By Steve Pendleton
The Wardensville Town Council met in regular session on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at the Visitors Center. Present were Mayor Betsy Orndoff-Sayers, Council members Greg Alderman, Charlotte Bowman, Serena Kay Cline, Michael Funkhouser, and Jackie McGuiness. The meeting opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. Minutes from the meeting of October 8, 2024 were revised and approved. Town Council recognized the 50th anniversary of services by the Wardensville Volunteer Rescue Squad. EMT Becky Fischel was present to receive a contribution from the town. Mayor’s Report The election is over and we will be working with many of the same folks that we have in the past. There was a large turnout at both polling places in town. Many people took advantage of the early voting option at the Court House. The rubber membrane roof on section one of the community center was replaced by Anderson Roofing. Wardensville paid the bill and will submit an invoice to Region 8 for reimbursement when the project is closed. An environmental report must be approved before moving forward toward closure. The town held an optional pre-bid for demolition of the old cafeteria building from funds in the Dilapidated Building grant. Jason Smith was consulted for a quote concerning paver work and edging around the We Remember Veteran’s Memorial. A request was submitted for a quote to remove several dead trees at the park. The park has been closed to the public due to the construction work on the property for the sewer project. The fence around the tennis and pickleball courts is finished with McGrane Fence being paid in full. The town met with a few concrete installers for the building of two sidewalks at the park. One design is 4 feet wide and runs from the pedestrian bridge to the basketball court . The second walk will be 8 feet wide walk that will double as a drive to the pool house. Two honor benches will be installed by Erich Atkinson and Ed Klivnokski in recognition of park supporters Carolyn Barr and Alvin Smith. Barr is the former president of the Capon Bank Park Volunteer program. Smith is known for giving swimming lessons in the creek before the town pool opened. Staff continued to find and repair water leaks during October. The assistance of Bobby Jenks and his workers were needed to make the repair on Mulberry Lane. Wardensville is in a holding pattern with the West Virgnia Department of Energy on the energy grant. A zoom meeting about the project scheduled for November 7th was canceled. Barbara and Linwood Rye have not been able to open the Visitor’s Center due to the lack of heat. The Ryes operate the Senior Employment Program that provides minimum wage jobs for older citizens. Karen Findley donated a nice looking railroad crossing sign for the town train display. The Lion’s Club asked the town to sponsor the Christmas Decoration Contest as was done in 2024. This family event is a great opportunity to meet with community members. The mayor would like for the council to have a table at the event as there were many positive responses by visitors who stopped by the booth last year. Trick or Treat and Trunk or Treat were very well attended. WordPlay had a long line of participants waiting to receive a signed book by the author, Joe McGee. Red & Cookie’s Big Breakfast Event will be held on Saturday, November 9th at the Methodist Church from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.. All donations will benefit Katie’s Comfort House. The Methodist Church will have a tree lighting memorial service. Loved ones will be recognized for a $5 donation. Public Work Report Supervisor Erich Atkinson was unable to attend the meeting. Orndoff-Sayers reported that for the first time in ages, there are no current water leaks to report.
