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Public comment raises flooding and panhandling concerns; commissioners report legislative and local updates
Summary
Public comments addressed flooding near a business and panhandling in intersections; commissioners reported on Empty Bowls, a Charleston legislative trip, a proposed statewide bill addressing pedestrians in roadways, and local issues including truck traffic and park operations.
At the Feb. 26, 2025, Monongalia County Commission meeting, members of the public and commissioners used the public-comment and reports sections to raise several community issues and to share recent events.
During public comment, a business owner identified as Mr. Fadim asked if county staff had any updates on flooding near his business and sought information on county protocol for people panhandling in intersections. County staff said they would address his questions in remarks at the end of the meeting and noted staff reports later in the week would be used to follow up on flooding concerns.
Commissioners reported on community events and intergovernmental activity. Commissioner Tom Bloom and other commissioners described Empty Bowls as a successful community event. Commissioner Sean reported on multiple meetings in Charleston with state officials, delegates and the County Commission Association; he said a proposed certificate-of-need change had been defeated 13-12 in a subcommittee but cautioned it may return. Bloom described ongoing coordination with state delegates and announced that House Bill 2892 — introduced by Delegates Chamblin, Hall, Chiarelli, Heckert and Acres — would, if enacted, prohibit persons from remaining in roadways or rights-of-way, and could create a statewide remedy for some of the safety concerns raised locally.
Commissioners discussed a county ordinance regulating pedestrian and vehicle safety and noted that Mountain State Justice has filed suit challenging the county ordinance; the ordinance remains on the books while litigation proceeds. Commissioners also mentioned a citizen request to place a sign on River Road indicating the road is not suitable for large trucks; staff said they would forward that request to the West Virginia Department of Highways (DOH) and work with municipal partners.
Other local updates included: congratulations to Granville on recent intersection lighting work (first payment reported as $278,009.70); praise for staff at Chestnut Ridge Park from visiting residents; a local flood-relief donation drive coordinated with Titan Roofing and other partners; and parks operations updates including extended sledding-hill operations when temperatures permit.
County staff said they will follow up on the flooding question at a forthcoming staff report meeting and that planning-building commission applications on file will be reviewed for future appointments.
