Shepherdstown public meetings in 2023

Town Council

The Shepherdstown Town Council will hold a regular meeting with public comment, several visitor presentations, and a discussion/action on creating an opioid lawsuit fund and opening a bank account. Most committee reports indicate no meetings or recommendations, and there are no public hearings scheduled.

• Creation of opioid lawsuit fund and opening of bank account – Discussion/Action
• Linda Spatig – Proposal for Bike Route – Discussion/Action
• Diana Suttenfield – requesting signage noting that Bones Wright Street was formerly Rocky Street
• Carrie Blessing – Earth Day – funding request
• Review and approval of General Fund Financials

The council approved the June 29, 2024 Street Fest with a stage location change, and voted to designate Shepherdstown as a Bee City USA. A proposed bike route was approved in concept but specific sharrows, signage, and paving were deferred for further study. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved Street Fest WV, Inc. event for June 29, 2024 (unanimous)
• Approved resolution to become a Bee City USA (unanimous)
• Approved bike route proposal in conjunction with Canal Towns and Wayfinding, but deferred sharrows, signage, and paving for further review

Water and Sanitary Board

The Water Board unanimously approved executing Option #5 of the Water Distribution Project at a cost of $2,310,288, which includes upgrades to Mecklenburg Heights water distribution, Mill Street fire protection, and installation of two gate valves at High Street. The board also approved a motion to discuss a possible revision to the FY23/24 Water Budget at the January meeting. The Sanitary Board discussed a proposed update to the Mainline Extension Agreement and an ordinance revision for erosion and stream protection, but no decisions were made on those items.

• Approved $2,310,288 Water Distribution Project Option #5 (unanimous)
• Approved adding FY23/24 Water Budget discussion and possible revision to January agenda (4-1)
• Approved minutes from October 26, 2023, with revisions

Town Council

The Shepherdstown Town Council will hold its regular meeting, including public comment, and will hear from visitors John Meeker of Street Fest WV, Inc. and Linda Layne of Bee City USA for discussion and possible action. The council will also receive updates on the Market House, the town website, and the Rt. 340 traffic detour, and will review committee and board reports, including financials.

• Discussion/Action with John Meeker, Street Fest WV, Inc.
• Discussion/Action with Linda Layne, Bee City USA
• Market House update
• Website update
• Rt. 340 traffic detour update

The Shepherdstown Town Council approved a franchise agreement with Shenandoah Cable Television (Shentel), despite two opposing votes, and approved $5,000 in funding for CATF's 'Our Shepherdstown' production. The council also approved an increase in the annual HEPMPO contribution from $128.74 to $336.82. No other substantive decisions were made; several items were informational or deferred.

• Approved Shentel franchise agreement (majority, with Stroech and Roberts opposed)
• Approved $5,000 funding for CATF's Our Shepherdstown (no objections)
• Approved HEPMPO annual contribution increase to $336.82 (no objections)
• Approved General Fund Financials as written (no objections)
• Approved October 10, 2023 minutes with amendments (no objections)
• Approved October 18, 2023 special minutes with amendments (no objections)

Water and Sanitary Board

The Water and Sanitary Boards approved a motion to perform certified-lab PFAS tests on the Town Run and Potomac River intakes, at a cost of $1,500 each. The vote was 3-2. The board also approved a motion to install generators at new lift pump stations for emergency power. A motion to use a cheaper $70 test failed for lack of a second.

• Approved certified-lab PFAS testing on Town Run and Potomac River intakes (3-2)
• Denied $70 PFAS test option (motion failed for lack of second)
• Approved generator installation at new lift pump stations (3-0, Sanitary Board)
• Approved minutes of September 28, 2023 meeting

Planning Commission

The Shepherdstown Planning Commission approved two applications: a deck rebuild with a spiral staircase at 207 E. High Street and a 3.5-foot wood fence at 304 S. Duke Street. No votes or tallies were recorded for these approvals. The meeting also included a Comp Plan Update as continuing business.

• Approved application 23-19 for deck rebuild and spiral staircase at 207 E. High Street
• Approved application 23-23 for 3.5-foot wood fence at 304 S. Duke Street

Age Friendly Shepherdstown

The Age-Friendly Shepherdstown Advisory Board approved minutes from the previous meeting and accepted an offer from Canal Towns to include Age-Friendly bike path info on their new sign. The board discussed extending the High St. bike path to connect with the existing path on Rt. 45, with Marty to consult Andy Beall before deciding next steps. Linda will draft a bike route proposal for the Town Council, to be reviewed by board members first.

