Pictured are members of the WV DOH and Hurricane Construction Services team which made it possible to replace the Lexington Estates bridge in less than a two-day span.
Prior to the Hurricane City Council meeting, the vacant seat on council was filled by the appointment of Jody Ogle. Ogle swore to uphold the prescribed duties of council as Mayor Edwards administered the oath. Ogle, 46, is a 21-year resident of the city.
The Hurricane Police Department, city workers, and WV DOT were all recognized for actions above and beyond their job descriptions.
Before citing any actions by individuals, Edwards made the public aware of an incident in which the police department utilized drone technology to locate and arrest an individual who had fled from officers. A drone with infrared detection capabilities was used to find an individual who had fled the scene and sought to hide in a wooded area in the dark of night. The mayor said he wants the public to know that running from the police department is not a wise choice.
City Construction Service workers and WV DOT workers were recognized for their rapid response to the emergency closure of the bridge to Lexington Estates. The temporary replacement was completed in a record time because the team was able to locate and move resources to the site without delay. The effort involved helping residents carrying supplies and necessities to and from their homes.
Edwards recognized the timely response of Hurricane Construction Services personnel in an instance in which a victim was found bleeding after suffering a stroke on Teays Valley Road. The victim, Bill Starkey of Milton, was present to personally thank those who assisted.
Members of the Hurricane High School Golf Team received certificates of recognition for winning the State Championship.
City Manager Andy Skidmore informed council that the city has received 12 proposals from contractors to oversee the construction of infrastructure for Woodworth Farms. Contract will be awarded once all proposals are evaluated.
David Boyles addressed council concerning language in the city code which defines the term Family. Boyles pointed to city codes of other West Virginia municipalities which are more stringent than that of Hurricane. Boyles believes changes of the definition would benefit residents.
In other business, council held the second reading of an ordinance which will expand the definition of Protective Screening. Council also approved placing the continuance of the 5-year levy to support the police and street departments on the May Primary Election ballot. The current 5-year levy expires on June 30, 2027 and must be approved at a regular primary or general election prior to its expiration.
Council has given the sole tenant of a mobile home located on the five acres which the city recently acquired to vacate the property within 120 days.
Earlier in the day and prior to the meeting, the West Virginia State Treasurer’s office was present at city hall to assist residents in making property claim for property held by the State.
Treasurer Larry Pack presented the city with a check of $4,400.91 which represented unclaimed vendor checks and refund payments.
Additionally, one person found that the State was in possession $35,000 which was being held in his name. During the course of the day, the Treasurer’s Office found unclaimed property for 41 residents of Putnam County totaling $52,846.
Information concerning unclaimed property held by the State can be found at www.WVUnclaimedProperty.gov.
The next city council meeting will be Monday, February 2, at 6:30 p.m.
