Due to the inclement weather, Town Hall will open at 9:30 a.m. today.

Snow Removal Policy

The Corporation of Shepherdstown would like to remind property owners and renters of its policy regarding snow removal on sidewalks.

Section 11-407 Prohibited accumulation of snow, ice and debris on sidewalks and removal thereof by town at expense of property owners provides that…..

No person shall permit the accumulation of snow or ice upon the sidewalk adjacent to any property owned or occupied by him/her within the town, but shall remove the same within a reasonable time not later than 9:00 a.m.,  and 4:00 p.m.,  each day that snow or ice accumulates thereon.

Town Hall Business Offices will be closed on Monday, January 19 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Trash collection will be on Tuesday and resume normal schedule for the remainder of the week. Recycling collection will be on schedule.  Note:  Although Town Hall is closed the Planning Commission will hold its regular meeting on Monday, January 19 at 6:30 p.m. at Town Hall.

Notice

This is a reminder to all citizens within the corporate limits regarding removal of snow and ice.  The Town has a number of elderly and young residents and tourists who may be open to injury if the snow removal policy is not followed.  It should be noted that the Town Ordinance Section 11-407 “Prohibited accumulation of snow, ice and debris on sidewalks and removal thereof by Town at expense of property owners” will be actively enforced for the benefit of all.

Section 11-407 Prohibited accumulations of snow, ice and debris on sidewalks and removal thereof by town at expense of property owners

(a)             “No person shall permit the accumulation of snow or ice upon the sidewalk adjacent to any property owned or occupied by him within the town, but shall remove the same within a reasonable time not later than 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. each day that snow or ice accumulates thereon.

(b)             No person shall permit the accumulation of trash, debris or anything unsanitary upon the sidewalk adjacent to any property owned or occupied by him within the town, or within five feet of any such sidewalk.

(c)              Upon the accumulation of any snow, ice or debris upon any sidewalk or within five feet of any sidewalk in violation of this section the town, if the owner or occupant of the adjacent property fails to do so upon notice, may remove such snow, ice or debris and the expense of such removal shall be charged to the owner of such adjacent property and shall constitute a lien upon such property.”

Jefferson County Homeland Security and Emergency Management Reminds Residents about Preparing for Extreme Winter Weather

With the winter season rapidly approaching, Jefferson County Homeland Security and Emergency Management (JCHSEM) is encouraging all residents of Jefferson County to be prepared for winter storms and extreme cold.

It is essential to know the terms used to describe changing winter weather conditions as they impact what actions you must to take to stay safe. These terms can be used to determine the timeline and severity of an approaching storm. (Advisory / Watch / Warning). The NWS also issues advisories and warnings for other winter weather, including blizzards, freezes, wind chill, lake effect snow, and dense fog. Be alert to weather reports and tune in for specific guidance when these conditions develop.

Freezing Rain - Rain that freezes when it hits the ground, creating a coating of ice on roads, walkways, trees and power lines.

Sleet - Rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet also causes moisture on roads to freeze and become slippery.

Wind Chill- Windchill is the temperature it “feels like” when you are outside. The NWS provides a Windchill Chart to show the difference between air temperature and the perceived temperature and the amount of time until frostbite occurs. For more information, visit: www.nws.noaa.gov/om/windchill.

Winter Weather Advisory - Winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous. When caution is used, these situations should not be life threatening. The NWS issues a winter weather advisory when conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences that may be hazardous. If caution is used, these situations should not be life-threatening.

Winter Storm Watch - A winter storm is possible in your area. Tune in to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for more information. The NWS issues a winter storm watch when severe winter conditions, such as heavy snow and/or ice, may affect your area but the location and timing are still uncertain. A winter storm watch is issued 12 to 36 hours in advance of a potential severe storm. Tune in to NOAA Weather Radio, local radio, TV, or other news sources for more information. Monitor alerts, check your emergency supplies, and gather any items you may need if you lose power.

Winter Storm Warning - A winter storm is occurring or will soon occur in your area.

Blizzard Warning - Sustained winds or frequent gusts to 35 miles per hour or greater and considerable amounts of falling or blowing snow (reducing visibility to less than a quarter mile) are expected to prevail for a period of three hours or longer.

Frost/Freeze Warning - Below freezing temperatures are expected.

