The Grantsville City Council met May 5th, 2025 in Grantsville for their regularly scheduled May meeting. Council members, Emmalee Morgan, Rissa Staples, Courtney Alexander, Linda Staton and Cheryl Sturms were present as well as Recorder Emily Collins and Mayor Robert Petrovsky.
Following the approval of minutes from April 7, 15, 15 (2 meetings, same date) and 30th, 2025, an informal discussion with no action was had regarding an email request by Crystal Mersh to water flowers being purchased for the newly installed lamp post throughout the city. Both Mayor Petrovsky and Council woman Courtney Alexander questioned the legality of such an activity, as it wasn’t in the job description of their staff. When the they were questioned by Sam Nicholson about Roane County government doing it for their city, the council stated that they didn’t have enough staff to accomplish the task. It nearly took a bill of congress for the city council to “allow” the installation of the $60,000 in gifted lamp posts and now it appears they have no desire to show any appreciation for around $1,000 in gifted flowers to make the streets of Grantsville beautiful.
Under Committee Reports council members stated that a new table, concrete and rubber mulch was purchased as well as a weed-eater designated for the park only. Recorder Emily Collins stated that there would be “approximately” $1,400 dollars left in the City Park budget after “approximately” $2,500.00 was used to purchase those things. Ms. Collins said that originally there was “roughly” $5,000.00 in the City Park fund from their fund raising efforts. The council-members determined that they would use the balance to host a free City Park Fund Day on June 14th if that date was available. Sam Nicholson questioned the use of $2,500 for a fun day?
None of the totals given were reported with specific accuracy. Ridgeview News has submitted a FOIA request for copies of the financials.
Mid Ohio Valley Regional Council reported under the Water and Sewer Projects that the Council could now accept bids from those submitted for the legal and financial oversight of the water project. Two law firms, Steptoe and Johnson and Palmer submitted the following bids.
- Steptoe & Johnson – $20,000 for PSC
- Steptoe & Johnson – $15,000 Local
- Steptoe & Johnson – $24,500 Bond (Only needed if a loan was needed)
- Palmer – $1,112 per easement or tract for Local
- CPA Dobbins submitted the only bid of $40,000 for the water project accounting.
Mayor and council believed that Steptoe and Johnson would be the best law firm for the project and approved the motion accordingly of $59,500, and $40,000 for Dobbin CPA.
The water project will be for the replacement of 7500 feet of water line in the City which was funded by IJVC and ARPA funding.
New LED lights are being installed by an electrician at the Grantsville Water Plant costing $3,267.97 following the council’s approval. The City is also looking into the purchase of a vacuum truck for the water plant. The matter was matter was tabled.
A motion passed for the purchase of a 20×24 garage structure for the water plant in the amount of $8,725 delivered and an 18×20 garage structure for the sewer plant at a cost of $5,395. Mayor Petrovsky stated that it needs done and will stay at the water plant regardless of the O&M agreement.
It was reported that the tether ball court was destroyed at the newly renovated city park, and that the volley ball net is broken and in need of repair. Mayor Petrovsky stated that the tether ball would not be replaced and the poll would be removed due to the vandalism.
Bill Payment was approved and the council adjourned.
