Shepherdstown, WV

Grants Committee

Finance Committee

Water and Sanitary Board

The Shepherdstown Water and Sanitary Boards are meeting jointly to review routine reports and discuss several operational items. Key topics include a proposed tariff increase, a briefing on water rates, and voting on major capital purchases for the current fiscal year. The boards will also hear updates on expanding sewer service and a study on replacing galvanized lines.

• Discussion of tariff increases with background on water rates using BLS and Federal Reserve indexes
• Briefing by legal counsel on water rates for boards and Town Council
• Voting on major capital purchases for water and sewer departments this fiscal year
• Update on sewer department expansion to serve more customers
• Status of engineering study on replacing galvanized lines per EPA Lead and Copper rules

Town Council

The Shepherdstown Town Council will hold a special meeting to review the FY 27 Budget Revision #1. The agenda includes updates on a CATF grant arrangement and a planning session. The council will also discuss the planning for the purchase of the Shepherdstown Elementary School property.

• FY 27 Budget Revision #1
• Arrangement to Serve as Recipient of CATF Grant - Update
• Town Council Planning Session - Update
• Planning for Purchase of Shepherdstown Elementary School Property

Parks and Recreation Committee

The Shepherdstown Parks and Recreation Committee is meeting to discuss updates on several parks, including Bane-Harris, Cullison, Library, Riverfront, Rumsey, and Viola Devonshire. They will also consider a funding request for an engineering study for the Rumsey/Riverfront Trail and discuss new members.

• Funding request: Engineering study for Rumsey/Riverfront Trail
• Update on Rumsey Park Phase III, Step 1
• Bike rack update at Rumsey Park
• Follow-up on James Rumsey replacement panel request
• Follow-up on Historic Bridges panel request

Finance Committee

The Shepherdstown Finance Committee is meeting to consider a first FY27 budget amendment, approve funding for a preliminary engineering report on replacing galvanized pipes, and discuss financing for a school property purchase. The committee will also discuss a donation and ongoing FY28 budget planning.

• 1st FY27 Budget Amendment
• Funding for Preliminary Engineering Report - 'Galvanized Pipes Requiring Replacement' Project
• Financing for School Property Purchase – Discussion
• Donation Discussion
• FY28 Budget Planning

Age Friendly Shepherdstown

The Age-Friendly Shepherdstown committee is meeting via Zoom to review and approve the July 14, 2026 minutes, wrap up the 2026 Action Plan, and discuss new business including a Crash Studio discussion and a Pedestrian Plaza survey. The meeting is open to the public via Zoom or phone.

• Review/approval of July 14, 2026 minutes
• 2026 Action Plan wrap-up and tracker review
• Discussion of Crash Studio
• Pedestrian Plaza survey discussion

Tree Commission

The Shepherdstown Tree Commission is meeting to approve June minutes, hear public comments, and review pending and completed tree actions. They will discuss the 2026 tree planting and the Arborscope/tree inventory, and consider new tree requests at three locations. Updates to the Town Landscaping contract are also on the agenda.

• Review of Tree Action Log for pending and completed actions
• 2026 Tree Planting discussion
• Arborscope / Tree Inventory update
• Tree requests at 213 E German, Church & New St, and High & King St
• Updates to Town Landscaping contract

Town Council

The Shepherdstown Town Council is holding a regular meeting with public hearings on a planned unit development ordinance amendment and adoption of the 2018 International Property Maintenance Code. The council will also vote on special event requests, volunteer and community grant applications, and a resolution on online ordinance display, and discuss updates on several ongoing projects.

• Second reading of Planned Unit Development Ordinance Amendment and Replacement (continued)
• First reading of amendment to Chapter 13 for adoption of 2018 International Property Maintenance Code
• Votes on special events: Constitution Day Parade (Sept 19), Rubber Ducky Race (Sept 20), Appalachian Heritage Festival (Sept 25-26), Homecoming Parade (Oct 17)
• Vote on community grants: Jamie Byron for landscaping, Shepherdstown Chess Club for tournament
• Resolution on update to on-line display of town ordinances

Finance Committee

The Shepherdstown Finance Committee will meet to approve July 1 minutes, consider grant applications from The Wall Native Garden, Boots-on-the-Ground Youth Leadership Academy, and Shepherdstown Chess Club, and discuss the timeline for the FY28 budget as well as integrating grants into the FY27 budget and future budgets.