• Approved September meeting minutes
• Accepted Canal Towns' offer to include Age-Friendly bike path info on their new sign
• Agreed Marty will discuss High St. extension with Andy Beall before deciding how to proceed
• Linda to prepare bike route proposal for Town Council, with board review before submission

Water and Sanitary Board

The Water and Sanitary Boards approved spending up to $200,000 for a new PLC system from vendor Aqua after a card failure caused a 5-hour sewer plant shutdown. The boards also approved minutes from the prior meeting and received updates on the GIS mapping project, water plant improvements, and the water distribution project. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved expenditure of up to $200,000 for new PLC system from Aqua (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from August 31, 2023 regular meeting

Planning Commission

The Historic Landmark Commission approved a revised dryer vent installation at 201 S. King Street, after the applicant submitted a lower-profile design following a continuance from the September 11 meeting. The motion passed unanimously, with no objections.

• Approved application 23-17 for a dryer vent at 201 S. King Street, as amended on 9/15/23, pursuant to historic district design guidelines (unanimous)

Water and Sanitary Board

The Water and Sanitary Boards approved the minutes from the July 27, 2023 meeting with revisions. No formal votes were taken on substantive actions; discussions focused on financial reports, bond payoff options, water plant upgrades, and a water distribution project awaiting Army Corps sign-off. Action items were assigned for further research on bond closure, sewer accounting, and a Town Run article.

• Approved July 27, 2023 meeting minutes with revisions
• Discussed paying off a bond and closing the account; no vote taken
• Noted water plant filter renovation nearly complete; second filter to follow
• Water distribution project awaiting Army Corps sign-off before bidding
• Assigned action items for bond payoff research, sewer accounting explanation, and Town Run article

Parks and Recreation Committee

The Shepherdstown Parks and Recreation Committee is meeting to discuss unfinished business across several parks, including playground mulch and equipment replacement at Bane-Harris Park, a Flexipave update at Cullison Park, and pickleball court status reports. New business includes two proposals from the Shepherdstown Rotary: constructing two small picnic tables and a boat launching site.

• Bane-Harris Park: playground mulch pending, pickleball court status, playground equipment replacement
• Cullison Park: Flexipave update
• Shepherdstown Rotary offer: construct 2 small picnic tables
• Shepherdstown Rotary proposal: boat launching site
• Bookmark the Park 2023 season report

Personnel Committee

The Shepherdstown Personnel Committee is meeting to handle routine personnel matters, including approving the previous meeting's minutes and discussing unfinished business. The committee will receive updates on employee handbook revisions, sexual harassment prevention training, term limits research, and the town administrator's completed probation period. They will also review and update a job description.

• Approval of July 12, 2023 draft personnel minutes
• Update on employee handbook revisions with suggestions from S. Grove
• Update on sexual harassment prevention training date
• Update on term limits research by S. Grove
• Review/update of a job description by S. Grove

Town Council

The council approved two special events: Freedom's Run on October 7 and Shepherd University Homecoming Parade on October 21. A request for a Back to School Backpack Giveaway was withdrawn. The council also authorized the mayor to sign a storm water grant contract pending clarification of two items, and agreed to participate in the 'Go Purple' addiction recovery initiative.

• Approved Freedom's Run event for October 7, 2023 (unanimous)
• Approved Shepherd University Homecoming Parade for October 21, 2023 (unanimous)
• Authorized mayor to sign storm water grant contract with $2,500 extra provision (unanimous)
• Approved participation in 'Go Purple' addiction recovery initiative (unanimous)
• Approved Town Council minutes of July 11, 2023 with corrections (unanimous)
• Approved General Fund Financials as written (unanimous)
• Recommended changing 'Contemporary' to 'Unique' on wayfinding signs (unanimous)

Water and Sanitary Board

The Water Board unanimously denied a resident's claim for billing adjustments due to a leak, as it did not meet tariff requirements. The board also discussed ongoing issues with unaccounted water (18-20% over 3 years) and reviewed financial statements, with plans to address the 2003 Water bond at the next meeting. The Sanitary Board discussed capital improvement line items in budgets.

