REGULAR
MEETING FEBRUARY 19th 2008:
The regular meeting of the Common
Council of the City of Morgantown was held in the Council Chambers on Tuesday,
February 19th, 2008, at 7:30p.m.
PRESENT: Mayor
Assistant City Manager
The meeting was called to order by the
Mayor.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes from
the special meeting and regular meeting on February 5th, 2008 were
approved as printed.
CORRESPONDENCE:
PUBLIC HEARING - AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE
CITY OF
Pursuant to
a legal notice appearing in the
There being no appearances or
objections, Mayor
PUBLIC HEARING - AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE PERSONNEL RULES OF THE CITY OF
MORGANTOWN BY ADDING A NEW ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY NO. 12:
Pursuant to
a legal notice appearing in the
There being no appearances or
objections, Mayor
PUBLIC HEARING - AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION V-7(B) OF THE PERSONNEL RULES:
Pursuant to
a legal notice appearing in the
There being no appearances or
objections, Mayor
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT BY AND
BETWEEN THE CITY OF MORGANTOWN AND THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF MONONGALIA COUNTY: The below entitled Ordinance was
presented for second reading:
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT BY AND
BETWEEN THE CITY OF MORGANTOWN AND THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF MONONGALIA COUNTY,
WEST VIRGINIA, SETTING FORTH THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR THE RELOCATION OF A
PORTION OF PRARIE AVENUE AND THE CITY OF MORGANTOWN’S ACCEPTANCE OF THE NEWLY
RELOCATED PORTION OF PRARIE AVENUE AS A PUBLIC STREET FOR CITY CONTROL AND
MAINTENANCE.
After discussion, motion by Selin,
second by Spencer to table the above entitled Ordinance. Motion carried 7-0.
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE PERSONNEL
RULES OF THE CITY OF MORGANTOWN: The below entitled Ordinance was presented
for second reading:
AN
ORDINANCE AMENDING THE PERSONNEL RULES OF THE CITY OF MORGANTOWN BY ADDING A
NEW ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY NO. 12, CREATING A HOME DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE
PROGRAM FOR ELIGIBLE CITY EMPLOYEES.
After discussion, motion by Byrne,
second by Spencer to table the above entitled Ordinance. Motion carried 7-0.
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION V-7(B) OF
THE PERSONNEL RULES OF THE CITY OF MORGANTOWN: The below entitled
Ordinance was presented for second reading:
AN
ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION V-7(B) OF THE PERSONNEL RULES OF THE CITY OF
MORGANTOWN AS THE SAME APPLIES TO FUNERAL LEAVE.
Motion by Byrne, second by Spencer to table
the above entitled Ordinance. Motion carried 7-0.
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS: None
PUBLIC PORTION:
Dave
Biafora, 325 Willey Street; Mr. Biafora reminded Council that he was awaiting
their phone call to set up meetings for discussion of the Fire Code
Enforcements of recent. He then commented on the BZA Board and stated that he
feels they should communicate more directly with developers.
Roman
Chuby, 102 Trevilla Avenue, Brookhaven; Mr. Chuby voiced his concerns on Sabraton
traffic congestion by suggesting the
removal of all 4 traffic lights on Route 7 to improve traffic flow in the area.
Jim
Hunt, Sunnyside; Mr. Hunt distributed his annual report on Sunnyside to the
Council. He agreed with Mr. Biafora by stating that communication is the key to
overcoming the issues at hand. He informed Council that the TIF District makes
quality properties for student housing possible, and this TIF in Sunnyside will
be a true textbook example of the purpose and good they serve. He concluded by
stating his open door policy to al present.
Ann
Cummings, 24 Lincoln Avenue, South Park, Chair Morgantown Tree Board; Mrs.
Cummings voiced her support for the position of Community Forrester which is
being considered in this year’s budget. She supported her comments by stating
that a Community Forrester could provide valuable services to the City such as,
tree failure clean up, storm preparedness and consultation of developments.
