Ambulance station eyed, tether restrictions sought in Brooke County

Station could be built on lots at the north end of Pleasant Avenue in Wellsburg

WELLSBURG -- Tentative plans to create a central county ambulance station, the addition of temperature guidelines to an ordinance on dog tethering and changes brought on by the state's redistricting were among matters before the Brooke County Commission on Tuesday.

The commissioners agreed to seek proposals from architects for the possible construction of the ambulance station, which could be built on lots at the north end of Pleasant Avenue in Wellsburg.

The commissioners bought the lots, which are near the street's intersection with state Route 2 north of Wellsburg, and razed two dilapidated structures on them with the new station in mind.

Commission President A.J. Thomas said an architect can help the commission determine how many ambulances can be accommodated there.

He said the ambulance service is in great need of modern facilities.

Jeff Luck, deputy director of the ambulance service, said it and other ambulance departments around the U.S. are experiencing a shortage of staff and moving the county's personnel under one roof would address some logistical issues.

"This will allow us to send the appropriate truck to each call. Sometimes we're sending two ambulances to one call to ensure the required level of care is provided," he said.

Currently the county's ambulance service operates from stations along state Route 2 at the north end of Follansbee and from the Marshall Terrace area near state Route 67.

Established several years ago, the two locations were seen as a way for the ambulance service to quickly reach emergencies at either end of the county.

Thomas said whatever happens in the future, the county will continue to rely on mutual aid agreements with volunteer fire departments with paramedics.

The commissioners also heard from Carri Welsh and Cindy Dobbs, who asked them to amend a county ordinance prohibiting owners of dogs from tethering them outside in extreme weather.

Welsh and Dobbs have asked the commission to prohibit tethering when temperatures are below 32 degrees or higher than 90 degrees.

Welsh acknowledged owners of some breeds have argued their dogs are heartier in cold weather but said the prescribed temperatures are "the minimum standards for survival."

"We all know that freezing temperatures aren't really safe for any animal regardless of size or breed," she said.

Welsh noted the American Veterinary Medical Association maintains environments for dogs or cats generally should be kept between 50 degrees and 80 degrees.

Follansbee Councilwoman Alexis Russell, who came to support the two, noted enforcement of the ordinance is at the discretion of the animal control officer or police, who may note a dog that appears active even in the cold.

County Commissioner Stacey Wise said the current ordinance allows for more discretion because it doesn't include specific temperatures.

She said currently an officer doesn't have to wait until a temperature rises or falls to a certain level to act.

Wise said the commission will consult the animal control officer and others to determine if there have been cases in which the existing ordinance hasn't been sufficient to protect a dog from harm.

Welsh shared a letter in which Wellsburg Police Chief Mike Allman said citing specific temperatures has helped his officers to educate the public and leaves no room for argument when violations occur.

Brooke County Sheriff Rich Beatty said including the temperatures would eliminate gray areas in the present ordinance and make his department's job easier.

The commissioners also advised County Clerk Kim Barbetta and her staff will need to change voting precincts affected by the West Virginia Legislature's recent redistricting of the state.

Thomas said the legislators didn't take into account its impact on precincts in each county, and about a dozen of Brooke's precincts are expected to be affected.

Barbetta said voters will be notified by mail and through other means of changes in precincts and polling places before the next election.

She was asked if it was a good time to consolidate precincts, as some haven't changed in some time.

Barbetta said she and others may look at combining polling places for adjacent precincts, which would reduce the need for poll workers.

But Thomas said the commission wants to ensure the poll sites are convenient for voters.

Also on Tuesday:

● County Commissioner Tim Ennis reflected on the recent death of Bob Kiss, former state speaker of the House and state secretary of revenue whom he called "one of the most brilliant minds this state will ever see."

Ennis, who served as a state delegate during Kiss' tenure, said Kiss helped to reverse severe financial debt experienced by the state and was a proponent for the state's rainy day fund and tax increment financing, which involves deferred tax payments to encourage private economic development.

● The commission appointed attorney Aaron Cavianai as the county's fiduciary commissioner after Wayne Mielke announced he's stepping down from the position.

● The commission agreed to accept bids for a new Ford F150 for the animal control officer, saying it will replace a 2017 model with very high mileage.