INTRODUCTION

The goals established for the Public Works Department are as varied as the responsibilities with which it has been entrusted. These goals reflect the expectations of those who benefit from services the Department provides, namely citizens of this community and City employees.

In summary, these goals are:

• Provide the community with a safe and efficient roadway system.
• Provide the community with a properly operated drainage system.
• Minimize disruption and return life to normalcy during and after natural disasters.
• Protect the citizens' life and health from problems associated with substandard housing and hazardous buildings.
• Provide City employees with a safe and healthy work place.
• Maintain a safe and efficient City fleet.

CURRENT PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

The Public Works Department has three, different divisions:

• Engineering Division
• Code Enforcement Division
• Public Works Division

The three Divisions are currently involved in the following programs and services:

ENGINEERING DIVISION

• Street Paving: A preliminary list of streets to be considered for paving in 2002 has been prepared. $275,000.00 has been escrowed for the program.
• Landfill: The construction of the landfill closure is complete. At this point, any landfill work is maintenance. The City is now responsible for cover maintenance and environmental monitoring. This requires the periodic testing of groundwater, leachate, and methane gas emissions.
• Drug & Alcohol Testing Program: The Engineering Division administers this program for Public Works employees who hold commercial drivers licenses.
• Small Projects: These projects result from citizens’ complaints or observation by Department staff and are undertaken to alleviate problems related to drainage, roadways, and traffic.
• NFIP for FEMA: The Engineering Division administers the Flood Insurance Program for the Federal Emergency Management Agency for the City. Any development occurring within the 100-year flood plain must meet all federal and local requirements prior to the development. A draft revision of the flood plain ordinance is currently in review. This new ordinance, if passed, will bring the City into compliance with FEMA’s regulations. All parcels in City limits have been identified on the current tax map as well as a spreadsheet developed for tracking purposes for compliance issues. This will be an ongoing project.
• Pavement Management System: A computer program for inventory and rating the City’s street system is being implemented. This will continue to be an ongoing project. An inventory and rating have been placed on each street within the City. The rating will be used to prioritize the streets for paving during a fiscal year. It will also keep a historical track of the streets to determine what repairs have been done in the past and to help determine if additional and more extensive repairs are needed.
• Sign Management System: A computer program for inventory and rating the City’s signs is being implemented. This will continue to be an ongoing project. An inventory and rating have been placed on all the signs within the City. The program will be used to monitor compliance with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). It will also keep a historical track of the signs to determine when signs were placed, replaced, or repaired.
• Geographical Information System: A geographical information system (GIS) is being designed for use within the Engineering Division. This system will help keep a historical record of work done within the City (storm repair, street repair, traffic signal work, curb painting, signage, new construction). Computer hardware and software have been purchased and the Department is in the process of getting the system in place. Like the Pavement Management System, this is an ongoing project. A committee has been formed to include the City of Morgantown, Morgantown Utility Board, West Virginia University, MECCA, and Monongalia County Courthouse to determine if a cooperative effort can be effected among all entities involved to utilize everyone’s information. If successful, the result would expedite the City of Morgantown’s GIS system. The Engineering Division is currently working with WVU and MUB to obtain their recent updates to their mapping. The map scanner which has been purchased now gives the Engineering Division the ability to preserve maps which are deteriorating in the map room. Once scanned, the maps can be indexed and be made available for anyone to search and view the maps in a timely manner. The new software purchased along with this will allow the Engineering Division to modify in-house maps as well as maps brought in by the general public by scanning them first. This will also aid the GIS System.
• Records Management: All of the files, records, maps, etc. are being reviewed, reorganized, and upgraded for proper records retention. This is also an ongoing project due to the monumental amount of valuable information kept in the Engineering Division. The storage needs of all City Departments are also being evaluated and the necessary physical changes within City Hall are being implemented to meet those needs. Also, the committee of Department heads has been organized to evaluate software programs, hardware, etc. to move the physical files to a more digital format, thus eliminating the need for more physical storage space.
• Networking: A preliminary networking system for the computers within the Departments in City Hall has been done. This is an ongoing project.
• Grants: Engineering Division works with other Departments to prepare for different grants such as the West Virginia Transportation Enhancement Grant (TEA-21). These are ongoing grants which are applied for on a yearly basis.
• West Virginia State Department of Highways Projects: The Engineering Division works closely with the WV DOH to help coordinate DOH projects within the City of Morgantown
• Services and Permits:

