Coronavirus

Officials: Pool in Buckhannon will not open this summer

BUCKHANNON -- There will be no high dives, pool parties or swimming of any kind at the Catherine "Splash" Williams Pool Facility behind Buckhannon-Upshur High School this summer.

The Upshur County Commission voted Thursday to not open the pool for summer 2020 citing concerns about COVID-19 and the difficulty to hire summer staff knowing they may or may not get to work.

During Thursday's meeting, which was held via telephone conference, Commissioner Sam Nolte pointed to the county being a little behind on hiring and not knowing what will happen with the state's Stay-At-Home Order in effect until April 30.

"We know right now that it is at least until the end of this month," he said. "We would have to advertise and hire people with the potential of not opening at all, or what would be our opening date. It puts us in an interesting position."

Traditionally, the pool has opened for Memorial Day Weekend and closed by the second weekend in August -- a time when it loses much of its summer staff who return to school.

Commissioner Kristie Tenney said, "I think you make a very good point. It's an unfortunate decision to be made. For the protection of our citizens, it may be the best interest to close this summer season of 2020 to the public."

Tenney noted there were currently no lifeguard certification classes being held.

Commission president Terry Cutright said he talked with county maintenance director Greg Harris who said the pool will need to be filled and a minimal level of chlorine kept in the pool for maintenance. Tenney said, "I think it might be in our best interest this year to close the pool for this summer."

The commission then discussed the pavilions which are rented at the Upshur County Recreation Park.

Nolte said, "I think the pavilions we could play by ear according to what we are instructed by the state and federal government. They may not be available due to that fact. There may be some guidelines with social distancing, if we were to rent them after things have eased up, that everybody would follow those guidelines."

Nolte moved to close the pool this season and make a decision on the pavilion rentals at a later date when more information is available about COVID-19 restrictions.

The motion passed unanimously.

One part-time employee will be hired to help out with the pool and the pavilions, if necessary.

In other business, the commission:

• approved a proclamation in honor of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week from April 12-18.

• approved changes to the operating schedule of the Upshur County Courthouse moving the closure date from May 12 to June 9 due to the change in the West Virginia Primary Date and removing the half-day on May 15 due to the West Virginia Strawberry Festival being canceled.

• appointed assistant county administrator Tabatha Perry to serve a term on the Upshur County Convention and Visitors Bureau board of directors.

• tabled a request from the American Red Cross Allegheny Highlands Chapter, for $2,500 to help with their efforts to help the community.

• approved the termination of law enforcement secretary Kelly Pugh effective March 15.

• approved an increase to Andrew Pinkney's rate of pay to $35 an hour effective immediately due to achieving his ADC Counseling certification. The salary is paid by the 26th Judicial Circuit Community Corrections program through a grant.