Greenbrier County Commission hires new assistant prosecutor, approves nearly $700k for infrastructure projects
By Matthew Young, RealWV
LEWISBURG, W.Va. – The Greenbrier County Commission, during their Regular Meeting on Thursday, approved a resolution to recognize Oct 6 through Oct. 12 as “National 4 H Week.”
On hand to explain the resolution was Greenbrier County 4 H Extension Agent Robin Haynes.
“It takes everyone,” Haynes said. “We can’t have clubs and we can’t have enrollment if we don’t have volunteers. […] We like to provide as much opportunity to our members with camp, shooting sports, whatever fairs and festivals, and showing livestock.”
Haynes then read the proclamation to the commissioners. In part, the proclamation states, “Whereas, 4 H teams across the nation are adding efforts to solve problems in their communities and make a difference for their futures, this agrigal program which seeks to provide a learning experience for the whole child – including heard, hearts and health – helps young West Virginians to acquire knowledge, develop life skills, and form attitudes to enable them to become self-directed, productive, and contributing members of our society.”
In addition to the resolution, commissioners also approved the hiring of Katherine Little – whose mother is the 4 H Extension Agent in Raleigh County – as Greenbrier County 4 H Extension’s new program assistant.
Next before the commission was the approval of a Letter of Support for a grant application submitted by the Greenbrier County Child and Youth Advocacy Center (CYAC). The grant is offered through the West Virginia First Foundation.
On-hand to briefly explain the CYAC was Executive Director Francesca Zarcone, who said, “We serve Greenbrier, Monroe, and Pocahontas (Counties), but most of our clients primarily come from Greenbrier County.”
“In the last year, we served 169 new clients – that’s 169 new kiddos that came in based on an allegation of abuse,” Zarcone added. “And we had over 400 advocacy-type services going on with pre-existing clients, as well.”
If awarded, the grant will be used for the hiring of a new therapist, a “caregiver cafe,” and various administrative needs.
From there, commissioners approved the payment of “Resolution # 6” (pay estimate # 3), for the Route 60 East Sewer project, for the White Sulphur Springs TIF. Resolution # 6 will release a total of $182,624.85 in compensation to vendors from both Viper Contracting Inc., and E.L. Robinson Engineering.
In keeping with the theme, commissioners then approved the fourth payment draw of the county’s GigReady Broadband project. Draw # 4 will provide vendors from CitiNet with compensation in the amount of $407,908.03. Project Engineer Thompson & Litton will receive $91,770, making the total amount of the draw $499,678.03.
Next, before the commission was to consider the hiring of attorney Lauren Lynch as Greenbrier County’s Assistant Prosecutor. On-hand to discuss Lynch’s hiring was current Greenbrier County Assistant Prosecutor Rod Mohler.
“We are in transitional times for the first time in 16 years,” Mohler said. “We met with Ms. Lynch, and the decision was made to offer her employment, effective January 1, subject to your approval.”
“It quickly became evident that we needed her a little early to help with this transition,” Mohler continued. “It is our intention, if this is approved, to have Ms. Lynch take the reins of the abuse and neglect docket primarily. […] We would really benefit greatly, as would those cases, if we can have her in a couple months earlier than we originally planned to make that transition more profitable and more efficient for everyone.”
According to Mohler, if bringing Lynch in early increases the county’s financial obligation, the amount should be minimal.
Commissioners unanimously approved the hiring and expedited start date. Lynch will begin her employment as Greenbrier County Assistant Prosecutor on Monday, October 28.
After approving the Sheriff Department’s hiring of additional security personnel, commissioners adjourned to Executive Session to discuss the lease agreement with AT&T Mobility for the tower on Skyline Drive in Rainelle, the possibility of engaging outside legal counsel for matters related to the courthouse construction project, and a proposed resolution to the matter of the Greenbrier County Commission v. Margaret Preston Kulkarni.
Commissioners returned after approximately 30 minutes, and immediately tabled the matter of the lease agreement with AT&T Mobility until such time as all terms have been resolved and agreed upon. Commissioners then approved the hiring of outside counsel (as recommended by Commission Attorney Britt Ludwig) for future matters related to the courthouse construction project.
With regard to the case of the Greenbrier County Commission v. Margaret Preston Kulkarni, commissioners approved the settlement recommended by Commission Attorney Britt Ludwig.
The next regular meeting of the Greenbrier County Commission is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 22, at 10 a.m.
