The primary discussion at the Aug. 4 Moorefield Town Council meeting involved cleaning up property — and it wasn’t a citizen’s.
“I’ve talked to landscaping companies to try to clear the six acres we just purchased. Two responded, but both presented different projects,” Town Park director Juwana Bridger Titus said.
The two companies’ plans ranged from around $15,000 to just under $45,000.
The six acres run roughly along the eastern fence line of the Park, between the Park and Lee Street. It’s covered with scrubby growth, including some trees.
Titus sought the Council’s thoughts regarding actions to take.
Council member Luke Kesner asked if the Town itself could do the work; Public Works director Lucas Gagnon said “yes,” but said it would be worked in around other work, would take longer, and would possibly damage Town equipment.
Gagnon estimated the Town could do it for around $20,000, and said the Town doesn’t have the equipment to fine-grade the property.
The Council decided there’s no urgency to get the acreage cleaned up, as there’s no immediate plan for its use.
for his contribution to the pickleball and tennis courts
Dedications are planned for early September.
The Council also opted to pay for 10 free-swim days at the Town Pool.
Moorefield Police Department officers made 38 felony arrests in July. They had five Driving Under the Influence arrests and four crash investigations. They responded to 265 calls for service and completed 32 hours of continuing education.
Chief Stephen Riggleman said the MPD controlled traffic and participated in the July 4, Kiddie, and Poultry parades.
They also began investigating Identity Theft and Human Trafficking, part of a case initiated by the Hardy County Sheriff’s Office.
MPD has filed charges against one suspect for Conspiracy to Commit Identity Theft, and against two others for Conspiracy to Commit Identity Theft and Human Trafficking.
Riggleman said the investigation continues in coordination with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations.
The investigation remains active, and additional charges may be filed.
Amy Greenwalt said the main code violation across the Town in July was unpaid business licenses. Twenty-seven property owners were contacted about 32 code violations in July. Twenty were resolved, with another 12 pending resolution.
Gagnon reported that, “everything looks good” in Public Works. The new vactor truck has already been used to clean out the lagoons at the water plant.
He said crews worked all night Sunday, Aug. 2 to repair a water leak at the Main Street and Winchester Avenue intersection. Work is ongoing, due to aging lines and the need to find valves’ “sweet spots.”
The Town has received its new, 26-foot-tall Christmas tree.
The Town approved purchasing a new levee mower for $37,902.80.
Moorefield’s Town Council meets on the first and third Tuesdays at 7 p.m. at the Town Hall. The meetings are streamed live on the Town’s Facebook page, and are posted after. The public is invited to attend in person or online.
