Elevator project continues, new enforcement officer named
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WELLSBURG -- The Brooke County Commission again met in a records room in the basement of the county courthouse Tuesday while crews worked to replace the building's elevator.
In recent weeks, the commission's regular meeting room has been used to store parts for the elevator and for staff to meet with visitors who aren't able to climb the stairway to the courthouse's second and third floors.
County Commissioner Stacey Wise said the project is on schedule and may be completed in a week or two.
But she said it's not clear when a qualified individual will be available to conduct a state required inspection.
Since 1995, elevator inspections have been the responsibility of the state Division of Labor, which also licenses personnel involved in their installation and repair.
In 2004, elevator inspections were privatized but independent elevator inspectors must be licensed by the division. After determining if an elevator has met safety standards set by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the division may approve its use.
The Schindler Elevator Corp. is providing new rollers, belts, control boards and other equipment for the elevator at a cost of about $113,500.
The project is being funded through a $100,000 grant from the state Courthouse Facilities Improvement Council and a 20 percent match from the county.
County Commissioner Tim Ennis said the previous elevator had become outdated and the commission once had to turn to eBay to find a part for it.
Until the new elevator is installed, the commission has encouraged residents to call county departments in advance to determine if they must come to the courthouse in person to complete their business.
Because of the holidays, the courthouse will close at noon on Dec. 23 and 30 and will be closed on Dec. 24 and 31. It normally isn't open on Saturdays.
In other business, the commission announced Dale Adams of Wellsburg has been hired to serve as the county's part-time compliance officer. In that capacity, Adams will investigate properties in unincorporated areas that have violated county ordinances regarding dilapidated structures, excess vegetation and other conditions deemed unsafe and unsanitary.
Wise confirmed the job is partly funded by a litter control grant awarded to the Brooke County Solid Waste Authority and investigation of illegal dumping will continue to be one of Adams' tasks.
A county ordinance allows the commission to fine individuals $100 for each day they have failed to correct a violation, after being notified. The commission also may hire a contractor to address the problem and place a lien on the property to recoup the cost, including court related costs and attorney's fees.
Individuals cited for violations also may request a hearing before the commission and if unsatisfied with its outcome, may appeal to the local circuit court.
In other business, the commission appointed Judy Roeder to fill a seat on the Hammond Public Service District left vacant with the recent resignation of Kenny Lowmiller.
County Clerk Kim Barbetta advised she's received applications from several individuals for the county ambulance authority the commission plans to form.
The commissioners are slated to appoint members to the new board, which will oversee the county's ambulance service, at its next regular meeting at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 28.