1. Street Addresses: Engineering coordinates with the U.S. Post Office issuance of addresses for new residential and commercial buildings in the City.
2. New Developments: Engineering staff reviews new development plans to insure compliance with City regulations and standard engineering practices.
3. Illegal Sewer Connections: Engineering assists the Morgantown Utility Board (MUB) in eliminating illegal connections to the sanitary sewers in the City.
4. Storm Water Management: Engineering advises citizens on the proper procedure for discharging of roof drains, foundation drains, and parking lots and provides information about flood zones.
5. Street Lights: Process requests and make recommendations for installation of street lights.
6. Street Annulments: Engineering staff reviews requests for the annulment of streets and alleys.
7. Technical Services: Occasionally the Engineering Division is called upon by other City Departments to provide technical support in the form of information, recommendations, or counsel involving legal, cadastral, and other issues. Technical services are also provided to outside agencies such as the WV DOH, WV Board of Education, and the Monongalia County Commission.
8. Citizen and Council Complaints, Inquiries, and Requests: Engineering acts as a clearinghouse for all of the complaints, queries, and requests which involve the Public Works Department. A procedure is being developed to record requests, relegate them to the appropriate sections, and follow-up to assure completion. This will be computerized so that an ongoing data base of complaints and work done within the City can be maintained.
9. Engineering now writes stop work orders and citations to those who are found not in compliance with their grading permits. A total of two (2) stop work orders were issued this year along with two (2) citations for noncompliance. Engineering Technician III successfully passed the WV General Building Contractor’s exam which aids in this process.
10. Permits: Engineering issues and inspects for the following permits

    	12 Month Total
    Grading Permits	250
    Construction in the Public Right-of-Way	114
    Overweight and Oversized Vehicle Permits	7
    Flood Plain Permits	10
    Street Cut Permits	0
    Curb Cut Permits	9
    Sidewalk Waivers/Permits	0
    Garden Lot Permits	1

CODE ENFORCEMENT DIVISION

• The Code Enforcement Division of Public Works Department handles the following on a daily basis: (See Appendix "A")
• Issue Building Permits: Code Enforcement Division issues building permits for new constructions, building additions, and remodeling and repairs to existing structures.
• Inspection: Code Enforcement Division inspects new construction jobs, building additions, and remodeling and repairs to existing structures. A minimum of ten inspections is performed for new structures.
• Issue Sign Permits: Code Enforcement Division, after receiving approval from the City Planner, issues sign permits and inspects all new signs erected within the City. They also respond to complaints pertaining to signs.
• Issue Grading Permits: In cooperation with the Engineering Division, Code Enforcement issues grading permits for any grading being done, either in conjunction with new construction and remodeling or for landscaping alone.
• Plans Review: All plans for new one & two family dwellings as well as remodeling and additions for commercial property are reviewed for compliance to code. Code Enforcement Division coordinates all plans review through Planning, Engineering, and Fire Department. Any structures outside the expertise of the Code Enforcement Division are sent to BOCA for review and approval.
• Enforce West Virginia Building Code: All appropriate parts of the West Virginia State Building Code are enforced by Code Enforcement personnel. These consist of:
• BOCA National Building Code
• BOCA National Plumbing Code
• BOCA National Mechanical Code
• National Electrical Code
• FEMA Flood Plain Code
• Condemn Structures: Personnel seek out and cause dilapidated houses and structures to be demolished and the lots reclaimed.
• Enforce Municipal Code of Morgantown: Code Enforcement personnel enforce all appropriate provisions of the Municipal Code of Morgantown pertaining to building, zoning, signs, etc.
• Inspect Rental Housing: All new rental housing is inspected and existing rental housing is reinspected for compliance with all applicable codes.
• Complaint Inspection: Complaints pertaining to rental housing, weeds, trash and debris, junk cars, and other unsightly items are inspected as deemed appropriate.
• Unregistered and Over-Occupied Rental Units: Code Enforcement personnel are continuing to seek out all unregistered and over-occupied rental housing units in the City.
• Smoke Detectors: Issue and install, if necessary, smoke detectors to homeowners who cannot afford one at the present time.
• Assistance to Homeowners: Code Enforcement personnel assist homeowners who cannot afford to paint their homes with discounts on paint through local paint suppliers.
• Public Meetings: Code Enforcement personnel hold periodic meetings throughout the year with rental property owners, homeowners, contractors, and tenants to discuss and clarify code and code changes.
• Computer Access: A computer is set in the Code Enforcement Office for public use with the BOCA code installed.

