Sponsor Needed for Weed & Seed Children's Earth Day Event

We received this email from Jennifer Williams who is an intern for the City of Huntington's Weed & Seed Program. She is seeking a corporate sponsor for their Children's Earth Day Event (April 22nd) at the Barnett Center, which is located on the corner of Hal Greer Blvd. and 10th Avenue. If your company or organization would like to be involved, it would be a great service to the youth being served by the Weed & Seed program. Want to step up and help?

You can contact Jenn Williams at 304-840-2500 . Here is the email she sent us:

Hello!

We are organizing a children's Earth Day event at the Barnett Center on Hal Greer and 10th Ave on April 22 from 3-7pm. This event is a part of the Huntington Community Gardens effort, which is a facet of the larger Weed and Seed project in the city of Huntington. You can learn more about these at http://www.huntingtoncommunitygardens.com/ and http://www.cityofhuntington.com/.

The event will have many hands-on activities for children and we will be doing a ribbon cutting and tree planting ceremony to kick off the Community Garden on site. We will be working with Marshall University and Goodwill Industries to promote each of our Earth day events in the media.

We will be having special tables set up to educate children on what they can do to help save the earth. We are looking for organizations to sponsor a table or an activity. What we would like to see is each table representing some aspect of earth care and offering a game or activity, like face painting, recycled trash crafts, etc. Another option is to oversee the larger activities that we will be doing with the kids, such as making recycled paper, making bird feeders from plastic bottles and making safe, organic, homemade pesticide for gardens.

We also need a corporate sponsor to help us pay for seedlings that we will be giving out that day as well as supplies for the activities. We are looking for a company that is committed to environmental advocacy and who would be able to donate $500 for supplies and trees. If your organization would be interested in taking any part in our event, please let me know what you feel would be the best fit for you. Also, if you have any ideas about other organizations or corporate sponsors that may be interested, let me know. Thank you!

Blessings,

Jennifer Williams
City of Huntington's Weed and Seed program intern

Rick Simmons - "I have said it many times, community unity works!"

Guyandotte resident, Rick Simmons, reminds us that there are five days remaining until the Saturday, April 4th, Guyandotte semi-annual cleanup day, which someone nicknamed the Guyandotte "Shine Time." The staging area will be at the Guyandotte United Methodist Church at 305 Main Street in Guyandotte. A Hot Dog sale will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Rick, reports that the City of Huntington is supplying dumpsters, Goodwill Industries will have a truck on-site, and another truck will be available for collecting and disposing of used tires. In addition, the West Virginia Division of Environmental Protection (WV DEP) will be on hand with gloves and bags. St. Mary's Medical Center has loaned litter-pickup sticks for use in the cleanup.

One of the many phone calls Richard received about the neighborhood’s scheduled cleanup came from Ms. Connie Miller. She asked if the cleanup would include her neighborhood. She said, “Old tires are everywhere, litter is blowing in the streets and old couches have been dumped right in front of some residences." She reported that three illegal dumps are active where she lives.

Her call for help struck home with Rick. “When Connie told me that the area she was seeking help with is Bellevue Road, which connects and runs into Hilltop Drive, I almost dropped the phone. It instantly brought back old memories of my youth.” Hw continued, “Although my dad worked very hard, my siblings and I grew up in extreme poverty. We lived in a three-room shack on Bellevue Road. We paid forty dollars a month for the little shack that we called home for fifteen years. Year after year, his family and the other residents on "The Hill" felt they had long been forgotten by the city government.” It hit Simmons that he could show the folks on “The Hill” that “there are folks who do care.” He called his friend Jay Bowen, and they immediately drove to the neighborhood to determine the extent of the “mess.”

“It wasn't the worst Jay and I had ever seen, but it was close.” Rich said. “We located the illegal dumps and called the City of Huntington for assistance. We requested that the City install warning signs to illegal dumpers. Within two days they were up and in place.”

On Saturday April 4th, Hilltop and Bellevue Road will get a major makeover. “We have passed out fliers to all the residents there and have asked them to put their unwanted large throw-away items in front of their residence; we have organized a group of volunteers with pick-up trucks to take the heavy loads to the dumpsters located at the church. We counted roughly 300-old tires; we will move them to the church staging area; there the tires will be transferred to a large truck. They will be hauled away for proper disposal. We will give special attention to eliminating the illegal dumps.” Simmons said.

