Council approves second reading to release historic sewer easement over two lots

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — On second reading Tuesday, Morgantown City Council approved an ordinance to release a historic sewer right-of-way easement over Lots 67 and 8 in the Morgan District, a measure council was told is necessary to allow the property to be transferred free of the city-held utility lien.

City Attorney Simon explained the easement originated from a U.S. government condemnation and quitclaim to the city in the 1940s–1950s and is no longer needed because the sewer utility now uses a different dedicated right-of-way. Property owners requested the release so titles can be conveyed without the city-held easement remaining on record.

A motion to approve second reading passed on roll call with five councilors voting yes; Mayor Trumbull voted no. The ordinance had its first reading on July 22, 2025, and the council closed a public hearing earlier in the meeting after no one present chose to speak on the item.

Attorney Simon answered council questions during the ordinance discussion and staff indicated the release is administrative — removing a title cloud where redundant sewer rights already exist on another dedicated corridor. The ordinance will take effect according to the city’s ordinances for adopted ordinances on second reading.