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County Actions to Change JCDA Raise Concerns, Questions
A County Commission vote to change how the Jefferson County Development Authority (JCDA) operates has led to concerns and questions from Charles Town, Harpers Ferry, and Shepherdstown leadership - as well as the JCDA itself.
At the March 17 Charles Town City Council meeting, Council Member Elizabeth Rickets, who represents Charles Town on the JCDA board, summarized the County’s proposed changes for the rest of the Council:
- Earlier this month, the County Commission voted to remove the JCDA bylaw requirement that all five cities and towns in the County be represented on the JCDA board.
- The Commission also voted to reduce the number of JCDA board members from 15 to 13, remove requirements that it reserve seats for business, labor, industry and agribusiness representatives, and disband the JCDA board’s agriculture subcommittee.
In response to Ricketts’ report, Council members questioned the legality of the County Commission’s action (referencing state law that gives the JCDA board the sole authority to approve its own bylaws) and why the Commission is pushing for these changes. The Charles Town City Council requested its attorney and Ricketts to provide a further report on this issue at its April 7 meeting.
Harpers Ferry and Shepherdstown’s mayors have also expressed concerns about the County Commission’s actions.
Earlier today, the JCDA board discussed the Commission’s proposed changes and voted to table any further discussion on the County’s current request. JCDA board member James Cook noted that the JCDA committee currently working on updating the JCDA strategic plan would be the most logical group to make any recommendations on the bylaws going forward.
The County Commission has included this issue on its March 20 meeting agenda for potential discussion/action.
>>> Visit ObserverWV.com for updates on this topic.
Shepherd Students Organize Leadership Conference
The Shepherd University Rotaract club had a full room for the “Shepherding Women in Business” conference on Saturday, March 15. According to Chloe Waldek, a senior at Shepherd University and president of the Rotaract club, the participants were a mix of students and professionals of all ages — and all women. Waldeck says she was inspired to organize this event by her experience working at an organization in Virginia that puts on CEO events. “I was hearing a lot of incredible things.” she said. “It made me think about how I could organize something that was local with quality speakers and diverse backgrounds.”
According to Waldeck, the event was sold out, with over 60 attendees. Shepherd University President Mary J.C. Hendrix provided welcoming remarks early in the morning. Carrie Bodkins (image above, at the podium), who was appointed Shepherd’s Director of Athletics last July, followed Dr. Hendrix during the welcome session. She spoke about her career path in a field traditionally dominated by men. Speaking about why she was participating in the conference, she said “the biggest thing for me is being visible as a strong role model and demonstrating leadership opportunities.”
Waldeck envisions that this event can continue, with Rotaract bringing in other campus and community organizations to collaborate and build upon this year’s conference.
Find the Rotaract club on Instagram @SU_Rotaract_.
A message from the Shepherdstown Farmers Market
Fresh, local, and full of flavor! Shepherdstown Farmers Market Opening Day is THIS Sunday, March 23, 9 am - 1 pm. For the best in fresh produce, meats, baked goods, and more. Outside on South King Street for our 35th year! On Facebook at Shepherdstown Farmers Market.
Sidewinder Looking At Options To Continue In Middleway
Sidewinder, a California-based investment company, purchased the former 3M/Kodak property in Middleway in 2021. Last week, the company presented a concept plan to construct a water bottling factory on the site. Following the company's presentation and 7 hours of public comment, the Planning Commission voted to reject the concept plan that was presented. Sidewinder responded to several questions posed by The Observer after the meeting:
Observer: Is Sidewinder committed to finding a way forward with the water bottling project or are you looking to present a different project for the site?
Sidewinder: We are pursuing all options. However, the Mountain Pure team will continue to work toward bringing a water packaging facility to Jefferson County. Our project team is currently weighing all viable options to explore the best way to bring this project to fruition.
Observer: If Sidewinder is looking to proceed with the water bottling project, what options would they consider to modify the project to overcome the objections raised from the community?
Sidewinder: We are in discussions with our team and are still pursuing a water packaging facility at this time.
Observer: Will Sidewinder be following through on the community investment projects that it had previously announced (specifically the support for the Jefferson County Fair)?
Sidewinder: Yes, we are happy to honor those commitments and look forward to supporting these non-profit and civic partners.
>>> Visit ObserverWV.com for updates on this topic.
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