“All of this will be accomplished by community volunteers for the benefit of the “forgotten” residents of the Hilltop Drive area and the other areas of the Guyandotte neighborhood. I have said it a thousand times, community unity works, Simmons added.

Earth Day is April 22nd! Arise, Litter-Gitters!

The Adopt YOUR Block - Be a Litter-Gitter volunteer citizen's group was formed by James "Jay" Bowen" and me in April 2006. We have been recruiting community volunteers and giving out our "litter sticks" since then. We now number over 1600 "litter-gitters." Each volunteer has pledged to keep just the block on which they live free of all street litter, including cigarette butts.

To celebrate our third anniversary, we are asking all of our volunteers to make sure that the block on which they reside is especially nice and clean on Earth Day - April 22nd. Let's show all of Huntington that we care about our neighborhoods and our beloved city.

Remember, all we ask of you is to keep your very own block clean and "green"! Thanks for all you do!

Why Huntington, West Virginia?

"What is there about this area you would like to share with others?" That is the question neighborhood advocate, James "Jay" Bowen answered at the "Why Huntington WV?" Website.

Check it out:

http://www.whyhuntingtonwv.com/articles/big-enough-to-be-important-small-enough-to-be-involved/

I'm going to the site and telling why I returned to Huntington. I could have lived anywhere I wished, but I chose Huntington as my adopted hometown.

Town Hall Meeting on Clean Elections

A Town Hall Meeting on Clean Elections will be held at Marshall University tomorrow, Saturday, March 28, from 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon. Refreshments will be served and a discussion of the Health Care for All campaign will follow. The meeting will be held in the Multi-Purpose Facility located in the basement of the Marshall Student Center. It is being sponsored by the Southwest District Labor Council and West Virginia Citizens for Clean Elections.

Are you tired of elections paid for by the fat cats, and are you appalled that the 2008 West Virginia legislative elections rang up over $4 million in campaign spending? Are you amazed that some candidates for the West Virginia Legislature spend many times their annual legislative salary to get elected? Are you angry that lobbyists often have more input into what ends up in a bill than the citizens the law affects? There is another way. Public financing makes for Clean Elections.

Attendees will learn how public financing makes for Clean Elections. The West Virginia Public Campaign Financing Act would offer legislative candidates the choice of running for office beholden to no one but the voters. Legislators could hold office without having to spend their time raising money. Qualified candidates without personal wealth or connections to money would be able to run for office – more choices for voters. The option of public financing is already available to candidates in Maine, Arizona, and other states.

Bill Would Permit Non-Police Officers to Issue Littering Citations

We have been informed by a member of the House of Delegates that this piece of legislation was just passed out of the House Judiciary Committee. Although it must be reported out of one other sub-committee, it could have its first reading in the full House this week. The legislation, if passed, could go a long way in getting our city cleaned up by implementing increased and consistent enforcement.

H. B. 3197

(By Delegates Fleischauer, Beach, Shook,

Marshall, Manchin, Talbott, Miley, Mahan, Caputo,

Fragale and Perdue)

[Introduced March 18, 2009; referred to the Committee on the Judiciary then Finance.]


A BILL to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding thereto a new section, designated §8-12-16b, relating to authorizing municipalities to permit non-police officers to issue citations for littering.

Be it enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, be amended by adding thereto a new section, designated §8-12-16b, to read as follows:

ARTICLE 12. GENERAL AND SPECIFIC POWERS, DUTIES AND ALLIED RELATIONS OF MUNICIPALITIES, GOVERNING BODIES AND MUNICIPAL OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES; SUITS AGAINST MUNICIPALITIES.
§8-12-16b. Special litter prevention officers. Every municipality that has adopted an anti-litter ordinance pursuant to section five of this article shall have plenary power and authority to provide by ordinance for the appointment of special litter prevention officers, whose duties include the enforcement of municipal anti-littering ordinances. Notwithstanding any other provision of this code, those officers may also be assigned to perform other duties or be presently employed by the municipality in another capacity and have these additional duties assigned to him or her. In the performance of these duties, such special litter prevention officers shall be vested with the power to issue citations, issue summonses and sign complaints. Such special litter prevention officers shall display a badge or other sign of authority. The governing body of the municipality may require such special litter prevention officers to give bond, payable to the municipality, in its corporate name, with such sureties and in such penalty as the governing body may see fit, conditioned for the faithful performance of their duties.

NOTE: The purpose of this bill is to permit non-police officers to issue citations for littering.