• Community Grant Applications: The Wall Native Garden, Boots-on-the-Ground Youth Leadership Academy, Shepherdstown Chess Club
• Plan and timeline for creating proposed and final FY28 budget
• Strategy for integrating grants received and applied for into the FY27 budget and budgets going forward

Grants Committee

The Shepherdstown Grants Committee will meet to review several upcoming grant opportunities, including a shuttle concept, Chesapeake Bay Trust Green Streets, and trail grants. The committee is also scheduled to discuss and adopt a final intake form for public use and review a draft committee charter.

• Review of shuttle concept and emergency planning tips
• Chesapeake Bay Trust Green Streets grant discussion
• Trail grants update
• Final intake form review and adoption
• Committee charter draft discussion

Historic Landmarks Commission

The Shepherdstown Historic Landmarks Commission will consider a roof replacement application at 205 W. Washington St., workshop a porch restoration at 201 N. Mill St., and discuss an interpretive plan and historic preservation awards. The meeting also includes approval of July minutes and a staff report.

• Application 26-19: roof replacement at 205 W. Washington St.
• Workshop: porch restoration at 201 N. Mill St.
• Discussion of Interpretive Plan for Shepherdstown
• Nominations for Historic Preservation Awards

Parks and Recreation Committee

The Shepherdstown Parks & Recreation Committee will meet to approve minutes and discuss unfinished business including updates on Bane-Harris, Cullison, Library, Riverfront, Rumsey, and Viola Devonshire Parks, as well as a survey draft. No new business items are listed.

• Rumsey Park Phase III, Step 1 update
• Bike rack installation at Rumsey Park
• Follow-up on James Rumsey replacement panel request
• Follow-up on Historic Bridges panel request
• Survey draft discussion by A. Thomas and T. Moriarty

The Shepherdstown Parks and Recreation Committee met on July 28, 2026, and approved the agenda and previous minutes. Members reported on the condition of various parks, noting that Rumsey Park is in its best condition in years and that the James Rumsey replacement panel text is acceptable, with plans to forward it for approval and funding. No formal decisions were made; actions were limited to follow-ups and reports.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved May 26, 2026 minutes (unanimous)
• Forwarded James Rumsey replacement panel text to mayor and council for review (no vote)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Water and Sanitary Board

The Shepherdstown Water and Sanitary Board is holding a special meeting to vote on the Lead Service Replacement Project and a related proposal from Ghosh Engineers. No other substantive items are on the agenda.

• Vote on Lead Service Replacement Project
• Proposal from Ghosh Engineers

The Water Board voted to accept a $25,000 proposal from GHOSH Engineers to develop a Preliminary Engineering Report for the Lead Service Replacement project. The project will replace 422 galvanized service lines that cannot be proven to have never been connected to lead lines. The board added a requirement that the report include all engineering information needed to apply for construction funding from the WV Drinking Water Revolving Fund.

• Approved $25,000 proposal from GHOSH Engineers for Preliminary Engineering Report on Lead Service Replacement project (vote not tallied in minutes)
• Added requirement that the report contain all engineering information necessary to apply for WV Drinking Water Revolving Fund construction funding

Water and Sanitary Board

The Shepherdstown Water and Sanitary Boards are meeting jointly to review flow and quality reports, financial reports, and the 2027 budget. They will also discuss unfinished business including a hydrant report, PFAS sampling of biosolids, and a possible expansion of sanitary sewer services. New business includes considering changes to water and sanitary tariffs.

• Financial reports and budgets for 2027
• Hydrant report
• PFAS sampling of biosolids
• Discussion of expanding sanitary sewer services
• Consideration of changes to water and sanitary tariffs

The Water Board voted to begin preparing an application to the WV Public Service Commission to increase water rates and fees, aiming to submit by December 2026 for new revenue by May 2027. The Sanitary Board agreed to participate in planning but set no date for a rate increase. Both boards approved June meeting minutes with minor corrections. Staff reported acceptable water and wastewater quality, and discussed lead service line replacement and potential sewer service expansion.

