June 2025 Meeting Minutes

MERCER COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING-TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2025-10:00 Α.Μ.

AGENDA:

  • OPEN WITH PRAYER
  • PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
  • MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

202

CONTRACTS/AGREEMENTS/RESOLUTIONS:
City of Princeton-Petition for Annexation
By Minor Boundary Adjustment
Princeton Health Care Center
Paul Cassell, City Attorney

Resolution Honoring The Life of Pearl Hamby
Bill Archer, President

Resolution Recognizing Gary Johnson
For His Efforts in Keeping Mercer Clean
Bill Archer, President

Mercer County Canine Control Ordinance
First Reading
Greg Puckett, Commissioner

Mercer County Spay Neuter Ordinance
First Reading
Greg Puckett, Commissioner

Mercer County Sheriff’s Department
Pawn Shop Ordinance-First Reading
Capt. Steven Sommers

FY 2025 Budget Revisions
General County #4
Coal Severance #2
Verlin Moye, County Clerk

Mercer County Courthouse
Exterior Door Restoration Project
Arch Masonry, Proposal
Vicky Reed, County Administrator
Richard Colvard

ESTATES:
FUNDING REQUESTS:
Mercer County Sheriff’s Department
Purchase New Furniture
Alan Christian, Sheriff

American Electric Power
Invoice to Replace 3-Phase Riser Pole
Bill Archer, President

DISCUSSION:
Appalachian Power Company
Contracting Service Agreement
Bill Archer, President

Mercer County War Museum
George Williams, New Director

Glenwood Recreation Park
Moratorium on Fishing at Park
Greg Puckett, Commissioner

ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Brush Creek Sites 14 & 15
Rehabilitation Projects
Bill Archer, President

Picnic in the Park
June 22, 2025 @ 2:00 pm

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

COMMISSION TO APPROVE THE FOLLOWING:

  1. Invoices
  2. Settlements
  3. Exonerations
  4. List of Approved Estates for May 2025

RE: WEST VIRGINIA:
At a Regular Session of the County Commission, held for the County of Mercer, at the Courthouse thereof, on Tuesday, June 10, 2025.

Present:
Bill Archer, President
Greg Puckett, Commissioner
Brian Blankenship, Commissioner

203

RE: BOUNDARY ADJUSTMENT CITY OF PRINCETON – PETITION FOR ANNEXATION – PRINCETON HELATH CARE CENTER
This day on motion of Brian Blankenship, Commissioner, seconded by Greg Puckett, Commissioner, the Commission voted unanimously to approve the Petition for Annexation by Minor Boundary Adjustment from the City of Princeton to include Princeton Health Care. Paul Cassell, City Attorney.

204

RE: RESOLUTION – HONORING THE LIFE OF PEARL HAMBY
This day on motion of Brian Blankenship, Commissioner, seconded by Greg Puckett, Commissioner, the Commission voted unanimously to approve the Resolution Honoring the Life of Pearl Hamby.

Mercer County Commission
1501 West Main, Suite 210
Princeton, West Virginia 24740
Phone: (304) 487-8306
Fax: (304) 487-8370
Email: [email protected]

VICKY REED
County Administrator

BILL ARCHER
1322 Woodrow Avenue
BLUEFIELD, WV 24701

BRIAN BLANKENSHIP
882 Oakland Drive
PRINCETON, WV 24739

GREG PUCKETT
334 Pine Acres Way
PRINCETON, WV 24739

RESOLUTION HONORING THE LIFE OF PEARL HAMBY

Whereas, although she was barely more than five-feet tall, the late Pearl May Hamby was a giant in the areas of public, family, community, state and national service. Pearl was born in Kingston, Fayette County, West Virginia, and raised in the Lovern Community of Mercer County but she was at home throughout the two Virginias and beyond. With a smile on her face, Pearl had a knack for making complex matters seem easy to address, and difficult problems disappear with a single smile from her beautiful face.

