UPDATES PROVIDED — Brooke County Commissioners provided updates on a couple of issues following their meeting on Tuesday. -- Warren Scott

WELLSBURG — Brooke County Commissioners provided updates on a couple of issues, including the proposed re-establishment of a county planning commission, following their weekly meeting on Tuesday.

Commission President A.J. Thomas said the planning commission and an update to the county’s comprehensive plan are still expected but he and the other commissioners are gathering information before proceeding.

Thomas had recommended reviving the long inactive commission in December following concerns raised about a proposed slaughterhouse near McKim’s Ridge in Colliers.

The proposal has since been withdrawn, but he said then the involvement of a planning commission and possible establishment of zoning for future development would have least brought such plans to the commissioners’ attention.

Thomas said few West Virginia counties have adopted countywide zoning and the commission has heard from just one of those it contacted for information.

He said a comprehensive plan completed by the West Virginia University’s Land Use and Sustainable Development Clinic under a previous commission identified current land use and areas served by public water and wastewater treatment systems, among other factors, but fell short of designating certain areas for development.

The plan was last updated in 2013, and Thomas said it’s time to revisit it again.

County Commissioner Stacey Wise said such a plan can be used by industries and businesses by providing data needed to support grant applications for new ventures.

She said once a planning commission is formed, “That will be their first project.”

The commissioners said the volunteer board should include representatives from the business sector and residents.

Wise added local farmers are a segment of the community whose voices should be heard.

The commissioners also were asked about the status of a property on McCords Hill Road acquired by the commission for a cleanup effort.

Because the property consisted of small lots owned by multiple heirs, the commission purchased it so large amounts of bulky trash could be removed.

In order to enter the property legally, the commission petitioned for Brooke County Sheriff Rich Beatty to be named administrator for the estate.

Thomas said the commission now awaits approval through the 1st Judicial Circuit Court to sell the land in an effort to recoup its costs.

He said it’s not clear if the property must be sold through public auction.

During Tuesday’s meeting, the commissioners applauded the efforts of the volunteer Wellsburg 4th of July Committee, led by Cody Rice, in organizing a week of events and activities to celebrate Independence Day.

County Commissioner Tom Diserio noted from concerts held on several nights at Central Park to the Independence Day Parade, the celebration brought many people to the city.