The Moorefield Town Council met in the Town Hall on June 16 for the first time since COVID-19 forced them into self-isolation and social distancing.
They met early to discuss proposed changes to personnel policies, proposed by Town employee supervisors.
Most suggestions involved adjusting outdated actions and chains of command or responsibility, and were fairly simple. A few requests required more information and consideration, such as funeral leave policies and drug testing.
The Council made no final decisions on larger issues, and did not finish reviewing all recommendations before time for the regular meeting to begin. The discussion was tabled until the next meeting.
July 4th
Hardy County Health Department Administrator Bill Ours discussed the Lions Club’s July 4 celebration at the Moorefield Town Park.
“I’m on-board with what they want to do,” Ours said, requesting only that the Park close at [private]8 p.m. and people leave to watch fireworks elsewhere.
Ours expressed concern about social distancing after dark, noting that masks make it harder to see and that darkness makes it harder to maintain safe distances.
The Lions Club’s celebration is the only celebration other than fireworks in the area, and Ours was also concerned about the number of people who might attend.
“We’re trying to avoid an outbreak,” he said, referring to COVID-19.
Greg Greenwalt, representing the Lions, confirmed that they have no problem with what Ours requested.
Greenwalt said the Lions will make and sell chicken at the Park, and have invited vendors, but did know which ones or how many might attend. He said there were plans for music and bands.
“The Lions will work with whatever the Town is willing to support,” Greenwalt said.
Council members asked about the Park activities after dark. Greenwalt said all activities will end at least 30 minutes before the Park closes, and that in 2019, “kids ran all over when it was dark. They did not stay with their families.”
Fireworks are planned for 9:30 p.m.
Vendors will be responsible for their distancing, and for their customers’ distancing. There will be no basketball tournament.
“I’m just trying to take some of the liability off us, in case something happens,” Ours said.
Public Works director Lucas Gagnon noted that, wherever people watch fireworks, “it’s a free-for-all.”
Ours agreed. “It is, but right now I’m working with the Lions Club to create a safe event, instead of calling it off entirely,” he said.
Council member Scott Fawley asked about ending festivities earlier, but leaving the Park open.
Discussion included the observations that even if the Park closes, people will still walk in, and that they will gather other places to watch fireworks.
Ultimately, the Council voted to end activities at 6 p.m., and to leave the Park open for fireworks. Council member Roger Pratt opposed.
Yard Sale Policy
Johnny “Eagle” Thompson approached the Council with concerns over the Town code, which limits yard sales to four per year per household. Thompson said he was unaware of the policy, and that he couldn’t find anyone who was aware of it.
Citizens are supposed to contact the Town Office for permits when they plan to hold yard sales.
“The Planning Commission worked for years on this, including public hearings,” Stalnaker said. “It was approved by the Council.”
Stalnaker was referring to zoning work done by the Moorefield Planning Commission. The yard sale law is also in W.Va. state code.
Thompson said he was unaware of any restrictions on yard sales or conducting business in Moorefield, and that there was no information published.
Thompson raised further issue with information he said City Clerk Rick Freeman gave his wife from lawyer Jack Walters, who represents the Town. Allegedly, Freeman told Thompson’s wife that selling on the Facebook Marketplace constitutes a business.
Thompson claimed he has no issues with permits, and that he has a state permit. Per city code, a permit from the Town is also required to do business in city limits. There is also a sales tax in city limits.
Business licenses must be renewed yearly, and must be displayed publicly.
Citizens are generally responsible for seeking out information about whether something they want to do with their property is allowed. The fastest way is to contact the Town Office.
Thompson further claimed that Freeman, who was not present, also said that it is illegal to sell a lawnmower in one’s yard.
“If they bring money to my house, I have to file for a business license,” Thompson said, referring to people who either see something he’s selling on Facebook Marketplace or around his home.
Thompson continued, “Why is everything being enforced now?”
“We can get clarified language,” Gagnon said.
“Shame on us, if we weren’t enforcing (the code),” Fawley said. “I think we owe it due diligence.”
Gagnon asked Thompson to provide the Town with a list of specific questions.
“I think it’s craziness, and that’s reinforced, now,” Thompson said.
“We’ll try to get it clarified so you can understand it,” Gagnon said.
Other Business
The Council approved Draw #10 for the water plant project, which totaled $825,227.34.
“They’re moving forward,” Gagnon said, adding that work continues on clear well walls, the footer for the control building, and tie-ins to water lines.
Council member Carol Zuber told the Council about two calls she’d received. The first involved an overgrown lot that needs mowed near Chad’s Barber Shop, where high school students park.
The second call was a question about responsibility, regarding who must pay for extermination when renters move out of a rental property. Zuber asked if any council members were aware of any ordinance clarifying that responsibility. None were.[/private]
The next meeting of the Moorefield Town Council will be held on Tuesday, July 7, beginning at 7 p.m. The meeting will be held at Inskeep Hall, 206 Winchester Ave. in Moorefield. The public is invited to attend.