The Moorefield Town Council met again by telephone on May 5.
Police Chief Stephen Riggleman reported the department responded to 234 calls in April, which resulted in three felony arrests, 42 misdemeanors, and 78 combined traffic citations and warnings.
On April 18, officers arrested a suspect in an attempted murder following a stabbing on Cedar Street.
On April 25, officers recovered a stolen vehicle at Malcolm’s Grocery. The vehicle was taken from Gelia Street. Officers arrested a suspect.
Riggleman said officers observed an increase in loitering and trespassing, and are working closely with local businesses to address the problem. Property owners should call 911 for persons trespassing on their property.[private]
The Moorefield police department received window tint meters, citation printers for cruisers, and reflective vests from the W.Va. Governors Highway Safety Program. Riggleman said Walmart gave the department a $1,500 grant, which they used to replace portable radio equipment.
Riggleman reported that K9 officer Riso started his career with a bust that netted $3,000, a vehicle, and methamphetamine.
Public Utilities
Public Utilities Director Lucas Gagnon said crews have mostly been weed-eating and mowing the Park, levee, and streets, with many other activities limited because of COVID precautions. Council member Roger Pratt asked about trees on Pascal Hill.
“They’re on the list,” Gagnon said.
Crews also extensively surveyed water meters in Town to get information for Fortiline, the company providing the Town’s new meters. Information collected included location, size, and depth.
The Council continued a discussion from the last meeting about financing the new meters. City Clerk Rick Freeman contacted local banks about a three-year loan, versus a five-year loan. The Town plans to borrow $350,000 and pay $200,000 from the budget.
He said Pendleton Community Bank was the lowest rate at 2.469 percent. “They’re still the best,” he said, referring to information present in April.
Gagnon suggested considering borrowing the entire $550,000, in order to leave money in accounts “for a rainy day,” noting the U.S. Department of Agriculture grant is there, regardless.
Freeman said the $200,000 was from the water fund, and could be spent only on water-related concerns.
The Council approved applying to Pendleton Community Bank for a $350,000 loan, and paying the remaining $200,000 from the water fund. Council member Carol Zuber abstained from the discussion and vote, as she is a Capon Valley Bank employee.
Other Business
The Council will make their final decision regarding opening the pool at their next meeting.
Zuber asked if the Town has a “time frame to open the offices, and put the workforce back to work.” She observed that other businesses have already reopened.
“Our work crews do a lot in the Spring,” she said.
The group discussed reopening fully, but ultimately decided to table a decision until the next meeting.
“Two weeks won’t hurt anything,” said Mayor Gary Stalnaker.[/private]
The next meeting is Tuesday, May 19 at 7 p.m. The Council may meet in person at the Town Hall. The public is welcome to attend, whether the meeting is held in person or telephonically. Please call 304-530-6142 with questions, or to get an item on the agenda.
