Clarksburg City Council Meeting March 21, 2025

Short Summary of the Clarksburg City Council Meeting

The Clarksburg City Council convened for its regular session

1. Call to Order

• The meeting was called to order and roll was taken to confirm which council members were present.
• A prayer was offered, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

2. Approval of Minutes

• Council approved the minutes from the previous regular session as presented on the agenda.

3. Special Presentations & Proclamations

1. Youth Sports Teams
   • Local youth football/cheer and junior basketball teams were recognized for their achievements. Certificates and a small donation were presented.
   • Council members emphasized the importance of youth activities in building a stronger community.
2. Coach Recognition
   • Vice Mayor Jerry Riffle was commended for coaching two youth basketball teams to championship wins.
   • Players were awarded certificates, and each team had a moment at the podium.

4. Delegations & Public Comment

1. Northview Pride Committee
   • A representative addressed concerns about the closure of Northview Elementary School and the importance of repurposing the building to avoid neighborhood decline.
   • They requested stricter code enforcement regarding porch storage, improper parking, and yard upkeep, and asked for the Northview welcome sign to be replaced or repaired.
2. Clarksburg-Harrison Public Library / Waldomore
   • A trustee requested continued funding support (approximately $35,000) to maintain a part-time manager at the Waldomore.
   • Emphasized the Waldomore’s cultural and historical importance to the community.
3. Prevent and Protect Program (Bearing Advisors)
   • A consultant introduced a wellness and benefits program for city employees.
   • Explained that the program could reduce employee tax burdens while increasing access to health and wellness services—potentially creating small FICA tax savings for both employees and the city.

5. Unfinished Business & Public Hearings

1. Vacant Building Registration Ordinance Amendments
   • Council held a second reading and public hearing on proposed changes to the vacant property ordinance.
   • Amendments raise fees for buildings left vacant beyond 12 consecutive months, aiming to encourage owners to renovate or sell.
   • After discussion, the ordinance passed with a split vote.
2. Street Excavation & Resurfacing Requirements
   • Council discussed updates to city code sections regulating how utility or construction work must restore city streets after excavation.
   • The amendment passed unanimously.

6. New Business

1. FY 2025–2026 Budget Approval
   • Council voted on the proposed city budget, which had multiple allocations for the General Fund, Coal Severance Tax, Police Pension, Fire Pension, Sales & Use Tax, and other funds.
   • Amendments were introduced to add $35,000 for the Waldomore position and to distinguish certain pension allocations in the Sales & Use Tax Fund.
   • After debate, the overall budget was approved.
2. Economic Development Agreement: Waldo Complex
   • Council passed a resolution to enter into an agreement facilitating redevelopment of the historic Waldo Hotel.
   • Members expressed optimism that restoring this landmark will bring significant downtown revitalization.
3. Appointment to Central West Virginia Transit Authority
   • Council appointed a representative to the Transit Authority Board, per the agenda requirement.

7. Council Comments

• Budget & Sales Tax: Some council members expressed ongoing concerns about which expenditures are placed in the General Fund vs. the Sales & Use Tax Fund, particularly regarding public works and pension contributions.
• Northview Neighborhood: Positive feedback was given to the Northview Pride Committee for their proactive approach to community improvement. Council pledged to look into signage updates, code enforcement, and potential future uses for the school building.
• Youth Engagement: Council reiterated the city’s commitment to youth sports and activities, thanking coaches and volunteers for building strong community ties.
• Waldomore & Historic Preservation: In light of the part-time staffing approval, multiple council members voiced a desire for broader investments in the Waldomore, as well as continued efforts to preserve Clarksburg’s historic sites.
• Waldo Hotel: Council expressed hope that the new development agreement would succeed in restoring the Waldo Hotel, citing it as a key downtown property.

8. Announcements & Adjournment

• Spring Cleanup: The city announced cleanup dates running from March 24 through April 11.
• The meeting adjourned after final remarks.

Key Takeaways

• Budget: Passed with final amendments to support the Waldomore manager and clarify pension contributions.
• Property Regulations: Higher fees for long-term vacant buildings, stricter rules on street excavation.
• Youth & Community: Multiple recognitions for local youth teams, strong support for neighborhood groups like Northview Pride.
• Historic Sites: Action taken on funding for the Waldomore and a major redevelopment agreement for the Waldo Hotel.

