Sept. 12, 2009
WORK SESSION: Some Stimulus Money Filtering Down
By Tony Rutherford
Huntingtonnews.net Reporter
Huntington, WV (HNN) – Following a nearly hour delay for an executive session on pending litigation, the Huntington City Council work session moved forward with grant, study, purchases, and appointment approvals.
One ordinance would approve a “look at competitiveness” by Robert Kimball & Associates of various operations at the Huntington Sanitary Board, Brandi Jacobs-Jones, director of administration and finance said. Jacobs-Jones described the study as pertaining to procedural practices that could “make our sanitation services more effective.” They range from a transfer facility could cut down on trips to the landfill or the number of individuals in a truck.
“Councilwoman [Sandra Clements] previously inquired if this is a step in the direction of privatization; it is not. It is to make the services we currently provide more effective.”
First reading comes before council regarding Phase Two of the Old Main Corridor Project, which begins at Hal Greer Blvd. and works back to 14th Street. “It will vastly improve lighting and sidewalk conditions,” said Charles Holley, director of planning and development. The work would correct sewer overflow problems too.
Holley called the Phase Two project “shovel ready” and it has received a portion of its funding from federal stimulus funds.
Pending is a request for American Recovery funds for a connector between Pullman Square and Heritage Station. “This is shovel ready” too, Holley said.
Councilman Steve Williams praised Holley’s efforts to “stretch bucks” through grants and stimulus supplements.
Concerned about the traffic and pedestrian disruption last winter during the project between 8th and 10th Streets, Councilman Mark Bates inquired about the time frame. Holley explained that the project would have a 150 day time frame and begin in October. The contractor will receive extinctions for bad weather days, but , “these businesses do not have basements,” so the upgrading of sidewalks will not be as “involved” as the First Phase, which lead to Holiday business and traffic disruptions that continued through the wet winter.
Another first reading would permit acceptance of funds for the Ambrose Trail project with a path on top of the floodwall levee from Third Street West to 14th Street West.
Monday’s agenda also includes appointments of Russell Houck and Rebecca Thacker to the Transit Authority Board and Susan Gillette to the West Virginia Housing Authority Board.
Russell Houck asked Ms. Jones about the management of the public works department after the departure of Dr. Wayne Pollard due to his voluntary resignation related to the residency requirement. Jacobs-Jones stated it’s now a “collaborative effort.” She also indicated that Kimball & Associates had discussed assisting in the planning portion other sanitary board engineering projects.
The agenda also include approval of driver’s license bar code readers for Huntington Police Department officers. A first reading comes of purchasing new .45 caliber pistols for the state bid price of $52,800. Captain Hank Dial indicated that the old weapons which contain the department’s seal would be offered to current officers for $300.
Councilman Bates complimented the town meeting with Chef Jamie Oliver stating “it’s [the reality show on changing eating habits] not going to be pretty, but I think it is going to be fair.”
Finally, council chairman Jim Insco asked that the administration Monday provide an update on the search for a new fire chief and one on the city incinerator.
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WORK SESSION: Some Stimulus Money Filtering Down
By Tony Rutherford
Huntingtonnews.net Reporter
Huntington, WV (HNN) – Following a nearly hour delay for an executive session on pending litigation, the Huntington City Council work session moved forward with grant, study, purchases, and appointment approvals.
One ordinance would approve a “look at competitiveness” by Robert Kimball & Associates of various operations at the Huntington Sanitary Board, Brandi Jacobs-Jones, director of administration and finance said. Jacobs-Jones described the study as pertaining to procedural practices that could “make our sanitation services more effective.” They range from a transfer facility could cut down on trips to the landfill or the number of individuals in a truck.
“Councilwoman [Sandra Clements] previously inquired if this is a step in the direction of privatization; it is not. It is to make the services we currently provide more effective.”
First reading comes before council regarding Phase Two of the Old Main Corridor Project, which begins at Hal Greer Blvd. and works back to 14th Street. “It will vastly improve lighting and sidewalk conditions,” said Charles Holley, director of planning and development. The work would correct sewer overflow problems too.
Holley called the Phase Two project “shovel ready” and it has received a portion of its funding from federal stimulus funds.
Pending is a request for American Recovery funds for a connector between Pullman Square and Heritage Station. “This is shovel ready” too, Holley said.
Councilman Steve Williams praised Holley’s efforts to “stretch bucks” through grants and stimulus supplements.
Concerned about the traffic and pedestrian disruption last winter during the project between 8th and 10th Streets, Councilman Mark Bates inquired about the time frame. Holley explained that the project would have a 150 day time frame and begin in October. The contractor will receive extinctions for bad weather days, but , “these businesses do not have basements,” so the upgrading of sidewalks will not be as “involved” as the First Phase, which lead to Holiday business and traffic disruptions that continued through the wet winter.
Another first reading would permit acceptance of funds for the Ambrose Trail project with a path on top of the floodwall levee from Third Street West to 14th Street West.
Monday’s agenda also includes appointments of Russell Houck and Rebecca Thacker to the Transit Authority Board and Susan Gillette to the West Virginia Housing Authority Board.
Russell Houck asked Ms. Jones about the management of the public works department after the departure of Dr. Wayne Pollard due to his voluntary resignation related to the residency requirement. Jacobs-Jones stated it’s now a “collaborative effort.” She also indicated that Kimball & Associates had discussed assisting in the planning portion other sanitary board engineering projects.
The agenda also include approval of driver’s license bar code readers for Huntington Police Department officers. A first reading comes of purchasing new .45 caliber pistols for the state bid price of $52,800. Captain Hank Dial indicated that the old weapons which contain the department’s seal would be offered to current officers for $300.
Councilman Bates complimented the town meeting with Chef Jamie Oliver stating “it’s [the reality show on changing eating habits] not going to be pretty, but I think it is going to be fair.”
Finally, council chairman Jim Insco asked that the administration Monday provide an update on the search for a new fire chief and one on the city incinerator.
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