MINUTES

MORGANTOWN BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION

OCTOBER 5, 2005

PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING

Members Present: Bill MacDonald, Don Spencer, Ralph LaRue, Sandy Poulson, Marchetta Maupin, Donna Ford-Werntz, Chuck Penn, Marilyn Bowers, Kara Hurst, Special Guest: Mayor Ron Justice

Mayor Justice commended the Beautification Commission on the hanging baskets displayed around town.

There was much discussion about South University Avenue islands. The Department of Highways (DOH) does not intend to maintain them if we make changes/improvements to them and they believe there will be safety issues if we plant trees. However, it was noted that the Fairmont gateway is going to incorporate trees. The Beautification Commission is charged with developing a plan for these islands that can be taken to Charleston for approval. Then a maintenance agreement can be developed. We should consider the “line of sight” issue, especially on the far ends of the islands. Also, there is concern about the damage to the landscaping during winter when salt and cinders are plowed onto the islands. It was suggested that Kara get CAD maps from MUB - possibly an aerial view. She will also check with Terry Hough for assistance.

The mayor also discussed the Mountaineer Heritage Park. It was noted that CSX owns part of the property and the Army Corps of Engineers a section. The park pathway needs to be extended to the South University Plaza - the plan is to use the old road as the base. DOH wants to lease the area, which then creates another level of approval authority.

Julie and Amanda from WVU are working on the Alumni Park. The hope is to enhance the area and remove the “tombstones”, wall and dead cherry trees. WVU will work with the City to make certain endowments are set up for any future gifts. Work will be coordinated with Steve McBride and his students to develop a plan. We were shown a draft of items proposed for this area including a picnic area, a gazebo, a water feature, butterfly garden, flag display, etc. We also received a tri-fold pamphlet with a map of the area and suggested costs for memorial contributions.

After the Mayor’s presentations, the next topic was the tree that has been cut down on High Street. After some discussion, it was suggested that we get with Terri Cutright to review and update the Main Street Morgantown guidelines to prevent such action in the future.

It was noted that Chuck Penn is resigning for personal reasons. The Beautification Commission is looking for someone to take over his duties. Sandy Poulson and Marilyn Bowers will investigate just what is involved in managing the “Proud of our Town Awards” and consider dually taking on this duty.

Don Spencer distributed a hand-out on street designs and discussed the need for Morgantown to have a renewed sensitivity to community transportation as well as the promotion of trees that create a more beautiful community as well as a means of slowing traffic. He wants to revise the trend of cutting down trees.

Because of time constraints on some members of the Beautification Commission, we are going to have our October meeting on October 19 at 3:30 p.m. rather than 5:00 p.m.

The meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m.