City
Clerk Little requested Clarification for the proper term to be used for the new
forestry position being considered. After discussion by Councilor Spencer and
Mrs. Cummings, the correct title of ‘Community Forrester’ was decided upon.
Colin
Kemp, 47 Willey Street, Youth Commission; Mr. Kemp updated Council on the
latest Youth Commission activities which included a visit to State Legislation,
the State Supreme Court, and lunch with State Delegates in Charleston. The
Youth Commission plans to ask for support of their teen center at that time.
Other Activities include the Teen Take Over in downtown March 15th,
Community Build with BOPARC May 16th and 17th on the Teen
Center, and Training on new Youth Commissioners on May 23rd and 24th.
City Clerk Little suggested that if
Mr. Kemp were to e-mail her the activities and information from the Youth
Commission that she could inform Council Members on his behalf.
Frank
Ferrell, 1309 Dorsey Avenue; Mr. Ferrell expressed his gratitude that Mayor
Mayor
SPECIAL COMMITTEE REPORTS: None
CITY MANAGERS REPORT:
INFORMATION:
Item No 1:
The proposed budget documents
for fiscal year 2008-2009 are presented during the regular Council meeting of
February 19, 2008. As per State law,
they need to be considered in the form of an ordinance during the March 4 and
March 18, 2008, meetings. During the
interim, additional information as needed or work sessions as necessary may be
organized.
Mr. Boroff commented on all the
upcoming construction projects to be outlined in the new budget, on which is
slated to be spent over 1 million dollars within the fiscal year. He also
talked about the pay increases recommended for City employees, as well as the
new entry level positions that were added with no tax increase needed from the
budget.
Item No 2:
As per your direction, the
City has scheduled work crews to clean the Downtown seven days a week between
the hours of 4:00 am and 8:00 am. The
City also asks Downtown Businesses and Property Owners to assist with this
program as well.
Item No 3:
This past year, the City
approved a master contract with David Kemnitzer to be the architect for the
restoration of the Met Theatre. As per
that contract, Mr. Kemnitzer will invoice the City for component projects as
they are realized. The first such
component (Theatre Marquee) has been authorized by Council and the architect
fee for this piece will be $30,650.
Item No 4:
Attached you will find the
lease agreement between the City Building Commission and The Square at Falling
Run, LLC. As you will read, this is a 50
year lease that will make City property available for the construction of a
parking garage to support the larger Square at Falling Run Project. The lease is provided for information
purposes and requires no action by City Council.
Item No 5:
As per your request, the
second attachment is survey results of fire inspection activities in other
Class I and Class II West Virginia Cities.
NEW BUSINESS:
Item No 1:
As per the Employee Housing
Assistance benefit discussed in recent months, I recommend that $50,000 be made
available to fund the first phase of the program. The Morgantown Housing Authority will
administer the program with support from City staff.
Motion by Byrne, second by Selin, to approve the funds
for Employee Housing Assistance. Motion carried 7-0.
Item No 2:
The third attachment is a
memo from the Assistant City Manager and a proposed contract to effect a
$19,000 disaster assessment study of the City=s
information technology systems. It is
anticipated that later this year, a companion contract may be considered to
implement recommendations made (estimated cost is $30,000). Based upon the value of protecting the City=s systems and the consideration that this work is
being done in coordination with the County Emergency Services Center, I
recommend that the contract be authorized.
Motion by Bane, second by
Item No. 3:
The last attachment is a
request from West Virginia Radio Corporation to designate the 15th
Annual Chicken Wing Cook-Off a community festival to allow controlled beer
sales. Given the benefits realized by
the Ronald McDonald House from the event and its success in past years, I
recommend that the request be granted.
The Cook-Off will be held August 16, 2008, at the Mountaineer Mall.
Motion by Bane, second by Bryne, to approve the festival
permit. Motion carried 7-0.
Mayor
Councilor Spencer inquired of the Square at Falling Run
Lease, expressing his concern for the width of the connector street being
planned. City Manager
Discussion
continued on the merits of the project, the importance of maintaining Right of
Way, and the need to carefully consider such and important lease document.
