At its Feb. 13 meeting, Pine Grove Town Council unanimously voted to continue to lease the town’s ball fields to Youth League President Joey Barker. Barker had previously received a letter written by City Attorney Gary Rymer, advising him he defaulted on the lease agreement. Barker attended the Feb. 13 meeting to dispute that claim and defend his reputation.

Barker came prepared with social media posts and exact dates proving the time and dedication he puts into the upkeep of the field. After the flood, Barker spent several days, with little help, cleaning up the damage. He paid $635 to have the fields mowed between April and June. He noted he, himself, mows the fields frequently as well. From the time he took over, Barker has raised over $20,000 in donations for the park. He’s also used money from his own pockets for projects.

During Pine Grove Town Council’s January meeting, the council made a motion to give the lease to the Wetzel County Board of Education, per a request from WCS’ Brian Jones, to use the field for the Valley High School girls softball team. Although the motion passed, a lease was never signed, and Barker’s lease was not officially deactivated.

Barker said that he’s more than willing to work with the board and WCS Assistant Superintendent Shane Highley, so the softball team can use the field as well.

“I want to work with the board. I want the best fields we can have, from kindergarten to seniors in high school. That’s my goal,” Barker said. He continued, “Everything I do around here for the community is for the youth of the community and the betterment of them, not for self-recognition. It’s for the kids.”

When asked by Mayor Barb King about a proposed solution, Barker said that he would like to continue his lease to October 11, 2018.

“I’ve read the lease, and you were not in default of the lease. You were not in default. There’s no reason that the email should have been sent. No reason that any of this should have been done,” Council member Casey Pingley said.

Council apologized and passed the motion to retract the letter that was sent and to continue the lease with Barker and the youth league.

In another matter, Mayor Barbara King presented a letter, that was approved by the sewer board, requesting permission from the county commission to use the $55,000 that was donated by them, but never touched, on Phase III of the town’s sewer project. She also requested for council to read the plan of action for the violations against the sewer. They will be sent to the DEP and will wait for a response from them on the matter.

King informed council that she is requesting at least three summer youth workers to work for the town of Pine Grove.

“I’m willing to give up my summer to be one of the supervisors if necessary,” King said.

Projects that King has in mind for the youth workers include painting the sidewalk and helping the senior centers clean up their properties. King also sent a letter to Wheeling Jesuit, requesting college students to volunteer.

“Wheeling Jesuit sends students out. They have a community project, and they will send students out to help little communities,” King explained.

“I think it’s about time we start getting this town cleaned up. This town is a mess,” King remarked.

In another matter, the mayor said that City Recorder Rhonda Spencer is preparing the budget to be submitted by the March 1 deadline.

Council approved the following business:

* The minutes of the Jan.9 meeting with one correction. The minutes stated the flood was July 28 instead of June 28

* Payment of bills.

The next council meeting is March 13 at the Byrd Center at 7 p.m.