The Moorefield Town Council held a regular meeting on July 7.
The Town’s Planning Commission has been updating the Town’s Comprehensive Plan, which they must do every 10 years.
The Comprehensive Plan, or ‘Comp Plan,’ per West Virginia code, is for “physical development and sets forth guidelines, goals and objectives for all activities that affect growth and development in the governing body’s jurisdiction.”
The draft plan is available at moorefieldwv.gov, the Town’s website. Scroll to the bottom, click the link for the Planning Commission, then scroll down again for the link to access the draft.
There is a public hearing scheduled for Aug. 6 at 5:30 p.m. in the Council’s chambers.
The Council approved a motion to purchase a $680,172 VacCon vactor truck. The truck is a demo with 3000 miles, 152 hours on the chassis engine, and 9.6 hours on the jetting engine.
Public Works Director Lucas Gagnon called the truck the “backbone” of the Town’s maintenance program, as it is used by both the Water and Sewer departments. It’s used during water leaks, sewage leaks, lagoon cleaning, and hydro-excavation.
The Town will pay $500,000 down on a 5-year lease, then make monthly $3697.66 payments for five years. Barring a crisis, the Town may choose to pay it off before then.
The Moorefield Police Department had 260 calls for service in June, and made 18 felony arrests and 13 misdemeanor arrests. They made four Driving Under the Influence arrests, and worked eight crash investigations.
Officers completed more than 30 hours of continuing education.
Chief Stephen Riggleman reported that by transitioning from U.S. Cellular to T-Mobile, he was able to get all the officers new work phones and still save the Town $141.50 monthly.
Riggleman told the Council he has a meeting scheduled during which members of social and support organizations and agencies will explain the services they can provide and what they can do to help citizens. Riggleman’s goal is to enable officers to better refer citizens they encounter who are struggling, to the help they need.
The Council opted to repair the department’s 2016 Dodge Charger, which requires an engine replacement, for approximately $7000.
Following an executive session for personnel issues, the Council promoted MPD Lieutenant Melody Parker to Captain.
Before ending the meeting Mayor Scott Fawley voiced his appreciation for the July 4 activities, and acknowledged the work that went into the successful celebration, “from beginning to end.”
The Town Council meets again July 21 and Aug. 4 at 7 p.m. in their Town Hall chambers. The meetings are streamed live on Facebook, and remain up for review after the meeting ends. The public is encouraged to attend or watch.
