By Hannah Heishman
The Moorefield Town Council meeting on Aug. 19 lasted less than 90 minutes, but saw a number of actions taken.
Mayor Scott Fawley acknowledged visitors, although none were there to speak. He presented a $250 check — his own money — to Denny Shoemaker, for the Humane Society of Hardy County.
The Council approved a resolution to autopay municipal bonds from a new bank account. Autopay was previously approved for a different account; this action was mostly a technicality due to the changed account.
They discussed whether to change the flowers in the hanging pots around Town, but ultimately chose to stay with ones already there, which should continue to bloom until the first frost.
They voted to join another opioid lawsuit. City Clerk Rick Freeman said the Town has received about $7000 so far from a previous lawsuit.
“That’s $7000 we didn’t have before,” he said.
The Council voted to approve $4650 for the Historic Landmark Commission to sign a new contract with the Michael Mills Group. The Mills Group is working with the Town’s Landmark Commission to get the Tannery added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Once the Tannery is added to the Register, some property owners will have access to grant funding and tax benefits.
The Tannery is already in Town limits, so when property owners apply for building or construction permits, they already process through the Historic Landmark Commission for approval. Addition to the Register won’t change this.
Council member Jason Fertig recused himself from a discussion and decision on a new Council meeting table. The Council opted to spend $66,315 on a semi-circular table with a lectern for speakers from Fertig Cabinet Company.
The Council has used four collapsible tables in a square with an open center. The layout makes it difficult for speakers to address the Council and prevents a more efficient use of space for public seating within the chambers.
The Council voted to hire a Public Relations Specialist and a Public Works employee following an executive session.
The next Celebrate Moorefield event is Sept. 12 at 3 p.m. at the Town Park, before the Moorefield High School — Hampshire High School football game.
Fawley asked the Council to consider how they wish to celebrate the Town’s 250th anniversary, for future discussion. There is a committee, and there is money budgeted for a celebration.
Before adjourning, Fawley recognized Moorefield resident Sterling Kump as the 87th Forest Festival’s Maid Sylvia, to be crowned Queen on Friday, Oct. 3 at 2 p.m. during the festival’s Royal Coronation.
She graduated from Moorefield High School in 2023. Kump’s parents are Will and Amy Kump.
The Council will meet again Tuesday, Sept. 2 at 7 p.m. in their Town Hall chambers. The public is encouraged to attend.