An Open Letter to the WV House of Delegates Regarding "Bottle Bill"

Mr. Speaker and members of the West Virginia House of Delegates, I have dedicated my retirement years to working to eliminate litter in Huntington and Cabell County. The time is now for passage of H.B. 3037. It is my understanding that it has been reported out of committee on a 5-1 vote, with one member being absent for the vote.

The manufacturers, distributors and retail businesses who complain about the requirements of the bill must accept this one simple fact; empty containers are a necessary bi-product of the manufacture and sale of consumable goods. It is only right they share in the responsibility, as do consumers, to control and properly dispose of the resulting solid waste. It is a reasonable cost-of-doing-business.

This new legislation will protect and grow our tourism industry, while protecting the property values of our citizens. Keeping our cities, counties and our beloved state clean and litter-free is a noble mission. I thank you for your service to the people of West Virginia, and I implore you to support and vote for passage of this legislative imperative. I wish God’s speed to you, Mr. Speaker and members of the WV House of Delegates.

Respectfully yours,

Richard Cobb

1239 Kanawha Terrace

Huntington, WV 25701

It's the Law! Property Owners Must Maintain Structures

The City of Huntington government has established ordinances over the years intended to protect the property values and appearance of all city neighborhoods. Notice the dates each section was enacted. Again, Huntington citizens already have the protection against almost anything that can be imagined. Again, the failure has been the lack of of a Zero Tolerance policy related to property owners maintaining their properties in a safe and properly maintained condition. It appears that our new city administration is moving forward to resolve the issue of dilapidated structures and those in a state of disrepair. Here is the current law:

1739.01 DECLARATION OF NUISANCE.
It is hereby declared that any dwelling or other building unfit for human habitation due to dilapidation, defects increasing the hazard of fire, accidents or other calamities, lack of ventilation, light or sanitary facilities or any other conditions prevailing in any dwelling or building, whether used for human habitation or not, which would cause such dwelling or other building to be unsafe, unsanitary, dangerous or detrimental to the public welfare is declared to be a nuisance, and may, be abated by repair, alteration or improvement, or the vacating and closing or removal or demolition, or any combination thereof, as provided in this article.
All provisions inconsistent with the provisions of this article contained in the Building and Housing Code are hereby repealed. (Ord. 12-28-83)

1739.02 UNSAFE BUILDINGS COMMISSION.
There is hereby created an enforcement agency to be known as the Unsafe Buildings Commission. Such agency shall be composed of the Mayor or his or her designee, the Supervisor of Building Inspections and one member at large, to be selected by and to serve at the will and pleasure of the Mayor. The Supervisor of Building Inspections may request the presence of the Housing Inspector at all regular and special meetings of the Commission. The Health Officer and the Fire Chief shall serve as ex-officio members of the Commission with all the accompanying rights of all other members, including voting rights. The Fire Chief may designate the Fire Marshal to serve upon the Commission in his or her stead. In the event any member is unable to attend a regular or special meeting of the Commission, the Mayor may designate and appoint an alternate member to serve in the absent member’s place at such meeting. The Mayor shall serve as chairperson, or may designate a chairperson, and a majority of the Commission shall constitute a quorum. A permanent record shall be kept in the Mayor’s office and shall be open to inspection by any party in interest. The Commission shall have the authority to make rules and regulations, not contrary to law, for the purpose of carrying out the intent of this article. (Ord. 9-23-96)

1739.03 BUILDING AND HOUSING CODE 38

1739.03 RIGHT OF ENTRY.
In order to perform its duties effectively and protect the public interest, the Unsafe Buildings Commission members or any ex-officio member, or any person delegated by the Commission for the purposes of this article, shall have authority to go upon and inspect any dwelling or other building or any part thereof, provided, that such entrance and inspection shall be made in such a manner as to cause the least possible inconvenience to the persons in possession. (Ord. 12-28-83)

1739.04 HEARING BEFORE COMMISSION.
Upon information received from any person or as a result of its own investigation, the Unsafe Buildings Commission may issue a complaint against any building and the owner thereof. Such complaint shall definitely locate the building, shall describe the conditions complained of and shall set a date and place for a hearing on the question of whether the building is unfit for human habitation or is unsafe, unsanitary, dangerous or detrimental to the public welfare. Any complaint or order shall be served upon the owner in accordance with the law of this State concerning the service of process in civil actions, and shall, in addition thereto, be posted in a conspicuous place on the premises affected by the complaint. Service shall be made at least ten days prior to the hearing, except that in the case of an emergency endangering the life or health of the occupants of the building or other parties, the time may be shortened. At such hearing, the owner may appear in person or by agents or counsel, and may examine any witnesses who testify and may offer evidence in his own behalf. Either the Commission or the owner may have the entire evidence recorded at their own expense, however, such shall not be mandatory. A lessee whose interests are substantially affected may appear and be heard in the same manner as the owner.
(Ord. 5-29-84)

