the goal of creating a drug lab in conjunction with their new location which would be one of very few in the state.

Sgt H D Fankell with the Greenbrier County Sheriff's Department addressed the commissioners about the resignation of C J Teubert from the Civil Service Commission and sought the approval of the appointment of Edwards S Hicks to carry out the remainder of Teubert's term. The commission approved both the resignation and the appointment.