• Denied Mr. Sen's leak adjustment claim (unanimous water board resolution)
• Approved edited draft minutes of June 29, 2023 meeting
• Discussed adding agenda item for disposition of residual 2003 Water bond at next meeting
• Discussed unaccounted water issue (18-20% over 3 years) as priority

Personnel Committee

The Shepherdstown Personnel Committee is meeting to discuss several personnel matters, including revisions to the employee handbook, sexual harassment prevention training, term limits research, and the town administrator evaluation process. They will also review and update job descriptions and receive an update on a law enforcement dispatch meeting. The agenda is largely procedural, with most items listed as updates or discussions.

• Employee Handbook Revisions – additional suggestions from S. Grove
• Training – Sexual Harassment Prevention Training – update on date
• Term Limits – research update by S. Grove
• Town Administrator – evaluation and feedback process
• Job Descriptions – review/update

The Shepherdstown Personnel Committee approved the May 18, 2023 draft minutes and discussed several administrative items. Town Administrator Stephanie Grove reported positively on her role, noted a preference for different accounting software, and outlined completed onboarding tasks. The committee also discussed potential changes to election terms (proposing 4-year terms with staggered initial 3-year terms) and planned sexual harassment prevention training. No formal decisions were made on these latter items, which are pending further discussion.

• Approved May 18, 2023 draft Personnel Committee minutes (unanimous)
• Entered executive session per WV Code 6-9A-4(b)(2)(A) at 5:32 p.m. (unanimous)
• Exited executive session at 5:40 p.m. (unanimous)
• Adjourned at 5:41 p.m. (unanimous)

Town Council

The Shepherdstown Town Council approved a lease for the Old Market House building at 100 East German Street to the Jefferson County Convention and Visitor's Bureau, and adopted the accompanying resolution. The council also ratified an agreement with the Department of the Army for water line improvements, approved Boo Fest street closures, and approved the second reading of an ordinance adding a fee for publication of legal notices.

• Approved lease of Old Market House to Jefferson County CVB (no objections)
• Adopted resolution to enter into lease for Old Market House (no objections)
• Ratified Army agreement for water line improvements (no objections)
• Approved Boo Fest street closures for Oct 15, 29 and Halloween (no objections)
• Approved second reading of ordinance adding fee for legal notice publication (no objections)
• Approved grant guidelines with updates (no objections)
• Approved Corporation financials (no objections)
• Ratified First Energy Tree Proposal (no objections)

Water and Sanitary Board

The Water and Sanitary Boards approved the minutes from the May 23, 2023 meeting with revisions. Financial reports showed discrepancies in water budget accounts, and staff are investigating switching to municipal accounting software. The water plant improvement project is on schedule, and the Army Corps of Engineers partnership agreement has been signed. No formal votes on substantive decisions were recorded; the meeting focused on reports, discussions, and action items.

• Approved minutes from May 23, 2023 meeting with revisions
• Discussed financial discrepancies in Water Plant Expense and Depreciation accounts
• Noted water plant improvement project on schedule for end of August
• Reported Army Corps of Engineers agreement signed and returned
• Decided to seek answer on bond interest rate application from D. Decker
• Agreed to request a presentation on bonds from D. Sweeney
• Action item: S. Kemnitzer to continue EPA lead service line research communication
• Action item: F. Welch to include R/R capital improvements list in future packages

Town Council

The Shepherdstown Town Council approved eight second-reading ordinances updating refuse definitions, container sizes, storage requirements, and tenant/owner responsibilities, and a first reading to add a fee for publishing legal notices. The council also approved the Corporation Financials and discussed updates on the Market House lease, Comprehensive Plan, and website.

• Approved second reading of ordinance re-enacting Section 11-601 defining types of refuse (unanimous)
• Approved second reading of ordinance re-enacting Section 11-604 clarifying county landfill entity (unanimous)
• Approved second reading of ordinance re-enacting Section 11-605 clarifying tenant responsibilities (unanimous)
• Approved second reading of ordinance re-enacting Section 11-606 clarifying owner and tenant responsibilities (unanimous)
• Approved second reading of ordinance re-enacting Section 11-607a revising refuse container size and material requirements (unanimous)
• Approved second reading of ordinance re-enacting Section 11-608 revising refuse storage requirements (unanimous)
• Approved second reading of ordinance re-enacting Section 11-609 clarifying permitting entity (unanimous)
• Approved first reading of ordinance re-enacting Section 9-902 XIV to add a fee for publication of legal notices (unanimous)

Age Friendly Shepherdstown

The board discussed updates on the bike path project, including documentation of support from Shepherd University and Potomac Peddlers, and plans to meet with the police chief. A systematic review of fall/danger areas in parks and railroad crossings was shared. The board decided not to pursue funding for EPTA bus services, as SAIL will pilot a volunteer-driven shuttle service instead. No formal votes or decisions were recorded.