1739.05 FINDINGS; REMEDIAL ORDER; PERFORMANCE.
(a) If the majority of the members of the Unsafe Buildings Commission present at such hearing are of the opinion that the building in question is unfit for habitation or is unsafe, unsanitary, dangerous or detrimental to the public welfare, the Commission shall enter an order requiring that such building be closed or demolished, or, in a proper case, setting forth such repairs as are considered necessary in order to make the building reasonably suited for human habitation or to make it safe and sanitary and not dangerous or detrimental to the public. The order shall fix a date when such work shall be completed, which, for good cause shown, may be extended by the Commission. The owner shall within the time fixed in the order, notify the Commission of his intention to comply with the order, in which case, the work shall be done under the supervision of the City Building Officials. When the work has been completed in accordance with the order of the Commission, an order shall be entered approving the work and closing the case.

(b) If within the time provided in the order, the owner fails to notify the Commission and do the work required, the Commission may proceed to have such work done, either by contract or by the purchase of necessary materials and the employment of workers and equipment.
(Ord. 10-10-06)

1739.99 PENALTY.
Whoever violates any section within this article for which no other penalty is provided shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars ($500.00) or imprisoned not more than thirty (30) days or both. Each day such violation continues shall constitute a separate offense.
(Ord. 6-25-07.)

It's the Law! City Needs Zero Tolerance Policy for Littering and Dumping!

This City of Huntington Ordinance is current law! It has been in effect, with modifications, for years and years! We are working to encourage the City's administration to dramatically increase inspection and enforcement of these ordinances. Unless enforcement by the City of Huntington and the Cabell-Huntington Health Department begins with a zero-tolerance policy, all attempts to keep the City of Huntington clean and attractive will not be successful. It's the law! Why not use this tool to clean up our hometown? Notice how long these various sections have been in effect? And the levying of the penalty (at the bottom) would certainly deter others from these unlawful acts. Let the fines begin - Zero Tolerance, after adequate warning to the public is the correct course of action!

Notice this section even covers dumping on your own property.

951.09 RIGHT OF ENTRY FOR INSPECTION OF PREMISES.

For the purpose of carrying out the duties and responsibilities imposed upon them by the terms of this article, the Chief Executive Officer, the Director of the Cabell-Huntington Health Department and their designated representatives shall be authorized to enter upon and inspect any premises at reasonable hours.
(Ord. 7-22-85)

951.10 THROWING OR SCATTERING GARBAGE OR RUBBISH.

No person shall throw, place or scatter any garbage, rubbish or other refuse over or upon any premises, street or alley, either public or private, or adjacent thereto, either with or without the intent to later remove such garbage, rubbish or other refuse, or to suffer or permit any premises owned, occupied or controlled by such person to become or remain offensive, littered, unsanitary, unsightly, unsafe or hazardous to public health from the accumulation of garbage or rubbish.
(Ord. 7-22-85)

951.15 UNLAWFUL ACTS.

No person within the City:

(a) Shall keep or maintain on any premises any garbage or rubbish intended for removal or collection therefrom in any manner other than that prescribed by this article.
(b) Except when contained in one or more vessels meeting the requirements of this article and left for the purpose of collection at a place designated by rule, regulation or order of the Mayor, shall throw, dump, drain or leave any garbage, paper, cans, bottles, rubbish or litter of any kind or nature whatsoever in, on or about any public or private street, alley, court, lane, way, thoroughfare, lot, lands, dump, premises or vehicle, whether such points, places or objects enumerated in this subsection are under the ownership or control of such person or another.
(c) Shall empty, place or dump any garbage which is not mechanically or thoroughly ground into any public or private sewer or stream of any connection therewith.
(d) Except for the City or for private collectors that are certified by the State Public Service Commission, shall engage in or conduct the business of collection removal or disposal of solid waste within the corporate limits.

