Christmas Parade Dec. 6
By Hannah Heishman
The Moorefield Town Council meeting on Oct. 21 began with a discussion about driving in town. Mayor Scott Fawley read a letter from a Moorefield High School student written for a class, proposing an elevated crosswalk between Moorefield High and Moorefield Elementary Schools.
The student wrote that there’s only one crosswalk between the schools, and it often feels unsafe. She even researched the cost of an elevated crosswalk.
The discussion turned to other traffic concerns. Council member Terry Hardy suggested signs like those that flash on either end of the school zones be placed around the Little Peeps daycare center on South Main Street.
He’s observed parents pulling in and out of the parking lot, buses stopping, and traffic not slowing despite the possibility of small children running into the road. Public Works director Lucas Gagnon said he will include that request in an email he’s sending to the State.
Main Street, also U.S. Route 220, is managed and controlled by West Virginia, not the Town of Moorefield.
Moorefield Police Chief Stephen Riggleman reported receiving complaints about drivers continuing around stopped school buses, which is illegal. Riggleman says drivers will receive a $280 fine, and a 60-day license suspension.
“We’re vigilantly enforcing it,” Riggleman said.
Weimar Automotive purchased a digital sign that told drivers their speeds, generally headed into a school zone. When Fawley asked about the sign, Riggleman said the battery no longer holds a long charge, and they can’t post the sign without needing to change out the batteries.
Fawley asked about other options, and Riggleman said he’s researching signs with solar-charged batteries.
The Council approved Park Manager Juwana Bridger Titus’ request to pursue a contract with RecDesk to set up an online booking system for Park use.
Titus said she believes the system could improve Park use by 65%, as people will be able to schedule and pay for shelters, fields, and other facilities without needing to wait for individual approval.
Requests for decreased or waived fees will still require Council approval.
As Titus and her staff will no longer need to directly manage use requests, or spend time coordinating payments, they will have time to plan and coordinate other activities such as camps, art in the park, dance activities, and swimming lessons.
While Titus understands some may hesitate at the idea of “another app,” she also noted that, even at McDonalds, the first question at the drive-through is, “Did you order through our app today?” She said the RecDesk app will give citizens a faster, more direct way to access the Park, reserve facilities, and facilitate payments.
Gagnon reported the contractor has removed fencing from around the old tennis courts, and was scheduled to begin demolishing the courts themselves. They plan to get asphalt down this fall, so the MHS tennis team can at least practice, if not host matches, on the court in Spring 2026.
Riggleman followed up on his request from the last meeting for new computers for the MPD. The Council tabled the request so Riggleman could acquire more information and another quote.
He said, “Most agencies around are using some kind of tough book,” and he likes Panasonic because a 20-year-old one the department has still functions, although not with contemporary programs.
Riggleman also observed that equipment is better maintained when each officer has their own for which they are responsible, whether it’s a cruiser, a radio, or a computer.
“I have obtained a third quote and have negotiated slightly better deals for the computers and docking stations we require.”
He presented three quotes, all between $32,200 and just short of $35,000. The lowest bidder, Telrepco, was also willing to ensure accompanying docking stations for vehicles would meet MPD’s needs, instead of also requiring the department buy mounting equipment.
“This purchase is much needed by the police department and I request that consideration be made and council approve this request,” Riggleman said.
Riggleman told the Council that if they approved the request, he’d submit the order the laptops could be in offices immediately, and cars by December.
The Council unanimously approved new computers for the MPD.
Following an executive session for personnel discussion, the Town hired a citizen for Public Works.
The Christmas Parade will be Saturday, Dec. 6 at 4 p.m., and starts at the Town Park. It will end at the Town Square for the tree lighting and Santa Claus, then the public is invited to return to the Park for ice skating courtesy of Believers Victory Center.
The next Council meeting is Tuesday, Nov. 4 at 7 p.m. The public is encouraged to attend.