• Water Board approved June 25, 2026 minutes with addition (unanimous)
• Sanitary Board approved June 25, 2026 minutes with same change (unanimous)
• Water Board voted to start preparing WV PSC rate increase application (vote not tallied)
• Sanitary Board voted to participate in rate planning but set no increase date (vote not tallied)
• Water Board agreed to manage lead line replacement with sidewalk plan (no formal vote)
• Water Board agreed to hold special virtual meeting for preliminary engineering study (no formal vote)

Planning Commission

The Shepherdstown Planning Commission will hold a regular meeting and public hearing to consider two applications: a carport installation at 312 W. German Street and a fence installation at 203 W. New Street. The meeting also includes approval of previous minutes and a Town Council update.

• Application 26-14 amended: carport installation at 312 W. German Street
• Application 26-18: fence installation at 203 W. New Street
• Approval of June 15, 2026 meeting minutes
• Town Council update

The Shepherdstown Planning Commission approved two applications: a carport installation at 312 W. German Street and a fence installation at 203 W. New Street, both unanimously. The commission also discussed an accessory dwelling unit matter and noted a pending Town Council appointment, but took no action on those items.

• Approved amended application 26-14 for carport at 312 W. German Street (unanimous)
• Approved application 26-18 for fence at 203 W. New Street (unanimous)
• Approved June 15, 2026 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Age Friendly Shepherdstown

The Age-Friendly Shepherdstown committee will review the June 17, 2026, minutes, discuss the 2026 action plan tracker, and receive updates on requested letters from the Mayor and SAIL. The main new business is an approved AARP grant for a Pedestrian Plaza, with next steps to be determined.

• AARP grant approved for Pedestrian Plaza
• Review of 2026 meeting schedule
• Input on 2026 action plan tracker
• Update on letters from Mayor/SAIL
• Committee structure vs. advisory group discussion

The Age-Friendly Shepherdstown committee approved the June minutes and discussed the 2026 Action Plan. AARP grant for the Pedestrian Plaza Pilot was announced, with AFS to support the rollout. No formal votes were taken on substantive items; the meeting was primarily informational and planning-focused.

• Approved minutes of June 10 committee meeting
• Agreed to hold August meeting on August 19 as scheduled
• AARP grant approved for Pedestrian Plaza Pilot; AFS to support rollout

Tree Commission

The Shepherdstown Tree Commission will meet to review pending and completed tree actions, discuss the 2026 tree planting plan, and consider updates to the Arborscope/tree inventory. They will also address chairperson succession and assess a tree at 213 W New Street for cabling support.

• Review pending and completed tree actions via Tree Action Log
• 2026 Tree Planting discussion
• Arborscope / Tree Inventory update
• Chairperson succession
• Assess tree at 213 W New Street for cabling support

The Shepherdstown Tree Commission met on July 9, 2026, and appointed Robin McGrorty as Chair. The Commission also discussed public tree concerns, including a requested removal of a silver maple at 325 W. German Street pending confirmation of the Viking Tree assessment, and noted a St. Agnes-owned tree issue being handled by St. Agnes. No other substantive decisions were made; most items were updates or planning discussions.

• Appointed Robin McGrorty as Chair (motion by C Baker-Shenk, seconded by T Hadley, passed without opposition)
• Approved June meeting minutes (motion by T Hadley, seconded by C Baker-Shenk, without objection)
• Identified tree at 213 W. New Street for possible cabling assessment
• Noted Town landscaping contract pending Mayoral decision

Town Council

The Shepherdstown Town Council will hold a public hearing on the second reading of a Planned Unit Development ordinance amendment, vote on a special events request for an Indivisible event on July 17, and discuss a new ordinance on accessory dwelling units. The meeting also includes updates on the Market House Plaza pilot, flower bed maintenance, and the elementary school property.

• Second reading of Planned Unit Development Ordinance Amendment and Replacement (continued public hearing)
• Vote on special events request for Indivisible event on July 17
• Discussion of development of an ordinance on accessory dwelling units
• Resolution in support of petition requesting the state to complete the path to Morgan Grove Park
• Discussion of Water Department and Sanitation Department FY27 budgets

The Shepherdstown Town Council unanimously voted to postpone the continuation of the second reading of the Planned Unit Development (PUD) ordinance amendment until the August meeting, allowing newly elected members time to review and arranging a workshop with the consultant. The Council also approved a proclamation honoring Jim Schmitt, accepted a special events request for an Indivisible event, and approved volunteer applications for the Planning Commission and Age Friendly Shepherdstown. Additionally, they voted to support a petition for the bike/pedestrian path to Morgan's Grove Park and approved a donation for a historic marker in Rumsey Park.

