Dunbar City Council appointed a new councilwoman at Tuesday evening's meeting.
Linda Boggess was appointed as a result of a unanimous vote to fill the vacant seat of now-Mayor Bill Cunningham. Boggess was unable to attend the meeting due to a recent injury, but was reached via telephone during the meeting. She shared that she was honored to fill the seat for Ward 4.
"I will do my best to do what I can," Boggess said.
Cunningham said Boggess will be sworn in within the next few days.
A motion was approved for the first reading of an ordinance to set the salary of the public works director at $45,000, which would be a $3,000 increase. According to Councilman Greg Hudson, this raise has been debated for three months. Based on the responsibilities that fall under that job title, the pay needed to be brought up. The director currently has about 20 people working under him.
"Scott Elliott needs to be more fairly compensated for his responsibilities," Hudson said.
The second reading of the ordinance will be Sept. 17.
Police Chief Jesse Bailes shared that there have been multiple reports of squatters in an apartment in the 300-block of 19th Street, along with other locations, and shared the importance of those concerned calling in as it is occurring, not after the squatters have left. Officers need to have probable cause to legally enter the buildings, he said, and that is only possible if the squatters are caught entering or exiting the premises or if there is light coming from the buildings.
"We need the citizens to call when they see it happening," he said. "Don't wait until the next day."
Bailes also reminded those in attendance that the next Neighborhood Watch will be at 6 p.m. on Sept. 14.
Recreation director Bob Jones reminded those in attendance that the Fall Festival will be on Sept. 15-16 and will be held at the 12th Street Plaza. For a list of the entertainers and activities, visit to cityofdunbarwv.gov.
Building Inspector Hugh Leishman announced that he has been in contact with the Regional Intergovernmental Council (RIC) regarding dilapidated properties in the city. After doing a survey of the area, Leishman shared that there were 31 houses, one garage and one storefront that were deemed dilapidated. This contact was made in hopes to receive a grant to resolve this issue. While there is no guarantee of receiving this grant funding, the estimated cost to demolish all of the properties is about $167,000.
Cunningham shared that he has high hopes that there will be a revitalization of the city.
"We're a small city in the perfect location in the Kanawha Valley," Cunningham said. "If we start making positive moves to improve the neighborhoods, I think we will see businesses come."
Council also:
n Reappointed Mark McMillion to the Police Civil Service Board
n Appointed former councilperson Dana Haynes to the position of Municipal Judge effective September 18, 2017
n Appointed William "Chester" Wingo to the Property Board to replace Jim Hughes, who now serves on council.
n Announced that there will be a car wash to benefit Neighborhood Watch from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Sept. 9 at City National Bank.