KENOVA, WV (LOOTPRESS) – On May 18, 2023 at 6:30PM, the Kenova City Council met for their monthly meeting at the municipal police building in the court room.
The meeting was opened by Council President Kent Keyser, with all members and Mayor Timothy Bias present. Minutes for the previous three meetings were duly approved.
Home Consortium Agreement
Council voted to renew the Home Consortium Agreement with Huntington. Renewed every three years, the agreement allows for collaboration between Huntington, Cabell County, Wayne County, and other municipalities such as Kenova, Barboursville, Wayne, etc. in acquiring and preserving affordable housing in the region. This allows for the use of Housing & Urban Development funding in the city and the vote to renew was unanimous.
Pay Raises
The council then voted to approve the first readings of two ordinances geared at providing a cost of living adjustment for the mayor and members of city council. Under the new provisions, the full-time mayor’s pay will go from $39k to just over $45k per year, the city council president’s monthly pay will go from $700 to $900, and other city council members would see a monthly raise from $600 to $800.
After the meeting, Mayor Bias noted that council had wanted to provide an adjustment for the mayor, who will now serve full-time.
At $45k, the city’s chief executive be making a salary comparable to many entry-level technician position.
Land Reuse, Purchasing
Kenova took advantage of the new delinquent property program administered through the WV State Auditor’s Office. They were able to get the first crack at buying 6 abandoned properties for a total of $3,294.24. Bias estimated that this as a 90% savings from what they would have paid under the old auction system.
Council also approved the following purchases:
- A 2007 45′ GMC bucket truck using $18k from American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funds; purchase also saved ~$20k vs buying online.
- $10,188.30 to Jabo Supply for pipes and fittings for a major waterline replacement project.
- $6,330 for the June 6 municipal election.
- $2,461.67 to replace the rack in pinion steering on a police cruiser at Goodyear.
- $14,250 to Ross & Williamson for HVAC repairs at the police station.
Elections
As they approved the cost of the municipal elections, Mayor Bias noted that they were required to hold elections despite the fact that there are no opposed races in Kenova. This is accurate, as West Virginia does not hold election by acclamation.
Chief Provides Updates
Chief of Police Bob Sullivan reported the one of his officers is back from the academy and that they have a vacancy listed with 25 applicants. He also updated the plan to replace uncomfortable old church pews with modern chairs in the council chamber gallery. Chairs would cost $109 and they would need 80-100.
Dreamland Is A Go
Gordon Jones, Kenova’s city planner, shared positive news on the recruitment of lifeguards for Dreamland Pool. 10 certified lifeguards have applied and another 15 are taking the certification.
Based on Jones’s estimate of an 80 percent pass rate for new lifeguard students, this should give the pool about 22 lifeguards for the season.
This means that company and church picnics will be possible this summer.
More from the Mayor
Bias added that the targeted opening date of Dreamland Pool is the first weekend in June, causing some excitement. Admission will have to go from $4 to $6 in order to defray some of the costs of operation.
He noted that Virginia Point Park is now open for camping and the fire department will be hosting a food truck with vendors the 4th Saturday of each month this summer.
Kenova City Council will hold its next regular meeting on Thursday, June 15.