By Hannah Heishman
The Moorefield Town Council met Tuesday, April 1. It was a long, busy meeting, with a lot of decisions.
The Town issued 13 building permits in March, for $375 in revenue and to an improvement value of $184,650. Eighteen total permits have been issued this year, for a total improvement value of $218,025.
Amy Greenwalt, who presents the Building Permit and Zoning Officer report, also updated the council on rental inspections.
She said 170 units received certificates of occupancy. Six more units have complete inspections and are in an abatement period. There are 217 registered rental units yet to be inspected over the next two years, and approximately 40 units that are not yet registered.
Greenwalt said new construction is not included in the numbers, and 126 units are covered by USDA and Housing and Urban Development inspections.
Greenwalt also provided the code enforcement update. She said 23 property owners were contacted in March about 32 separate code violations. Twenty-three are pending, nine are resolved, and one is receiving legal action.
Greenwalt said 12 of those violations are junked or abandoned vehicles, and another eight are yard junk and clutter.
Moorefield Police Chief Stephen Riggleman reported the MPD had 129 calls for service in March, including 10 felony arrests; six misdemeanor arrests; 17 traffic citations and 12 traffic warnings.
He said officers read to children March 3-6 for Read Across America Week.
Riggleman asked the Council to purchase three radios to start replacing the Kenwoods the department has now, which are at least 13 years old.
The cost for three radios with programming is $10,271.52.
Riggleman said he would need to replace all of the radios in the upcoming year.
“I can no longer get repairs done to these radios or replacement parts such as batteries or (microphones),” Riggleman said. “Last year I applied for a West Virginia Homeland Security Grant to help offset the cost…and this grant was denied.”
The current radios were distributed to agencies across the county by 911, Riggleman said. He’s still searching for grants. He said the Kenwoods have been fine, and that Motorolas are not much better but twice the cost.
He’s requesting portable radios, rather than mobile units.
The request was tabled, with Riggleman set to seek quotes on 10 radios rather than three, and hoping to benefit from available discounts.
Riggleman requested an executive session to discuss hiring a part-time officer.
“He has requested to work no less than one day per week,” Riggleman said.
Riggleman noted one officer left for a job with the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. He said an officer who was previously assigned to ride with a field training officer but who has already completed the Police Academy has been cleared to run calls alone. A third officer, still in training, has been accepted to the Police Academy with a May 5 start date.
The Council approved hiring the part-time officer for six months.
Juwana Bridger-Titus, Town Park director, told the Council the Moorefield Volunteer Fire Department plans to hold its carnival the same week as last year: The carnival would move in on June 15, set up, open Wednesday, June 18 through Saturday, June 21, and move out June 22.
Titus said last year, the timing caused issues with youth baseball and softball, requiring some games be arranged and costing the community a play-off game.
The carnival sets up on the back of the parking lot, which affects the amount of parking available. Although it’s not on the ball fields, it affects them.
Last year, the MVFD had to hold the carnival then, or not at all, due to an alleged date mix-up on the carnival owner’s part.
This year, the scheduling was apparently intentional, but the fire department is still dependent on the carnival company’s availability.
Titus said she has not yet received a schedule from Moorefield Little League.
“I think a conversation needs to be had,” she said. “We don’t want to spite either one of them.”
The ensuing discussion included everything from holding the carnival in the fall, to debating whether it could be physically held at a different locations: There are plenty of fields, Titus said; the issue is a power source.
Both events are already being advertised, and Bridger said both sides are already upset.
The issue was tabled until a future meeting.
Discussions, Actions
The Council decided to purchase the brackets for the Hometown Heroes banners at the Town park, and citizens will pay for the banners. Those interested in a Hometown Heroes veterans’ banner should check the Moorefield Town Park Facebook page for more information, or call the Town Office at 304-530-6142.
The banners cost $105 each. They will be displayed at the Town Park from Memorial Day until Veterans Day.
The Council approved paying each of three members of a recent Chapter 8 board $150 for their time.
“I think that’s very reasonable,” City Clerk Rick Freeman said.
The Council approved paying their invoices.
Justin Murray, from Love Christian Assembly, asked about holding a New Year’s Eve celebration in town. Murray said he ultimately wanted the Council’s permission to do it because they want to include fireworks at midnight.
He said they already have liability insurance, and vendors would also carry insurance. Murray said they anticipate bounce houses, buggy rides, vendors, animals, and even fire barrels for warmth. They will use a third party for the fireworks.
“We’re looking for partnership, to do it in the Town of Moorefield,” Murray said.
The Council suggested using the Town Park, as it would be safer than other locations mentioned, has facilities including bathrooms and a stage, and is able to accommodate the activities as well as parking.
The Council tabled a decision pending the answers to several questions they had, including whether nearby businesses might allow parking.
“Thank you for thinking of us,” said Mayor Carol Zuber.
“Thank you for partnering with us,” Murray replied.
The Council did waive fees for the church to hold services at the Town Park on Easter, April 20.
Amelia Gagnon, from Moorefield High School’s DECA team, asked the Council for help funding 13 team members’ trips to the International Career and Development Conference in Orlando April 25-30.
Per its website, DECA.org, the organization, “prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe.”
“We have $15,000 as of 3 p.m. today,” Gagnon said.
The students have been raising money, and will continue until the trip, including selling smoked BBQ sandwiches at the Bub Riggleman softball tournament on April 11.
“We’re requesting $5,000, but we’re grateful for anything you give us,” Gagnon said.
The Council approved the request to donate $5,000.
Powered by Hope, Strengthened by Prevention
So goes the theme of National Child Abuse Protection Month, said TaYare Meade, representing EACHS Headstart. “This month presents an annual opportunity to reaffirm the power of prevention in ensuring that every child grows up safe, supported, and full of promise,” Meade said.
Meade, Morgan See from the Hardy County Health and Wellness Center, and Serena Redman from the Potomac Highlands Guild Regional Youth Service Center, will host Children’s Memorial Flag Day on Thursday, April 17, at 10 a.m. at Brighton Park.
The event honors children who died from violence or other preventable causes, to raise awareness of child abuse prevention, and to advocate for the safety and wellbeing of children.
Meade said many abuse and neglect laws in West Virginia are outdated, making it harder to hold people accountable. There is little that police or Child Protective Services can do when they strongly suspect something has happened, but must follow the current laws and what they suspect doesn’t meet the statutory threshold.
The West Virginia Child Advocacy Network reports W.Va. had an 8% increase in abuse cases across the state. One of 10 children will be a victim of child abuse before their 18th birthday.
Meade encouraged the Council and community to, “paint the Town blue,” in support of the month.
The Town Council meets again Tuesday, April 15 at 7 p.m. in their Town Hall chambers. The public is encouraged to attend.
