BHJ pitches update to water, sewer plan
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WELLSBURG -- The Brooke-Hancock-Jefferson Metropolitan Planning Commission has asked the Brooke County Commission for support in updating a more than 20-year-old study identifying areas in need of modern water and sewer lines.
Mike Paprocki, BHJ's executive director, said he plans to seek a grant from the U.S. Economic Development Agency for the update and will be asking Hancock County commissioners also if they would consider contributing to a local match for it.
He said if awarded, the grant could be up to $200,000, which could entail local funds of $10,000 to $20,000 each for the two county commissions.
Paprocki said the study would consider areas where industrial and residential development could occur while using digital mapping not available when the earlier plan was developed in 2000.
He said the effort also would involve digitizing the information gathered by Ghosh Engineering when the study was commissioned by BHJ with financial support from the Brooke and Hancock county commissions.
Brooke Commission President A.J. Thomas said, following the meeting, "We're 100 percent on board. That plan needs to be updated."
Thomas said while BHJ didn't ask for a specific financial commitment, "They wanted to bring it to us now before we budgeted for the next fiscal year, which we appreciate."
Paprocki noted a lot has changed since the 2000 study was done, with multiple water and sewer projects launched in that time.
On Tuesday, the Brooke County Commission approved the disbursement of funds it had approved for two ongoing water or sewer projects supported by a portion of federal American Rescue Plan funds awarded to the county.
They included the inspection, cleaning and painting of two water tanks serving the Washington Pike Public Service District and the extension of sewer lines to about 178 customers in the St. Johns Road area by the Brooke County Public Service District.
The commission allocated $677,000 for work on the tanks, which is nearing completion; and $1 million for the sewer project, which also is being supported by $4.4 million 30-year loan and a $500,000 grant, both from the state Infrastructure and Jobs Development Council.
The two projects are among several being supported in part from $1,158,500 in American Rescue Plan Act funds received by the county.
While Paprocki was present, the commissioners asked if BHJ could approach Ohio highway officials for more signs near the new Ohio River bridge in Brilliant.
County Commissioner Tom Diserio said approaching the span from state Route 7 south to Brilliant can be confusing, while resident Richard Ferguson suggested earlier that more than one sign could help guide travelers to the bridge's approach at Third and Cleaver streets.
Paprocki agreed to convey their concerns while noting there are plans to establish a park and ride lot, from which individuals may carpool, at the vacant corner of across from the bridge.
In other business, the commission:
• Accepted the resignation of Andy Nickerson, director of the county's ambulance service and emergency management agency, who is leaving for a position at the Hancock County Emergency 911 Center.
The commissioners noted Nickerson has worked in the ambulance service for 23 years.
They also appointed Greg Moore, a paramedic who has been with the ambulance service for 37 years, to serve as interim director of the two agencies.
Thomas said the county's ambulance authority, formed in 2022, will work with the county commission to advertise for and consider applicants for the position.
"This is a crucial hire. We want to make sure we do this correctly," he said.
In related business, the commission also approved the sale by the ambulance agency of five mobile cots and two wheeled stair chairs. Thomas said proceeds from the sales will be used to establish an equipment replacement fund for the ambulance service.
• Approved the $8,430 purchase of two portable radios for the county's animal shelter at the request of Christina White, the county's emergency 911 director.
• Approved a $3,666 addition to the county's election budget to reflect a reimbursement by the Weirton for staff involved in preparing for the inclusion of the city's election as part of the county's election on Nov. 5.
County Clerk Kim Barbetta advised additional poll workers are needed to work on that day and in the May 14 primary election.
Those interested in the paid positions should call (304) 737-3668 for details.
• Acknowledged the recent death of retired Army Brig. Gen. John "Doc" Bahnsen, a New Cumberland resident who received numerous commendations for his service, including leadership of an air cavalry troop during the Vietnam War and role in more than 300 military engagements.
Thomas called Bahnsen, who was 89, "a true hero, a true patriot."