Whereas, Pearl was raised in Lovern, WV by her maternal grandparents, Edward and Rosie Gore Shanklin, married Rayfield Hamby and spent time living in the Cleveland, Ohio area before returning to southern West Virginia, according to her obituary lovingly prepared by her longtime friend, U.S. District Court Judge Omar Aboulhosn. She was an active member of the Mercer County Chapter NAACP along with many other organizations; and

Whereas, Pearl joined the staff of the West Virginia University Extension Agency about 30 years ago as a “Green Thumb Worker.” She later became a member of the WVU Extension Agency’s Board of Directors and served faithfully for many years in that role until her passing. During that time, she developed close ties with Brenda Pruett and other WVU Extension Office personnel as well as the hundreds if not thousands of peoples’ lives she served during her tenure, and

Whereas, “Ms. Pearl,” as she was known to her legions of friends became close with her WVU Extension Agency family as well as judge Aboulhosn and his family who invited her to celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners in their home for the last 15 years. With a heart as big as all outdoors, Ms. Pearl never met a stranger and greeted everyone she ever met with a smile as broad as the Northern Lights and as sincere as a newborn child.

Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved that the Mercer County Commission shares it’s heartfelt appreciation for the life of service and love of all people Pearl Mae Hamby displayed during her 97 years of life in this world. All those who knew Pearl can rest assured that her dedication will live on until we all meet in the sweet by and by.

Dated this 10th day of June 2025.

Mercer County Commission:
Bill Archer, President
Greg Puckett, Commissioner
Brian Blankenship, Commissioner

205

RE: RESOLUTION – RECOGNIZING GARY JOHNSON
This day on motion of Greg Puckett, Commissioner, seconded by Brian Blankenship, Commissioner, the Commission voted unanimously to approve the Resolution Recognizing Gary Johnson for his efforts in Keeping Mercer Clean.

Mercer County Commission
1501 West Main, Suite 210
Princeton, West Virginia 24740
Phone: (304) 487-8306
Fax: (304) 487-8370
Email: [email protected]

VICKY REED
County Administrator

BILL ARCHER
1322 Woodrow Avenue
BLUEFIELD, WV 24701

BRIAN BLANKENSHIP
882 Oakland Drive
PRINCETON, WV 24739

GREG PUCKETT
334 Pine Acres Way
PRINCETON, WV 24739

LITTER GETTER HERO
GARY JOHNSON

A little over three and one-half years ago, a Mercer County man-Gary Johnson-decided to take a stand in the battle against roadside litter on the roadside near his Wright Mountain home. Gary Johnson started walking along Route 10 as part of an exercise effort. At first, he walked for the health benefit, but in time he started gathering discarded soda cans to help a young neighbor who was recycling aluminum cans for cash. In a short time, he expanded his efforts to include picking up piles of litter along the highway.

Mr. Johnson admitted that his initial purpose was for exercise, but in a short while, he became as passionate about removing roadside litter as he was exercising.

“I try to walk three miles every day,” he said. It adds up to about 12 to 15 miles a week. I enjoy being outside. “I take care of my house when I can and cut grass.”

Allison Brown, General Manager of the Oakvale Road Public Service District heard about Mr. Johnson’s one-man litter-getter story from another individual and thought he should be recognized for his commitment. Mr. Johnson walks about three miles a day covering an estimated 12 to 15 miles. His largest trash recovery was a full screen television set that someone had rolled off the side of the road. “I hauled five tires to the road one day,” he said. “Someone got two of them,” he said. “The weekend is the best time to walk.”

Mr. Johnson said he hopes the example he continues to set will inspire others to pick up roadside litter when they walk for exercise. “I just enjoy being outside.

The Mercer County Commission commends Mr. Johnson for his efforts to “Keep Mercer County Clean.”

Dated this 10th day of June 2025.

Mercer County Commission:
Bill Archer, President
Greg Puckett, Commissioner
Brian Blankenship, Commissioner

206

RE: MERCER COUNTY CANINE CONTROL ORDINANCE – FIRST READING
This day on motion of Greg Puckett, Commissioner, seconded by Brian Blankenship, Commissioner, the Commission voted unanimously to approve the First Hearing of the Mercer County Canine Control Ordinance.
Greg Puckett, Commissioner.

