Hannah Heishman
Moorefield Examiner
The Moorefield Town Council met Tuesday, October 1. The meeting began with two public hearings regarding the Town’s intent to apply for USDA grants, one for the Water Plant project, and one for police vehicles.
No members of the public spoke and there was no discussion, so the Town will apply for both grants.
Visitor Catherine Smith asked the Council to donate use of the parking lot with Carla’s Garden, at the intersection of Main Street and Winchester Avenue, for November’s First Friday Open Mic.[private]
The location allows the curious to watch without the intimidation of entering a private residence or business location. The event is Friday, Nov. 1, from 6 p.m. until about 9:00 p.m.
The event is very child- and family-friendly, and appeals across a wide range of people. Attendees are invited to sing, play an instrument, recite or read poetry, and otherwise perform.
The Council agreed to Smith’s request, including blocking off the lot, minus eight spots reserved for those using the McMechen building.
Mark Carr, president of the Moorefield Volunteer Fire Department, asked the Council if the department would be receiving any funds from a sales tax increase that takes effect on July 1, 2020.
The Council was unable to make a decision, because the issue was not on the agenda.
“Just don’t forget us,” said Harry Shockey, also representing the MVFD. “Keep us in mind.”
City Clerk Rick Freeman advised the discussion would be part of the second meeting in November.
Police Report
The Moorefield Police Department (MPD) responded to 167 calls for service in September. They made 21 felony arrests and 63 misdemeanor arrests, and filed 298 combined traffic citations and warnings.
On September 17, the department hosted medical trauma training for themselves, deputies from the Hardy County Sheriff’s Office and troopers from the State Police.
The MPD helped secure cars participating in Cavalli Rally’s Mind the Gap Rally during a lunch break in Moorefield. The Rally donated $300 to the Hardy County Drug Task Force, which benefits both the Sheriff’s Office and the MPD.
The department recovered two stolen dirt bikes, and one stolen vehicle. Both investigations are ongoing.
Upcoming events include a prescription drug take back on October 26, and participation in Red Ribbon Week October 23-30. Officers will also hand out bags and candy, with assistance from Hawse Shop-N-Save, at the police department for Halloween.
Police Chief Stephen Riggleman requested $1413.74 to purchase body armor. It amounts to half of the overall price; the other half is covered by the Department of Justice Bulletproof Vest Partnership.
The total sum will purchase four vests to replace four that have expired. The remaining vests have two years left before their expiration dates. The Council approved Riggleman’s request.
Riggleman also requested purchase of Individual First Aid Kits (IFAKs), based on the medical training received in September. Nine IFAKs are approximately $970, and include CAT tourniquets, a nasal pharyngeal airway, gloves, and combat gauze, which has a clotting element in it.
The original kit requested included chest decompression equipment, and resulted in concerns from Council members.
Riggleman researched the kits, which trainers recommended, and which are available in several configurations. They’re small, and will fit well on vests; Riggleman is trying take weight off the officers’ belts, while still ensuring they have the tools they need.
The Council approved purchase of nine IFAKs, minus the chest decompression equipment.
Park and Public Works
Park Manager Juwana Bridger thanked the Council for sending her to the National Parks and Recreation Association conference in Baltimore.
“It re-ignited the fire,” Bridger said, adding that she learned a lot that will help Moorefield’s parks in the future.
Bridger said she met with the Hardy County Drug Court participants, and installed a free book exchange library at the park in Misty Terrace.
Park crews mowed and brush-hogged, trimmed and pruned, getting ready for cooler weather. Southern States and the Reymann Memorial Farm helped with equipment and time.
Crews have begun installing new exercise equipment. Bridger said it’s going in fairly easily, and she’s received positive feedback from the public.
Public Works director Lucas Gagnon reported that all sections’ regular monthly tasks were completed.
Water crews repaired leaks, installed new water line to connect two dead-end lines, replaced a fire hydrant, and mowed and trimmed all three water storage tank sites.
Sewer crews completed the sixth of eight pump station control panel roofs, pulled pumps at South Branch Inn several times due to clogs, and jetted the sewer line at Vetter’s Car Wash.
Street crews mowed the levee, hopefully for the last time this year, swept streets and trimmed grass off sidewalks and curbs for Heritage Weekend, and replaced two streetlights on Main Street from two separate incidents.
The Council approved payment for professional services for phase 2 of the Water Plant Project. Costs include the Rule 42, which will determine whether there will be a neutral or small impact to future water rates; contract counsel from the Public Service Commission attorney; and Gwin, Dobson and Foreman for engineering services.
Gagnon also reported a team is coming in to demonstrate their manhole restoration process. If the demonstration goes well, it may be a process the Town can use for situations where manhole failures are creating problems for residents.
Other Business
The Council approved the mayor to sign paperwork for the USDA grants, which if received will assist with the Water Plant and vehicles.
The Council approved Zoning Ordinance No. 2019-2.
Feral cats were again on the agenda, to ensure the issue does not go unresolved.
“We need to do something,” Freeman said. Council member Scott Fawley agreed: “We need to get some action behind it.”
Spaying and neutering costs money. Euthanization requires money, and could accidentally get someone’s pet. All solutions mentioned require time, effort, and money, from the public as well as the Town.
“We can’t do it all,” Freeman said. “The community has to do it.”
Freeman was addressing the fact that if citizens don’t cooperate, any effort the Town puts in place will fail. He agreed to do some more research.
The next meeting is Tuesday, November 15 at 7:00 p.m. at the Town Hall. The public is welcome to attend.[/private]