The Street and Storm Sewer Section of the Public Works Division handles the following on a daily basis:

• Answer a wide variety of complaints ranging from streets to drainage to trees.
• Maintain roadways, curbs, sidewalks, and rights-of-way.
• Repair, maintain, and construct storm sewer systems.
• Sweep and flush streets and sidewalks.
• Trim trees and weeds, along with the control and removal of the same.
• Monitor and maintain drainage adjacent to City Landfill sites.
• Snow removal and deicing.
• Traffic control and clean up for special events - - WVU Football games, Parades, etc.
• Maintain and construct roadway drainage.
• Repair and install street name signs. This is in cooperation with the Signs/Signals Section.
• Repair and maintain guardrails and certain pedestrian handrails.
• Clean and flush storm sewers
• Assist other Departments and City Organizations as needed

Click to see larger chart

Signs and Signals/Building Maintenance Section:
The Signs & Signals/Building Maintenance Section of the Public Works Division handles the following on a daily basis:

• Install and maintain traffic signs and signals and street lights.
• Install and maintain pavement and curb markings.
• Maintain City Hall, Public Safety Building, and other City Government facilities.
• Provide janitorial services for City Hall and Public Safety Building.
• Operate a sign-making machine.
• Install signs as needed and requested by City Administration and other City Departments.
• Post streets with appropriate signage for parades and athletic events.

Click here for larger chart

Fleet Maintenance Section :
The Fleet Maintenance Section handles the following on a daily basis.

• Maintain and inspect the City fleet which includes approximately 180 vehicles and other pieces of equipment.
• Operate and maintain the computerized fuel pump station.

Click here for larger chart

The work force in each of the Divisions and Sections is as follows:

Engineering Division (8 employees)

Code Enforcement Division (9 employees)

At present, the Code Enforcement Officers have the following certifications:

1 Officer: BOCA PM/HI

1 Officer: BOCA PM/HI, CABO Mechanical, CABO Building

1 Officer: Master Electrician registered by the State of West Virginia

(Scheduled for BOCA certification exams December)

1 Officer: Master Electrician registered by the State of West Virginia,

BOCA PM/HI, CABO Plumbing, CABO Electrical, CABO Building, BOCA Electrical, Representative for the State of West Virginia of the International Association of Electrical Inspectors

1 Officer: BOCA PM/HI, CABO Mechanical, CABO Building, serves on the Board of Directors for WV Code Official Association

Public Works Division (57 Total Employees)

Division Manager 1 Secretary II 1

Street & Storm Sewer Section (27 Employees)

Signs & Signals/Building Maintenance (8 Employees)

Fleet Maintenance Section (6 Employees)

Operation of the Public Works Department requires special equipment, machines, and tools. All divisions and sections within the Public Works Department use computers and printers. The Engineering Division also uses a full size map scanner, a full size copy machine and surveying equipment.

The Public Works Division uses more than seventy (70) pieces of large equipment (including a skid steer loader, 1-ton dump trucks, a bucket truck for street and traffic lights, 1 ½ ton dump trucks, vactor truck, grader, sweeper, flusher, backhoes, hi-lift loader, mowing equipment)

PAST YEAR'S ACTIVITIES

The Public Works Department's activities during the past 12 months included the general and routine functions of the different divisions and some special tasks and projects. The following is a summary of these activities:

Engineering Division:

• Processed 594 work orders and complaints from citizens and council. These requests included complaints and inquiries. They were broken down between divisions as follows:

