PARKERSBURG - Wood County commissioners accepted the only bid proposed for court security camera equipment submitted in mid-November.
The bid from Miller Communications of Parkersburg for $19,902 was reviewed by the sheriff's department and met specifications, Administrator Marty Seufer said. The county will buy eight additional cameras and accompanying equipment through a courthouse security grant awarded through the Supreme Court and the state.
The equipment will be installed at the Shaver Judicial Annex.
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Photo by Pamela Brust
Wood County Administrator Marty Seufer discusses the bid for additional court security cameras with commissioners Wayne Dunn, Steve Gainer and Blair Couch on Monday.
In other business Monday, commissioners spoke with grant consultant Mick Staton of Capitol Link for an update on federal grant possibilities in a telephone conference.
The county retained Capitol Link in 2008 for grant consulting services. The county pays $500 a month as a retainer.
Staton and his staff monitor and seek possible grant sources then refer that information to the commissioners for consideration. Under the contract, upon commencement of work for a grant, Staton is paid $600. If the grant is awarded, the county pays the difference between the $600 initial fee and his fee of $3,000 for the grant work.
In addition, Staton receives 1.5 percent of the total grant award. Staton told county officials earlier for every $1 the county has spent it has received more than $5 back in federal grants.
During the teleconference Monday, Staton said Boaz may be eligible for relief as a result of flooding from recent storms.
"I've been talking to Fred Rader (Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Council ) about the possibility. In the past, the EPA has considered flooding only, not storm runoff," Staton said.
"The next logical step would probably be to contact the public service district that works with Boaz about the possibilities," said commission President Blair Couch. "It's splitting hairs to some degree, flooding versus stormwater runoff."
Commissioner Wayne Dunn recommended since the county is not in a position to proceed, it should drop pursuing a state-funded grant application through the federal government for recreational trails.
"I have talked to the city of Parkersburg and they are applying too. They are ready to go with their project and if we both apply, we both won't get the funds. I would recommend at this time, we hold back since their project is ready to go," Dunn said.
The commissioners also discussed available grants for museums.
"The information on the available grants has been forwarded to the eligible projects. We have had no response so far, but we'll contact them again to see if they are interested," Dunn told Staton.
The commissioners asked about the possibility of available funding for the Sumner School Museum where thieves last week stole $17,000 in copper pipe and fittings.
"We might bring them in and see what is available," Couch said.
Staton said the deadline for the grant application is Jan. 15.
