Water, Sewage Issues, Empty Seats on Council, Top Town of Durbin Agenda

Months with little rain have created a hardship for those living in West Virginia. From town to town, driving by dry riverbeds, it's easy to see the impact created by the lack of water.

One area affected by this year's drought - the town of Durbin - has been forced to cut back on consumption and to boil what water they have in order to cook, drink or bathe.

Water issues were addressed at the Town Council meeting earlier this month. Council members told those in attendance that a water tanker has been brought to Durbin and was being stored at Varner's Garage.

The boil water advisory was lifted on Nov. 6 and the water conservation advisory is still in effect.

Jason Bauserman, a National Weather Service Cooperative Observer, said that last month was the third driest October he has seen in 17 years, with only 53 hundredths of an inch of rain recorded.

Also during the November meeting, council accepted the resignation of Frank Proud as a member. Proud had to vacate his council seat when he was appointed to the position of mayor in October.

Councilman Ken Lehman made a motion to advertise the open council seat in the newspaper. The motion was approved.

In addition to an empty council seat, the town is also looking for a recorder, a position which has been vacant for more than two months.

Council also addressed sewer issues including the permit, which Proud had received, to pump the lagoon down to install new skimmers; and purchasing a new pump for approximately $3,800. The old pump couldn't be repaired.

A motion was made for the mayor to call around and check on replacement prices.

"You have to spend money or be in noncompliance," Proud told council.

Whether to pay for the new pump out of the sewer fund or coal severance fund was brought to the forefront, but with no resolution.

Council members also dealt with building code violations and letters sent out to offenders.

The town leaders said they would wait the 30 days violators were given to comply before they would proceed with the next step.

Revising the town building code was tabled until council can more thoroughly examine its contents.

No action was taken following a brief discussion about missing street signs in Durbin.

Pat Proud gave a report on the Durbin Days Festival, held annually in July. She suggested planning a meeting of the DDF Committee in January, as the first grant request has to be in by the first of February.

Resident Buster Varner told council he was interested in the position of town judge but that he wouldn't be able to attend the upcoming class.

Councilwoman Thelma Smith made a motion to appoint Varner as town judge. The motion was approved by all except Councilman Donald Peck, who said he didn't think the town needed a judge.

For more than an hour, council met in executive session to discuss billing issues, and individuals who owe the town money.

Residents who attended the meeting were irate that they had to stand outside in the cold for another executive session. The wait being so long, many gave up and went home.

"It's a disgrace having to stay out in the cold," Ginny Rexrode said.

"It's too cold to be put outside," Donna Rexrode agreed.

The Durbin Council meets at 7 p.m. the first Monday of each month in the town office.