The Grantsville Town Council met for their first meeting of the New Year on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 with Mayor Robert Petrovsky and all council present. Judy Powell, Cheryl Sturm, Dorothy McCauley, Linda Staton and William Villers.
The first order of business was the Mayor’s request for Council’s consideration of a 98 Chevrolet 4 Wheel Drive Dump Truck to be purchased from Eric Cain for $12,500. Because Mr. Cain is an employee of the the Town of Grantsville, and to avoid any appearance of impropriety, the Municipal League was called to comment on the ethics of such a purchase. The truck had been rented by the town on several occasions and upon Mr. Cain’s determination to sell it, the purchase of it made sense. Council woman Dorothy McCauley made the motion to purchase the truck, William Villers seconded the motion, all council were in favor.
Mayor Petrovsky reported on a tree root issue at the corner of School Street behind the Calhoun County Community Center (Formerly Calhoun High School). A Catawba tree (tree type may be incorrect) root system has invaded the sewer lines in the area and needs removed. The determination will be made following a conversation with the property owner, Crystal Mersh and the 1982 Foundation.
Following the resignation of Tosh Shock, Judy Powell resigned as Council woman and was appointed as Town Recorder.
The Construction and Water project continues with the latest drawn down from project funds being $218,048.80 to be paid to Orders Construction and $8,600 to be paid to the USDA for interest.
Luke Peters of the Mid Ohio Valley Regional Council informed the Council that the water project continues to be on schedule for a March completion.
The much awaited news of the evening was the announcement of the acceptance of the bid for demolition of the old Rainbow Hotel. Only two bids were received, although 9 contractors showed interest at the pre bid meeting. Upon opening the bids on December 22, 2022, Empire Builders (a qualified contractor) was the lowest bid at $141,250. The second bid from Reclaim property was $214,850. Town Council voted to accept the bid from Empire Builders so it will now move forward to the contract award and 60 day deadline for removal. Councilwoman Dorothy McCauley said that she had served on the council for 14 years and this was one of her dreams to see the Rainbow Hotel removed from the city. If all goes as planned the building demolition will be completed by March. 2023.
Melissa Keener was placed as a signature on the Town of Grantsville checking accounts making four approved to sign checks for the City:Judy Powell, Mayor Robert Petrovsky, Pam Davis and now Melissa Keener.
Following the payment of bills, the meeting was adjourned at 6:43 p.m.
