Reedsville council approves curb‑and‑gutter text amendment after contested recusal debate

Reedsville — The City Council approved a text amendment to the subdivision curb‑and‑gutter standards on Jan. 13 after a contentious discussion about conflicts of interest and maintenance responsibilities.

Drew Bigelow, Reedsville’s planning and community development director, told the council staff proposed three main exemption pathways: an exemption for low‑density single‑family developments (under 6 units per acre) and a slightly higher threshold for townhome/multifamily projects (8 units per acre); an exemption for developments within the Troublesome Creek watershed that would allow vegetated ditches and culverts in lieu of traditional curb and gutter (with maintenance to be the responsibility of the property owner or homeowners association); and a Technical Review Committee process to approve engineering alternatives submitted and sealed by a licensed engineer. Bigelow said the planning board recommended approval by a 4–2 vote but had expressed concerns about clarity and discretionary authority.

The amendment drew early procedural controversy when Mayor Donald Gore disclosed he had previously recused himself on the topic but said, based on legal advice, he would not recuse tonight. Councilman Martin’s financial interests as a property owner prompted debate among members and from counsel about whether he should be required to recuse. A motion to recuse Councilman Martin was made, seconded and carried; the mayor instructed Martin to refrain from participating in that matter.

During the public hearing, attorney Joseph Shuford, representing several local developers, argued that the watershed exemption would require vegetated ditches to be installed in city right‑of‑way but shift ongoing maintenance to private homeowners. "This is infrastructure that is there to benefit the public," Shuford said, and he asked the council to remove the provision making private property owners solely responsible for maintaining public drainage features.

Frank Verdi, a Reedsville resident, urged adherence to state engineering and Department of Environmental Quality standards and cautioned the council to follow professional guidance when changing stormwater rules.

Council members debated whether the revisions made since the Planning Board review required returning the amendment to that board. After discussion, Councilmember 9 moved to recommend the proposed text amendment (T‑2025‑07) with a modification that requires a 'tie‑on' to existing curb or stormwater infrastructure even if an exemption otherwise applies; a second was made and the council voted to adopt the motion.

City Attorney McLeod advised that substantial wording changes generally should return to the Planning Board, while minor clarifications may not require re‑referral; the council relied on that guidance in voting.

The council’s action advances the amendment to the next step in the ordinance amendment process with the approved modification. Staff and the planning director said the Technical Review Committee will remain the body that reviews alternative stormwater plans submitted by licensed engineers.

What’s next: The council’s approval with modification will be reflected in the official amendment language and scheduling for subsequent hearings or readings will follow the municipal ordinance process.