The Moorefield Town Council met June 3 to address personnel matters, infrastructure concerns, and seasonal hiring, with the most emotionally charged discussion centering around Moorefield Police officer Jeremy Fultz’s request for light duty following a knee injury.
Macie Fultz, speaking on behalf of her husband, detailed his February ACL injury and a projected nine to 12 month recovery period after surgery. Fultz requested light duty post-surgery, citing previous accommodations made for another officer and support from two attorneys and the ADA office. Macie argued that Jeremy, who has open investigations and extensive training experience, could perform essential office-based tasks during his recovery, including crash data entry and program development.
Town officials, including Council member Scott Fawley and Public Works director Lucas Gagnon, expressed empathy but emphasized the challenge of past precedent. “In 18 years, no one has requested this,” said Gagnon. “The policy has been that if the injury occurs off-duty, employees must be 100% cleared before returning to work.” The Council did not make a final decision but advised Fultz to obtain a formal doctor’s note clarifying his capabilities.
Police Chief Stephen Riggleman provided a report on staffing and training. Only three of nine officers are currently on road duty. The Council approved cruiser repairs and welcomed part-time officer Alex Vance, a full-time Sheriff’s Department deputy.
The department is preparing to implement taser use, pending policy finalization and required training.
Riggleman reported the department responded to 181 calls in May: one felony arrest; 17 misdemeanor arrests; 40 traffic citations; and five traffic warnings.
On May 12, officers attended career day at Moorefield Elementary School and interacted with Kindergarten students. Two stolen vehicles were recovered, as was a stolen wallet.
All officers have completed 16 hours of mandatory in-service training. Eight qualified on their service weapons in low light conditions. Three completed training in first aid, CPR, and using AEDs.
Amy Greenwalt, reporting on building permits and code enforcement, said May was slower for permits, likely due to rain.
The online business license renewals are progressing well, with 130 completed within 20 days of notices being sent.
Rental property inspections will resume in winter, with one-third already completed. “I feel good about that,” Greenwalt said.
The Council approved a 50/50 sidewalk cost-sharing program for a property on Maple Avenue, marking the first use of the program for this purpose. The property owner moved a driveway. The town will contribute $1,546 toward the $3,092 project.
General fund Budget Adjustment #3 was also passed, reallocating funds within various departments without changing overall spending levels.
The Council approved the hiring of four seasonal workers—two for public works and two for the town park—focusing on high school students or recent graduates. Following an executive session, a full-time police officer was also approved to work an additional part-time job.
Gagnon reported high attendance at the town pool on warm days, although rain has impacted overall numbers. Grass maintenance remains a dominant task for the parks crew.
The meeting adjourned after routine business including bill payments and staffing approvals. The next meeting is Tuesday, June 17 at 7 p.m. at Town Hall. The public is encouraged to attend.
