Wood County Board of Education members take new look at Fenton property
WILLIAMSTOWN — Two Wood County Board of Education members who recently voted against purchasing the Fenton Art Glass property to build a new Williamstown-area elementary school took a second look at the site Monday.
Ron Tice and Rick Tennant voted against purchase of the site at the board’s Feb. 14 meeting, but on Monday met with George Fenton, president and CEO of the Fenton Art Glass company, to ask questions and tour the factory and surrounding property.
“It went excellent,” said Tice. George Fenton “answered all of my questions. He took me on a tour of the plant. I still have some concerns, but I’m leaning toward bringing (purchase of the plant) back for another vote.”
Tice, Tennant and Peggy Smith voted against purchase of the property, citing concerns over the environmental condition of the site which has been used to produce glass since 1906. The site was subject to two environmental studies, one commissioned by Fenton Art Glass company and a second more in-depth site testing commissioned by Wood County Schools.
In both cases, companies said there were no environmental concerns.
Tice said he hopes to have some additional questions answered by Potesta, the company which conducted Phase 2 testing of the site for the school system, and other officials before he recommends the property purchase be brought back to the board.
“I am considering it, but I still have some concerns that need addressed,” Tice said.
Fenton said he was pleased the board members showed interest and took the time to come speak to him and tour the property.
“They said they got all their questions answered that I could answer,” he said.
Tennant could not immediately be reached for comment.
The school board meets 6:30 p.m. today at Williamstown Elementary School. Representatives of Potesta will present information to the board for a second time at the meeting.