City of Clarksburg

The primary discussion centered on options for a specific piece of city property, including selling the land, developing an adventure park (potentially involving ziplining and a lease structure with public access provisions), creating a 'Hope Hill' concept, or pursuing a modified reopening of existing facilities. A significant portion of the discussion emphasized the necessity of providing recreation options for youth to prevent negative activities and the importance of revitalizing current facilities, such as the pool and gym locker rooms. There was strong consensus against selling the property, viewing it as a critical asset. The value of public-private partnerships for operating large-scale projects like an adventure park was also noted due to the city's limited manpower and resources. Secondary topics included transportation access to the facility, noting current bus routes are insufficient, and discussing engineering needs for road exits near the property.

The meeting commenced with the Vice Mayor leading the prayer and pledge. Following this, the Mayor issued proclamations designating January 2026 as Human Trafficking Prevention Month and January 2026 as Stalking Awareness Month, with presentations and acknowledgements related to these initiatives. Key agenda items included a discussion regarding the replacement of 13 aging and deteriorated electrical load centers used for city festivals and events, with detailed cost estimates provided for material and labor, and clarification sought on the Italian Festival's role in past repairs. Additionally, the Council heard a presentation from a representative of the Hilton Garden Inn concerning the distribution of hotel occupancy tax funds, specifically requesting a credit of 50% of their collected tax for a period in 2024 and 2025 due to the Clarksburg Visitors Bureau's ineligibility to collect funds, and submitting a 2026 marketing plan budget. Finally, public concern was raised regarding a proposed rental house registration and rezoning resolution, specifically focusing on inspection standards, potential duplication with HUD inspections, and enforcement actions for non-compliance that might impact affordable housing supply.

The meeting, identified as a conference work session, focused on receiving a midway checkpoint presentation from Healthy Harrison regarding the YMCA asset. Key discussion points involved understanding community needs across youth, adults, and seniors, and evaluating the facility's current usage and financial status, which showed an operating loss of approximately $500,000 annually. The presentation outlined four distinct options for repositioning or utilizing the asset to address unmet community needs, such as childcare, mentorship, and workforce development, which were derived from community feedback and external research into similar situations in other communities. Specific options discussed included reopening a modified version of the YMCA, developing an adventure park utilizing the 25-acre property, or transforming the site into a sanctuary ('Hope Hill') focused on specific programming.

The meeting commenced with the approval of minutes from the August 27th, 2025 session. The primary item of new business involved the consideration of a petition filed by Stephen T and Amy Curry regarding a minor boundary adjustment for parcels located at 408 Lee Avenue and 401 Washington Avenue. The purpose of the adjustment was to provide additional off-street parking for an adjacent dentist office. The committee reported no major issues, and the petition was approved. The meeting concluded after brief discussions on potential future agenda items and an adjournment motion.

The meeting addressed project updates, including the completion of trunk line installation and sanitary sewer tie-ins for phase 5A of the long-term control plan, with work shifting to drop inlet installs. The Arlington Sewer Extension is awaiting feedback from the Army Corps after environmental documents were submitted. The GIS system task order was completed under budget. Revisions are being made to the quantities for interceptor cleaning bids. The Ferry Street improvements planning document is nearly ready for submission. Progress on the Wolf Summit sewer extension involves work on Joy Street and Pike Street, aiming for road completion by March 1st. Key considerations included the approval of Change Order Number Three concerning stone backfill quantities and pricing for the LTC interface project. Several invoices were approved, including payments to Independent Enterprises, Inc., Thrasher Engineering (for phases 5A and 5B, and Arlington sewer extension), and a contractor pay application for the Wolf Summit sewer extension. The committee moved to approve an ordinance amending and reacting the city code regarding service rates for council review. Updates on downtown work indicated that the gas company completed main and service line installation and is now focusing on trench and sidewalk repairs. The ongoing water line installation is expected to conclude by the end of March. Furthermore, the PSC approved the conveyance, and staff is coordinating asset disposition between the water and sewer boards.