Department Head Updates September 24, 2019

Engineering / Stormwater

1. Scheduled ad concerning fall leaves with the Bluefield Daily Telegraph for MS4 permit Public Education and Outreach compliance. Ad is scheduled to run Thursday, September 26.

2. Stormwater crew removed old sewer pump at Commercialization Station and installed new pump and electric box.

3. Stormwater crew removed concrete for drains in Bay # 2 at the Commercialization Station and finished the wall in Bay # 4.

4. Completed GIS map for 2019 road paving.

5. Completed conversion of stormwater inspections from paper to digital format.

6. Stairs at Big Whiskey Alley installed.

7. Opened street paving bids received from AAA Paving and Southern West Virginia Paving.

8. Danny Shrewsbury is in process of cutting down problem trees around Larry Douglas property on Jefferson Street and South Street.

9. Escorted Chris Bennett, System Engineer Public Improvements, Bridges and Structures, Norfolk Southern Corporation around the north and east end of city to look at street condition and access.

10. Met w/ Josh Anderson of the WVDOH to obtain and discuss the Grant Street Bridge Inspection Report.

11. Developed blueprints for the Bluefield Arts Center building 2nd and 3rd Floors.

Sewer Pump at Commercialization Station

12. Manage construction of new bathroom at Commercialization Station.

13. Met w/Jeana Stright, Associate Principal Architect, Wendel concerning Bluefield Area Transit project.

14. Met w/Nathan Tucker, Principal Architect, Edward Tucker Architects, Inc. concerning Student Housing project at Bluefield State College.

15. Met Dunford Roofing, about roof repair at Commercialization Station Bay 3. Public Works

1. Our crews are working on giving the seven outside parks new mulch and fixing any issues observed while there.

2. Preliminary work has been started on Holiday of Lights; bulbs have been ordered for the upcoming season, crews have begun testing bulbs and making repairs to displays.

3. Assisted with road closures, trash clean up and collection of signs, barriers and trash containers for the Blue’s Festival & Lemonade Festival.

4. Cut and trimmed trees throughout the city (JC Field, South View Drive, 460).

5. Bus zones are being repainted along with the curbs on Bland Street, Federal Street and South Street.

IT Department / Special Projects

1. In Spring 2019 the City partnered with the US Census Bureau and participated in an address verification exercise. The Fire Department traveled every city street verifying the Census Bureau data. They made corrections such as marking vacant lots, new construction, checking single-family vs multi-family units, etc. We sent those corrections back to the Census Bureau for them to update their database for the upcoming 2020 Census. The Census Bureau has now made those changes and sent that data back to us for a final review, which I am currently conducting.

2. Roof repair at Public Works well under way. All the prep work is complete, and the crew is now applying the base coat of the silicone cover.

3. Receiving proposals for replacing two HVAC units at the Municipal Building. One for the Fire Department and the other for Police.

4. With some departments going through organizational changes, I am working with them on updating the phone system auto attendant. The new menu will also include the new Engineering/Stormwater Department.

5. Tech calls

Recreation Department FitRec

1. We have extended our membership promotion through the end of October. New members can save up to $10 a month when they commit to a year of healthy living.

2. Members enjoyed the “Blast from the Past” group exercise classes held on Monday, September 9. The 90-minute exercise session included cardio combo, cycle, kickboxing, and yoga taught by Denise Farmer along with former Wellness Center staff. Everyone participating had a blast!

3. On Monday, September 30 from 9:30am to 12pm we will be offering a CPR/AED/First Aid class for the City of Bluefield staff. This blended learning course requires online work prior to the class. Contact Shannon Lowe for additional information.

4. A lifeguard class will be offered for Parks and Recreation staff September 24 through October 3. This class will provide an opportunity for lifeguards to renew their certification as well as to certify staff that have never been certified as lifeguards. City of Bluefield staff interested in taking the certification should contact Erin Dalton.

5. Our After-School Program is transitioning nicely to our space at FitRec. The kids are enjoying scheduled swim time twice a week in addition to play in the gym and at both local parks. Our After-School kids are also taking advantage of the Kids Boot Camp class on Monday evenings and we are staring a Kids Core Class in October! We are continuing homework help and so far, all our kids have made the A or A/B Honor roll!

Mitchell Stadium

1. Football season is in full swing with five games this week. All the scoreboard sponsorships have been sold grossing $26,000 in additional revenue. Additionally, nine electronic ads have been sold with $4,500 in revenue. In total, $30,500 has been generated this football season through scoreboard advertising.

Special Events

1. Be sure to attend Oktoberfest in the Park following the Bluefield Trails and Ales. Oktoberfest in the Park is Mercer County’s official Oktoberfest featuring live music, food trucks and some of the best craft bier in the region. Music will be provided by the Sauerkraut Band, followed by Space Monkey. Tickets will be $30 on the day of the event. Contact Gail Satterfield or visit https://www.facebook.com/Oktoberfestinthepark/ for more information.