Street and Storm Sewer Section 147

Signs & Signals/Building Maintenance 205

Engineering 135

Code Enforcement 107

• Designed and administered the 2001 Paving Program which resulted in resurfacing 34 street sections totaling approximately 25,522 linear feet (approximately 4.8 miles) using 6,518 tons of asphalt.
• Began work on the 2002 Paving Program.
• Began installing bypass pipes on Burroughs Run.
• Administered the contract for the construction of a new Salt Storage Building at the City Garage.
• Administered the contract for the TEA-21 1999 Grant for the Sidewalks on Patteson Drive, Burroughs Street, Marilla Park, and Mississippi Street.
• Administered the contract for the TEA-21 1999 Grant for the Pedestrian Bridge at Marilla Park.
• Administered the contract for the TEA-21 2000 Grant for the Rail/Trail Safety Improvements and Crosswalks.
• Administered the engineering design contract for the Hazel Ruby McQuain Amphitheater Roof and Restroom project.
• Designed and built the first two blocks, approximately 950 lf, of the Beechurst Avenue Sidewalk Project.
• Administered the engineering design contract for the Norwood Fire Station Addition.
• Assisted the Parking Authority in the design and contract administration for the Wharf Street Parking Lot.
• Administered the contracts for the landfill environmental monitoring.
• Administered the contract for the uniform rental services.
• Continued the contract for the removal of an underground storage tank at the City Garage in order to meet federal deadlines for compliance of UST’s. The rehabilitation portion of the project was designed and completed. The treatment of the contaminated ground water will now be proceeding.
• Purchased new computers to aid in tracking work done by the Engineering Division, tracking complaints, and implementing the new GIS system. New software purchased which will make work done by this Division compatible with the Street and Storm Sewer Division and Code Enforcement. Software will also be used for pavement management, traffic signs inventory, and other engineering programs and projects including GIS.
• City Engineer attended several seminars in order to maintain Professional Development Hours requirements to meet State Licensing Requirements.
• Reviewed plans for several private sector developments within the City.
• Continued implementing the NFIP for FEMA.
• Purchased equipment, including a new skid steer loader and 1-ton dump truck, for the Beechurst Avenue Sidewalk Project.
• Aided in the submittal of the TEA-21 2001 grant for the renovation of Clay Street in the Wharf District and the Bicycle and Sidewalk on Monongahela Blvd.
• Attended Traffic Commission meetings for technical and City staff input.
• Assisted the West Virginia DOH in several construction projects including Kroger Traffic Signal and South High Street Bridge.
• Continued updating the Flood Plain Ordinance to reflect FEMA regulations.
• Performed an inventory and condition rating of all of the streets in Morgantown.
• Performed an inventory and condition rating of all of the signs in Morgantown.
• Continued reorganizing and upgrading the filing system and records retention for the Public Works Department.
• Continued reorganizing and general cleaning of the storage area and basement of City Hall.
• Worked with George Longenecker on the West Virginia Botanic Garden on Tyrone Road.
• Assisted with video projects for City Council as needed.

Code Enforcement Division:

• Processed 1,729 permits for work valued at $21,994,509. This includes several multi-unit apartment buildings and office buildings and brought in $60,483 in fees for these permits.
• Inspected 1,834 rental units for compliance with BOCA Property Maintenance Codes.
• All Code Enforcement officers now carry cell phones along with 2-way radios. This aids in the protection for the officer as well as making them more accessible to the contractors. It also improved the number of inspections that were performed daily.
• Two officers’ hours have been changed to 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. to provide better access to the contractors. Along with staying open during lunch, the Code Enforcement office is open 10 hours a day.
• A program has been instituted to catch property owners with over-occupied apartments. This has been very successful as we have caught and cited several property owners for violation.
• The Exterior property maintenance program has continued to be successful. Eighty-one (81) property owners were sent letters concerning trash on the property, 137 letters were sent about high grass and weeds, and 149 exterior property letters were sent regarding the exterior of the properties.
• Ninety-seven (97) houses had siding installed and another 104 houses have been painted. An additional 73 paint letters have been sent to property owners.
• Razed and removed 36 structures and the lots reclaimed.
• Officers attended several educational seminars to obtain C.E.U.s to maintain certification and to better serve the public.
• Issued 61citations (total fines were $6,917.00) to achieve compliance. Citations were issued for tampering with the smoke detectors, over-occupancy, unregistered rentals, interior furniture on porches, etc.
• Issued 23 stop work orders (total of $920.00 in fees) for working without a building permit, not building to code standards, no contractor’s license, falsifying contractors’ license, etc.
• More B.O.C.A. codes have been installed on the library computer for faster response to public questions and requests for assistance. This will also enhance time and quality of work performed by Code Enforcement officers.
• Cameras are still in all vehicles for better documentation of problems and for use in court appearances.