Refuse Collection 951.17

(e) Being the holder of a private refuse collector's license or his agent or employee, shall fail or refuse to comply with and abide by any duty, provision, term, covenant, prohibition or agreement required of licenses under the provisions referred to in this article.
(f) Shall cause or permit any vehicle containing garbage to stand upon any street, alley or thoroughfare within the City, except when in actual use in receiving or loading garbage.
(g) Shall maintain, collect, receive, remove, transport, convey or dispose of any garbage or rubbish in such manner or by such means as to constitute a public or private nuisance or to constitute a source of injury or damage to the person or property of another.
(h) Shall transport any garbage or rubbish in any manner except in a vehicle or container equipped so as to prevent the flowing or dropping off of any of the contents on the public streets or ways of the City or private property therein.
(i) Shall fail or refuse to comply with any other duty or requirement of this article or to do or perform any other act or thing prohibited by the provisions and terms of this article.
(Ord. 7-22-85)

951.16 DISPOSAL IN ANOTHER PERSONS CONTAINER PROHIBITED.

(a) No person shall dispose of garbage, trash or other refuse by dumping it into any dumpster or container located on any property other than that on which such garbage, trash or other refuse was produced. The consent of the property owner on which the waste is disposed of shall be irrelevant under this section.
No person shall place garbage, trash or other refuse contained in a garbage bag or other disposable container on a street, alley, way or other point usually used as a pick up point by the Sanitation Department when such person has not paid a refuse fee for that particular pick up point.
(b) This section shall not apply in such manner as to disallow the use of one central dumpster or collection station where a building or set of adjoining buildings owned by the same person or association and used for a similar purpose is located on one or more parcels.
(c) No person shall scavenge or withdraw any substance from a dumpster, trash can or other trash or refuse container located on private or public property for the purpose of converting such substance to his or her own use.
(Ord. 4-28-86)

951.99 PENALTY.

(a) A penalty of ten percent (10%) of the stated fee shall be added for failure to pay the installments due on the specified dates. Additionally, or in the alternative, any person, firm, corporation, governmental entity or other entity violating any provision of this article for which no other penalty is provided shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars ($500.00) or imprisoned not more than thirty days, or both.

(b) If any person shall violate or cause to be violated any provision of Article 951 they shall be subject to a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500.00) and/or up to thirty days in jail.
(Ord. 11-13-01)

Community Gardens Group Brings Citizens Together

The Community Gardens project of Huntington WV is a collection of volunteers and organizations working together to transform vacant lots into community gardens all over the City of Huntington.

The organizations Goals:

Create Safe Places for neighbors to get to know one another by working together;

Grow fruits and vegetables, a portion of which is to be donated to area missions, foodbanks, and local needy;

Create Spaces of Beauty by encouraging the creation of a variety garden types including Flower, Desert & Rock, Art, Butterfly, and Senior/Challenged Accessible gardens;

Engage and Educate the public, both young and old, about nutrition and the environment, as well as Civic Responsibility, in cooperation with local Schools, Libraries, and other area organizations;

Help Beautify our City of Huntington enough to attract new citizens and businesses to the area.

For more information please contact:

Weed and Seed project - Tim White - whitet@cityofhuntington.com

Community Gardens of Huntington WV - communitygardenshunt@gmail.com

Local Federation of the Blind Works To Correct Misunderstandings

According to my blind friends, Buck Saunders and his wife, Mary Ann, the real problem of blindness is not the loss of eyesight. The real problem is the misunderstanding and lack of information that exist. If a blind person has proper training and opportunity, blindness can be reduced to a physical nuisance. The local chapter of the National Federation of the Blind is active in spreading the message that the "blind are just like everybody, except we can't see." Buck and Mary Ann raised their children and are active citizens in our community and do not let blindness keep them from living a full and active lifestyle.

To gain a better understanding of the issues faced by the blind, visit this Web site of the National Federation of the Blind - http://www.nfb.org/.

Bottle Bill Will Help Restore West Virginia's Lakes and Streams

These photos were taken by Jay Bowen, during one of his many fishing trips around the state. This lake is Upper Mud Lake in Lincoln County. A "bottle bill" will help restore West Virginia's lakes and streams. The litter in one of the photos depicts some that Jay pulled from the lake, but he said there are "tons more" in area lakes, including those in Cabell and Wayne counties. Hopefully, the WV State Legislature will finally pass our needed "bottle bill."

Are so-called "Bottle Bills" Affective in Solid Waste Control?

