BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
KERMIT — The Kermit Town Council is moving forward with its water improvement project and cleaning up dilapidated properties.
The council approved a $10,000 drawdown to The Thrasher Group of Scott Depot, W.Va., for the water project design in a meeting Oct. 13.
The project includes a complete upgrade to the water plant and the replacement of a water line to East Kermit.
Mayor Charles Sparks announced the town was awaiting $3.7 million in congressionally directed funding and is working to secure other funding.
“Hopefully, down the road, we won’t have to borrow much of anything,” Sparks said.
The mayor told the council that he would bring an $8,000 water plant project to the next council meeting that “has got to be done” and would explain it then.
“The $14,000 pump that we bought, we’re in the process of working something out with the company because it won’t work,” added Sparks. “We have two spares, and this is the new one we bought for $14,000. It was supposed to have been compatible with what we’ve got, and it’s not.”
The town is working to return the new pump and replace it with a compatible pump.
Dilapidated property
Acting on the advice of Attorney Greg Smith, the council accepted an $11,000 bid submitted last month for the demolition of dilapidated property owned by resident Tim Crum.
Crum will have until Nov. 11 to complete the work himself. If he fails to finish, the contractor will begin work Nov. 14, and Crum will have to reimburse the town for the expenditure.
“Hopefully, come Nov. 14, there’s not a structure to be demolished,” Smith said.
Councilwoman Anna Mae Sartin Wellman motioned to accept the bid, and the council agreed unanimously.
Smith stated he would contact the contractor to let him know his bid was approved and tell him not to start work until Nov. 14.
Old community center
Following some discussion, the council decided to demolish another dilapidated structure on Main Street. The building formerly served as a community center and school gymnasium/auditorium.
“The roof is gone,” Sparks told the council.
Wellman asked about the possibility of seeking funding for historical buildings.
“We tried that before,” said Sparks.
Council Wilburn “Tomahawk” Preece said the repair cost would be “way more than it’s worth.”
The council and mayor agreed.
“It’s served its purpose,” said Sparks. “It’s just there in the way and will end up being a safety hazard.”
“If we’re not going to fix it, we need to tear it down,” Councilwoman Peggy Moore consented.
Councilwoman Tammy Preece Hodge made a motion to have the building torn down and suggested the town could use the location for a future project.
Trick-or-treat
The council announced that trick-or-treat would be Saturday from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. in the town. That is also the date for Mingo County’s trick-or-treat.