By Hannah Heishman
The Moorefield Town Council met Tuesday, Feb. 4 for their third regular meeting of 2025. The meeting moved efficiently, with minimal delays or outbursts.
TaYare Meade addressed the Council, “on behalf of my family and in memory of my grandfather, Carlton A. Hilliard, Sr.”
Meade reminded the room that February is Black History Month. She posts public facts daily on her Facebook page throughout February.
“I ask you to remember that regardless of someone’s race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation or immigration status, to please be kind,” Meade said. “We are all human beings first and foremost. Many people, families, and children are scared, so please be kind.”
Amy Greenwalt reported her office has inspected 55 rental units in Town, with 14 permits issued and 10 pending. She said another 20 inspections are scheduled in February.
Greenwalt also reported issuing citations to several citizens who wouldn’t get rid of trash in their yards and around their properties.
Moorefield Police chief Stephen Riggleman reported the department responded to 122 calls for service. They made 44 misdemeanor arrests, and wrote 16 traffic citations and 38 traffic warnings.
“The department implemented Lexipol’s PoliceOne Training Academy,” Riggleman said. He scheduling mandatory department training that will include topics like sexual harassment, workplace harassment, use of force, duty to intervene, and others. Officers are already completing training.
Riggleman said the contract with Axon Enterprises is complete, for Taser 7s that were approved in a previous meeting.
Riggleman requested to hire two officers: Aaron Leatherman, who has a valid State law enforcement certification and 15 years of experience, and James Kilmer, who would have to attend the Police Academy.
He requested both men begin employment on Feb. 10, both starting at the rank of Probationary Patrolman.
Following an executive session at the end of the meeting, the Council agreed to hire both men.
The primary discussion during the meeting was whether to shift any accounts to different banks. Interest rates vary among the local banks, and City Clerk Rick Freeman asked the Council what they’d like him to do.
The Council opted to table any decisions until at least the next meeting, in order to learn more about what Edward Jones might offer.
Council member Luke Kesner abstained from the discussion, because of his position with Grant County Bank.
A Chapter 8 hearing for Kevin Helmick, Jr. was originally scheduled for Feb. 5. The hearing was postponed, with no new date, due to a pre-existing appointment one of the judges could not reschedule.
The Council meets again in regular session Tuesday, Feb. 18 at 7 p.m. in the Town Hall. The public is encouraged to attend.
