The Calhoun County Commission held an evening meeting on Tuesday, April 15th, 2025 following a full day of setting the Levy the Commission opened the regular monthly meeting at 4 p.m.
First to speak under delegations was Hazel Lane of Crummies Creek Road. Hazel informed the Commissioners that she did not feel the county was getting the services they deserved. Her reference was a recent ambulance run for neighbor that came in on a day that she and her husband had traveled to Parkersburg. She stated that after the call came in she and her husband drove from Parkersburg to Ritchie County, then back to Wood County and then home and the Ambulance was just arriving at the residence. She further stated that the driver could hardly back the ambulance up and when the patient (who had died) was removed from the home she said the crew “Packed him like a sack of potatoes.” “People should be treated with dignity,” she said.
Mrs. Lane who had worked for the ambulance service many years ago when it was operated by many volunteers, said that that the county was never left uncovered. If they were out of the area, they had someone lined up. On the day of this event, Minnie Hamilton’s Ambulance service did not have a crew available. It took some time for Roane County to come and cover the call.
In another unrelated incident with another person, Mrs. Lane said that when a local veteran who needed dialysis (and was unable to have that done at Minnie Hamilton Health Services) requested transport to another hospital, he was allegedly denied by the crew, and then agreed to transport once, but not again. She also asked the local emergency crews were trained and if they still had mock disaster trainings?
Commissioner Lupardus answered saying that the Roane/Calhoun LEPC was working on one and that he possibly may know more on Wednesday following a scheduled meeting.
Mrs. Lane told the Commission that she understand that things had been “let go” for some time, but every shift of the ambulance crew should know where their at, what is stocked in the ambulance and they don’t need to play on their phone. This is peoples lives.”
Commissioner Lupardus told her that he appreciated her coming in and talking with the Commission.
Also speaking under delegations was Emily Collins who questioned the commission about “Who brought up the water bonds initially?”
Commissioner Arthur told her that it had been the previous Commission.
Mrs. Collins evidently wanted clarity that the City, nor the PSD’s had requested those funds from the County.
Under New business the Calhoun County Commission approved the renewal of $54,002 for WV Corp Liability Insurance and Workers Compensation.
County Administrator, Jennifer Randolph, who had been working on correspondence for the County, advised that Calhoun County should have their own logo and suggested that a contest be held with local students to submit their ideas. The Commissioners agreed believing that it is always good to get youth involved with local government. Calhoun FRN will provide prizes for the three categories of ages, kindergarten – 4th grade, 5th – 8th grade and 9th – 12th grade. And a prize for the logo creator that’s chosen. More information will be made available soon and it will be placed on the May agenda.
Commissioner McCumbers reported on the Calhoun County Park stating that Park meetings are the first Thursday of each month, and they would welcome new volunteers. Currently the park board is working on the baseball field fence and hope to have it installed by the end of April. They’re future plans are to work on the exterior of the barn, replace the barn deck and work on the outhouses. McCumber suggested that the Commission consider giving the park $8,000 to help with utility costs. Park Board President Donnie Pitts suggested that rather than paying the utilities, the park would continue to receive and pay the bills but request reimbursement totals at the end of the calendar year.
Mr. Pitts reported that the annual bluegrass event that was held this past weekend at the park was well attended with fifty or so musicians and a like numbered audience. There were several young people involved and the park would like to continue to foster and protect the heritage of bluegrass which is so important to the community. Upcoming events will be the Oshoway egg hunt with over 6600 eggs to be hidden, Youth Fishing Day will be held April 26th for ages 12 and under with prizes furnished by Minnie Hamilton Health systems and Hope Gas. Ten of the fish have been tagged for special awards.
Also happening on the weekend of April 25th and 26th will be the stars and coffee party with amazing events and photography opportunities, free of charge to all those attending.
The Annual Kite festival will be on May 10th at park with free kites for the first 100 children. Kite vendors and more will be there to make the day special for everyone.
Commissioner Lupardus spoke with Wood Festival Chairman Jim Sullivan who requested that the Commission consider donating more to the annual June event. The Commission will request that the festival committee provide further clarity on the amount of money they would be requesting and what those funds would cover at the May Commission Meeting.
The Commission has been in discussions and consideration of hiring outside counsel to represent them and be available when specialized legal expertise is needed. Attorney Kevin C. Harris, who currently represents Roane and Jackson County Commissions as well spoke to the Commissioners and provided insight on what his firm could provide to the Calhoun County Commission, stating that he would bee honored to assist the Calhoun Prosecutor.
Commissioner Lupardus mentioned that the rates of Mr. Harris and Mr. Holmes, Attorneys, would be of great interest to the commission before proceeding. Mr. Harris responded that his firm kept a very low rate for government law of $150 per hour, considerably less than that of most attorneys.
Commissioner McCumbers asked Prosecutor Michael Hicks how much he charged the county for his services to which Mr. Hicks (who was in attendance) responded that it was included in his $90,000+ annual salary.
Commissioner Lupardus asked Prosecutor Hicks how many County Commission meetings he had attended, for which Hicks responded “All that I was needed at.” Lupardus stated that he believed it to be one.
Commissioner Eric Lupardus made a motion to hire Harris and Holmes, PLLC to represent Calhoun County Commission which was seconded by Commissioner Arthur. Commissioner McCumbers expressed his concern about the hiring and wanted the decision postponed for further review. The matter went to vote passing 2-1 for their hiring. Mr. McCumbers stated that he wanted it on the record that he was against the hire believing it to be a waste of County Money.
Commission President Craig Arthur remarked that he did not believe it was a waste and that the Attorney’s would only be called on an as needed basis.
Draft ordinances were presented and proceeded for process for both Dilapidated Structures and Salvage Yards. The ordinances will be discussed at two public hearings before consideration of instituting them. The hearings will be May 12th and June 10th, 2025.
Draft ordinances will be posted below this report.
Donnie Pitts provided the commission a quote on new Court room sound which has continued to be an issue with both live streaming and attendance inside the courtroom. The Commission voted and passed $533.83 to purchase the equipment recommended by Mr. Pitts for sound.
A County Vehicle policy is under review regarding who can legally drive or be in a county owned vehicle. It was placed on May’s agenda when Sheriff Graham Knight requested it be further reviewed for appropriate use by his department.
A Wage and Benefits Review Board is under consideration for being established, much like the handbook committee in prior years. The county is in need of a new handbook, not having updated theirs since 2011. In so doing the Commission looked to the WV Code which did not state handbook but rather called for the option of appointing a “Wage and Benefits Review Board.” Calhoun County Clerk Jean Simers said that she wanted to make sure that all elected officials were appropriately represented, and questioned the title of “Wage & Benefits.” Commissioner Arthur noted that the Code only mentioned the Wage and Benefits Review Board, not a hand book committee.
Commissioner Lupardus responded that he believed it was just a matter of wording but was still basically the Handbook Committee. Assessor Jason Nettles expressed concern with the grievance portion of the document. The matter was tabled for further research.
Under appointments to Boards and Authorities, Brian Firestine was appointed to the Mt. Zion Public Service District as their newest board member.
