The city of Beckley will move toward drafting a resolution to show support for making local internet companies regulated by the Public Service Commission.
Ward I Councilmember Tom Sopher proposed drafting this resolution during the regular Tuesday meeting of the common council.
This resolution will show support for Delegate Mick Bates who has been in the media recently stating that he has received numerous complaints from local residents regarding Suddenlink and poor customer service.
“I think the city of Beckley should support Mick Bates’ stand on broadband internet in West Virginia,” Sopher said. “His push is, it should be regulated by the public service commission as other utilities like water, electric gas and sewer.”
“Broadband internet, in today’s world, is just as important as any other utility today,” Sopher continued. “It is a must-have for schooling, business and medical.”
He explained that Bates’ reasoning for Public Service Commission regulation is because Governor Jim Justice, through Covid funding, will be spending millions of dollars on ensuring all West Virginia citizens have access to high-speed internet service.
“The endeavor needs the guidance of the public service commission and our citizens need the commission’s protection,” Sopher said. “Right now, the customer has nowhere to turn because of poor customer service in the industry.”
Mayor Rob Rappold responded “I think the idea of making it a regulated industry is worthwhile. I certainly don’t have any problem with that.”
Rappold suggested that the resolution be typed and distributed to the council for examination.
In other business, council gave a round of applause to William Kelly, director of information technology, for his recent celebration of 41 years of service to the city.
According to Rappold, Kelly’s service includes 27 years with the Beckley Police Department where he rose to the rank of captain. Council also congratulated Beckley Board of Public Works Director Jerry Stump who celebrated 43 years of service to the city.
Rappold congratulated Leslie Baker for her work in getting the Black Knight restaurant open for carry-out lunches and for her work on the new Thomas and Friends Explore the Rails exhibit at the Youth Museum of Southern West Virginia.
Ward IV Councilmember Kevin Price asked about having a person provide sign-language during city council meetings.
“I think it is only fair to those who are hearing impaired that we step up to the plate and have something available for them,” Price said.
Rappold responded that it would be a good idea and that council will work toward finding a person who does this.
Councilmember Sherrie Hunter recognized the local 211 United Way call center. She said that 3,600 calls were made last year in the southern district alone.
Hunter also announced that she is working with Councilmembers Janine Bullock and Robert Dunlap to find a solution for a warming station in Beckley.
“We know there is a need here in our community and hopefully we will find a solution in the next few days to this problem in our city,” Hunter said.
Hunter also commended the city of Keyser, W.Va., for their recent passage of protections for those in the LGBTQ community.
“It’s a good day in their city because they have joined other municipalities in being inclusive,” Hunter said.
Rappold responded that 13 cities in West Virginia have now adopted similar legislation.
“I am proud of our previous council who stepped up to get that done for the city of Beckley,” Rappold said. “It means a lot to a lot of people and organizations including WVU Tech, the Beckley VA hospital and other organizations.”
Council received one mowing bid for the city’s grassy areas from Camp Creek Mountain Maintenance.
Beginning March 1, the city would be charged $1,882.76 a week total of $67,779.36 for mowing services. The bid will be reviewed at a future council meeting.
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