In a brief regular meeting, the Wardensville Town Council convened on Tuesday, October 13, at the Visitor’s Center. Present were Mayor Besty Orndoff-Sayers; Council members Charlotte Bowman, Serena Kay Cline, and Ed Klinovski.
The meeting opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.
Council approved minutes of the September meeting and authorized bills to be paid.
Mayor’s Report
The 40th Wardensville Fall Festival was held this past weekend. As usual, our Fire Department did a great job organizing this event. The music was exceptional. The Festival Grand Marshals were Lucas, Lexie and baby Phoebe Shiflet. There were lots of vendors and great food. Nice turnout for the parade. Sadly, the heavy rain on Sunday put a damper on the festivities. However, the precipitation did not deter Girl Scout Troop 1413 and the Juliettes in their tree planting endeavors. Three trees were planted at the park. The Girl Scouts donated a redbud tree for the planting. The Scouts graciously planted two Crabapple trees along the walkway from the parking lot to the pavilions. A shout out to Chloe Head and Kalli Pesce for their hard work.
Light fixtures for the upper park area will be ordered later this week. The new fixtures will have LED lights that are adjustable.
Four Square Architects have inspected the cafeteria building and are in the process of compiling their second opinion on the structural status of the building.
The 2-window heating and cooling units in the library have been replaced and are working well. The large HVAC unit in front of the library was checked and is working.
Omni & Associates have provided ad copy for the splash pad. It is in the process of being reviewed.
We received the Class II Legal Ad copy for the Solar Project from RK&K Contractors.
The ad will run in the Moorefield Examiner for the next two weeks. We will be placing legal ads for the tree removal and ground clearing for the solar pad site, as well as removal of the sand filter at the pool house in the next two weeks.
The Swingola for the park has been ordered. It will be located on the concrete pad on the side of the pool house that faces Waites Run Road. I would like to seek funding to paint a mural honoring Gold Star Families for the side wall that faces the pull-off parking area on Waites Run. The Auxiliary has applied for grant funding for the swings.
Charlotte Bowman wrote the Auxiliary application for the Frank Fischer Grant.
Kevin McDonald is the commercial entrance permit DOH contact. DOH was contacted about assisting with the Oak Street Project. DOH is unable to assist us with installing the signs for our one-way road project. He is able to meet with us to review what we want to do. I have not been able to schedule a time for him to meet with staff.
Anne Kirk has provided us with an online survey for the banner project. I have asked her for a work document of the survey. The online survey is a bit complex. I met with Bobby Jenks, Capon Post 2102 Commander to discuss the Hometown Heroes banners.
We agreed that we need to create an agreement for them to consider moving forward with the banners.
Public Works Report
Erich Atkinson stated that the drilling of water well number 5 continues to be at a standstill. Last month penetration reached 200 feet where rock was encountered. The bit became stuck and all strategies to free it were unsuccessful. The drilling company indicated that sufficient water could be drawn from that depth. The West Virginia Division of Highways, which is paying for the project as a backup well, has been contacted by the town for permission to stop at the current depth. The original goal was to reach 800 feet.
Unfinished Business
Four Square Architects inspected the cafeteria building to find out if the project can be completed with part of the structure remaining intact. The town is awaiting the report.
The Friends of the Park organization is disbanding after two years. The core volunteers have family matters that are a priority. The $10,000 in their account has been donated to Wardensville. The town plans to purchase ten-spin playground equipment with a portion of those funds. A bid has been received for the installation of the splash pad. Several additions to the park have arrived including an artificial fish, caterpillar, and two skunks with one tail up and one tail down. These were purchased from Fiber Glass Statues, Animals, and Objects in Gibbon, Nebraska.
With no other business to conduct, the meeting was adjourned.
The next Town Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 9, 2026, beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Visitors Center. The public is welcome to attend.
