Reedsville Coucil

Reedsville Council: Rails to Trails project moves forward

REEDSVILLE — Reedsville Council unanimously voted to move forward with the Rails to Trails project Monday.

At an earlier meeting, council discussed the trail having access to Reedsville Park and allowing parking on Long Alley.

Residents who live in the Long Alley area previously voiced concerns about parking and the possibility of people coming into their yards.

Preston County Parks and Recreation President Dale McVicker told council members both his group and the Mon River Trails Conservancy would like to work on the project with the town.

Councilwoman Renee Stone said the town has to consider the privacy of homeowners who live in the area.

“I can’t see that as a problem,” Councilwoman Britney Titus said. “Most people will stick to the trail and not come up through town. I don’t believe that will be a problem.”

Councilman Greg Burke said one homeowner will need a place to park. He said he also has concerns about trespassers.

“He has concerns about people coming into his yard,” Burke said. “Maybe they (PCPaR) can work something out with him so he will have a parking place.”

McVicker said he believed something could be worked out. “If it becomes a need we will put up a fence to keep people off his lawn,” he said.

MRTC has raised $7,500 for the trail head sign and for the development of the connecting path, according to Ella Belling, executive director of MRTC.

In other business, council is researching the cost of a mini excavator with rubber tracks.

Earlier Burke said town employees could learn to use the excavator. He said it didn’t make sense to spend $40,000 when the work on the Park Avenue project could be done for $20,000.

“It’s a waste of money to contract it out when we have two employees sitting around,” he said.

Titus said an excavator would take care of the town’s roads as well as any ditching that needs done.

Further discussion was tabled until council can research the cost of an excavator and a bucket.

A discussion to buy a Taser for the town police officer was also put on hold until prices can be researched.

The next meeting of Reedsville Town Council will be 6:30 p.m. Jan. 13.

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