• Discussed need for written support from Shepherd University and Potomac Peddlers for bike path
• Agreed to meet with police chief regarding bike route on Fairmont and Minden Streets
• Shared results of fall prevention review of parks and railroad crossings
• Decided not to pursue EPTA bus funding; SAIL will pilot volunteer shuttle service

Water and Sanitary Board

The Shepherdstown Water and Sanitary Boards approved the FY 2023-24 water and sewer budgets unanimously. They also denied Shepherd University's request for a water invoice credit, citing that it did not meet the PSC-approved rate structure. The meeting included recognition of the water plant operator with an award and updates on ongoing projects.

• Approved FY 2023-24 water budget (unanimous)
• Approved FY 2023-24 sewer budget (unanimous)
• Denied Shepherd University account adjustment credit (unanimous)

Personnel Committee

The Shepherdstown Personnel Committee approved the draft minutes from April 19, 2023, after noting two revisions: correcting the title from 'Agenda' to 'Minutes' and labeling the document as 'DRAFT'. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting consisted of updates on employee handbook revisions, sexual harassment prevention training, term length discussions, town administrator status, and job descriptions.

• Approved April 19, 2023, draft Personnel Minutes with revisions (unanimous)

Town Council

The Shepherdstown Town Council approved a set of grant guidelines to standardize project funding, passed first readings for eight refuse-related ordinances, and authorized a $2,000 contribution to Jefferson County Parks & Rec for July fireworks. The council also approved a street closure for a celebration of life event, a law enforcement mutual assistance agreement with Shepherd University, and the appointment of Rebecca Parmesano to the Planning Commission.

• Approved the Shepherdstown Grant Guidelines to create a consistent project review process.
• Approved first reading of an ordinance re-enacting Section 11-601 to define types of refuse.
• Approved first reading of an ordinance re-enacting Section 11-604 to clarify the county landfill entity.
• Approved first reading of an ordinance re-enacting Section 11-605 to clarify tenant responsibilities.
• Approved first reading of an ordinance re-enacting Section 11-606 to clarify owner and tenant responsibilities.
• Approved first reading of an ordinance re-enacting Section 11-607a to revise refuse container size and material requirements.
• Approved first reading of an ordinance re-enacting Section 11-608 to revise refuse storage requirements.
• Approved first reading of an ordinance re-enacting Section 11-609 to clarify the permitting entity.

Parks and Recreation Committee

The Shepherdstown Parks and Recreation Committee is meeting to handle routine business, including approving the agenda and minutes from March 28. They will receive updates on several parks, including a mulch project and pickleball proposal at Bane-Harris Park, and a commemorative bench at Rumsey Park. The meeting also covers the Bike Path update and the 2023 Bookmark the Park season. No new business is listed.

• Mulch in playground area at Bane-Harris Park
• Pickleball proposal updates for Bane-Harris and Viola Devonshire Parks
• Placement of commemorative bench for Ethan Fisher at Rumsey Park
• Bike Path update
• Bookmark the Park 2023 season

Water and Sanitary Board

The Shepherdstown Water and Sanitary Board is holding a special meeting to review and prepare the FY 2023-2024 Water Department Budget. The agenda includes only this budget item, along with call to order and adjournment, so no other decisions or discussions are scheduled.

• Review and preparation of the FY 2023-2024 Water Department Budget

The board reviewed and updated the FY 2023-2024 Water Department budget worksheet, making minor adjustments to line items. After accounting for depreciation and conservative revenue estimates, the budget was balanced by increasing the Water Meter Revenue estimate. The board agreed to submit the updated worksheet for approval at the regular May board meeting.