• Postponed continuation of PUD ordinance second reading to August, with a workshop for Council members (unanimous).
• Approved proclamation honoring Jim Schmitt for Hometown Heroes banners program (unanimous).
• Approved Indivisible event application, moving location to King Street between German and Old Queen Alley, keeping Old Queen Alley open for emergency access (unanimous).
• Approved Michael Binder's application to the Planning Commission (unanimous).
• Approved Louann Stovel's application to Age Friendly Shepherdstown (unanimous).
• Voted unanimously in support of a petition to the state to complete the bike/pedestrian path to Morgan's Grove Park.
• Approved donation from Doug Perks for a marker in Rumsey Park, with design and text to be reviewed by Historic Landmarks Commission and Mayor (unanimous).
• Approved town expenditures as listed in the packet (unanimous).

Grants Committee

The Grants Committee will hear a presentation on the HSC Entler Roof project and discuss updates on the Safe Streets grant (SS4A), the Grant Tracker spreadsheet, and a list of town-funded projects. New business includes a Norfolk Southern grant application due August 3, a CSX grant for a MARC shuttle, and strategies for streetscape and water board funding.

• HSC Entler Roof Presentation
• Status of Safe Streets grant (SS4A)
• Norfolk Southern Application due August 3
• CSX grant backgrounder - MARC shuttle goal
• Strategy for Streetscape Funding

The Shepherdstown Grants Committee voted to recommend Historic Shepherdstown's Preservation Alliance of West Virginia grant application for repair and painting of the Entler Building Complex metal roof, with an estimated grant request of approximately $26,850. The committee also reviewed ongoing grants, discussed a draft intake form, and expressed support for a Norfolk Southern railroad crossing/emergency preparedness concept, subject to fire department support. No other formal decisions were made; most items were discussions or action items for future meetings.

• Approved motion to recommend Entler roof grant request to Town Council (unanimous)
• Approved minutes as drafted (unanimous)
• Expressed support for Norfolk Southern application concept, subject to fire department support and clarification of roles
• Agreed to move regular meeting start time from 6:15 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Historic Landmarks Commission

The Shepherdstown Historic Landmarks Commission is meeting to review three applications for alterations to historic properties: a carport at 312 W. German St., window and door replacement at 201 N. Mill St., and a fence at 203 W. New St. The commission will also hold workshop sessions on porch restoration at 201 N. Mill St. and roof restoration at 215 W. New St. No new business is listed.

• Application 26-14: carport at 312 W. German St.
• Application 26-17: window and door replacement at 201 N. Mill St.
• Application 26-18: fence at 203 W. New St.
• Workshop: porch restoration at 201 N. Mill St.
• Workshop: roof restoration at 215 W. New St.

The Shepherdstown Historic Landmarks Commission approved three applications: a carport at 312 W. German Street, window and door replacement at 201 N. Mill Street, and a fence and gates at 203 W. New Street. All approvals were unanimous, with one recusal. The commission also held workshop discussions on porch and roof restoration, and received updates on town enforcement and grant activities.

• Approved carport at 312 W. German Street (unanimous)
• Approved window/door replacement at 201 N. Mill Street (unanimous, AR recused)
• Approved fence and gates at 203 W. New Street (unanimous)

Finance Committee

The Shepherdstown Finance Committee is meeting to approve minutes, review a community grant application from Shepherd Village Solar, receive an update on the Edmunds.gov software implementation, and discuss the state audit for FY 2025, including the final financial statement for the corporation. The agenda is routine, with no major decisions or public hearings listed.

• Community Grant Application: Shepherd Village Solar
• Edmunds.gov software implementation update
• State Audit for FY 2025 – Final Financial Statement for Corp. Shepherdstown

The Shepherdstown Finance Committee reviewed a $2,273 community grant application from Shepherd Village Solar but did not approve it. The Committee requested the applicant return with a revised proposal that reduces the Town funding request, identifies additional funding sources, and includes a public education and outreach commitment. The Committee also received updates on the Edmunds software implementation and the FY 2025 state audit.

