Government, News

Preston County Commission approves changes in franchise agreement

KINGWOOD — Members of the Preston County Commission voted to approve changes in a franchise agreement with Digital Connections Inc. dba Prodigi. Prodigi serves residents on W. Va. 73 to Coopers Rock, Pisgah, W. Va. 26 north to Glade Farms Road, Moyers Road, 26 into Kingwood to behind McDonald’s, and the Brandonville Pike to Centennary. The company is based in Bruceton Mills.

Commissioner Don Smith said several people have said “good things” about the service provided by the company.

Commissioners voted to accept a bid of $9,750 from Snyder Heating and Cooling LLC to replace the HVAC in the deputies’ office and the furnace at the Extension Office. Commissioner Dave Price said Snyders had the low bid for the highest efficiency equipment. The company will also dispose of the old equipment.

A meeting to discuss the Tunnelton Underpass will be held on August 28 at 10am, according to Smith. He said the meeting was being held to discuss a solution to the CSX underpass. Smith said representatives from both the DOH and CSX would be at the meeting.

“CSX has been very supportive. They want to find a solution because it will be less costly to them in the future,” Smith said.

He said a teleconference about the underpass is scheduled for the end of July (no date at this time) to “touch base with everyone.” Smith said the teleconference is being set up by Congressman David McKinley’s office. “The commissioners, the mayor, CSX, Department of Highways, and Congressman McKinley or Wendy Madden, will be be there to make sure everyone gets what they need,” he said.

Smith said on June 26 a request was sent to Charleston for approval that would give Robbie Peddicord a right in and a right out on his property. He said the speed limit will be lowered from 55 mph to 45 mph there. Peddicord proposes to build a hotel and restaurant across W. Va. Rt. 7 from Walmart.

In other business, Smith said the Solid Waste Authority has recieved a $2,800 Litter Control Grant for fuel for the litter control vehicle. He said a recycling grant to be used to purchase roll off containers has been submitted. The roll offs would be located in Bruceton Mills, Terra Alta and Rowlesburg.
Robert Metheny and Harry Wolfe were reappointed to the Preston County Sewer Public District Board for six year terms.

Peggy Pace was appointed to a four year term with the Preston County Solid Waste Authority Board.
The vacancy on the Public Defenders Corporation Board of Directors remains unfilled. Anyone interested in serving on the board can call the commission office at 304 329-1805.