Jan. 15, 2008
Administration, Council Oppose Barge Facility
New Chairwoman Takes Gavel
By Tony Rutherford
Huntingtonnews.net Reporter
Huntington, WV (HNN) – Vowing to keep fighting the proposed Westmoreland barge facility to “my dying breath,” Councilman James Ritter joined a unanimous Huntington City Council opposing the Campbell Transportation Co. facility planned for the city’s west end. The resolution lists various adverse impacts upon the city, including pollution, diminished property values, interference with the approximately $4 million dollar trail project sponsored by the Rahall Transportation Institute, proximity to Harris River Front Park, riverbank erosion, and nearness to sanitary outflow pipes.
During the discussion, Dr. Calvin Kent, who missed the Friday work session, added that the docked barges would be a safety hazard for those using the Ohio River for recreation. James Insco suggested that the Huntington Park Board be notified of the comment period for the 90 barge facility that would run between First Street and 7th Street West.
Mayor David Felinton echoed the work session statement that the city would receive little or no economic benefit from the facility. At most, it would employee 15 temporary employees. “They would occasionally pay the user fee,” but no business and occupation or other municipal fees, the mayor said.
Don Saunders, a resident of Burlington, Ohio, told council, “We are deeply concerned with barges on the other side of the river,” adding that the planned 200 barge facility in Westmorland remains an issue. Saunders said that from speaking with officials at the Corps of Engineers, “the application is not far enough along to issue a public notice.” However, Saunders said that based on information from a Cincinnati river environmental watch group , a “200 barge [facility] dwarfs anything on the Ohio River.”
The city has been fighting the Westmorland proposal for more than a decade. The original petitioner obtained a permit, but did not build. Later, Huntington cancelled their lease, but a circuit court judge recently upheld the alleged contract. A new group then requested a permit from the Corps.
Council’s resolution in opposition will be sent to the Corps. Simultaneously, the administration has prepared a lengthy and firm “we do not want you to do it” admonition with exhibits.
NEELY BACK AS CHAIR
Reversing the chairman/vice chairman succession order a bit, council voted former chairwoman Mary Neely as the leader for 2008. Paul Ferrell, an attorney and former federal prosecutor who plans to run for circuit judge, remained council’s vice chairman.
SCHOOL CONSOLIDATION
James Insco indicated he will sponsor a forthcoming resolution opposing consolidation of Enslow and Beverly Hills Middle School at the Vocational Technical facility outside of the city. “It will encourage our school board to find property within the city limits and within walking distance,” Insco said.
Considering the rising costs of fuel, should not that also be on the table in the Board of Education decision making process, asked one observer.
PINK BRIDGE
Council chairwoman Mary Neely informed Mayor Felinton that the pink bridge in Ritter Park has been defaced again by graffiti artists. When Felinton gave a young man permission to paint the span, the man indicated he would provide maintenance for one year. The year has expired, so the mayor will have it cleaned by week’s end.
SANITARY BOARD
Although council approved an ordinance for a $23,509 contact with Strand and Associates for assistance in developing a long-term sewer control plan, the public comment portion turned heated. Tom McCallister questioned authorization of funds for yet another study for separating the storm and sewage systems.
Arguing that Chester & Associates had done them previously, he complained that no dirt has moved and that rates will go up. Sponsor P.D. Adkins responded that a rate increase is likely, but McCallister’s accusations led to angry exchanges between the two.
Afterwards, Garry Black inquired about the previous studies. The sanitary board executive director told council these older studies were outdated and that a current one was necessary.
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Administration, Council Oppose Barge Facility
New Chairwoman Takes Gavel
By Tony Rutherford
Huntingtonnews.net Reporter
Huntington, WV (HNN) – Vowing to keep fighting the proposed Westmoreland barge facility to “my dying breath,” Councilman James Ritter joined a unanimous Huntington City Council opposing the Campbell Transportation Co. facility planned for the city’s west end. The resolution lists various adverse impacts upon the city, including pollution, diminished property values, interference with the approximately $4 million dollar trail project sponsored by the Rahall Transportation Institute, proximity to Harris River Front Park, riverbank erosion, and nearness to sanitary outflow pipes.
During the discussion, Dr. Calvin Kent, who missed the Friday work session, added that the docked barges would be a safety hazard for those using the Ohio River for recreation. James Insco suggested that the Huntington Park Board be notified of the comment period for the 90 barge facility that would run between First Street and 7th Street West.
Mayor David Felinton echoed the work session statement that the city would receive little or no economic benefit from the facility. At most, it would employee 15 temporary employees. “They would occasionally pay the user fee,” but no business and occupation or other municipal fees, the mayor said.
Don Saunders, a resident of Burlington, Ohio, told council, “We are deeply concerned with barges on the other side of the river,” adding that the planned 200 barge facility in Westmorland remains an issue. Saunders said that from speaking with officials at the Corps of Engineers, “the application is not far enough along to issue a public notice.” However, Saunders said that based on information from a Cincinnati river environmental watch group , a “200 barge [facility] dwarfs anything on the Ohio River.”
The city has been fighting the Westmorland proposal for more than a decade. The original petitioner obtained a permit, but did not build. Later, Huntington cancelled their lease, but a circuit court judge recently upheld the alleged contract. A new group then requested a permit from the Corps.
Council’s resolution in opposition will be sent to the Corps. Simultaneously, the administration has prepared a lengthy and firm “we do not want you to do it” admonition with exhibits.
NEELY BACK AS CHAIR
Reversing the chairman/vice chairman succession order a bit, council voted former chairwoman Mary Neely as the leader for 2008. Paul Ferrell, an attorney and former federal prosecutor who plans to run for circuit judge, remained council’s vice chairman.
SCHOOL CONSOLIDATION
James Insco indicated he will sponsor a forthcoming resolution opposing consolidation of Enslow and Beverly Hills Middle School at the Vocational Technical facility outside of the city. “It will encourage our school board to find property within the city limits and within walking distance,” Insco said.
Considering the rising costs of fuel, should not that also be on the table in the Board of Education decision making process, asked one observer.
PINK BRIDGE
Council chairwoman Mary Neely informed Mayor Felinton that the pink bridge in Ritter Park has been defaced again by graffiti artists. When Felinton gave a young man permission to paint the span, the man indicated he would provide maintenance for one year. The year has expired, so the mayor will have it cleaned by week’s end.
SANITARY BOARD
Although council approved an ordinance for a $23,509 contact with Strand and Associates for assistance in developing a long-term sewer control plan, the public comment portion turned heated. Tom McCallister questioned authorization of funds for yet another study for separating the storm and sewage systems.
Arguing that Chester & Associates had done them previously, he complained that no dirt has moved and that rates will go up. Sponsor P.D. Adkins responded that a rate increase is likely, but McCallister’s accusations led to angry exchanges between the two.
Afterwards, Garry Black inquired about the previous studies. The sanitary board executive director told council these older studies were outdated and that a current one was necessary.
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