A change in the Williamson city employee’s drug policy was approved at the Williamson City Council’s second meeting for the month of May Thursday. The primary change has to do with testing for steroids through urinalysis in addition to illegal and prescription drugs. The change in policy is effective immediately.
The council also approved a policy to be implemented regarding the Williamson Fire Department’s response to medical emergencies and how the information regarding the emergencies is received. Rather than waiting on 911 dispatch to officially notify the fire department to respond, the department will respond regardless of how the information is received.
“The only change that’s taken place is a procedural change in what we’ve been accustomed to is not responding on medical emergencies until 911 calls us which is contrary to good medical care,” said Williamson Fire Chief Jerry Mounts. “It’s the same thing as a fire. If someone walks in and tells us that city hall is on fire, we’re not going to wait until 911 relays it to us. All this is doing is expediting our response.”
Mayor Darrin McCormick added, “It’s more of an emphasis than a change in policy. The change in policy has to do with how we’re notified and when we respond. We’re trying to assure that the residents of this city gets help as quick as they can.”
Mounts also made a suggestion to the council to adopt a policy for new firefighters hired to Williamson’s department to be given a certain time after their hire date to complete EMT certification. Councilman Matt Thornsbury made the motion, Councilwoman Sherry Brown seconded it, and the council approved the motion. Currently, all Williamson firemen are trained in basic life support with six firemen being certified EMTs and four being certified paramedics.
Much like the Matewan Town Council, Williamson will be applying for a grant to update city buildings to meet energy efficient standards. The grant comes from West Virginia’s Department of Energy as a part of President Barack Obama’s stimulus package. Mayor McCormick said during the meeting he feels the grant money would be beneficial to Williamson because it would allow utility costs for city buildings to go down as well as saving taxpayers money. The maximum amount that can be received per grant application is $200,000.
The council also approved a motion to appoint Donnie “Butch” Beckett to the Williamson Utility Board. The motion was made pending discovery since Beckett currently has a seat on the housing authority.
The month of June will be a busy one starting with the Williamson High School graduation on June 4 and the Williamson High 100-year-reunion that weekend. The Hatfield-McCoy Festival and Marathon will be held the following weekend beginning Friday, June 11.
The Williamson City Council also gave their condolences to the family of James Robie Erwin who recently passed away in a mining accident.
The council will meet again June 10 at 5:30 p.m.
No related posts.
Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.