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Buckhannon Council approves training room policy

BUCKHANNON — Buckhannon City Council approved a policy and request form Thursday for individuals and groups wishing to utilize the public safety complex training room.

Early last month, Buckhannon Fire Chief JB Kimble approached council about implementing a policy because nongovernmental agencies were wanting to hold social gatherings in the public safety complex’s training room.

“We got that great little place, Stockert Youth Center, that’s perfect for baby showers and birthday parties … but we don’t necessarily want those activities going on in our community training room down at the public safety complex,” said Mayor David McCauley during Thursday night’s meeting.

McCauley noted the training room is supposed to be used for business-oriented meetings and training.

The policy approved Thursday states “outside agencies, groups or individuals are not permitted to hold political rallies, birthday parties, showers, anniversary parties, family reunions or other social events.’

During the previous meeting, Kimble expressed concern that groups and individuals were wanting to use the training room’s equipment, adding there was no way of protecting the technology without an official policy or fee structure.

Now with the implemented policy, it will be the responsibility of the organization renting to pay for any damages to the audio and video equipment.

So the city is not subject to any liability, the individual or group signing the request form is releasing the city from any liability of personal injury from the applicant or the applicant’s invitees, according to the request form.

“We’re trying to keep it simple, but provide some protection for the city and also the limitations on the actual use,” said McCauley.

Alcohol, smoking and vaping is not permitted when renting the room, and the city of Buckhannon will not rent to anyone under the age of 21 years old. Those renting the space must empty all trash at the end of the training session and clean up any spills or garbage on the floor.

Also discussed at the meeting:

• Council approved hiring Ethan Smith as a probationary fire fighter for the Buckhannon Fire Department, with Mary Albaugh, Mayor McCauley, CJ Rylands and Dave Thomas voting yes; and Robbie Skinner and Susan Aloi abstaining from the vote and Pam Cuppari voting no.

• Council discussed the Staffing for Fire and Emergency Response grant presented by Kimble.

• McCauley notified council that Gary Connell requested pushing back the WV Hillbilly Celebration with hopes of having it in the early fall.

• Council is scheduled to lay the levy at 9 a.m. April 17.

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