The Moorefield Town Council took advantage of extra space to spread out and social distance at their meeting on June 2: They used the Moorefield Volunteer Fire Department’s Bingo Hall.
Moorefield’s Public Utilities and Park employees returned to full-time schedules the day after Memorial Day, but had not yet completed tasks beyond their regular activities, such as mowing and scheduled maintenance.
The Town offices will open fully on Jun 8. They’ve been providing services through closure for COVID-19, but the office was not open for the Public to enter.
The Council agreed that only one person will be allowed in the lobby at a time, and all visitors must wear masks.[private]
Public Utilities director Lucas Gagnon requested time at a future meeting that the Council could meet with supervisors regarding proposed changes to personnel policy.
“A lot of changes need discussion,” he said, adding that there are, “a lot of significant changes.”
The Council agreed to meet an hour earlier for their next meeting to accommodate the discussion.
Police Report
The Moorefield Police Department responded to 188 calls for service in May, including 19 felony arrests, 68 misdemeanor arrests, and 90 combined traffic citations and warnings.
Police Chief Stephen Riggleman reported his officers arrested three suspects in connection with a 2019 robbery at CVS.
Riggleman also told the Council that K9 officer Riso has enabled multiple drug arrests and monetary seizures. Renovations on office space to accommodate Riso and his human partner, Sergeant Kevin Helmick, were completed and came in under budget.
Riggleman said the department received personal protective equipment, such as masks and gloves, from the West Virginia National Guard and AXON, a company that manufactures police body cameras.
Pilgrims Cook Plant donated a thermal thermometer, which officers use to monitor their temperatures before and after shift. If an officer contracts COVID, an elevated temperature is an early sign.
Riggleman told the Council he received confirmation that the department’s new Dodge Durango will ship on June 14, and be ready for delivery approximately a week later.
Park Report
Following discussion, the Council decided to open the Park on June 3.
“The town wants to go to the Park,” said Park manager Juwana Bridger. “A lot of people are passionate about (it).”
The Council also discussed a request to use Field A for youth baseball practice.
“I think they’re actually trying to make something out of this season,” said Bridger, who had spoken with one of the parents.
The practices and any games held are not sponsored by Little League.
The Council approved the request, pending the group’s proof that they have liability insurance.
Other Business
• The Council approved extending employees’ time to use leave until September 30.
• The Council approved the fourth budget adjustment of the year.
• Mike Crites was re-appointed to the Hardy County Public Library board.
• Allegheny Restoration will power wash, prime, and put two coats of paint on the woodwork on top of the Town Hall building.
• The Council approved Potomac Highlands Guild’s request to move their Child Mental Health Awareness event to August 29 at the Park.
• Immediately before adjourning the meeting, council member Carol Zuber said that she was proud to be a member of the Town Council.
“The rescue boat we purchased (for the Moorefield Volunteer Fire Department) gave a little boy an improved chance at life,” Zuber said. “That was $25,000 well-spent.”[/private]
The Town Council’s next meeting is Tuesday, June 16 beginning at 6 p.m. instead of the normal 7 p.m., to discuss proposed personnel policy changes. The public is invited to attend.