Speakers urge recovery transportation, opioid-funding for HOPE Project and maintenance of Civil War trail markers

Several residents used the public-comment period to press council on community needs.

Dave Sutton, who identified himself as a person in recovery, asked council to consider a transportation program that would provide rides to work, drug court and probation appointments to prevent relapses. "If you buy a house or van, that money is gone. This is money can be stopped, started," he said, and added, "when 1 person relapses... it's gonna cost taxpayers $25,000," citing health care and criminal-justice costs. Sutton left a written proposal with council and invited follow-up with staff.

Another commenter asked the council to pursue opioid-settlement funds for the HOPE Project at Village Square. That speaker said the state attorney general’s office had reviewed the HOPE Project application and "opined in writing that, yes, the HOPE Project at Village Square does qualify for opioid funding," and expressed frustration that no one had reached out to coordinate next steps.

Marcia Biglianca of the Clarksburg History Museum reported that five Civil War trail markers in Clarksburg are scheduled for repair or replacement and asked the council, the CVB or city to cover the $1,500 annual maintenance fee so the museum can continue tours scheduled for the fall. She noted one marker (near the train depot) is missing and that replacements would be installed late this fall.

Council members and staff responded by noting procedures for follow-up: the city manager invited speakers to leave materials with staff for further contact, and staff said the public-comment period limits on-floor discussion but allows follow-up off the dais. The council did not adopt policy changes during the meeting but requested staff follow-up where appropriate.