• Approved June 3, 2026 meeting minutes with a small edit (unanimous)
• Requested Shepherd Village Solar return with revised grant proposal including reduced Town funding and education commitment
• Discussed Edmunds software implementation; no formal action taken
• Discussed FY 2025 state audit results; no formal action taken

Parks and Recreation Committee

The Shepherdstown Parks and Recreation Committee will discuss updates on several parks, including Bane-Harris, Cullison, Library, Riverfront, Rumsey, and Viola Devonshire parks. They will also review a survey draft and consider new business. The meeting is a working session with no final decisions expected.

• Rumsey Park Phase III, Step 1 update
• Bike rack update at Rumsey Park
• Follow-up on James Rumsey replacement panel request
• Follow-up on Historic Bridges panel request
• Shepherd University fraternity involvement at Viola Devonshire Park

Water and Sanitary Board

The Water and Sanitary Boards will hold a joint meeting to discuss and potentially act on several operational items. Key topics include reviewing flow and quality reports, considering expansion of sanitary sewer services, and discussing changes to water and sanitary tariffs. The boards will also address unfinished business such as a hydrant report and PFAS sampling of biosolids.

• Discussion of plan to expand sanitary sewer services to more customers
• Plan to consider changes in Water and Sanitary tariffs
• Review of flow and quality reports
• PFAS sampling of biosolids
• Hydrant report

Public Works Committee

The Shepherdstown Public Works Committee will meet to discuss the purchase of a trash truck and review a long-term plan for water line and streetscape improvements. The meeting also includes status updates on several ongoing projects, including storm water improvements, a community composting project, and the Market House Plaza project.

• Discussion of equipment purchase: trash truck
• Review of long-term plan for water line and streetscape improvements
• Status update on Green Infrastructure / Storm Water Improvement Projects
• Status update on Community Composting Project
• Status update on Market House Plaza Project and Area Traffic Study

The Public Works Committee discussed a proposed trash truck purchase estimated at approximately $250,000 that was not in the budget. The Committee requested clearer written justification, including need, urgency, used options, and financing alternatives. No decision was made on the purchase. The Committee also discussed water line replacements and reviewed ongoing project statuses.

• Approved April 30 meeting minutes with corrections (unanimous)
• Discussed $250K trash truck purchase; requested written justification, no action taken
• Discussed 422 galvanized water line replacements required by 2037
• Noted stormwater contractor expected to complete work by July 1
• Noted community composting MOU with Shepherd University; 12-month demo expected in September
• Noted Mills Group selected Town's application for tobacco warehouse design work

Age Friendly Shepherdstown

The Age Friendly Shepherdstown committee is meeting via Zoom to select a committee chair, review updates to its 2026 Action Plan, and discuss the Downtown Pedestrian Plaza. The agenda also includes a proposal to change the committee to an advisory board. No specific decisions or dollar amounts are listed.

• Committee chair selection
• 2026 Action Plan updates and approval process
• Downtown Pedestrian Plaza update
• Change from committee to advisory board

The committee approved Lois Spreen as its new chair, following her appointment to the committee by Town Council on June 10. The 2026 Age-Friendly Shepherdstown Action Plan was approved by Town Council and SAIL, with minor edits to be incorporated. The meeting ended early due to technical difficulties, leaving some business unfinished.

• Approved minutes of May 27 committee meeting
• Approved Lois Spreen as new committee chair
• Noted Town Council approval of 2026 Action Plan on June 10
• Noted SAIL approval of 2026 Action Plan

Planning Commission

The Shepherdstown Planning Commission will hold a public hearing and vote on an application for a wooden storage shed at 101 N. Browns Alley. They will also consider approving a Board of Zoning Appeals decision for a project at 200 E. High Street and review minutes from the previous meeting.

• Public hearing and decision on storage shed at 101 N. Browns Alley
• Approval of Board of Zoning Appeals order for 200 E. High Street
• Approval of May 18, 2026 meeting minutes

Water and Sanitary Board

The Shepherdstown Water and Sanitary Board will hold a special meeting to discuss and consider proposed changes to the FY27 budget. The board may take action on budget recommendations.