Public Works Division:

• Maintained City streets and storm sewers; treated streets for snow and ice; and cleaned leaves. The leaves are now being dumped at WVU farms for composting/recycling.
• Performed extensive ditching and culvert replacement prior to the 2000 Paving Program. This included evaluating and repairing all storm drop inlets and other storm sewer facilities.
• Performed extensive base repairs on Eastern Avenue and Highview Place prior to paving. A new storm system was also installed on Highview Place along with a public turn around at the end of the road.
• Replaced or installed new driveway culverts in several locations including Morgan Street, Devon Road, Rawley Lane, Oliver Street, Dorsey Avenue, and Hillwood Place.
• Repaired or replaced 40 storm drops. Many of these were total reconstruction as the Division continues to eliminate the concrete lid and replace them with bicycle friendly grates.
• Installed storm drainage and performed street repair at Lambert Street.
• Repaired or installed new storm lines on Cambridge Avenue, Simpson Street, Wilson Avenue, and an alley off of Lawnwood Street.
• Installed bypass pipes on Burroughs run at crossings on Woodland Drive, Valley Road, and Martin Street. The bypass pipe installation at Meridan Street is currently underway and should be completed by year’s end. The work at Aspen Street and Eastern Avenue will follow as weather allows.
• Constructed new sidewalks on Fife Street between North High Street and North Spruce Street.
• Constructed new sidewalks on Beechurst Avenue from Campus Drive to Fourth Street. This project required a separate construction crew that was hired on a temporary basis. Approximately 950 linear feet of sidewalk and curb were installed. This included approximately 50 feet of significant storm sewer repair and approximately 400 feet of sanitary sewer replacement. Six (6) new decorative street lights were also installed.
• Installed a new bench along the Caperton Rail/Trail near the Railroad Depot. Barrier stones were added or adjusted on a few occasions to prevent vehicular traffic from entering the trail.
• Performed significant base and pavement repairs on Rebecca Street, Christy Street, and Avalon Street. Repairs on Christy Street allowed for a wider entrance from Route 705. Similar repairs on Baird Street also involved storm drainage work.
• Patched and repaired pavement City wide using approximately 200 tons of hot asphalt mix and 50+ tons of cold asphalt mix. The nature of asphalt repairs has changed over the past few seasons. The majority of asphalt used now is not for pothole repair. While there are still some repairs of this nature being used done, the majority of the tonnage is used in larger amounts for the street repairs mentioned above. The “patch” crew spends most of its time constructing asphalt curbs that have become necessary due to deterioration of curb lines or as a result of paving practices of the past when milling was not valued as it is today. It should be noted that the change in the nature of asphalt repairs is due to the aggressive paving program that the City has instituted.
• Graded and repaired all unpaved alleys. This is especially necessary on an ongoing basis in the student areas around Sunnyside.
• Repaired guardrails on University Avenue and Darst Street. Pedestrian handrails were replaced on University Avenue.
• Assisted in the preparation for various projects for the City by private contractors. These include the sidewalks on Mississippi Street, Burroughs Street, and Patteson Drive, and the Salt Storage Building at the garage. Also, included was assistance for the installation of the fuel spill monitoring system at the City Garage.
• Removed 47 hazardous trees City wide. Also, beginning in June, tree stumps were routinely removed when feasible with the use of a stump grinder provided through the Beautification Commission. Eighteen (18) additional stumps were removed from trees that had been removed prior to the acquisition of the stump grinder. In addition, the Division also assisted with a tree-planting program in the Evansdale area.
