Communities and non-profit organizations are eligible for grants from the Stephen A. Andes Recreation Enhancement Fund for the purpose of improving recreational facilities and/or community beautification. At the January 28 Putnam County Commission meeting, seven entities made their wants known.
City of Winfield mayor Randy Barrett requested $10,711.64 of the commission for improvements at the river front park at the community center. The funds would allow the City to install a swing, flag pole and solar lighting, and to add an extension to an existing dock to accommodate anglers.
Buffalo mayor Conrad Cain stated that the funds requested last year were not expended because a land use agreement was not in place for new athletic fields. He asked that those funds of $30,400 be re-extended and for an additional $14,000 for a pickleball court and $4,486 for swing sets. Cain said that all projects would be completed this calendar year.
Bancroft mayor Jami Beth Hayes requested $20,720.72 to replace the gravel in play areas with rubber mulch, install an additional flag pole and replace existing monkey bars with a spider web.
Eleanor mayor Cam Clendenin asked the commission for $35,000 which would help the town to meet 20% matching needs for a $350,000 sidewalk project. The project consists of 5,000 feet of sidewalk for the Eleanor Park and fairgrounds and additional entrances to the fairgrounds.
Poca mayor William Jones requested $34,599.20 for park improvements that include security cameras, a shelter with two picnic tables and amenities.
Nathan Clendenin of the Putnam County Fair Board submitted a request of $13,900 to complete a fairground lighting project and to address a drainage issue.
Lowell Wilks request $6,500 on behalf of the Historic Hoge House Foundation for a heating/cooling unit to the addition and for front porch repair.
Commission president Andy Skidmore stated that the $100,000 allocated for the grants from the county’s Hotel/Motel Tax receipts is $36,000 less than the requested grants. Skidmore asked that action on requests be tabled until after the commission has completed its budget work for the coming fiscal year. The commission will revisit the requests once the budget process is completed.
The county commission regularly allocates funds to the WVU Extension Service to support the annual 4-H Camp at Camp Vigil Tate in Kanawha County. Extension agent Raechel Neal asked the commission to increase its donation by $5,000. Neal said that the additional amount will make for a $200 cost to campers for thew one week camp. Last year the cost to campers was $175.
In other action, the commission appointed Jacob Pack to the Putnam PSD Board; Brian Ellis, Vic Mays, David Mills, Travis Willard, and Glenn Yeager to the Putnam County Planning Commission; and Doug Pierson to the Animal Shelter Board, the Parks and Recreation Board, and the Putnam County Criminal Justice Day Report Board.
The next regular county commission meeting is Tuesday, February 11, at 9:00 a.m.
