Now, just Morgantown has paid firefighters, with the surrounding municipalities supporting volunteer departments.
The Monongalia County Commission met with representatives of the town of Granville and the West Virginia Black Bears during Wednesday’s regular meeting.
Granville Mayor Patricia Lewis read from a prepared statement, outlining some of the projects the town has undertaken in preparation for the opening of a new home for WVU and Black Bear baseball.
Lewis’ letter stated, “I feel it is important for the Commissioners and the community to realize that the Town of Granville has been working ‘behind the scenes’ as the excitement builds towards the Opening Day at the Park.”
Granville Administrator Ron Snyder explained that the town will be the second municipality in the county — along with Morgantown — to have paid firefighters.
“We’re going to come to a combination, partially paid for now, which means we can respond now to medical calls,” Snyder said. “Because during the daytime, volunteer fire departments are really in trouble. They struggle.”
As an example, Snyder said Granville’s engine responded to a call Tuesday with just the driver, part-time, paid Fire Chief Charles Renner on board.
Snyder said Granville will have three paid firefighters and the fire chief on duty during the day by July 1.
Lewis said the town’s police force is also preparing for the influx of traffic the new ballpark will bring prior to the construction of the interchange.
Ernie Galusky, assistant general manager of the Black Bears, said that the ballpark should have turf in place by today and the seats should be installed by the end of next week.
“It’s really close, guys,” Galusky said. “And if you go up there and stand in that stadium, there can’t be a better view anywhere in West Virginia.”
Galusky said the Black Bears open play on June 19.
“With minor league baseball, we’re more than just a baseball game, we’re an event,” Black Bears General Manager Mathew Drayer said. “We’re family-friendly and affordable, and that’s really part of what Rich Baseball and the Black Bears are all about.”
Commission President Tom Bloom said he’s already got a Black Bears sweatshirt and is ready to cheer on the team.
“I think this is great for Granville. I think this is great for the county, and we’re really looking forward,” Bloom said. “I think once we get a little taste of it, when [the stadium] opens on April 10, the excitement will really build.”
In other news, the commission, as the governmental pass-through for funds to open the locks on the Monongahela River, was asked to contribute $5,000 for the recreational use of the river this summer.
To date, the commission has received $4,000 from the Monongalia County Development Authority, $5,000 from the Greater Morgantown Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, $2,500 from Granville, $5,000 from Morgantown and a pledge of $5,000 from Marion County.
Quota International President Sandy Campbell was on hand to recognize March as Quota Cares Month with a proclamation from the commission.
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