Calhoun Commissioners Eric Lupardus, Craig Arthur, and Lee Rush met for the rescheduled regular second monthly meeting at 4 p.m. on Thursday, January 29th, 2026
Under delegations Dana Godfrey spoke to the Commission about his concern regarding the safety for Mt. Zion and Pleasant Hill PSD staff whom he recently scene working on along the road in the Arnoldsburg area with what he considered to be inadequate safety equipment.
Commission President Eric Lupardus commended the PSD staff for their recent work on leaks in frigid temperatures and requested that the PSD’s get safety regulations on road work procedures for staff and drivers that are followed by the Department of Safety.
Dana Godfrey asked the Commissioners why the O&M Manager, Brian Arthur recently resigned as well as what happened to the funding given to the Town of Grantsville for his salary. Commissioner Lupardus responded that Arthur had resigned due to non payment and that there were likely legal procedures in play between Arthur and the O&M Board in charge of the consolidation. The Commission is also looking at taking action.
Ridgeview News commented to the Commission that “Someone from the State of WV needs to take an emergency action on the current Water company situation and the safety of Calhoun water customers. The recent Wayne County vandalism incident brings attention to the necessity of having proper management staff.”
Commissioner Lupardus replied that the Commission is moving ahead to create an emergency plan that includes public water and other community agencies during a natural disaster.
Sheriff Graham Knight requested the approval of the Commission for the purchase of 2018 Dodge Durango Pursuit AWD, with 84,260 miles for $16,795.00. The vehicle is outfitted with all police equipment with the exception of a radio. Sheriff Knight said that the free shipping offered by Chicago Motors, Inc will cover the cost of the radio.
Commissioner Lupardus made a motion to transfer $7,500.00 from the money received from the insurance for a Sheriff Department totaled vehicle claim, which will be added with $10,000 available in the Sheriff’s budget to cover the cost of the vehicle. Commissioner Arthur seconded the motion and the matter was unanimously approved.
The Mt. Zion PSD agenda request for the Commission to consider Emergency Funding was tabled due to the inability of the Board members to appear and the results of a request for help from the Governor’s office that was made by Mt. Zion PSD.
The Animal Shelter project continues to move forward. The Commission agreed to deposit $5,000 into the Animal Shelter’s checking account to keep it from closing. The Animal Shelter Committee continues to actively meet and plan for the project opening. Jennifer Randolph, County Administrator also requested that money be transferred for the payment of the property survey from the Animal Shelter funds. Commission Craig Arthur asked why all of the money that had been set aside for the Animal Shelter could not be transferred. Commissioner Lupardus said that it could, but they were waiting on it to be done through actions at a Animal shelter board meeting.
Commissioner Lupardus discussed Emergency Shelters, Law Enforcement, Fire and EMS emergency preparednes, saying, “We have a need to keep the discussion going to have existing or new facilities in place if emergencies arise. We also plan to use grant funding through State and Federal Resources to accomplish it.
Commissioner Arthur recommended that the Commission look toward the use of local parks in each community and Commissioner Lee Rush agreed with that approach.
Commissioner Lupardus stated that although in the recent storm, we did not lose power as expected, we did have agencies that stepped up and were prepared to provide emergency shelter.
Calhoun County Park President Donald Pitts informed the Commission that the park board had discussed it, but they currently do not have an emergency generator and would need to seek funding for it. Other than the generator, the park is fully equipped with showers, restrooms, kitchen and are ADA compliant.
Steve whited, CEO of Minnie Hamilton Health Systems stated that the Hospital has certain sites designated but would be open to having other locations as well. . He also said that there was emergency grant funding for a generator.
The Calhoun County Park has been working toward providing internet to park visitors which would allow communication at that location which is currently unavailable through cell phone providers. Donnie Pitts has been working with Melissa O’Brien, External Affairs Manager for Citynet as well as Adam Mills to determine the best method of installation. The matter was tabled until further research is complete.
Mr. Pitts also informed the Commission that at the current kitchen appliances in the park barn are no longer safe to operate and in need of replacement. Suggestions were made to consider the appliances at the Annamoriah Army Reserved Center as well as those that will be replaced within the next six months during the Minnie Hamilton Health Systems renovations. Donnie Pitts said that the park would be willing to consider any of those to replace what they have. It was also mentioned that the West Fork Park is in need of new appliances and should be considered among the donations.
Commissioner Lupardus made a motion for the Commission to provide $2,000 to pay for the trout stocking of Calhoun County Park for the youth fishing day. The motion was approved by all commissioners.
With the upcoming election, both the Democrat and Republican parties were to appoint Ballot Commissioners. The Democratic Party appointed Melissa Hixon and the Republican Party appointed Mason Snider. The Commission approved both.
Under Resignations/Appointments to Boards and Authorities, Paula Carter and Hope Carter were appointed to the Calhoun County Park Board.
Craig Hickman was appointed to fill the open board position of the Pleasant Hill PSD which expires June 30, 2031.
The Commission approved the hiring of a Tax Deputy for Sheriff Graham Knight’s office. Megan Bopp was hired at $15.00 an hour.
County Administrator, Jennifer Randolph, wrote and received a REAP Grant for $80,174. The grant will pay for a fork lift, garage doors and a surveillance camera for the Cabot Recycling Center on Route 5 West.
Ridgeview News questioned if this grant was a separate grant application or did it compete with funding also recently applied for by the Cabot Recycling Center Director, Lisa Cooper. Administrator Randolph replied that the two funding requests were entirely separate, Cabot Recycling had applied for $150,000 and received a partial grant but did lose $25,000 in salary funding. The Commission applied for $100,000 and were awarded the $80,174. Neither effected the outcome of the other.
The Commission went into executive session for the discussion of legal matters. They returned with no action taken during that time.
Commissioner Lupards requested that the Commission budge $1,200 for marketing of Calhoun County events, then later rescinded the request and requested $5,000 be budgeted by the Commission for Marketing. The matter was approved by all three Commissioners and will focus on Way Point Zero, the adventure travel camp ground that will open June 6th, as well as Festivals and other local events.
- Next Regular Meeting: February 12 @ 1:30pm
- Board of Review and Equalization Meetings: January 30; February 4, 13, 19 and 25 at 1:30pm;
February 9 at 4pm & TEAMS
Agendas are subject to revision up to 2 days prior to the meeting.