Here is a recent poll taken by Waste & Recycling News. Click on this link:

http://www.wasterecyclingnews.com/wnpoll/vresults.html?final=0%3E


Do you think the West Virginia Legislature should pass the West Virginia "Bottle Bill", which is pending in its current session?

Huntington Sanitary Board Moving Forward on Combined Sewer System Issue

We are encouraged to read in this morning's Huntington Herald-Dispatch that the Huntington Sanitary Board is moving forward with long-term plans to resolve the issue of the city of Huntington's aging sewer system. Currently, much of our sewer system handles both sanitary and storm water. When heavy rains occur, the system cannot treat all of the sewage allowing untreated water to flow into the river and streams, residential basements and causing street flooding.

Although completion of the sewer up-dating will take years, it is important that we begin to resolve this long-standing infrastructure issue. I'm willing to pay the needed 23% sewer rate increase; are you?

Public Hearing Held on Proposed Weekly User Fee Increase

Last night, the City of Huntington Finance Committee held a public hearing on the proposed increase in the so-called "user fee." The fee, which is collected from anyone employed within the city, would increase April 1, 2009, from $2 to $3 per week. All members of the City Council attended the public hearing. I attended and spoke in favor of the increase, and there were others who spoke positively. There were others who spoke against the increase. It was a good exercise in democracy.

We certainly understand the concerns and frustrations of the folks who oppose the fee. It is obvious adequate funding is currently unavailable to operate our city, which has slowly, but surely, been allowed to physically deteriorate over the last fifty years. Personally, I would like to see the elimination of all "nuisance" fees replaced by a local option sales tax of one (1%) percent on everything but groceries and medicines. This will take action on the part of the West Virginia State Legislature. In the meantime, we are left to our own devices.

In order to showcase the many quality-of-life assets we offer to residents and visitors, we must present a safe, clean and well-maintained city. Our hope is that each Huntington resident will become engaged in the mission to make our city the most desirable place to live in West Virginia.

An Open Letter to Members of the WV House of Delegates Judiciary Committee

Dear Members of the West Virginia House of Delegates Judiciary Committee:

I have dedicated my retirement years to acting as an advocate for Huntington and Cabell County neighborhoods. Our group of citizen volunteers, called Adopt YOUR Block - Be a Litter-Gitter, now numbering over 1600 "litter-gitters", has litter-abatement as its sole mission. I am passionate about our mission, and I am proud to tell you that I was a recipient of the 2006 National Jefferson Award for Outstanding Public Service.

I implore you, in your capacity as a member of the Judiciary Subcommittee of the WV House of Delegates, to give your full support for HB 3037. I am convinced that the so-called "Bottle Bill" must become law, if we are to attain, and sustain, our beloved state as a clean and green "Almost Heaven."

Thank you for your service to the people of our state.

List of 85 Dilapidated Houses and Photos on City's Demolition List

There are currently 85 houses on the City of Huntington's demolition list, which is maintained by the City of Huntington's Office of Development and Planning. Click on the link below to see the Huntington Herald-Dispatch's list of dilapidated houses located in the city of Huntington. You will find a list of the addresses and a map indicating the location 0f each dilapidated property.

Click on each address in the list and a photo of the house will appear, along with the location being indicated on an adjacent map.

http://news.herald-dispatch.com/maps/map.php?map=1

I took the time to watch a meeting of the City of Huntington Unsafe Building Commission this week. I was very impressed with Mr. Tom Bell, who chaired the meeting. In addition, the commission members and the city employees reporting to the commission were extremely professional in the interaction that occurred with members of the public during the meeting.

I am encouraged that this important city commission is "on top of things." I predict that we will see good progress from this commission, as they identify and work with owners to have dilapidated houses brought up to standards, or demolished.

"Shine Time" in Guyandotte

On Saturday, April 4th the good people of Guyandotte, WV will be having a "Shine Time" event aimed at helping to clean up the city and to dispose of excess trash and old tires. The event starts at 8 am and runs through to 4 pm - though last year it kept on going until nearly 6pm. You may view the latest post at:

http://saferhuntingtonwv.com/articles/shine-time-in-guyandotte/

Woodmen of the World Make Donation to the Adopt YOUR Block program

Recently, the Woodmen of the World Conservationist Award for 2008, was awarded to James "Jay" Bowen, a local neighborhood advocate and co-founder of the Adopt YOUR Block - Be a Litter-Gitter program, a Huntington volunteer litter abatement group. Because of Jay's efforts in our community, the Woodmen have donated $100 to the City of Huntington Foundation, which will be earmarked to fund additional equipment for use in the ongoing Adopt YOUR Block - Be A Litter-Gitter mission.

