The Taylor County Commission met with elected officials pertaining to the Courthouse Security Grant. The photo from left to right: Magerstrate Rick Reese, Taylor County Circuit Court Judge, Allen D. Moats and Taylor County Sheriff, Bob H. Beltner.The Mayor of Flemington, Bradley J. Mayle presented Taylor County Commission with an update of ongoing projects.

The Taylor County Commission held a regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, February 18, 2010.

In attendance were President Efaw, Commissioner Veltri, Commissioner Gobel, and Taylor County Clerk Nancy Fowler.

The meeting was called to order, and the minutes were approved. The Commission also approved several exonerations that were presented.

The Commission and Taylor County Assessor, Judy Collett discussed and reviewed matters relating to the Board of Equalization and Review. The Commission had several appointments and hearings on the agenda.

The Mayor of Flemington, Bradley J. Mayle, and members of the Sanitarian Board addressed the Commission with an update. Flemington area has been faced with sanitation issues and complaints of foul odors in the area.

Mayor Mayle, and the Sanitarian Board have been hard at work to address the local concerns and issues in Flemington. After careful assessment Mayor Mayle, also presented the Commission with a plan of action regarding the current situation.

Mayor Mayle explained that the team has been working hard to reduce odors in the area, progress was forthcoming to service and clean out pre-existing pumps and lift areas. Mayor Mayle explained that thus far, vendors and contractors have been willing to work with Flemington to address these issues and have continued distributing supplies, and providing service.

Mayor Mayle said, “ I believe that we are moving in the right direction and are working hard to improve the community.”

Mayor Mayle also explained that currently Flemington has been working closely with Region VI Planning and Development, Sheena Hunt, working through a $50,000 grant. This grant would assist Flemington with the needed improvements and upgrades pertaining to the sanitation issues.

In addition, the grant would allow Flemington to address and comply with the Department of Environmental Protection Agency regulations.

Mayle explained, that the Hazardous Mitigation Plan documents were needed in order to complete the grant application.

The Commission assured Mayle, that the documents could be retrieved from Emergency Service Director/Director of Homeland Security, and Flood Plain Coordinator, Mark Knott’s.

The Commission encouraged Mayor Mayle to pursue Knotts and get the documents to finalizing the application process. Hunt was also available to discuss the grant application process and answer questions for the Commission.

Likewise, Hunt and the Commission discussed the flood plain ordinance. Mayor Mayle, petitioned the Commission for a loan to keep progress in Flemington moving forward, until the $50,000 grant is approved.

Mayle and the sanitarians petitioned the Commission for a loan in the sum of $10,000, needed to continue operations and pay some of the vendors and suppliers.

Commissioner Veltri made a motion to give Flemington the $10,000 needed to maintain operations and move forward.

Commissioner Gobel, second the motion and President Efaw was also in agreement.

Veltri said, “I think Flemington is moving in the right direction, the Commission would like to see Flemington get on its feet.” The Commission agreed that Flemington is an area virtually untouched, and an area of opportunity.

The Commission expressed the overall well being of Flemington and considers the water and sewer services are crucial in maintaining future development.

Commissioner Gobel stated, “The Commission considers good water and proper sewage a vital part of a good community, and its important to provide that in Flemington.”

Commissioner Veltri, thanked Mayor Mayle and the others for attending the meeting.

Commissioner Veltri said, “We appreciate you all coming and the interest in the success of the project.”

Mayor Mayle said, “I do it because I care, I live in the community, and it is for the well being of the people in the community.”

Mayor Mayle shared that currently Flemington serves approximately 200 customers, and in the future the customer base would double.

Mayor Mayle reiterated that progress has improved, and that the $10,000 donated by the Commission would assist until the possible grant monies come through. In addition, the $50,000 grant, will assist Flemington to continue progress, comply with the DEP regulations, and overall improve the community.

The Commission also met with elected officials, regarding the Courthouse Security Grant and Resolution. This grant is one of many, that the Commission has working towards eligibility requirements needed to complete prior to application deadlines.

The Commission and elected officials discussed areas outside the courthouse, throughout the courthouse, each office reevaluated, including access or traffic areas, stairwell platforms that need and require specific attention, implementing the appropriate technology needed, and necessary, in order to maintain the safety of all officials, employees, and public visitors on the premises.

The Courthouse Security Grant is issued in the amount of $80,000, and is to be used to upgrade security, or reinforce security.

However, the Commission and officials are required to provide a plan of security considerations, to accompany the application. In addition, all the elected officials are required to sign the document to complete the application process.

The Commission, and officials, took part in an involved, in-depth and extensive analysis to compile a prioritized list based on the areas, or offices that are in the greatest need of security measures, or pose the greatest risks.

Some of the areas of greatest concern include: entrances, doors and locks, office monitors, cameras in public and high traffic areas, stairwell cameras, keyless entries, intercom systems, recording-tapping devices, and many more too numerous to name.

Those present prioritized the areas that face the greatest security risk and need security precautions and measures established. Various officials voiced security concerns in various offices and departments.

In addition, the Honorable Taylor County Circuit Court Judge, Allen D. Moats expressed some of his safety concerns regarding the security of Taylor County Community Corrections Director, Tammy Narog. Judge Moats shared some of the possible scenarios, and risks that Narog faces on a daily basis.

Judge Moats recommended the Taylor County Community Correction corridors, and offices receive top priority and security measures be established, in order to provide adequate security and safety for Narog, as well as anyone in the courthouse.

The Commission and officials were in agreement that the security issues, measures, and technology be installed to provide Narog and other with appropriate safeguards.