• Cleaned streets and sidewalks after the winter season. This involved many man and equipment hours. Previously, the sidewalk clean up has been the responsibility of the property owners. However, this year at Council’s direction, several sidewalk areas were cleaned along the main routes. A new street sweeper was put into service for double and triple shifts. During the WVU Spring Break, a major clean up effort involving most of the Street Department and well as cooperation from some private landlords was instituted. During that week alone, more than 606 man hours were used to clean the City. Twenty-one (21) dump truck loads and eleven (11) pick-up truck loads of trash and debris were also collected from rights-of-way and some private property in the student populated areas. Each of these loads would be equivalent to as much as 50+ trash bags or 3-4 tons of loose debris. Also, approximately twelve (12) to fifteen (15) tons of material were collected from the streets by the sweeper and vactor trucks during that week.
• Assisted Main Street Morgantown with maintenance on trash recepticals and tree grates. Several new placements were made and a new method of placement has limited the number of vandalism complaints. Also, all the trash recepticals Downtown were rotated through the City Garage where they were steam cleaned and deodorized.
• Continued to monitor active landslide areas on Mineral Street, Forest Avenue, Union Avenue, and Kirk Street.
• Established a litter crew from May to October to pick up litter in the high-density population areas. The crew consisted of two (2) individuals (normally temporary personnel) who patrolled these areas for at least a portion of each day. Pickups ranged from street fire debris to household trash that was not properly handled and often amounted to a full truck daily.
• Assisted the City of Mullens, West Virginia in the flood clean up. Two (2) employees from the Street Division spent two (2) weeks in Mullens with two (2) dump trucks to help them recover from the devastating floods which occurred in July of 2001.
• Assisted the Airport in increasing security in the wake of the events of 9/11. This included the installation of additional guardrail and concrete barriers. The guardrails have since been removed, however, the concrete barriers are still in place around the Airport Terminal.
• Assisted Code Enforcement to secure several condemned structures.
• Provided special trash and yard waste collections for areas not serviced by BFI.
• Installed new windows in the conference room and secretary’s office in the Engineering Division in City Hall. This has made a marked impact on the comfort in this area of the building.
• Finished remodeling for Code Enforcement Division.
• Installed computer wire to interlink all the computers in City Hall.
• Constructed a storage closet in the lunch room at City Hall for Main Street and Finance Department.
• Remodeled the Finance Department offices in their entirety. This included moving the electric panel box, installing central air conditioning, painting walls, installing a new ceiling and constructing a new office for the Finance Director.
• Installed an intercom system in Council Chambers.
• Repaired a 400-amp electric service at Hazel Ruby McQuain Riverfront Park.
• Installed twenty-one (21) new electric drops for new Christmas decorations.
• Changed the lights on Hurley Street from 100 watt HPS to 70 watt HPS.
• Installed decorative street lights on Beechurst Avenue for the new sidewalk project.
• Repaired street lights on Green Street, South University Avenue, and Pleasant Street Bridge.
• Installed flashing yellow lights on Willowdale Road at McCullough Avenue and Center Street.
• Painted yellow curbs throughout the City for a total of 11.5 miles.
• Painted center line throughout the City for a total of 6.6 miles.
• Maintained traffic signs and signals.
• Repainted most of the blue curb in permit parking zones.
• Placed 2,688 linear feet of thermal plastic crosswalk material.
• Responded to routine calls generated by other Departments in the City including Main Street Morgantown. This included hanging banners, Christmas Decorations, etc.
• Installed/replaced traffic control signs throughout the City.
• Installed/replaced street signs throughout the City.
• Repaired, serviced, refurbished, etc. approximately 180 pieces of equipment and vehicles. The services are provided on an average of 30 to 40 vehicles a week. Time spent on duties is as follows: repair work - 40%, service work - 30%, paint and body repairs - 20%, and overhauls - 10%.
• Refurbished an old 1 ½ ton dump truck. The bed of the truck was removed and a new flatbed was made to replace it. Then, a spreader for snow removal was permanently mounted on it. It will now be a dedicated piece of snow removal equipment.
• Continued to set up a preventive maintenance program to track the work done to vehicles and equipment belonging to all Departments of the City.
• Continued with the inventory program of all parts and supplies purchased and used by the City.
• Continue to refurbish older equipment and vehicles to extend their life span.