Woodmen of the Wold is a fraternal benefit society and was founded in 1890. It is one of the largest benefit societies with more and 810,000 members. The Huntington Lodge #66 has approximately 300 members. The current president is Mrs. Helen Chaney.

Woodmen of the World through their local lodges is a force within their communities, helping those individuals, families and communities in need. The members are known for their patriotism and provide free American flags, history awards to students that excel in American History, as well as American History hand books to elementary schools.

Woodmen participates in Red Cross Partnership, Disaster Relief, Join Hand Day, Flags Across America, In Honor and Remembrance, Make a Difference Day, Youth Service Projects and Arbor Day Foundation, as well as giving special awards to members and guests. In addition, they organize events that enrich lives and communities, including patriotic programs and activities. Woodmen builds pride in our country and our flag.

We extend our thanks to the Woodmen for all they do for our area!

Huntington Mayor Kim Wolfe Announces Citywide Cleanup

This news was gleaned from http://www.saferhuntingtonwv.com/

Citywide Cleanup

Posted by Bill on 3/11/09 • Categorized as Mayors Office

"Mayor Wolfe has announced a citywide cleanup project dating between April 25 and May 5. He said more details will be forthcoming. Huntington is a great city but far too many people feel comfortable throwing trash on the ground, a citywide cleanup can only bring about a positive change. Heck, why wait for the project to begin - if you see a piece of trash on the ground pick it up and put it in a trash can. You can even do this while downtown as the main streets (3rd, 4th, and 5th) all have plenty of permanent receptacles.

I’ll update this post as I learn more about the cleanup project."

Thanks to Bill Rawlinson bill.rawlinson@gmail.com for sending us this link http://www.saferhuntingtonwv.com/

Huntington Housing Authority Investments Over Last 20-years Are Significant

After posting our previous post related to the tremendous amount of investment made in Huntington and Cabell County during the last twenty-years, William Dotson, Executive Director of the Huntington Housing Authority (HHA), emailed me with the investments made by the HHA during the last twenty-years. The HHA investments are significant, and Bill wanted us to be aware of them:

"[Richard], you left out all of the affordable housing work that has been going on, hamlets, parks, Simms School, Fairfield School, Johnston Center, Heistad House, 5th Avenue Apartments, the new units on 28th street, Washington Arms, new duplexes on Daulton and Artisan, and the millions HHA has been spending upgrading our existing properties so that our public housing is decent and isn't in the same shape as others around the country. In addition, there is all of the affordable housing work that has been going on: Hamlets, Parks, Simms School, Fairfield School, Johnston Center, Heistad House, 5th Avenue Apartments., the new units on 28th street, Washington Arms, new duplexes on Daulton and Artisan, and the millions HHA has been spending upgrading our existing properties so that our public housing is decent and isn't in the same shape as others around the country.

***

There are two projects outside of town, Pine Haven in Milton, and Lakeview in Lavalette, and there is the special housing built for the mentally ill and developmentally disabled, the other elderly complexes, Eden Park, and our place on the west side.

***

Many of these projects have successfully preserved some of our most precious structures created by visionaries many many years ago. The work that the Huntington Housing Authority has been doing the last twenty years is significant. We (HHA) are recognized as a superior housing authority everywhere in the country --- except in our home town. Our projects, also, contribute to the economy, and we have been an active player for at least 20 years."

Thanks, Bill, for educating us and adding the HHA's investments of which we, as a community, have been blessed during the last twenty-years.

Huntington's $1 Billion in Investments During Last 20-Years

We have issues in the city of Huntington, but let's not overlook the significant investments made in our community during the past twenty years! Let's do a quick inventory:

Huntington’s $1B worth of investments during the last 20 years:

Marshall University:

Memorial Stadium
Drinko Library
Fine & Performing Arts Center
Jomie Jazz Center
Engineering Building
BioTech Center
Harless Dining, Gibson, Haymaker, Wellman dorms
Parking Garage and walkway to Henderson Center
New Rec Center and Dorms
Student Alumni Center
Welcome Center on 18th St & 5th Ave.
Forensic Center at Fairfield
Byrd Clinic at Fairfield
MU Med School and Center for Rural Health

And then, there are these investments:

Cabell Huntington Hospital Expansion
St. Mary’s Medical Center Expansion
St. Mary’s new School of Nursing/Radiological & Respiratory Technology
St. Mary’s new Parking Garage
HIMG at Wal-Mart

How about these investments in our community?