RE MERCER COUNTY SPAY NEUTER ORDINANCE – FIRST READING
This day on motion of Greg Puckett, Commissioner, seconded by Brian Blankenship, Commissioner, the Commission voted unanimously to approve the First Reading of the Mercer County Spay Neuter Ordinance.
Greg Puckett, Commissioner.

RE: MERCER COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT-PAWN SHOP ORDINANCE
This matter has been tabled until July 2025.

RE: FY 2025 BUDGET REVISION – MERCER COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE – GENERAL COUNTY #4 AND COAL SEVERANCE #2
This day on motion of Brian Blankenship, Commissioner, seconded by Greg Puckett, Commissioner, the Commission voted unanimously to approve the FY 2025 Budget Revisions – General County #4 and Coal Severance #2 from Verlin T. Moye, County Clerk.

RE: MERCER COUNTY COURTHOUSE EXTERIOR DOOR RESTORATION PROJECT PROPOSAL – ARCH MASONRY
This day on motion of Greg Puckett, Commissioner, seconded by Brian Blankenship, Commissioner, the Commission voted unanimously to approve the Arch Masonry Proposal for the Mercer County Courthouse Exterior Door Restoration Project in the amount of $141,500. Mercer County Courthouse Exterior Door Restoration Project was awarded $100,000 Courthouse Facilities Improvement Authority Grant with a 20% match. Reimbursable funds will be taken from Courthouse Facilities.

RE: ESTATE – RICHARD COLVARD
This day on motion of Greg Puckett, Commissioner, seconded by Brian Blankenship, Commissioner, the Commission voted unanimously to approve a copy of the Last Will and Testament of said estate for recordation.

207

WEST VIRGINIA:
At an adjourned session of the County Commission continued and held for the County of Mercer, at the Courthouse thereof, on June 10, 2025.
Present: Bill Archer, President.
Present: Greg Puckett, Commissioner.
Present: Brian Blankenship, Commissioner.

BEFORE THE COUNTY COMMISSION OF MERCER COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA
IN RE: RICHARD COLVARD, DECEASED.
O-R-D-E-R

On the 10thth day of June, 2025, before the Mercer County Commission, came the matter of the Estate of Richard Colvard, deceased, upon motion of Ronda Stafford, Executrix, requesting that a copy of the Last Will and Testament of said estate be accepted for recordation.

After discussion and review of this matter by the Commission, upon proper motion and second, and it appearing proper to do so, the Commission ORDERS that the copy of the Last Will and Testament of Richard Colvard, deceased, be admitted to record.

All of which was accordingly ADJUDGED and ORDERED. The Clerk of this Commission is DIRECTED to take whatever actions he deems necessary to effectuate this Order.

Dated this the 10thth day of June, 2025.

ENTER:
ATTEST:
VERLIN T. MOYE, CLERK
MERCER COUNTY CLERK

BILL ARCHER, PRESIDENT
MERCER COUNTY COMMISSION

RE: FUNDING REQUEST – MERCER COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT
This day on motion of Greg Puckett, Commissioner, seconded by Brian Blankenship, Commissioner, the Commission voted unanimously to approve the funding request from the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department. Funding in the amount up to $35,000 will be taken from the Opioid Fund and used to purchase new furniture.

RE: FUNDING REQUEST – AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER
This day on motion of Greg Puckett, Commissioner, seconded by Brian Blankenship, Commissioner, the Commission voted unanimously to approve the funding request from American Electric Power. Funding in the amount of $13,518.24 will be taken from Budget Stabilization and used to replace a 3-Phase Riser Pole.

208

DISCUSSION:

RE: MERCER COUNTY WAR MUSEUM-NEW SIGN
This day on motion of Greg Puckett, Commissioner, seconded by Brian Blankenship, Commissioner, the Commission voted unanimously to approve the installation of a new sign for the Mercer County War Museum.

