Durbin resident Pete Whiteis presented a proposal for a town website to Durbin town council Monday night.

Whiteis explained that, while working on the new computer learning center at the Bartow-Frank-Durbin Volunteer Fire Department, he and instructors, Jenn Whiteis and Ed Phelps discussed ideas for a website for the town of Durbin.

ﾓWe realized Durbin didnﾒt have any sort of presence on the web and the other incorporated towns in the county, such as Hillsboro and Marlinton, they did,ﾔ Whiteis said.

Using the Hillsboro and Marlinton sites as examples, Whiteis outlined content ideas in the proposal, including a community tab with events, church and library listings; a history tab; a tab for the council; and a business tab.

Whiteis estimated that construction of the site would take three to nine months, depending on the number of volunteers involved. He suggested the council meet with him to discuss further planning and to collect data.

The cost for the website is an estimated $72 a year, which Whiteis said would be covered for the first year.

Council agreed the website would be great for the town and approved the proposal.

In other updates:

ﾕ Pocahontas County Free Libraries director Allen Johnson reported on the Durbin Library and said the pad for the building will be poured ﾓas soon as the weather breaks.ﾔ Johnson asked council to consider a donation raise to the library when it works on the budget.

ﾕ Christmas lighting contest winners were: first place, Donna and Paul Lambert; second place, Jessica and Lee Oxier; and third place, Kenny and Phyllis Mick. First place received $75, second placed received $50, and third place, $25.

ﾕ Mayor Donald Peck said he sent letters to owners of condemned properties to see what their plans are for the properties. The owners were to respond within 10 days of receipt of the letters. One owner replied that he would do something as soon as winter was over.

ﾕ Council approved hiring Peck as coordinator for the 2011 Durbin Days Heritage Festival. Peck was the only applicant for the position. Council agreed to raise the pay to $600.

ﾕ Filing forms for the 2011 municipal election will be available at the town office. Recorder Paul Ransom said he will be in the office January 10 through January 29 from 1 to 4 p.m. to assist anyone interested in running for mayor, councilmember or recorder.

ﾕ Council approved a town truck buying committee consisting of councilmember Mike Vance, Ransom and Durbin resident Buster Varner. The committee will meet to discuss buying a new or used truck for the town.

ﾕ Council discussed renovations to the town building and reviewed a layout plan submitted by Jason Bauserman. Council agreed to have a few other contractors look at the plan before they put the job out for bid.