2. Volunteers and staff have been busy preparing for the Bluefield Trails and Ales Challenge scheduled for Saturday, September 28th in the Bluefield City Park. The trail committee has been working on the mountain bike course, building bridges and clearing the trails. The staff are looking for volunteers to help monitor the course for the 5K and Mountain Bike Race. Please contact Charles Ridlehuber. Participants planning to attend Oktoberfest in the Park following the 5K and Mountain Bike Race will receive a discount on Oktoberfest admission.

3. City of Bluefield staff are working as a committee putting the annual Holiday of Lights

together for this year. The Holiday of Lights 5K will be on Saturday, November 23 this year before Thanksgiving to give participants an opportunity to preview the 1.2 million lights on display. Hayrides with Elsa & Olaf and Santa at the Ridge Runner Station will he held on December 14. New for this year is the Polar Express on Friday, December 13. Additional information forthcoming.

Human Resources Department

1. Onboarded 2 FT Public Works Laborers, 1 FT Fire Fighter, 1 FT Police Officer, and 1 FT Code Enforcement Officer.

2. Accepting applications for the following openings; PT Lifeguard, PT Certified Personal Trainer, PT NEMT Transit Drivers, PT Wellness Floor Attendant, FT Public Works Laborers, and PT Police Dispatcher.

1820 Princeton Ave 1143 Penmar Ave

3. Received ruling on unemployment decision in favor of the city, claimant is disqualified until return to work and employed at least thirty working days.

4. Review and update of Holiday of Lights volunteer recruitment procedures and signage.

5. Review of City of Bluefield’s Military Leave policy in accordance with Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) and the tracking of leave.

6. Began AFLAC open enrollment, review of existing policies with employees and offering a new Guaranteed Issue Term Life coverage to all Employees.

Inspection Department

Code Cases 31 Building Permits 27 Downtown Parking Tickets 4

1. Virginian Asphalt has been in the city doing several private pay demolitions totaling over $30,000. Several of these structures were damages by fire. Once these are completed, the contractor has two more to do on Belcher Street and Bluefield Ave. These are private pay demolitions as well. All these structures have been through buildings commission to be formally condemned.

2. The contractors are now working on the left side of the building, getting footers and walls poured. Dry weather continues to help this project!

235 Preston St

3. While on patrol on Oakhurst, code enforcement noticed a new resident had thrown out a mattress and box spring to the curb without a special trash pickup. We stopped to let them know they needed a special order. The homeowner wanted to put the items back in their garage until they could get all the items together for one large special order. Alex, the city’s code enforcement officer, offered to help the homeowner carry the mattress and box spring back to his garage. This shows his dedication and character! Well done Alex!

4. Newly constructed steps do not meet code, and were built without obtaining proper permits. The homeowner must remove the steps and reroute in order to not cover the sidewalk.

5. We removed over 20 signs (political, advertising, etc.) placed illegally in parkways (area between sidewalk and street), on city owned property or on telephone poles.

6. Animal Control picked up a badly injured stray dog, and was taken to the vet for immediate emergency surgery. The dog is now recovering at the Mercer County Animal Shelter. Criminal charges will be filed once the owner is located.

7. The Code Enforcement staff welcomes Tanner Pensula who joined the team September 20, 2019. Welcome aboard Tanner!

City Ambassador Report

1. The Bluefield Elks Lodge presented a 9/11 Tribute to First Responders Sunday September 8. This year is the 18th Anniversary of the 9/11 attack. The Honorable Justice Evan Jenkins, West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals was the guest speaker.

The Honorable Justice Evan Jenkins Firefighters. L-R Firefighter: Bryan Carr,

Captain Adrian Conner and Firefighter Ricky Taylor

2. The City of Bluefield submitted to and received three grants from The Community Foundation of the Virginias for the Fire Department (hydrant flags), Police Department (cages for police cruisers), and Parks & Rec Department (lane lines for the pool at the Fit/Rec Center).

3. A Federal Grant (Assistance to Firefighters Grant) was written for the Bluefield Fire Department. The department received notification the grant was approved for $163,222.00. The monies will purchase much-needed updated radios/pagers for our firefighters, and exhaust systems for the Central Station and Station 3 on Cumberland Road.

4. The City of Bluefield hosted a 9/11 Patriot Day Ceremony in Chicory Square Wednesday September 11. This event provided the public the opportunity to come out and honor those who were lost in the World Trade Center attacks, those who served, and those who still serve. Bluefield City Manager Dane Rideout welcomed guests. Guest speaker was Mike “Doc” Atwell, HM3, US Navy, FMF Corpsman stationed with the 1st Tank Battalion, USMC in Afghanistan. The Bluefield Fire Department presented the Fireman’s Prayer and the Last Call Bell Ceremony (Firefighters: Jeremy Fox and Robert Jones)

Guest Speaker Mike “Doc” Atwell Bluefield Police Officers

Firefighter Robert Jones Last

Call Bell Ceremony Firefighter Jeremy Fox, Fireman’s Prayer

5. Assisted with Casino Night for the Chamber of Commerce of the Two Virginias Coal Show. The event was held at the Princeton Elks Lodge, Princeton, WV and was open to exhibitors and suppliers.