  • Appalachian Power Company – Contracting Service Agreement – Tabled
  • Glenwood Recreation Park – Moratorium on Fishing at Park – Possible solutions – catch & release, limit # of fish, size limit? To be re-addressed in July
  • Brush Creek Sites 14 & 15-Dredging costs

ANNOUNCEMENT:

  • Picnic in the park – Sunday, June 22, 2025 at 2:00

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

  • Carla Oakley – Wants to be put on the next agenda – Matoaka Resident
  • Dolly Chartrand – inquired whether Mercer County has a Parks & Rec Dept. – Matoaka Resident

RE: INVOICES, SETTLEMENTS, EXONERATIONS & APPROVED ESTATES
This day on motion of Brian Blankenship, Commissioner, seconded by Greg Puckett, Commissioner, the Commission voted unanimously to approve the following Invoices, Settlement and Exonerations.

209

USI Insurance Services, LLC-Ticket #312863- Personal Property 2022 – Double assessed and paid on personal property assessed for $89,557 class 4. Exoneration recommended to correct
Amount of Exoneration – $2.486.10

USI Insurance Services, LLC-Ticket #312400 – Personal Property 2023 – Double assessed and paid on personal property assessed for $81,934 class 4. Exoneration recommended to correct
Amount of Exoneration – $2.270.88

PETITION FOR CANCELLATION OF ERONEOUS CHARGES

Tax Year 2023District 05 East River
Ticket #Name of TaxpayerReasonAmount
500003856Patsye CiampanelliaError on supplement$ 242.86
Tax Year 2023District 09 Plymouth
Ticket #Name of TaxpayerReasonAmount
900001030Walter Fletcher, JrKeyed Supplement wrong$ 654.90
Tax Year 2023District 11 Rock
Ticket #Name of TaxpayerReasonAmount
1100001732Scottie J Rye, JrError on supplement$ 412.02
Tax Year 2024District 02 Beaver Pond
Ticket #Name of TaxpayerReasonAmount
200000773Rhonda BakerError on supplement$ 116.06
Tax Year 2024District 05 East River
Ticket #Name of TaxpayerReasonAmount
500000838Patricia PrinceError on Supplement$ 19.06
308836Robert RudyDid not own MH 7/1/2023$ 148.98
Tax Year 2024District 09 Plymouth
Ticket #Name of TaxpayerReasonAmount
900000314Joseph E. Parks, SrError on supplement$ 385.76
Tax Year 2024District 10 Princeton
Ticket #Name of TaxpayerReasonAmount
312453USI Ins. Serv., LLCDouble assessed$ 2,472.06

210

This day the following accounts were presented against the County of Mercer, and the Commission having examined each and all of them, doth allow payment from the different accounts, check numbers listed below:

CHECKS – MAY 2025

GENERAL COUNTY-Check #80988-81121Voided #80960, 81007, 81111
COAL SEVERANCE-Check #4599-4606
DOG FUND-Check #638
EMERGENCY 911-Check #4303-4304
HOME CONFINEMENT-Check #2716-2719
HOTEL MOTEL-Check #4970-4983Voided #4983
COURTHOUSE EQUIPMENT-Check #966-972
COURTHOUSE ANNEX-Check #2090-2104Voided #2102
VIDEO LOTTERY-Check #1702-1709
HOTEL MOTEL RESERVE-Check #1021-1022
COAL REALLOCATION-Check #1083
OPIOID SETTLEMENT-Check #1009-1014
MCDRC FEES-Check #6340-6361
ASSESSOR REAPPRAISAL-Check #7130-7151
FINANCIAL STABILIZATION-Check #1081
LACTF-Check #1012-1013
DEPUTY SHERIFF RETIREMENT-Check #343

It is ordered that this Commission be and is hereby adjourned until June 24, 2025.

Bill Archer
President


NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING

211

THE MERCER COUNTY COMMISSION WILL MEET IN SPECIAL SESSION ON THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2025 AT 9:00 A.M IN THE COMMISSION COURTROOM.

THE PURPOSE OF THE MEETING IS TO CONSIDER THE APPROVAL OF AN INVOICE FOR SECURITY EQUIPMENT TO BE INSTALLED IN THE COURTHOUSE AND THE ANNEX.

BILL ARCHER, PRESIDENT
MERCER COUNTY COMMISSION

RE: WEST VIRGINIA:
At a Special Session of the County Commission, held for the County of Mercer, at the Courthouse thereof, on Thursday, June 10, 2025.