For more details, the full agenda and official minutes (when posted) are generally available on the City of Clarksburg’s website or by contacting the City Clerk’s Office.sion and addressed a variety of community, budget, and development matters:

1. Roll Call & Ceremonies
   • Council members confirmed attendance.
   • Mayor declared the meeting open with a prayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
2. Youth Sports Recognitions
   • Local youth football and cheer teams received a donation and were congratulated for their community involvement.
   • Two junior basketball teams were honored for recent championship wins, with special recognition given to their coach, Vice Mayor Jerry Riffle.
3. Northview Neighborhood Concerns
   • Representatives from the Northview Pride Committee voiced worries about the closure of Northview Elementary School and its impact on the neighborhood.
   • They also called for stricter code enforcement regarding porch storage and cars parked in yards, as well as updating the faded “Northview” welcome sign.
4. Library Funding Request
   • A trustee from the Clarksburg-Harrison Public Library requested continued city funding (approximately $35,000) to support staffing at the historic Waldomore section of the library, emphasizing its importance as a community cultural site.
5. Budget Approval
   • Council discussed and approved the annual budget, including an amendment that allocates funding for a Waldomore manager position.
   • Council also debated the allocation of sales tax revenues, as well as contributions to police and fire pension funds.
6. Vacant Property Ordinance
   • On second reading, Council passed amendments to the Vacant Building Registration Program, including higher fees for long-term vacant structures. The intent is to encourage owners to renovate, sell, or otherwise address deteriorating properties.
7. Waldo Hotel Development
   • Council approved an economic development agreement intended to facilitate redevelopment of the historic Waldo Hotel complex. Several members expressed hope that this significant downtown landmark will soon see meaningful revitalization efforts.
8. General Council Comments
   • Council members praised the city’s administrative staff for budget preparation and highlighted the importance of partnership with neighboring cities on infrastructure and development.
   • The meeting concluded with announcements of upcoming clean-up schedules and an emphasis on continued attention to code enforcement and historic preservation efforts.

The meeting adjourned after covering these primary topics, with the next session scheduled for early April.

Short Summary of the Clarksburg City Council Meeting

The Clarksburg City Council convened for its regular session and addressed a variety of community, budget, and development matters:

1. Roll Call & Ceremonies
   • Council members confirmed attendance.
   • Mayor declared the meeting open with a prayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
2. Youth Sports Recognitions
   • Local youth football and cheer teams received a donation and were congratulated for their community involvement.
   • Two junior basketball teams were honored for recent championship wins, with special recognition given to their coach, Vice Mayor Jerry Riffle.
3. Northview Neighborhood Concerns
   • Representatives from the Northview Pride Committee voiced worries about the closure of Northview Elementary School and its impact on the neighborhood.
   • They also called for stricter code enforcement regarding porch storage and cars parked in yards, as well as updating the faded “Northview” welcome sign.
4. Library Funding Request
   • A trustee from the Clarksburg-Harrison Public Library requested continued city funding (approximately $35,000) to support staffing at the historic Waldomore section of the library, emphasizing its importance as a community cultural site.
5. Budget Approval
   • Council discussed and approved the annual budget, including an amendment that allocates funding for a Waldomore manager position.
   • Council also debated the allocation of sales tax revenues, as well as contributions to police and fire pension funds.
6. Vacant Property Ordinance
   • On second reading, Council passed amendments to the Vacant Building Registration Program, including higher fees for long-term vacant structures. The intent is to encourage owners to renovate, sell, or otherwise address deteriorating properties.
7. Waldo Hotel Development
   • Council approved an economic development agreement intended to facilitate redevelopment of the historic Waldo Hotel complex. Several members expressed hope that this significant downtown landmark will soon see meaningful revitalization efforts.
8. General Council Comments
   • Council members praised the city’s administrative staff for budget preparation and highlighted the importance of partnership with neighboring cities on infrastructure and development.
   • The meeting concluded with announcements of upcoming clean-up schedules and an emphasis on continued attention to code enforcement and historic preservation efforts.

The full video of the council meeting is available on the city YouTube page. City of Clarksburg, WV – YouTube