City Council debates controversial camping ordinance amid community concerns
October 18, 2024 | Clarksburg, Harrison County, West Virginia
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During a recent city council meeting, significant discussions centered around a proposed camping ordinance and updates on local infrastructure projects, particularly concerning the public sewage system.
Xavier Scott addressed the council, expressing concerns about the proposed camping ordinance aimed at prohibiting camping on public and unauthorized private property. He argued that the ordinance could exacerbate the challenges faced by the homeless population, especially with winter approaching. Scott emphasized the need for a more compassionate approach, suggesting that understanding the root causes of homelessness could lead to better solutions rather than criminalizing those in need. He urged the council to reconsider the timing of the ordinance, advocating for a delay until spring.
In a related vein, Shannon Welch announced her candidacy for the House of Delegates for District 70, highlighting the importance of community engagement and collaboration in addressing local issues. She encouraged residents to participate in the upcoming election on November 5, emphasizing the need for actionable plans to improve the community.
On the infrastructure front, the council discussed the status of a grant submitted to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) three weeks prior, with hopes of completing related projects by spring 2025. The council also reviewed a second reading of an ordinance concerning improvements to the public sewage system, which includes a proposed issuance of up to $8 million in sewer revenue bonds. Dan Farrell from Thrasher Group provided insights into the bidding process for the sewage project, indicating potential bid overruns due to high demand for contractors in the area. He noted the urgency of securing additional funding before the end of 2024 to ensure project completion.
The meeting concluded with motions to approve previous session minutes and discussions on various ordinances, including the camping ordinance, which remains a contentious topic among council members and community advocates.
Xavier Scott addressed the council, expressing concerns about the proposed camping ordinance aimed at prohibiting camping on public and unauthorized private property. He argued that the ordinance could exacerbate the challenges faced by the homeless population, especially with winter approaching. Scott emphasized the need for a more compassionate approach, suggesting that understanding the root causes of homelessness could lead to better solutions rather than criminalizing those in need. He urged the council to reconsider the timing of the ordinance, advocating for a delay until spring.
In a related vein, Shannon Welch announced her candidacy for the House of Delegates for District 70, highlighting the importance of community engagement and collaboration in addressing local issues. She encouraged residents to participate in the upcoming election on November 5, emphasizing the need for actionable plans to improve the community.
On the infrastructure front, the council discussed the status of a grant submitted to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) three weeks prior, with hopes of completing related projects by spring 2025. The council also reviewed a second reading of an ordinance concerning improvements to the public sewage system, which includes a proposed issuance of up to $8 million in sewer revenue bonds. Dan Farrell from Thrasher Group provided insights into the bidding process for the sewage project, indicating potential bid overruns due to high demand for contractors in the area. He noted the urgency of securing additional funding before the end of 2024 to ensure project completion.
The meeting concluded with motions to approve previous session minutes and discussions on various ordinances, including the camping ordinance, which remains a contentious topic among council members and community advocates.
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