• Discussion of FY27 budget recommendations
• Consideration of proposed FY27 budget changes
• Possible board action on budget

Tree Commission

The Shepherdstown Tree Commission is meeting to approve minutes, hear public comments, and discuss unfinished business including the 2026 tree planting, soil amending, Hurley Park tree assessment, and the Jefferson County Tree Canopy Plan. New business includes pruning requests at several locations and planning for chair succession. The meeting is in person only.

• 2026 Tree Planting
• Hurley Park Tree Assessment
• Jefferson County Tree Canopy Plan
• Pruning at 211 West New, Lutheran Church (King and High), and Welcome Center Crabapple
• Tree Commission Chair Succession

Town Council

The Shepherdstown Town Council will hold a regular meeting on June 10, 2026. Key actions include certifying the results of the June 2 municipal election and voting on the purchase of a trash truck. The council will also hold a second reading and public hearing on a Planned Unit Development ordinance amendment.

• Second reading of Planned Unit Development Ordinance Amendment (public hearing)
• Certification of June 2 Municipal Election Results
• Equipment Purchase (Trash Truck) – Discussion/Vote
• Briefing on Water Line Replacement / Streetscape Planning
• Town Council Priorities for Grant Funding – Discussion

The Shepherdstown Town Council certified the June 2 municipal election results unanimously, with no spoiled, challenged, provisional, or mail-in ballots. The council approved the Age Friendly Shepherdstown 2026 Action Plan, three community grants (totaling $28,250), and a special event request for a wedding at Rumsey Park. The second reading of the Planned Unit Development ordinance amendment was deferred for further review, and a trash truck purchase was discussed but no action taken.

• Certified June 2 municipal election results (unanimous)
• Approved Age Friendly Shepherdstown 2026 Action Plan (unanimous)
• Approved $1,250 grant to Roving Peregrine Theatre Company (unanimous)
• Approved $2,000 grant to Rose Hill Cemetery (unanimous)
• Approved $25,000 grant to Contemporary American Theater Festival (unanimous)
• Approved wedding ceremony at Rumsey Park on June 29 (unanimous)
• Approved town expenditures (unanimous)
• Deferred second reading of PUD ordinance amendment for further review

Town Council

The Shepherdstown Town Council is holding a special meeting to canvass and declare the results of the June 2 municipal election, and to set the bond amount for any recount requests. The agenda also includes real estate matters and the mayor's report. No other substantive decisions are listed.

• Canvassing and declaring June 2 municipal election results
• Setting the recount request bond amount
• Real estate matters discussion
• Mayor's report

The Town Council canvassed and declared the official results of the June 2 municipal election, with James Gatz winning mayor and Harriet Pearson winning recorder. Council unanimously set the recount request bond at $100 and, after an executive session, unanimously approved a resolution authorizing the mayor to enter into a purchase agreement for the Shepherdstown Elementary School property. The meeting also noted the postponement of a bond financing briefing and a scheduled finance discussion with the Water Board.

• Declared official results of June 2 municipal election (unanimous)
• Set recount request bond at $100 (unanimous)
• Approved resolution authorizing mayor to purchase Shepherdstown Elementary School property (unanimous)
• Entered executive session to discuss real estate matters (unanimous)

Grants Committee

The Shepherdstown Grants Committee will meet to review the status of the Safe Streets grant (SS4A), discuss a Rail Safety Grant, and examine a draft intake form and updated town-funded projects list. No votes or decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Review of Safe Streets grant (SS4A) status
• Discussion of Rail Safety Grant
• Review of draft intake form (not provided to public)
• Update on Grant SOQ applications

The Shepherdstown Grants Committee met and approved the May minutes with a correction. They reviewed upcoming grant opportunities, noted the Safe Streets for All grant was submitted, and discussed a potential rail safety grant. The intake form discussion was moved to the next meeting, and no final decisions were made on new grants.

• Approved May minutes with correction (Shannon listed as absent)
• Moved intake form discussion to next meeting
• Noted Safe Streets for All grant submitted
• Discussed Norfolk Southern Safety First grant as potential application