KINGWOOD — Kingwood City Council members are considering hiring Trenton Cooper, a building code inspector from Elkins. If hired, he would be contracted by job and would not receive insurance or other benefits.
A building code inspector inspects homes and commercial buildings to ensure local laws and zoning ordinances are being followed.
“Someone (on council) contacted me and asked if I do contract work,” Cooper said. “I’m not opposed to it. I’m busy but I could commit to a couple of days a week for you.”
He said removing dilapidated buildings and bringing buildings and homes up to code will improve property value.
“It’s an investment for the city. Down the road. you see money coming back to you.” Cooper said.
Council discussed hiring a building inspector in the past to help with the dilapidated building problem and new home inspections, but couldn’t find someone willing to work by job.
“Can you come up with a contract for us?” councilman Mike Lipscomb asked.
Cooper said he would prefer council have their attorney draw something up.
Also addressing council was Kim Liston, who provided information about the Mon Health Preston Recovery Care Program.
The program offers outpatient treatment for addiction to opioids, methamphetamine, alcohol and other substances. It provides medication management to assist in recovery; group and individual therapy; integrated medical care; team approach to treatment; hope, connection and opportunity to change; and peer recovery coaches in outpatient treatment programs and the emergency department.
Liston said the program also offers an overdose survivor plan that provides follow up for several months.
“There were 450 interventions last year,” she said. “We offer Narcan training and education to groups, teachers, and interested organizations.”
She said anyone interested in participating in the program or who wants Narcan can call Preston Memorial Hospital at 304-329-1400, Ext. 4301, or go to the emergency room.
In other business, council voted to accept Stone Pavings bid of $66,000 to pave Jackson Street, and
$87,000 for High Street.
Kingwood’s first Summerfest will be held from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday in downtown Kingwood. Councilwoman Tina Turner said there will be 37 vendors and three bands. Scheduled events include a farmer’s market at McGrew House, trail ribbon cutting, a car show, inflatables and a kids’ zone. There will be a beer garden open from 4-8 p.m. on West Court Street, with a limit of two beers. Over $2,000 in local gift certificates will be raffled off all day.
