Large show of support for inbound city manager
Apr. 9—FAIRMONT — Fairmont City Council made it official. At its meeting Tuesday night, council adopted Travis Blosser's contract, starting a 30 day clock that will see Blosser seated as Fairmont's 10th city manager on May 9. Various members of the community spoke out in support of the ordinance approving the appointment.
"He has a wealth of experience in the municipal space that he brings to the table," said Taylor Bennett, executive director of the West Virginia Land Stewardship Corporation. "I've been continually impressed by his ability to come up with strategies for solving even the most challenging problems that face West Virginia's municipalities today, and that's on a statewide level."
Bennett spoke from previous professional experience with Blosser, through her work with both the West Virginia Community Development Hub and the West Virginia Land Stewardship Corporation. Bennet and Blosser have worked together for the last five or six years. She added that under his leadership, the Municipal League flourished and she expects Fairmont will flourish under his hand as well.
Former Mayor Tom Mainella also spoke highly of Blosser. Jay Rogers from the Marion County Chamber of Commerce also offered a few words of support, as did State Del. Mike DeVault. Although Blosser and DeVault have held lively discussions on the subject of the business and occupation tax, DeVault argued that the B&O tax is in need of modernizing. As it currently stands, DeVault said he believes it holds the city back in terms of business. DeVault nonetheless holds Blosser's expertise in high regard.
"He brings young blood to the city, which I'm happy for because I look at it and I look at my life," DeVault said. "I'm in the ninth inning of a baseball game. So, I'm glad to see somebody young come along now."
Afterward, Rogers assured DeVault he had several extra innings left.
Blosser also gained several plaudits for his ability to navigate politics in Charleston from several speakers.
Council also approved citywide raises for its employees as well as a land transfer. Vacant properties program manager Brian Stewart said the mobile home which sat on the property has already been demolished along with the garage placed behind the home. Stewart also provided an update on 220 Locust Street. He said the property changed hands after the original owner found a buyer which Stewart helped facilitate by letting the owner know there were interested parties in the old home. The new owner did not pause to let the ink dry before beginning work.
"The very same day that he sold the house, the individual came in, got a building permit and has been working on the house," Stewart said. "We've been there. We did an inspection and it passed the inspection. It's got a long ways to go but it's being worked on by the individual."
Stewart also felt the need to clarify several rumors circulating through social media surrounding 315 Wilson St. Stewart refuted the claim the structure on the property was a historical structure. It's been a long process tearing the building down, the original owner could not be located and the city was only able to purchase it for demolition once the property came up for unpaid taxes.
"Contrary to some people's belief, going through the tax sale is not a quick process, it takes forever for the state to get us the deed," Stewart said. "It wasn't that long ago that we got the deed to it. Now the holdup is we've got a grant from the DEP for demolitions."
Stewart said he's in the final stages of the process of obtaining the property for the city, all that's left is to receive a letter from the DEP granting approval for demolition. Stewart said the DEP confirmed all of the city's paperwork is in. Once he receives that letter, Stewart can proceed with demolition. He asked for patience from the residents who live on that street.
Council also approved the submission of an application for a Community Development Block Grant in the amount of $500,000. Council Member Gia Deasy applauded the city's grant writer for increasing the number of grant applications coming before council for approval. As for the mysterious Stone Tower Joe development potentially coming to the Monroe Street Firehouse, Council granted its blessings to the project. One of Stone Tower's co-owners was in the audience, but declined to give a comment, instead saying the company will release more information when the time is right.
The next regular meeting is April 23.
Reach Esteban at efernandez@timeswv.com
