The second meeting of the New Year took place January 17 in commission chambers. The meeting began with President Lisa Heasley leading the attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance.

First on the scheduled agenda were representatives from the Ford Office and Technology group from Connersville, Pennsylvania. Hunter Kovacs, area representative, explained to the commission that their business was working to expland in this area of West Virginia. Presently they are operating in southern Pennsylvania and the Morgantown area. Their operation provides service for business machines both sales and service. They expressed an interest in returning in the future when the current contract with the county expires. That will be in the second quarter of next year.

Sheriff Mike Koontz next spoke about the county obtaining an electronic finger print machine. Sherriff Knootz turned the presentation over the Julia Silie who has spent considerable hours working to make the finger print machine possible. Her research discovered that both Ritchie and Pleasants County have received finger print machines from money available through the State Supreme Court. The equipment cost is in the range of $28,950.00. With the help from the courts money, the only cost would be a yearly contract for up keep of equipment. It may also be desirable once the machine is in place, that a printer be purchased to print finger print cards. This equipment would aid in the process of those arrested and verifying identities of those arrested. Commissioner McBee made a motion to move forward with the finger print machine and associated equipment. Commissioner Morris seconded the motion. Motion was approved by full commission.

Pam Ferrell, Director of The Wetzel County Animal Shelter gave a presentation to the commission on the activities at the shelter in 2022. Dogs adopted: 70. Cats Adopted 168. Dogs rescued: 46. Cats rescued: 36. Dogs returned to owners:4. Cats returned to owners:3. Dogs taken into shelter:138. Cats taken into shelter:128. Dogs in foster homes:0. Cats in foster homes:13. Dogs Euthanized:6. Cats:14.

Dogs and cats euthanized were affected with Provo, distemper or badly injured by car accident. Two dogs were removed from owners and one owner was prosecuted. Mrs. Ferrell commended the county’s Animal Control officer as working to solve issues in the field, rather than bringing people to prosecution. He has helped to bring understanding to those who may have issues with keeping animals.

The following items were addressed by the commission and given approval. Minutes of the January 3, 2023 meeting. Hiring of Connie Rowland, part time in County clerk’s office. Hiring of Aimee Ganies, full time Book Keeper to County Clerk’s office. Hiring of Lori Yoho, full time County Clerk’s office. Funding for Committee on Aging. Order vacating the appointment of Sherriff Koontz as Administrator of the Estate of John Vernon Peffer, deceased. New Wetzel County Commission Building construction administration and services, total $24,150.00 along with engineering and design, total, $23,750.00. Funding for the amount of $25,000 for the Grandview Doolin PSD water line repair Willeyville. Dave Pethtel requested $10,500 for Hundred’s rental water building repair. Review quotes for cabins and caretaker house demolitions at 4-H Campgrounds. JDR Construction bid $30,000 for the work. Review the rental fee for the War Memorial Building leases. Cheernastics monthly fee will be $800.00. The Karate Club lease will increase to $200.00. Rummage sale locations will be $25.00.

The Wetzel County Commission also signed, filed, and approved various documents presented by the County offices including but not limited to Estates filings, checks, listing of invoices for payment, purchase orders, and reports for payroll, transfer orders, exoneration, letters and addressed matters requested by Prosecuting Attorney.

Commission will next meet on February 1, 2023 at 9:30 am