CITY CLERK'S REPORT: No Report.
CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT: No Report.
REPORT FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS:
Councilor Bane No Report.
Councilor Manilla Councilor
Manilla praised Student Government for getting involved with rental housing
issues, and encouraged them to meet with Mike Stone of the Code Enforcement
Department. He informed Council that Morgantown has an excellent ISO Code
rating where inspections are concerned. Councilor Manilla expressed concerns about
parking for the new Daycare Center in planning.
Mayor
Justice interjected assuring that nothing is set in stone and plans reflect
only what might be built. He said engineers are working on possible
traffic/parking issues.
He
continued by suggesting that restrooms on the trail should be locked after
daylight hours when trail is no longer in use. He also stated that he would
like to bring WVU Liaison Craig Walker to the COW meeting.
Councilor Byrer Councilor Byrer
informed Council that next Tuesday and Wednesday there will be a Hospitality
Round Table discussion to generate ideas to improve the downtown area after
midnight to make it a nicer and safer environment. He reported that he has
received many suggestions for transportation solutions and is eager to look at
them all. He encouraged all citizens to diagram out their ideas and submit them
to their respective Council Member.
Councilor Selin Councilor Selin
spoke of the Hospitality Tour on Feb 8th which took place from early
evening to bar time. A roundtable meeting is to be held March 11th. She
mentioned that she had attended After School Day at the State Legislature. Morgantown’s
Kaleidoscope program was represented there. She concluded by stating that next
time she will update Council on the latest Year of the Child developments and
plans.
Councilor Byrne Councilor Byrne
discussed the lighting on Wall Street, and called for better lighting on
Forrest Ave. as well. He mentioned the community forum on Code Enforcement which
he mentioned should include students, landlords, and Code Enforcement Officials.
He expressed that he is glad students are interested and said they are being
helpful. Councilor Byrne then spoke in defense
of the competence of the Code Enforcement Dept. He then gave condolences to the
family of Ernie Fortuna, and stated that the City recognizes he did his job
very well. He also told Council that Morgantown needs the support of the DOH, and
help with the creation of low budget, common sense solutions to the traffic
problems.
Councilor Spencer Councilor
Spencer showed appreciation for all citizens and students who participate in
public hearings and attend Council Meetings. He thanked staff for the
administration report requested, and also thanked Councilor Manilla and
representatives of Sunnyside Up. He then inquired on the when the Fire
Inspection meeting would take place.
.
City
Manager Dan Boroff answered that all the stakeholders should meet together in
Mid March to discuss the Fire Inspection and Code Enforcement issues.
Councilor
Spencer also asked about the progress being made on the large sign on Willey
Street, whether it is on City or private property.
Mr.
Boroff responded that the City Engineer has done research and came up with
definitive evidence that should resolve the issue by the end of next week.
Councilor Spencer then agreed with Councilor
Byrne that the DOH needs to help us to fix traffic problems. He continued by reading
a selection on how the Mayor of St. Petersburg, FL has dealt with City growth
and traffic issues in order to prepare Council for dealing with and
brainstorming for our own traffic and neighborhood solutions.
Mayor Justice Mayor Justice
noted that he has visited St. Pete and Tampa and agrees with Councilor Spencer
that they have made good improvements. He
mentioned Random Acts of Kindness week and thanked all participants. He also spoke of the Morgantown Theatre Co.
and noted their play was fantastic. He encouraged all to go see it. Mayor
Justice also reminded all present of the Winter Carnival this weekend. He
informed everyone that South Middle School and BOPARC have collaborated for many
years on an all weekend long music gathering to fight winter time blues, which
will be held this weekend at the school. He concluded by thanking Councilor
Spencer and Councilor Selin for gathering their neighborhoods to talk about the
new Daycare Center that is in planning.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Motion by
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, the meeting adjourned by
unanimous consent at 9:46 p.m.
__________________________________ ________________________________________
City Clerk Mayor
*A FULL
TRANSCRIPT OF ALL CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS IS AVAILABLE ON CD AT THE MORGANTOWN
CITY LIBRARY.