• Reviewed and updated the FY 2023-2024 Water Department budget worksheet
• Adjusted line items based on staff estimates and explanations
• Increased Water Meter Revenue estimate to balance the budget after accounting for depreciation and conservative projections
• Agreed to submit the updated budget worksheet for approval at the May board meeting

Personnel Committee

The Shepherdstown Personnel Committee is meeting to handle routine business, including approving the previous meeting's minutes. The main items are updates and discussions on employee handbook revisions, sexual harassment prevention training, term limits, and the town administrator position. The committee will also review job description updates.

• Employee Handbook Revisions – suggestions from S. Grove
• Sexual Harassment Prevention Training – update from Leah
• Term Limits – update; needs guidance from town attorney
• Town Administrator – update on position status, office space, press release, and evaluation process
• Job Descriptions – updates from Frank/Woody/Amy

The Personnel Committee met on April 19, 2023, and discussed several updates: Stephanie Grove will review the Employee Handbook and coordinate sexual harassment prevention training; the committee also discussed term length changes requiring town attorney guidance and the transition of the Town Administrator position. No formal decisions were made; all items were discussed as updates or future actions.

• Approved March 22, 2023 minutes (unanimous)
• Discussed employee handbook revisions; Stephanie Grove to review with Amy
• Discussed sexual harassment prevention training; Stephanie to coordinate materials and timing
• Discussed term length changes; awaiting town attorney guidance
• Discussed town administrator transition; office space and press release updates
• Discussed job descriptions; Frank indicated existing descriptions with Amy

Town Council

The council unanimously approved a second reading of an ordinance prohibiting driveways that cross public sidewalks. They also approved the reappointment of Jim Gatz to the Jefferson County Development Authority, approved a geocaching earthcache at James Rumsey Park, and approved the 4th of July parade. The council approved the corporation financials and a new police patch design.

• Approved second reading of ordinance prohibiting driveways crossing public sidewalks (unanimous)
• Approved reappointment of Jim Gatz to Jefferson County Development Authority (unanimous)
• Approved geocaching earthcache at James Rumsey Park with attorney-prepared guidelines (unanimous)
• Approved 4th of July parade (unanimous)
• Approved corporation financials (unanimous)
• Approved new police patch design with blue line removed (unanimous)

Historic Landmarks Commission

The Historic Landmarks Commission reviewed elevation plans for a proposed new house on lot 37 W. High Street, but no application was submitted or decided. The commission concurred that the property owner should follow up with a formal application. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved minutes from 3/13/2023
• Adjourned at 6:12 p.m. unanimously

Parks and Recreation Committee

The Shepherdstown Parks and Recreation Committee is meeting to discuss updates on several parks, including mulch and pickleball space at Bane-Harris Park, a walking path at Cullison Park, and a commemorative bench at Rumsey Park. They will also consider new business, including the 2023 season of 'Bookmark the Park' and a bike path request from Age Friendly Shepherdstown. The meeting includes approval of the November 2022 minutes and a virtual guest presentation.

• Mulch in playground area at Bane-Harris Park
• Pickleball space proposal at Bane-Harris and Viola Devonshire Parks
• Walking path update at Cullison Park
• Commemorative bench placement at Rumsey Park (Ethan Fisher)
• Bike path request from Age Friendly Shepherdstown

The Shepherdstown Parks and Recreation Committee voted unanimously to endorse Age Friendly Shepherdstown's proposal for a bike route connecting town parks to the C&O Canal and other destinations. The committee also approved up to $200 for banners to promote the Bookmark the Park season and discussed mulch, pickleball, and walking path updates at several parks.

• Endorsed Age Friendly Shepherdstown's bike path proposal (unopposed)
• Approved up to $200 for Bookmark the Park banners (unopposed)
• Approved agenda with item 6b moved up (unopposed)
• Approved minutes of November 29, 2022 (unopposed)
• Appointed sub-committee for pickleball space research at Bane-Harris Park
• Discussed placing mulch in playground area at Bane-Harris Park in April
• Discussed extending walking path at Cullison Park and planning ribbon-cutting/walkathon
• Discussed placement of commemorative bench at Rumsey Park

Public Works Committee

The Public Works Committee approved revisions to the garbage ordinance as recommended, with a motion by CStroech and second by MAmerikaner. The committee also discussed several ongoing items including property maintenance code violations, trash in alleys, a glass recycling grant, and sidewalk repairs.

