Land bank to have permanent office space

Published 11:51 am Friday, November 4, 2016

The Lawrence County land bank is currently working with the county commissioners on finding a permanent space to set up an office.

Stephen Burcham, Lawrence County Treasurer and head of the land bank, said the commissioners provided a small space for the land bank when it was started. However, with the $4.325 million grant it recently received, a bigger, more functional space is needed, and he is hopeful that it will be in the courthouse.

“We need a couple desks or tables and a table for small conferences and meetings,” he said. “The commissioners hope to have an idea for us next Thursday.”

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Burcham said the land bank office will also have its own phone number, so people will be able to call the land bank directly with questions or concerns.

Also part of the grant the land bank received are strict asbestos regulations.

Burcham said he has an asbestos professional that will be hired on a part-time basis to manage that aspect.

Also at Thursday’s commission meeting, Lawrence County EMS director Buddy Fry presented Marsha Dillow, director of Breast Health Centers at Cabell Huntington Hospital, with a $663 check from October breast cancer awareness T-shirt sales. The money will go toward mammograms, cancer screenings and other preventative measures.

Also at commission, the commissioners:

• Approved and signed the weekly invoices and certificates as presented by the auditor’s office.

• Renewed two floodplain permits.

• Received and filed the dog warden report dated Oct. 15, 2016.

• Approved 11 transfer funds.

• Approved one appropriate fund.

• Authorized the county administrator to sign the consent to representation and waiver of potential conflict between Lawrence County and Dinsmore for the future general obligation bond for Union Township through the County Treasurer Neighborhood Investment Program.

• Changed the status of Daniel Heuchert from full-time paramedic to full-time training director/operations assistant at $19.75 per hour, plus $400 annual stipend for Duty Officer on call time, effective Nov. 6, 2016.

• Employed paramedic Matthew Conley as part-time paramedic effective Nov. 6, 2016, contingent upon his meeting all other established employment requirements.

• Approved the advance of two funds to the Drug Task Force.

• Approved and signed the lease between Lawrence County and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for property known as Old Lock 27.

• Approved and signed the agreement between Lawrence County and Aqua Water for the removal of tank and donation of property back to Lawrence County.