At the Pine Grove Town Council meeting held Monday night, George Haberman and Tim Miller from Pittsburgh’s Civil and Environmental Consultants, Inc., addressed the council regarding widening the road where state Route 20 and County Road 15/17 meet to allow for large rigs to more easily travel to and from the processing plant in Mobley.

Haberman and Miller explained their client, MarkWest Liberty Midstream and Resources, needs that road widened to accommodate the length of their trailers. They noted altering the road would lend for more gradual turns that would be safer for everyone. They further noted they would simply be laying stone at this time, as paving companies do not operate in the colder months, however they would entertain paving the widened areas later on. CEC has also already spoken with the West Virginia Division Of Highways and other pertinent entities to be sure the project would not pose any traffic risks.

After some discussion, the town moved to approve the plans laid out by CEC and MarkWest. At this point it is up to the Pine Grove Library Board of Trustees to approve the project, as they recently purchased a building and property along the road up for alteration.

Weldon Williams of the library’s Board of Trustees was present at the council meeting and noted the board had received a proposal letter from MarkWest but no further discussion or agreement has been made on the matter.

Kristi Earley also appeared before council to discuss the town’s Christmas light displays. She shared with the council that students in the second year welding program at MOVTI are constructing hanging fixtures for St. Marys. Inspired by the news, Earley contacted MOVTI to see if students could make such lighted ornaments for the Town of Pine Grove and was told they could do so if that was something the town would like to have.

Earley was quoted $20 per frame, which does not include the lights. Earley said for this amount the town could have snowflakes, trees, stockings, or ornaments hang from the poles in the town, or could also get some freestanding fixtures for roadsides or rooftops. She also said she has already heard from several individuals and businesses who are willing to purchase a fixture for the town, if the council can see to hanging them.

The council was excited at the idea and is hopeful they can move forward with the project. If anyone is interested in purchasing a $20 fixture for the town, contact Earley at 304-889-3590. These ornaments can also be purchased in memory of someone, if desired.

In another matter Patti and Dennis McCardle addressed the council regarding needing a ditch near their home to keep water from soaking their property and causing other problems. The McCardles stated that regardless of whether there was a light or heavy rain, their yard was a mess. Mayor Dave Barr said he would have the appropriate persons contact the McCardles soon to see about getting a ditch dug and whatever else may be needed to fix the problem.

Meanwhile the council noted several doors and windows at the Byrd Center have been replaced using stimulus funds made available to them. More of these fixtures are scheduled to be replaced in the near future.

Under approvals, the council agreed to purchase a new pump for the town’s dump-truck which is presently out of operation. The cost of the new pump is estimated at $500. The council also agreed to purchase paint and supplies in the future to repaint a room in the Byrd Center during the winter months. Mayor Barr said he would get estimates together for those supplies for the next council meeting.

Another matter discussed at the meeting pertained to the maintenance workers’ new rented uniforms. It was made known the employees were having problems getting uniforms back each week as expected by the company handling the cleaning and delivery of those items. With that in mind, the council proposed and agreed to instead purchase uniforms for the employees which the town could have washed weekly.

Also, council agreed to hold the town’s Trick-or-Treat night on Oct. 29 from 4-6 p.m.

Lastly, the council extended their thanks and appreciation to Dominion and all volunteers for their help and donation in getting renovations started at Earley Park. Dominion donated $2,500 to the cause and on Sept. 27, 20 employees worked to replace electric breaker boxes, build a treated lumber barrier to create a walking track and play area enclosures, and install a new metal roof on the outdoor restrooms facility.