Berkeley County

The meeting commenced with a call to order by the President. The primary discussion item was the budget workshop conducted for the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget. The session was concluded with a motion to recess.

Key discussions included a public comment regarding the 'Making Trash Bloom' biodiversity program, which prompted staff to investigate regulatory compliance with the WV DEP. The Litter Control Program Report detailed December collections, showing substantial amounts of bags and bulky items collected, along with enforcement activity. The Recycling Program noted that Sunrise Sanitation began free cardboard pickup, and updates were provided regarding Knauf Glass's long-range plans for glass processing. Financial discussions centered on the renewal of business CDs, continuing negotiations on a lease agreement with BurCell, the smooth operation of the ADP Timekeeping system, and the approval of the December Budget Reports for Litter Control, General, and Recycling accounts. Following the review of January unpaid bills, the Board awarded the contract for the audit report bookkeeper to Darnell and Company for $2,700.00, and a subcommittee for legislative activity was formed, consisting of Mark Barney and Clint Hogbin.

Public comments included a recap report and proposal for the WalkerBots Seed Grant for the Berkeley County 4-H Stem Club, and a presentation regarding a grant application for the Martinsburg Film Festival, including its relocation plans and non-profit establishment. The board proceeded with the election of officers. Financial reports, including the balance sheet, profit and loss statement, and accounts payable, were reviewed and approved. The Executive Director reported on occupancy rates for hotels (up 9% in December but down 1.2% year-to-date for 2025) and short-term rentals, along with updates on an AFM trip and ongoing efforts to locate a WV Swing site. The Executive Assistant provided updates on visitor center traffic and social media performance, noting that events on travelwv.com must now be emailed starting in 2026. New business involved tabling a Digital Media Grant request from Apollo Civic Theatre for further details, and awarding a $30,000 seed grant to the Martinsburg Apollo Film Festival contingent upon the creation of the non-profit entity, 'The Independent Film Incubator of West Virginia.' The board also entered and exited an executive session to discuss CVB personnel or legal matters.

The meeting included public comment regarding concerns about a data center, with a planned town hall meeting to address the issue further. Discussions covered budget revisions for community corrections and recovery resources. Changes of status and salary adjustments were approved for several personnel positions within the Sheriff's office, County Clerk's office, and Fire Department. The minutes for previous meetings held on February 26th and March 3rd were approved. Commissioner Hardy reported on the Planning Commission meeting and his efforts to communicate information regarding the data center project to the public. Commissioner K provided updates on the Ambulance Authority, Sewer Board, and Storm Water activities, including the delay in an MS4 permit appeal and a grant application for the Herald Drive upgrade project. The Commission also approved the settlement of 42 estates for March 2026. A presentation was given by the Community Development Director regarding the Home Investment Partnership Program (HOME) and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for affordable housing initiatives.

The meeting began with a roll call to establish a quorum, followed by opening the floor for public comment under the Sunshine Law, where several residents expressed significant concerns regarding a planned data center in the Falling Waters area. Key discussion points for the commission included the approval of the agenda and the approval of the meeting minutes from the previous session. The first substantive agenda item addressed was the detailed site plan determination for the Hatchery 138 KV Substation, proposed by Edison and First Energy on 7.25 acres off Sulfur Springs Road. A representative discussed the state's oversight of such projects, noting the lack of local control due to House Bill 2014, and mentioned efforts to be transparent regarding water usage plans, potentially utilizing treated sewer effluent water for cooling.