Pullman Square
Two Holiday Inns
Ramada Inn
Bob Evans and buildings at Kinetic Park
Bob Childers renovation of East End Business Park
17th Street Bridge
31st Street Bridge
Alcon

Don't forget investments in our schools:

Huntington High School
Cabell Midland High School
New Barboursville Middle
New Barboursville Elementary

What about investments via Renovation?

Renovation of old HHS to become Renaissance Center
Renovation of the Keith Albee Performing Arts Center
Renovations of downtown buildings by Dr. Touma, John Hankins, and others

Be sure to add these investments:

The Woodlands and Wyngate
Huntington Museum of Arts

And we’ve got some multi-million dollar homes that have been built, too.

So, who says our city hasn't made progress? To the contrary; we have!

Citizens Demand Accounting of City's User Fee

The people who are required to pay the City of Huntington's User Fee must have transparency and accountability in order to have a sense of trust in our local government. Here is how I see it.

Issue #1: The City of Huntington City Council is considering new Mayor Kim Wolfe's budget request for an increase in the City's $2 per week User Fee to $3 per week. The fee is collected from anyone working within the city of Huntington.

Issue #2: The public has lost trust in the City's administration and the City Council, because the City has never accounted for every expenditure of funds coming from the User Fee. It is obvious to everyone that the areas of public safety and streets have not fully benefited, as stipulated in the ordinance creating the User Fee.

#Issue #3: The City of Huntington cannot operate without adequate funds for providing public services. Citizens realize that, but they want to know where every penny is being spent, as promised.

Solution: Modify the User Fee ordinance to dictate that every last cent of funds coming from the $3 per week User Fee be placed in an Enterprise Fund (in and out accounting) and restricted to expenditures for public safety; street-paving, repairs and cleaning; curb and gutter maintenance; and, last but not least, pavement graphics and signage for traffic control and safety.

Transparency: Within ten (10) days of the closing of each month's accounting period a detailed copy of the "User Fee Enterprise Fund" must be published in the Herald-Dispatch newspaper. Each month's itemized, and chronological, income and expenditures of the fund would be clearly presented in this required publication. The citizens who pay into the fund would be able to "track" their investment, and the public trust would improve dramatically.

The days of the City of Huntington operating without any accountability to the public it serves should end. Accounting records should be readily made available on a monthly basis by publishing monthly profit and loss figures in the newspaper for each city department.

The folks who are required to pay the City's User Fee merely want transparency and accountability - and to be able to trust their government. Why not give it to them?

As Cicero said, "The welfare of the people is the highest law."

Sometimes a Litter (pun intended) Humor Helps!

Sometimes a good laugh is therapeutic! This one is compliments of Jay Bowen!

HARC Progress Reported on Downtown Veteran's Memorial

Neighborhood Advocate, Jay Bowen reports continued progress made by the Huntington Area Revitalization Coalition (HARC), a volunteer group founded by Gene and Robin Howell, that is working to spruce up the area around the Veteran's Memorial statue located at the Downtown Huntington Post Office. Notice in the photos how much better the area looks after the volunteers removed a “sickly” tree that was interfering with the statue. The sidewalk appears much neater after edging and sweeping.

The group will be planting special Veterans roses and annuals around the concrete pad. In addition, HARC is working with the local Veterans groups to install flagpoles and flags for each branch of the United States Armed Forces.

"Together, we will accomplish anything we can imagine!"

Fairfield West Embarking on Revitalization Effort

The Fairfield West neighborhood of Huntington is about to embark on a new revitalization effort called the Weed and Seed program. It is designed to “weed out” the bad elements in the neighborhood including criminal activity and to “seed” neighborhood revitalization programs. The program is partially funded by a $1 million federal grant to help pay for increased law enforcement activity in the area.

The police have already begun by setting up a new field office which will also house the K-9 unit and serve as the hub for both the bicycle unit and the special operations squad. The increased police presence in the neighborhood should help decrease crime in the neighborhood which currently accounts for 50% of all crime in the city.

You can find out more about this fantastic program in this Herald-Dispatch article: Project Ready to Take Root. (This information was provided by Bill Rawlinson.)

"Together we will accomplish anything we can imagine!"