The Sutton Town Council conducted their most recent monthly meeting on August 8. This is the first meeting sinse the body changed from twice monthly meeting to just one gathering.
Mayor JD Hoover gave a brief update on the awning project. At this time, he had received only one bid. He and the council members believed the amount to be too high. Mayor Hoover stated he was working on getting more bids and may possibly even reach out to the high school about the project.
He informed council that he had contacted Mountain Cap about purchasing the parking lot at the three way stop. They said they were not willing to separate the lot from the building. Mayor Hoover also noted that work was being done to get the disabled vehicle removed from the lot.
Catherine Hoover discussed the need for council members to get information they want on the agenda to Municipal Clerk Robin Smith by Monday mornings the week of the meeting. This would save Municipal Clerk Smith from having to call each council member on Mondays to get the information. Jon Crum, who was present via phone, noted that he felt like members should be called as a courtesy reminder of the meetings. He also voiced concern over the meetings not being properly posted on the town’s website for public notice. Beth Atkins checked the website and noted the meetings had been added since he had called Municipal Clerk Smith with his concerns.
Recorder Robyn Dolan reviewed the estimate they had received for drain work and paving on two streets. The council discussed the estimate and determined that funds were not in the budget at this time. Recorder Dolan stated she was hoping to get another estimate soon.
She also discussed the work being completed on Morrison Avenue. The work should be finished in the next couple of weeks as the contractor is only working on weekends.
Recorder Dolan read a letter from Region VII about the grant for the storm sewer project. They have received approval from FEMA for the release of funds. They are currently waiting for the environmental review. Once that is complete, then project will be place out for bids for construction.
Her last item to discuss was the bridge. WVDOH did send a bridge crew out and repairs were made. Recorder Dolan stated that the DOH noted it was one of the better older bridges in the state still in use.
Catherine Hoover followed up on a discussion from the last meeting about a letter being sent to the resident on Town Hill concerning feral cats. The letter had been sent certified and received by the resident. Mayor Hoover stated he would go with the police chief to speak to the resident directly.
The council also discussed the issue with dogs running loose on Town Hill. Animal control is to be called to address the dog issue. Municipal Clerk Smith will give out their number to anyone who calls the office.
Catherine Hoover also discussed issues with the landlord of several properties in town. Several properties have had repeated trash issues and issues with animals running loose. Council decided a letter should be sent directly to him to address the issues with his tenants.
Municipal Clerk Smith stated that the municipal court was going well. Individuals were showing up and paying their tickets.
The council had another lengthy discussion concerning the adopting of the state dilapidated and building code. If the council adopts the code and includes it in the town ordinances, the town would then be eligible for any grants to help with the removal of dilapidated buildings. Jon Crum question exactly what state codes they are supposed to be enacting and exactly what the ordinance would need to say in order to meet the requirements.
The final discussion concerned the upcoming public meeting on August 13 at 6:00 pm at the town building concerning the old Braxton Motor Building (Hunt property). Douglas Pauley is the prospective buyer of the property and plans to put in apartments for seniors in the building. Anyone wishing to get more information or with questions is encouraged to attend.
In regular action, the council approved the minutes of the July 11 meeting and payment of bills on separate motions. Jon Crum questioned the law enforcement training payments listed on the bills and about the rental from the Braxton County Commission of the storage area. Municipal Clerk Smith stated she was unsure what the training was for in September and explained what portions of the building were rented by the town.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:09 pm. The next regular meeting will be September 12 at 6:00 pm.