Feb. 26, 2008
Barnett Transfer Narrowly Approved
Police and Fire Budget Session Saturday 9 a.m.
By Tony Rutherford
Huntingtonnews.net Reporter
Huntington, WV (HNN) – Turning over the structure that now houses the Barnett Child Care Center to the nonprofit corporation that runs the center provided a to the point business debate, which reflected some of the so-called mistakes the City of Huntington made by selling valuable resources for token consideration.
Barnett has plans to expand and open a pre-school. To do that, they need a loan and grant monies. Banks and the Department of Health and Human Resources will not lend or issue a grant unless the Care Center owns the building, which was once a five and dime store and small supermarket.
Council’s concerns did not reflect upon Barnett, its work or its board. Rather, council potentially wanted a reversion clause should Barnett fold. Unfortunately, if the building itself was collateral, the demise of Barnett would not leave the structure free and clear over which the city should assume control.
Giving the building to Barnett does reduce the city’s liability insurance, although the exact amount has not been determined.
Despite prior debacles --- the marina and floating restaurant comes to mind --- council voted 5-4 to give the building to Barnett so its work can continue.
Council then swung harmonious passing remaining agenda items unanimously.
A resolution to shift CBDG funding to repair of a children’s playground at Harris Riverfront Park
Independent Mayoral candidate Tom McAllister suggested that spending the $46,000 to repair an area known for its “lawlessness,” “gangs,” and graffiti would be better allocated for removal of filthy paint squalls at both the restrooms and benches.
Councilmember Jim Ritter agreed with McAllister that something should be done to fix the unsightly benches and bathrooms, too, though the current resolution did not include funds to do the additional work.
Members voted to send support to state senators regarding (S.B. 667) which would in future years provide relief for cities with overwhelming police and fire pension fund payments.
Although the Senate bill was not elaborated upon, it would allow the state to assume responsibilities for police and fire pensions of cities within West Virginia. A buzz in the council chambers indicated that the bill seemed headed for defeat in t Senate through outright defeat or amendments that would offset the benefits to cities such as Huntington.
Mc. McAllister unsuccessfully reminded council that in his view “the state can not accept the debt of a municipality.”
Council still without a nay amongst them voted in favor of the resolution.
Although no additional ‘business” was conducted, both Mayor David Felinton and councilmember James Insco reminded the public of important events this weekend:
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Barnett Transfer Narrowly Approved
Police and Fire Budget Session Saturday 9 a.m.
By Tony Rutherford
Huntingtonnews.net Reporter
Huntington, WV (HNN) – Turning over the structure that now houses the Barnett Child Care Center to the nonprofit corporation that runs the center provided a to the point business debate, which reflected some of the so-called mistakes the City of Huntington made by selling valuable resources for token consideration.
Barnett has plans to expand and open a pre-school. To do that, they need a loan and grant monies. Banks and the Department of Health and Human Resources will not lend or issue a grant unless the Care Center owns the building, which was once a five and dime store and small supermarket.
Council’s concerns did not reflect upon Barnett, its work or its board. Rather, council potentially wanted a reversion clause should Barnett fold. Unfortunately, if the building itself was collateral, the demise of Barnett would not leave the structure free and clear over which the city should assume control.
Giving the building to Barnett does reduce the city’s liability insurance, although the exact amount has not been determined.
Despite prior debacles --- the marina and floating restaurant comes to mind --- council voted 5-4 to give the building to Barnett so its work can continue.
Council then swung harmonious passing remaining agenda items unanimously.
A resolution to shift CBDG funding to repair of a children’s playground at Harris Riverfront Park
Independent Mayoral candidate Tom McAllister suggested that spending the $46,000 to repair an area known for its “lawlessness,” “gangs,” and graffiti would be better allocated for removal of filthy paint squalls at both the restrooms and benches.
Councilmember Jim Ritter agreed with McAllister that something should be done to fix the unsightly benches and bathrooms, too, though the current resolution did not include funds to do the additional work.
Members voted to send support to state senators regarding (S.B. 667) which would in future years provide relief for cities with overwhelming police and fire pension fund payments.
Although the Senate bill was not elaborated upon, it would allow the state to assume responsibilities for police and fire pensions of cities within West Virginia. A buzz in the council chambers indicated that the bill seemed headed for defeat in t Senate through outright defeat or amendments that would offset the benefits to cities such as Huntington.
Mc. McAllister unsuccessfully reminded council that in his view “the state can not accept the debt of a municipality.”
Council still without a nay amongst them voted in favor of the resolution.
Although no additional ‘business” was conducted, both Mayor David Felinton and councilmember James Insco reminded the public of important events this weekend:
- On Thursday, Feb. 28 at 11:30 a.m. a ribbon cutting will be held on the newly constructed Rite Aide Pharmacy on Fifth Avenue next to the 31st Street Bridge ramp
- On Friday at 11 a.m. a bid opening will be held for the health insurance proposals from the six insurance providers . Neither the city nor council are committed to any one bid, but the bids will provide city budget wrestlers with an idea of what’s out there.
- Members of council take up police, fire, public works and other 2008-2009 budget proposals in council chambers at 9 a.m. One of the item for discussion ---- will the city find funds to hire six new police officers as Police Chief Skip Holbrook has requested?
- In the Mayor’s Conference Room, the volunteers working to clean up and revitalize Harris Riverfront Park will meet, at 9 a.m., too.
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