Hagerstown’s flood recovery efforts were central at the town’s Nov. 2 council meeting. Town manager Chris LaMar provided updates on repairs, including replacing the well house generator.
The council received initial quotes for a diesel and gas generator, with the latter including electrical modifications. While council preferred the gas option given diesel can expire over time, they optioned to review the exact specifications for new bid proposals and conduct a thorough assessment of current well house functions.
FEMA’s assessments continue as the wastewater plant’s garage was restored with the office’s cabinetry and carpet to follow, and plant catwalk designs will be ready by next month. A new plant operator will lead as Crystal Taylor transitions from the role and Brady Favorite will begin the new water plant apprenticeship program in January.
LaMar reported electrical work in Graceland Heights was complete following a small outage on Oct. 16, and leaf pickup will continue through mid-December. Comcast and New Lisbon will provide new internet options for residents and the levy adjacent to Nettle Creek Hardware was cleaned and fixed.
Attorney Jon Madison said talks with INDOT, the Federal Railway Association and Southern Norfolk regarding the damaged railway near AutoCar had paused. Council member Donnie Benedict fears a short-term fix could make them liable for any future incidents. Madison had previously recommended laying two inches of asphalt to relieve the spur. Member Chris Blaase hopes to see a designated truck route to detour major loads from town streets.
In public comments, Heart of Hagerstown’s Michelle Huntington shared that the Fall Festival went exceptionally well and will take place in the same area next year. The Dec. 5 Hometown Christmas event is fully booked and will replace carriage rides with hay rides.
In reports, police had 222 calls in October and will assist with traffic control for the Nov. 7 tire recycling event. The fire department had 36 calls last month, has one of two engines repaired, received a $5,000 feed mill donation and will host its Nov. 14 chili dinner where veterans eat free. Fire Chief Rick Cole added the new 800 megahertz radios worked well in the junior/senior high school, but not in the elementary school. The airport had two fly-ins last month and will not host the soccer club next year. Advisory planning commission discussed potential data centers’ impact on electricity and water usage, though no specific projects are planned.
Council approved a resolution for a federal grant procurement policy for FEMA funds, introduced three ordinances for first reading and approved the 2027 meeting schedule.
The next scheduled meeting is Dec. 7 at 6:30 p.m., 49 E. College St., Hagerstown. The public may attend. Town hall will be closed on Nov. 26 and 27 for Thanksgiving.
A version of this article appeared in the November 11 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.