Present:
Bill Archer, President
Greg Puckett, Commissioner
Brian Blankenship, Commissioner

RE: FUNDING REQUEST – INVOICE – COX SECURITY SERVICES
This day on motion of Greg Puckett, Commissioner, seconded by Brian Blankenship, Commissioner, the Commission voted unanimously to approve the invoice submitted by Cox Security Services. Funding in the amount of $122,500 will be taken from Budget Stabilization now to cover ½ of the project total ($245,000) draw. Funding is for security equipment to be installed in the Courthouse and the Annex. Total cost will be reimbursed by a $245,000 Court Security Fund Grant. Second half to be paid upon completion of job.

It is ordered that this Commission be and is hereby adjourned until June 24, 2025.

Bill Archer
President


MERCER COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING-TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2025-3:30 Ρ.Μ.

AGENDA:

  • OPEN WITH PRAYER
  • PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
  • MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

212

  • APPOINTMENTS/REAPPOINTMENTS
  • OATHS OF OFFICE:
  • RESOLUTIONS/RECOGNITION
  • CONTRACTS/AGREEMENTS
  • FUNDING REQUESTS:
  • DISCUSSION:
  • ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Mercer County Assessor’s Office
Employment & Oath of Office
Jonathan Puckett, Data Collector
Business & Personal Property

Mercer County Floodplain Office
Recognition of Keith Gunnoe
WV Floodplain Manager of the Year

Mercer County Canine Control Ordinance
Second Reading
Greg Puckett, Commissioner

Mercer County Spay Neuter Ordinance
Second Reading
Greg Puckett, Commissioner

Mercer County Clerk’s Office
FY 25 Line Item Transfers
Verlin Moye, County Clerk

City of Princeton
4th of July Celebration
Brian Blankenship, Commissioner

Parks & Recreation – Matoaka
Greg Puckett, Commissioner

Emergency Watershed Protection Program
Garden Oaks Townhouses
Bill Archer, President

Live Healthy Discount Program
Greg Puckett, Commissioner

2025 Achievement Award Winner
Mercer County Dilapidated & Blight Eradication Initiative
Greg Puckett, Commissioner

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

FORMAL HEARINGS DILAPIDATED STRUCTURES
Lori Mills, Dilapidated Structures Officer

AddressOwnerTypeMap/Parcel
354 Goodwill Hollow RdThomas ShraderHouseMap 50 Parcel 92
372 Goodwill Hollow RdThomas ShraderHouseMap 50 Parcel 92

RE: WEST VIRGINIA:
At a Regular Session of the County Commission, held for the County of Mercer, at the Courthouse thereof, on Tuesday, June 24, 2025.

Present:
Bill Archer, President
Greg Puckett, Commissioner
Brian Blankenship, Commissioner

213

RE: EMPLOYMENT AND OATH OF OFFICE – JONATHAN PUCKETT MERCER COUNTY ASSESSOR’S OFFICE
This day on motion of Greg Puckett, Commissioner, seconded by Brian Blankenship, Commissioner, the Commission voted unanimously to approve the Employment & Oath of Office for Jonathan Puckett to serve as Data Collector – Business and Personal Property for the Mercer County Assessor’s Office.

RE: RECOGNITION – ΚΕΙΤH GUNNOE – WV FLOODPLAIN MANAGER OF THE YEAR
Keith Gunnoe, OEM Manager, was awarded the WV Floodplain Manager of the Year Award. Commission thanked his for all of his hard work.

RE: MERCER COUNTY CANINE CONTROL ORDINANCE – SECOND READING
This day the County Commission conducted the Second and Final Reading of the Mercer County Canine Control Ordinance. On motion of Greg Puckett, Commissioner, seconded by Brian Blankenship, Commissioner, the Commission voted to approve the Mercer County Canine Control Ordinance. Bill Archer, Commissioner, opposed.

RE: MERCER COUNTY SPAY NEUTER ORDINANCE – SECOND READING
This day the County Commission conducted the Second and Final Reading of the Mercer County Spay Neuter Ordinance. On motion of Greg Puckett, Commissioner, seconded by Brian Blankenship, Commissioner, the Commission voted to approve the Mercer County Spay Neuter Ordinance. Bill Archer, Commissioner, opposed.

