Greenbrier County Commission discusses broken license plate reader and the Meadow River Trail

GREENBRIER COUNTY W.Va. (WVDN) – The Commission discussed various agenda items, including approval of minutes, settlements of estates, budget revisions, line item transfers and a proclamation for Community Action Month. Approved were two budget revisions, two line item transfers and a motion for permit approvals from the Greenbrier County Health Department. Also, an inquiry by WV State Police about available funding for a damaged license plate reader system, which was quoted for equipment and installation.

Funding requests by Parks and Rec. were approved for the ongoing work of The Meadow River Trail project in the amount of $143,602.84. An amount of $758 for consulting for river environmental and $142,844.84 for the work done by Lynch Construction Company so far. These are supplied under the TAP Grant reimbursement.

The next item on the agenda was consideration for approval of proposed permit fees presented by the Greenbrier County Health Department, in March 2024. In a past article, it was reported that the Greenbrier County Health Department was seeking approval for increased fees on specific services provided. The GHD reported the board met last week, following the 30-day wait period and public comment period, with none being reported, which ended April 30. Specifically, Commissioner Tincher made clear that “A review and increase of all fees as needed within all health departments across the state to make them more consistent and meet the needs of what [each] health department requires, as well as what the services actually are.” The fee increase was approved which will take effect July 1, 2024. Please contact the Greenbrier County Health Department for questions or concerns.

Don Havens, of Greenbrier County Homeland Security, spoke to the Commission about a digital license plate reader that was damaged on I-64 W., near the White Sulphur Springs exit and its need for replacement. This instrument is vital in the role of detecting fraudulent drivers, the safety and security of drivers and the success of the Amber Alert System. With the ability to communicate with all States; Havens said, “Obviously, it’s a system that reads every single license plate that goes by and is connected to the 911 Center as well as a national crime Institute across the United States. So if you commit a crime in California and we get your license plate, when you drive past DLP, it flashes a message and sends a message to law enforcement.”

The vendor of the DLP, the DMV and the State Police have been contacted for available funding to replace the device as well as the installation of another, just inside the Summers and Greenbrier County lines on I-64 East. Tincher’s acknowledgment; “We do have a resolution that’s been prepared for approval to be submitted to the state for the grant approval. Whereas the West Virginia Department of Homeland Security Emergency Management Division makes certain grant funds available to Homeland Security programs in West Virginia for county emergency management purposes. And whereas the Greenbrier County Commission is a political subdivision of the state of West Virginia sustains the Greenbrier County Homeland Security Management Agency, whereas the commission has the authority and desire to apply for available funding for certain Homeland Security Program activities from the Homeland Security grant funds program. Now therefore, be it resolved that the Commission authorizes the filing of the grant program application requesting $21,448 in funding for the purchase of a license plate reader to be placed on 64 on a location near to the West Virginia Virginia State Line consistent with West Virginia Homeland Security Strategy, goals objectives and requires compliance with all applicable state and federal laws and regulations.”

Lastly, it is the 60th Anniversary of the Community Action Program which is described as (per their website) “A viable voice and supporter of the poor in West Virginia since its incorporation in 1966. NCWVCAA, North Central West Virginia Community Action Association, as a multi-county corporation, was formed by the joining of six single county entities in order to more effectively and efficiently serve the designated population. The original counties were Monongalia, Marion, Preston, Taylor, Barbour and Tucker. NCWVCAA later expanded its service area to include Randolph, Pocahontas, Greenbrier and Webster (Head Start only) counties. North Central West Virginia Community Action Association, Inc. is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to helping individuals and families reach their highest levels of social and economic independence, while assisting our nine county service area communities to become stronger partners. Collaborating with local, state, and national agencies, we provide a broad range of direct, anti-poverty services for moderate to low-income customers and their communities. We maintain an on-going commitment to reduce the effects of poverty and to empower individuals, families and communities to meet the challenges of today and the changes of tomorrow.” The Community Action Program board has asked each county to approve the month of May as Community Action Month, as Governor Justice has previously approved.

A reminder that voting for the Primary Election is Tuesday, May 14.

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