MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Two of the longest-tenured members of Morgantown City Council officially took part in their final meetings on the council.
Councilors Bill Kawecki and Dave Harshbarger officially took part in their final meetings on the council Tuesday, where they capped off two separate multi-term runs serving in the Second and Sixth Ward seats. Both Kawecki and Harshbarger received commendations on behalf of the City of Morgantown during the early portion of the meeting, with each member of the council taking time out of their regular reports to
“When I first got to really know Bill Kawecki, the person from the TV, and I got to know all the different layers and everything about you,” said Morgantown Mayor M. Joe Abu-Ghannam. “I’ve appreciated the time getting to sit next to you and your experience on the council.”
Kawecki served on the Morgantown City Council for over ten years, originally swearing onto the council back in 2013. During his time on the council, he voted in support of developments around the Sunnyside neighborhood, the currently developing East End Village around the Richwood neighborhood, and numerous BOPARC-related projects. With a two-year tenure as Morgantown mayor to go along with his time on the council, Kawecki spoke fondly of his time serving the city.
“It’s unexpected and much appreciated,” said Kawecki in response to the kind words said throughout the meeting. “On this council, having been through numbers of them, you guys are among the best, and I really appreciate all of the work that you’ve done.”
Harshbarger served on the council since 2019, where he was originally selected to serve a two-year term. From that point, he was elected for another four-year term in 2021, where he served on the board of the Mon River Trails Conservancy as well as the council representative on the Morgantown Utility Board. With a desire to still work with the city in the future, Harshbarger reflected fondly on his time on the council.
“It’s been a pleasure to work with everyone during my time on the council and even before, just representing the Mon River Trails Conservancy,” said Harshbarger. “And I hope we’re able to have that relationship continue going forward.”
Both Kawecki and Harshbarger were given commendations throughout Tuesday’s meeting, with every member of city administration taking the time to address their tenures on the council. This included comments by Morgantown Assistant City Manager Emily Muzzarelli and Morgantown City Clerk Christine Wade, as well as one resident who addressed Kawecki in the early portion of the meeting. Morgantown Deputy Mayor Jenny Selin, who remains the longest-tenured member on the council, also gave thanks to both Kawecki and Harshbarger for their time serving.
“Thanks also to Bill and Dave for your service and your thoughtful way of engaging with entities and neighborhoods,” said Selin.