• Approved minutes of March 3, 2023 meeting
• Approved garbage ordinance revisions as recommended

Personnel Committee

The committee reported that the new Town Administrator position has been offered to Stephanie Grove. Members identified immediate needs for her start, including dedicated office space, computer supplies, a welcome press release, and involvement in committee meetings. The committee also discussed involving the new administrator in employee handbook revisions and awaiting legal advice on proposed 4-year term lengths.

• Offered Town Administrator position to Stephanie Grove
• Identified immediate needs: office space (Meeting Room on 2nd floor), computer/supplies, welcome press release, and committee participation
• Directed that the new Administrator be involved in Employee Handbook revisions
• Lori reported awaiting Town Attorney reply on proposed 4-year term lengths
• Leah will coordinate Sexual Harassment Prevention Training with Amy and Stephanie
• Lori will obtain current job descriptions from Frank and Woody

Planning Commission

The Shepherdstown Planning Commission unanimously approved two applications: a wooden trellis at 213 W. High Street and an overhead sign at 207 S. Princess St., Suite 2. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting also included updates on the town's comprehensive plan and a presentation from the county planner.

• Approved trellis construction at 213 W. High Street (unanimous)
• Approved overhead sign installation at 207 S. Princess St., Suite 2 (unanimous)

Town Council

The council approved the 2023-2024 General Fund Budget Levy Estimate and tabled a decision on a new police patch after concerns about the thin blue line symbol. They also approved the Shepherdstown Street Fest for June 24, 2023, waiving noise and open container ordinances, and passed a second reading of a sewer tariff ordinance. A first reading of an ordinance prohibiting driveways that cross public sidewalks was introduced.

• Approved 2023-2024 General Fund Budget Levy Estimate (unanimous)
• Tabled new police patch decision to solicit feedback (unanimous)
• Approved Shepherdstown Street Fest June 24, 2023, waiving noise and open container ordinances (unanimous)
• Approved Shepherdstown Morris May Day event April 29, 2023 (unanimous)
• Approved second reading of sewer tariff ordinance (unanimous)
• Introduced first reading of ordinance prohibiting driveways crossing public sidewalks (unanimous)
• Approved stormwater management grant and $2,500 match (unanimous)
• Approved Corporation Financials for July 2022-January 2023 with corrections (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Shepherdstown Planning Commission unanimously approved a fence addition at 211 E. High Street and a porch roof extension at 103 E. New Street. The commission also voted unanimously to recommend amendments to Title 9, §9-207 (Off-Street Parking Requirements) to the Town Council. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved fence and gate addition at 211 E. High Street (unanimous)
• Approved porch roof extension at 103 E. New Street (unanimous)
• Recommended off-street parking code amendments to Town Council (unanimous)

Water and Sanitary Board

The Shepherdstown Water and Sanitary Boards approved the January 26, 2023 meeting minutes with updates. No substantive decisions were made; the meeting focused on reports and discussions, including PFAS testing, water tank cleaning contract issues, and financial reporting improvements.

• Approved January 26, 2023 meeting minutes as submitted with updates

Town Council

The council approved criteria and a draft application for Market House occupants with a 30-day application window. The first reading of an ordinance amending sewer system tariffs was also approved. The Shepherdstown Farmers Market and Back Alley Tour and Tea were approved with no objections.

• Approved criteria for Market House occupants and draft application with 30-day window (unanimous)
• Approved first reading of ordinance amending sewer system tariffs (unanimous)
• Approved Shepherdstown Farmers Market with street closure (unanimous)
• Approved Back Alley Tour and Tea (unanimous)
• Approved Town Council minutes of January 3, 2023 (unanimous)
• Approved Town Council minutes of January 10, 2023 (majority, Stroech abstaining)

Historic Landmarks Commission

The Historic Landmarks Commission approved application 23-06 from Jack and Amy Childers to add a 7-foot-deep by 13-foot-wide shed roof on posts off the rear first-floor porch at 103 E. New Street. The motion cited the Historic District Design Guidelines page 39 sections b and h, and passed unanimously. The commission also discussed a preliminary proposal from Kenneth Postalwait for a wrap-around covered porch and carport, finding it compatible with the existing structure.