RE: MERCER COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE – FY 25 LINE ITEM TRANSFER
This day on motion of Brian Blankenship, Commissioner, seconded by Greg Puckett, Commissioner, the Commission voted unanimously to approve the FY 25 Line Item Transfers submitted by Verlin T. Moye, County Clerk.

214

RE: FUNDING REQUEST – CITY OF PRINCETON -JULY 4TH CELEBRATION
This day on motion of Brian Blankenship, Commissioner, seconded by Greg Puckett, Commissioner, the Commission voted unanimously to approve the funding request from the City of Princeton, Brian Blankenship. Funding in the amount of $3,000 will be taken from Video/Lottery and used for the 4th of July Celebration.

RE: FUNDING REQUEST – PARKS & RECREATION – MATOAKA
This day on motion of Greg Puckett, Commissioner, seconded by Brian Blankenship, Commissioner, the Commission voted unanimously to approve the funding request from Parks & Recreation – Matoaka. Funding in the amount of $6,500 will be taken from the Opioid funds and paid to Ideal Roofing to erect a picnic shelter in Matoaka.

DISCUSSION:

  • Emergency Watershed Protection Program – Garden Oaks Townhouses
  • Live Healthy Discount Program – Greg Puckett – Prescription discount card program

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

  • Michael Hype – Lerona – inquired about grant program to receive funding for the Sun Valley Ruritan Club – parking lot needs

FORMAL HEARINGS DILAPIDATED STRUCTURES

215

RE: DILAPIDATED STRUCTURE – THOMAS SHRADER-354 GOODWILL HOLLOW RD
This day on motion of Brian Blankenship, Commissioner, seconded by Greg Puckett, Commissioner, the Commission voted unanimously to issue a 180-day continuation for the house owned by Thomas Shrader located at 354 Goodwill Hollow Rd, Map 50 Parcel 92.

RE: DILAPIDATED STRUCTURE – THOMAS SHRADER-372 GOODWILL HOLLOW RD
This day on motion of Brian Blankenship, Commissioner, seconded by Greg Puckett, Commissioner, the Commission voted unanimously to issue a 180-day continuation for the house owned by Thomas Shrader located at 372 Goodwill Hollow Rd, Map 50 Parcel 92.

It is ordered that this Commission be and is hereby adjourned until July 8, 2025.

Bill Archer
President


NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING

THE MERCER COUNTY COMMISSION WILL MEET IN SPECIAL SESSION ON THURSDAY, JUNE 26, 2025 AT 1:00 P.M IN THE COMMISSION COURTROOM.

THE PURPOSE OF THE MEETING IS FOR CONSIDERATION OF THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:

  1. Lusk Disposal Service-Proposal for Interior Demolition Project
  2. West Virginia Recycling Assistance Grant Application

BILL ARCHER, PRESIDENT
MERCER COUNTY COMMISSION

RE: WEST VIRGINIA:
At a Special Session of the County Commission, held for the County of Mercer, at the Courthouse thereof, on Thursday, June 26, 2025.

Present:
Bill Archer, President
Greg Puckett, Commissioner
Brian Blankenship, Commissioner

216

RE: FUNDING REQUEST – LUSK DISPOSAL SERVICE – OLD AEP BUILDING
This day on motion of Greg Puckett, Commissioner, seconded by Brian Blankenship, Commissioner, the Commission voted unanimously to approve the funding request from Lusk Disposal Service. Funding in the amount of $50,000 will be taken from Opioid Funds and used for demolition inside the old AEP building.

RE: GRANT APPLICATION – WEST VIRGINIA RECYCLING ASSISTANCE
This day on motion of Brian Blankenship, Commissioner, seconded by Greg Puckett, Commissioner, the Commission voted unanimously to approve the West Virginia Recycling Assistance Grant Application. Grant will be used to purchase two new recycling trailers.

It is ordered that this Commission be and is hereby adjourned until July 8, 2025.

Bill Archer
President

217