Many times information becomes public at Hurricane City Council meetings which is not related to listed agenda items. Such was the case for the July 1st Hurricane City Council meeting. The agenda did not make any reference to Lexington Estates.
City Manager Andy Skidmore informed council that the bridge connecting U.S. Route 60 to Lexington Estates is in disrepair and the cost of renovation will fall upon the City. Skidmore stated that the WVDOH has inspected the bridge and determined that there is no need to replace the bridge but an extensive renovation will be required in the near future. While the cost must be borne by the City, federal funds are available through the State which will cover the cost. No time table has been established but the project appears to meet all grant requirements.
Hurricane Police Chief Mike Mullins presented council with a traffic study that included speeding records on Virginia Avenue during the month of June. Mullins reported an average speed of 32 mph in the 35 mph zone. There was one incident of 70 mph speeding vehicle at 2 a.m. The study found that 56,000 vehicles traveled the monitored section during June.
The council asked Mullins to extend the traffic study on the street for an additional month. Members of council are concerned that traffic on Virginia Avenue will expand exponentially when the I-64 Culloden Interchange is completed. The HPD data will be submitted to the DOH with the hope that the agency will address current and future traffic flow on Virginia Avenue.
Fire Chief Mike Hoffman reported that the Hurricane Fire Department Carnival generated more than $7,000 in revenue. Hurricane Fire & Rescue uses the revenue to support the local community cupboard.
Bill Bartley addressed council concerning Operation Lifesaver. Operation Lifesaver promotes safety awareness education with the goal of reducing accidents at railroad crossings. The City, in response to the program, requires the posting of crossing guards at the entrance to Meeks Mountain Trails during organized events. Bartley showed council the trophy that he received from OLI in honor of his efforts to promote safe crossings.
In an item actually listed on the agenda, the council approved the signing of a Letter of Support for the Putnam County Solid Waste Authority to pursue grant funding for a plastic recycling center in Hurricane. Plans call for the center to be located adjacent to the Hurricane Fire Station on Midland Trail. Rob Vanatter, PCSWA representative, stated that sales will generate revenue for the agency’s scholarship program.
In other business, council approved the appointmant of Jeremy Young on the Hurricane Water Board. The appointment fills the vacancy created by the passing of long-serving councilman Reggie Billups.
The next Hurricane City Council meeting is Monday, August 5, at 6:30 p.m.