• Approved application 23-06 for a shed roof addition at 103 E. New Street, citing Historic District Design Guidelines page 39 sections b and h, motion by Tom Mayes, seconded by Carmen Slater, passed unanimously.
• Discussed preliminary plans from Kenneth Postalwait for a post-and-beam wrap-around covered porch and carport; commissioners found the plans compatible with the existing structure.

Public Works Committee

The Public Works Committee approved applying for a Green Stormwater Grant for a stormwater green infrastructure proposal from Downstream Strategies, with no matching funds required. They also approved a sidewalk reimbursement of $565 for Deborah Wenner. Several ongoing items were discussed, including property maintenance violations, trash in alleys, and street paving plans.

• Approved applying for Green Stormwater Grant (unanimous)
• Approved $565 sidewalk reimbursement for Deborah Wenner (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from Nov. 28, 2022 meeting (unanimous)

Age Friendly Shepherdstown

The Age-Friendly Shepherdstown Committee approved a bike route connecting local parks and destinations, and discussed priorities for completing an unpaved section and adding bike racks. They also reviewed progress on fall prevention and wayfinding projects, and explored extending the EPTA shuttle to downtown.

• Approved bike route connecting all Shepherdstown parks, C&O Canal entrance, Shepherd University Wellness Center, Maddox Square, WSU Medical Center, new library, Morgan's Grove Park
• Priority to finish unpaved path where High Street ends at University Drive on Shepherd University's West Campus
• Need for more bike racks in parks and other areas
• Fall Prevention Working Group to identify sidewalk and street concerns later this spring
• Wayfinding Project developing slogan and symbol for town branding

The Age-Friendly Shepherdstown Committee approved a bike route that connects all town parks with the C&O Canal, Shepherd University, and other destinations. The committee also discussed fall prevention sidewalk assessments and a wayfinding signage project. No votes were recorded; the bike route was approved by consensus.

• Approved bike route connecting local parks, C&O Canal, Shepherd University, and other destinations (consensus)

Water and Sanitary Board

The Shepherdstown Water and Sanitary Boards met on January 26, 2023, and approved minutes from prior meetings. They discussed a 19% rate increase approved by the Town Council, expected to take effect in June. The boards also heard updates on PFAS testing, water plant improvements, and a GIS asset tracking system.

• Approved minutes from December 1, 2022 meeting (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from December 8, 2022 special Sanitary Board meeting (unanimous)
• Discussed 19% rate increase approved by Town Council, effective June 2023
• Heard update on Water Plant Improvement Project, awaiting control panels and raw water pumps
• Noted completion of Environmental Assessment and Archeological study for Water Distribution Project
• Discussed PFAS testing, with no federal or state regulations currently in place
• Heard about GIS asset tracking system proposal, expected completion in about a month
• Noted inaccessible water meters issue, with 11 meters needing relocation or valve installation

Town Council

This is a special Town Council meeting focused on the Market House, with an update on its status and discussion of criteria for its use. No final decisions are listed on the agenda; the items are for discussion only.

• Market House update
• Market House use criteria

The council approved a 19% sewer rate increase to cover a $207,363 deficit and meet state reserve requirements, the first increase in 12 years. It also passed three ordinances prohibiting driveways that cross public sidewalks, with existing driveways grandfathered in. Additionally, the council approved a job description for a new town administrator position and received updates on a Market House pipe burst and short-term rental regulations.

• Approved 19% sewer rate increase to address $207,363 deficit and state reserve requirement
• Approved second reading of ordinance prohibiting driveways crossing public sidewalks (Section 9-207)
• Approved second reading of ordinance prohibiting driveways crossing public sidewalks (Section 11-405)
• Approved second reading of ordinance on project permits (Section 9-902)
• Approved town administrator job description and authorized listing the position

Planning Commission

The committee approved minutes from November and December 2022, and formed ten workgroups to review the 2014 Comprehensive Plan's goals. Discussion focused on how to assess which goals have been accomplished and what resources are needed for unrealized goals. No substantive decisions were made beyond forming workgroups and approving minutes.

• Approved November 2, 2022 minutes as presented
• Approved December 7, 2022 minutes with corrections to items 7 and 12
• Formed 10 workgroups: Land Use, Housing, Economic Development, Transportation, Public Services, Parks & Recreation, Natural Resources, Historic Preservation, Cultural Resources, Intergovernmental Coordination