Leslie Cummings

The council meeting addressed a variety of administrative, financial, and operational matters. Reports were provided covering town facility renovations, budgetary concerns regarding snow removal and salt costs, a new police chief recruitment, and updates on major infrastructure projects. New business included a tabled discussion on ambulance refinancing, the approval of a revised water outage communication plan, the decision to decline a bank-offered security service, and approval of a significant general budget revision. Additionally, the council voted to form a committee to review and update the town's donated leave personnel policy and held an executive session to discuss legal matters.

The council discussed various departmental reports including treasury updates regarding audit schedules and budget workshops, and the Fire Chief's planning for upcoming community events. Engineering project updates were provided for several phases of work, including changes for Chub Run and Phase 1 AMD projects. Code enforcement updates regarding property ordinance compliance and vacant structures were noted. The council reviewed and approved the payment of accounts payable. Unfinished business included an ambulance refinancing proposal which was tabled for future reconsideration, while new business addressed heating and cooling quotes for the town hall, which were tabled, and the authorization to explore future accounting services due to personnel changes.

The meeting included a public comment segment where a resident shared concerns from the Clarksburg Water Board meeting regarding funding and potential rate increases, prompting the Mayor to confirm prior contact with the Governor's office for investigation. Department reports noted that the Police Chief is revamping hiring procedures, the Fire Chief reported on a structure fire and a planned cash bash date, and Public Works mentioned the scheduled opening of East of Chicago and ongoing streetlight replacement by Mon Power. Code Enforcement indicated a final inspection for a new dentist's office was imminent. Key actions included the approval of accounts payable items. Under unfinished business, the council unanimously moved forward with next steps to offer employees an additional benefit program from Bearing Advisors that complements existing health benefits. New business involved a discussion on the hiring procedures for the upcoming Police Chief position, noting the formation of an outside committee to assist, and a note regarding the need to repeat the second reading of a rate increase at the next meeting due to a clerical error.

Key discussions included infrastructure issues at City Hall, such as a ruptured water tank, heating problems, and the ongoing Council Chambers remodel. The Treasurer's report addressed the closure of WesBanco, the progression of the financial audit, and upcoming budget sessions, alongside efforts to address liens for past-due fire fees. The Police Chief's report detailed recent calls for service and citations, and progress on hiring new personnel. The Fire Chief discussed sending an older engine for refurbishment to extend its service life as an interim measure while considering new apparatus acquisition. EMS reported on the high volume of transports in 2025. A public hearing was conducted regarding proposed Ordinance 2025-04, which amends water distribution system rates and charges due to a clerical error in a previous publication. The Council subsequently passed this ordinance on its second reading. New business involved a unanimous decision to hire a certified electrician for the installation of LPR/Camera systems funded by a grant. The meeting concluded with discussions on collaboration between departments during a recent snow event and the availability of the Clarksburg Water Board Audit.

The agenda for the meeting includes departmental reports from the Treasurer, Chief of Police, Fire Chief, EMS/Ambulance, Public Works, Engineering, and Code Enforcement. New business items slated for review, discussion, and consideration include the Ambulance Refinance, the Outage Communication Plan Revision #1, WesBanco ACH, Check, & Payee Positive Pay matters, the FY 2025/2026 General Budget Revision #2, personnel policy updates regarding donated leave, and legal issues updates concerning Buckhannon Pike Properties. The agenda also reserves time for potential Executive Session to discuss personnel matters, real property transactions, economic development issues, and conferring with legal counsel.