Before severe weather occurs, it is always a great idea to ensure your emergency preparedness kit is fully stocked.  During a winter storm, you need to be prepared for not having power, water, or heat for several days.  If you do not have an emergency preparedness kit, here is a list of basic items and seasonal items which should be included in your family’s kit:

·         WATER – Ensure you have at least 1 gallon of water per person per day for at least 3 days. (Store a longer than 3-day supply of water, if possible). An average person needs to drink about 3/4 of a gallon of fluid daily. Individual needs vary depending on age, gender, health, level of activity, food choices, and climate. You may also need stored water for food preparation.

·         FOOD – Store at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable food for members of your household, including pets. Consider special dietary needs (e.g., infant formula). Include a non-electric can opener for canned food

·         FLASHLIGHT, RADIO, and CELL PHONE CHARGER – You will need to be able to charge these items without electricity. Your flashlight and radio should be either hand-cranked or battery-powered, and stored with extra batteries. Your cell phone charger should be hand-crank, solar, or able to be charged from a car outlet.

·         MEDICAL – Include first aid kit, prescription and non-prescription/over-the-counter medications, and medical supplies.

·         SANITATION – Pack supplies for sanitation, such as hand sanitizer, towelettes, paper products, diapers, and plastic bags, for use when water resources are limited.

·         ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY – Include battery backup power for power-dependent mobility devices, oxygen, and other assistive technology needs.

·         EXTRA CLOTHING, BLANKETS, and SLEEPING BAGS – Dress in layers to keep warm if you lose power. Ensure you have enough clothing, hats, mittens, and blankets or sleeping bags for everyone in the house.

·         ITEMS FOR SNOW AND ICE – Stock up on rock salt to melt ice on walkways or sand or kitty litter to improve traction and snow shovels or other snow removal equipment.

·         WOOD – Store a supply of dry, seasoned wood if you have a working fireplace or wood-burning stove with a safe flue or vent.

Please note that this is a basic list of supplies that should be in your emergency preparedness kit.  Your kit should reflect your family’s specific needs (such as access and functional needs, pets, or infants).  For a more suggestions on what to include in your emergency preparedness kit, please check out: http://www.ready.gov/kit

It is also a good idea to prepare your automobile and house for the winter months.  Ensure your car is winterized (checking key components, fluids, and safety measures) and has its own emergency preparedness kit.    Ensure your home is ready for colder weather by insulating water pipes, cleaning out gutters, maintain heating equipment and chimneys, checking smoke detectors, and insulating walls and attics.

Finally, before the snow starts flying, be sure to sign up for Nixle Alerts. Using the Nixle program, Jefferson County Homeland Security and Emergency Management is able to send out emergency alert notifications by text, e-mail, Twitter, and Facebook. In order to sign up for these alerts, go to http://local.nixle.com/register or text your Jefferson County zip code to 888777 and then text JCHSEM to the same number. This is a free service.

For more emergency preparedness tips, please check out: http://www.ready.gov

The Shepherdstown Town Council will conduct a public hearing at its regular monthly meeting of Tuesday, November 11, 2014 at 6:30 p.m. at Town Hall.  The purpose of the public hearing is to receive public comment on the 2014 Comprehensive Plan Draft.  Copies of the proposed draft are available at Town Hall (104 North King Street) and by clicking on this link http://www.benchmarkplanning.com/shepherdstown-documents.

Town Hall Business Offices will be closed on Tuesday, November 11 for Veterans Day.  Commercial recycling will be on Wednesday.

Historic Landmarks Commission Vacancy

The Corporation of Shepherdstown has one vacancy on its Historic Landmarks Commission (HLC).    To serve on this Commission, you must be a current resident from within the Corporation. Join a new and vibrant group of volunteer commissioners who advise property owners on ways to preserve the historic character of Shepherdstown.  Sit in on one of our meetings to learn more about what our exciting plans for the next few years are. The HLC meets the second Monday of the month at 6:30 pm in Town Hall.

Letters of interest with qualifications should be forwarded to Amy L. Boyd, Town Clerk, at:

Hand delivered to Town Hall (104 North King Street)

E-mail to: (clerk@shepherdstown.us)

Mailed to: (P.O. Box 248)

Please call 304-876-2398 for more information.  Letters of interest will be accepted until the vacancy is filled.

The Shepherdstown Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing at its regular monthly meeting of Monday, September 15, 2014 at 6:30 p.m. at Town Hall.  The purpose of the public hearing is to receive public comment on the 2014 Comprehensive Plan Draft.  Copies of the proposed draft are available at Town Hall (104 North King Street) or can be viewed by clicking on the following link:

http://www.benchmarkplanning.com/shepherdstown-documents

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