In addition to the above activities, the Public Works Department provided services in the form of technical support and consultation to citizens and other City Departments.

Plans for 2002

In addition to the regular services, the Public Works Department has plans to:

• Resurface approximately 5 miles of City streets.
• Coordinate with WV DOH for rehabilitation of State roads within City limits.
• Continue coordination with WV DEP for maintenance of Morgantown Municipal Landfill ($2.42 million project).
• Continue work on the Caperton Trail, Decker’s Creek Trail, and the Hazel Ruby McQuain Riverfront Park.
• Continue to work with federal programs to obtain grant monies to enhance the transportation system in Morgantown. This includes sidewalks, bike trails, recreational trails, etc.[$1,000,000].
• Continue to work with local citizens and developers to assure that development within Morgantown meets all local, state, and federal regulations.
• Continue to improve sidewalks and curbs throughout Morgantown.
• Continue installation/repair of ADA ramps in the Downtown area as they are needed.
• Work with the Traffic Commission to resolve traffic problems in the City.
• Continue to rehabilitate and improve the appearance of the City’s older vehicles and equipment.
• Institute more public information announcements on the radio and in public forums as needed to keep the public informed of changes to the building codes and property maintenance codes. New ICC (International Code Council) codes will be replacing the BOCA codes effective January 1, 2002, and the public and contractors will need to be notified as to these changes. There will also be the creation of the State Building Safety Commission which will have a direct impact on how the Code Enforcement Office enforces the codes. Code Enforcement Officers will meet more frequently with contractors, rental property owners, private homeowners and tenants to inform all concerned of the changes within the codes and to discuss what impact, if any, they may encounter.
• Continue all programs within Code Enforcement Division including upgrading rental housing standards in the City. The Division will also place greater emphasis on code provisions pertaining to cleaning the City, both structures and properties, so that it will be a more desirable place to live.
• All Code Enforcement Officers will be testing for additional certification in other disciplines of the codes. Multiple certification is necessary in order for the Code Enforcement to keep pace with the rapid growth of Morgantown and the new laws that will be imposed on the Division.
• Code Enforcement has received the Insurance Service Office (ISO) rating of three (3). This is the highest rating of any city in West Virginia.
• West Virginia passed legislation requiring all Code Enforcement officers to be certified by B.O.C.A. in the type of inspections they perform and be registered with the state. Also, a mandatory 15 hours of continuing education per certification is required each year. Currently, all of our Officers are certified in one or more disciplines.
• Code Enforcement is working with the North Central West Virginia Property Owners Association in creating a new program in which Code Enforcement will identify low-income owner-occupied homes and property in need of repair (such as broken windows, rotten window frames, porches, steps, roof repair, lawn mowing, etc.). The North Central Property Owners Association, once notified, will use personal resources and manpower to correct the identified problem at no cost to the homeowner. This program is now up and running and a property on 5th Street is now able to take advantage of the program.
• Signs & Signals/Building Maintenance will continue to make the area roadways safe by maintaining and installing the appropriate traffic control devices. They will also keep the buildings where City employees work safe and comfortable.
• Fleet Maintenance Section, in addition to its functions, will be involved in rehabilitating and improving the appearance of the City’s older vehicles and equipment. They will also assure safe and reliable vehicles and equipment for the City. The Section will also continue the work on getting the records computerized so that informed decisions can be made regarding whether to keep a piece of equipment or vehicle or to upgrade and/or replace it.
• Other special projects will be added as the need arises.

SUMMARY

The Public Works Department is responsible for a great deal throughout the City. This Department is able to accomplish an exceptional amount of work with a minimum staff. This speaks highly for the employees that are within this Department.

The coming year promises to be as challenging and successful as this year. Construction work will continue on the Caperton Trail, Decker’s Creek Trail, and the Hazel Ruby McQuain Riverfront Park as river front development will always be occurring. Additional development will continue along the river front in the Wharf District [ the proposed hotel and convention center, and the proposed parking garage]. Work will continue throughout the City to make it safer for pedestrians and bicyclist by addressing sidewalk issues. Next year’s paving program will be just as successful as past years. The Code Enforcement Division will continue to improve and be a model for the entire state [several West Virginia municipalities continue to send their personnel to Morgantown for help in developing their programs]. Code Enforcement will continue its education; certifications for officers; removal of dilapidated structures; and improving existing housing and structures. It is anticipated that within the next few years a powerful GIS system will be in place along with other record keeping programs to help serve the citizens of Morgantown by increasing efficiency and productivity. It is an exciting time for the Public Works Department of the City of Morgantown.