6. 4PALS Production, a Community Theatre Group presented the Gospel Roundup – Dallas at the Bluefield Area Arts Center September 12-14. Proceeds benefitted “Dancing with the Stars” competition, for the United Way of Southern West Virginia.

7. The Mercer County Out of the Darkness Walk for Suicide Prevention was held Saturday September 14, 2019 in Chicory Square. Following the walk a bon fire was held at Bluefield State College.

Mercer County Out of the Darkness Walk at Chicory Square and the bon fire at Bluefield State College, remembering those lost to suicide.

The Gospel Roundup-Dallas, BAAC Sept. 12-14, 2019

Chamber of Commerce of the Two Virginias hosted Casino Night at the Princeton Elks Lodge in conjunction with the Bluefield Coal Show.

8. Participated in the Get A Life Program at Bluefield High School Tuesday Sept. 17.

9. Attended Bluefield Rotary Club 9/17, and Bluefield Sales Executive Board meeting 9/17.

10. Assisted with additional duties as assigned and monitored the front desk.

Police Department as of August 19

Calls for service 800 Arrest made 105 Reports filed 99 Citations wrote 489 (193 warnings) Motor vehicle accidents 21 Parking citations 42 (code enforce-22, FD 0, PD-20) Fines collected $25,791.00

Normal day-to-day activities and patrols provided to the citizens of Bluefield. Fire Department EMS Incidents 42 Fire Incidents 15 Motor Vehicle Collision 07 Utilities Incidents 01 Good Will 0 9 K9 0 Total calls for Service 74

Fire Fleet 1. Three fire pumps are up and running. 2. Engine 3 has a belt problem we are currently working to fix. 3. Ladder 5 is up and running. 4. Truck 7 needs replacing.

Call Load Small increase in EMS and Fire calls this period.

Students at BHS participating in the Get a Life Program Sept. 17.

Item of Important Notice

Station three is temporarily closed due to staffing issues caused by sustained long-term injuries to several firefighters.

The City Manager has permitted the hiring of one new FF now, and has mentioned that we should be able to hire an additional FF within a week or two.

Notable Calls for this period

NFPA Inspection Covered down with the WVSFMO on several different inspections. This week’s focus was on Res Care Facilities.

Community involvement

The BFD assisted the City Ambassador in the Mercer County Out of the Darkness bon fire event held at Bluefield State College Saturday September 14.

Special Events Additional duties: the BFD has been watering the grass on Bland Street, as well as watering the tress on Stadium twice a week (Every Tuesday and Friday).

The BFD covers all landings inside the city. Here Eng1 covers Ballad Health Air Rescue. BFD has also covered landings in Bluewell for emergencies.

The BFD participated in the 9/11 ceremony held in Chicory Square Wednesday September 11. This is a very solemn ceremony paying tribute to those that have fallen in the line of duty.

Special Notes of Interest

1. Firefighter Jeremy Fox has completed his 1 Year probation period with exceptional marks. Congratulations to him on a job well done.

2. We have a new member that started on 23 September 2019, Probationary Justin Cline.

3. The BFD was awarded a FEMA AFG grant (Federal Emergency Management Agency Assistance to Firefighters Grant). The total of the awarded is $163,222.00 dollars. The grant was awarded in two parts. The first is to update our communications. (Radios and Pagers) in the amount of $126,688.00. We are looking at the Motorola APX8000. The Motorola APX800 radio has a dual band, four RF bands and multi-mode system access, is P-25 compliant, and knows no limits when it comes to interoperability. With the Wi-Fi access, the APX 8000 can quickly receive new code plugs, firmware and software features in order to redeploy the radio fleet with ease as users keep talking without interruption. Mission Critical Wireless Bluetooth connects quickly and securely with remote microphones. The radios will be complimented with the Motorola Minitor VI pager. The Motorola Minitor VI pager is a two-tone voice pager, single channel with voice message storage of up to 16 messages, and comes with a built-in voice amplifier so firefighters never miss an alert. The units are flexible, rugged and reliable and come with a rechargeable battery.

4. These will replace our current radios that are over ten years old, and the old pagers that are now defunct.

5. The second part of the grant award is for $36,534.00 and will be used to replace the exhaust system at Central Station and Station 3. The new system will consist of installing a 5 inch drop system with stainless steel and rubber tailpipe adapter and spring clip auto release nozzle, 12 x 5 high temperature hose, 80 inch mounting bracket, support legs and apparatus tailpipe modification kit, cast aluminum pressure blower, low voltage landing terminals, a duct system and an 8 inch up blast back draft damper.

6. The AFG is a grant we strive for each year. It is a team effort to collate all the data that is required to input into the grant application. A huge shout out to my Captains and Lieutenants that helped gather all the information. Your hard work has paid off!! A special Thank You to Marie Blackwell who sat in on the video conferences and work groups with me, plus the additional work she placed into this grant.

Bluefield Area Transit Nothing to report