Pine Grove Town Council met on the evening of Tuesday, February 14, 2023, at 7:00 PM at the Byrd Center in Pine Grove. The meeting was chaired by Town Recorder Sandy Hurst. Joining Ms. Hurst at the Council table were Council Members Brent Vanderhoff, Dave Barr, Melissa Yoho, and Larry Huggins, and Water & Sewer Plant Operator Tim Flint. Also present were three members of the public and one member of the press.

Following the approval of the minutes of the January 2023 Council meeting and associated financial report, there was discussion regarding oil & gas leases in which the Town is a party to. A supplemental lease on a small holding was accepted and approved.

A sealed bid for the 2003 Volvo backhoe was opened. After discussion the bid was accepted.

Recorder Hurst reported an older utility van has been traded for a snowplow blade.

There was discussion regarding a ten acre land holding on Piney Fork owned by the Town. No action was taken.

The Town’s police cruiser, a Dodge Charger, has as issue with malfunctioning fuel injectors. Council approved for a Glendale Dodge dealer to analyze the injector system.

Water & Sewer Plant Operator Tim Flint reported three leaking fire hydrants have been rebuilt, with one more to be repaired. It is anticipated that with the assistance of the Fire Department, there can be some hydrant flushing in the Spring.

There is an ongoing problem with improper materials and items being flushed into the municipal sewer system, and those items creating many problems. A consumer good marketed as Disposable Wipes is one of the main culprits. Additionally, disposable diapers, articles of clothing, and childrens’ toys all create havoc at lift stations and treatment facilities, with resultant plugged lines and destroyed pumps. The economic costs associated with the repairs is substantial. Citizens are asked to be aware of the issue and act accordingly. Flushing improper items down the commode doesn’t make them magically disappear. Somebody down the line is going to have to contend with them, and the cost in dollars and manpower can be significant.

Concerning the failure of the previous Town administration to properly remit payroll taxes during the period 2015 through 2018 to both the State and Federal governments, Ms. Hurst disclosed that investigations are in the final stages and it is anticipated that Federal prosecutors will be filing charges soon.

Council adjourned at 7:50 PM.