REGULAR MEETING DECEMBER 3, 2002:
The regular meeting of the Common Council of the City of Morgantown was held in the Council Chambers on Tuesday, December 3, 2002, at 7:30 P.M.
PRESENT: Mayor Ron Justice, City Manager Dan Boroff, City Clerk Linda L. Little, Assistant City Manager Jeff Mikorski, City Attorney Steve Fanok and Councilmembers Ron Bane, Jim Manilla, Frank Scafella, Teresa Miller, Bill Byrne, Florence Merow.
The meeting was called to order by the Mayor.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes from the regular meeting on November 19, 2002, were approved as printed.
CORRESPONDENCE:
Mayor Justice commented on a thank you letter from Brian Kastick, read a letter from Friends of Decker's Creek re the acid mine drainage plan, noted the Senior Monongalians Annual Report and a letter from McCoy 6 about fire control with a check for $1,000.
Mayor Justice presented a memo from Bill McDonald about the Beautification Commission and Martin Christ's letter with a copy of "Acid Mine Drainage in Deckers Creek" and noted pH levels.
Councilor Manilla read a letter from Julia Thorn about permit parking in South Park.
Councilor Scafella mentioned a letter from Elizabeth Warnick concerning traffic and accidents on Willowdale Road.
PUBLIC HEARING - AUTHORIZING ISSUING PARKING REVENUE BONDS NOT TO EXCEED $6,500,000 FOR THE WHARF DISTRICT PARKING GARAGE.
Pursuant to a legal notice appearing in the Dominion Post, Mayor Justice called for a public hearing on the above referenced Ordinance.
Milton Cohen, 1060 Ross Street, spoke against the ordinance.
There being no more appearances or objections, Mayor Justice declared this hearing closed.
PUBLIC HEARING - AUTHORIZING A LEASE AGREEMENT WITH MYLAN LABORATORIES FOR HANGER AND OFFICE SPACE AT THE AIRPORT.
Pursuant to a legal notice appearing in the Dominion Post, Mayor Justice called for a public hearing on the above referenced Ordinance.
There being no appearances or objections, Mayor Justice declared this hearing closed.
PUBLIC HEARING - ENACTING SECTION 129.13 WHICH WILL ALLOW THE PAYMENT OF TAXES, FEES, ASSESSMENTS, AND OTHER MONEY DUE THE CITY BY CREDIT CARD.
Pursuant to a legal notice appearing in the Dominion Post, Mayor Justice called for a public hearing on the above referenced Ordinance.
There being no appearances or objections, Mayor Justice declared this hearing closed.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING ISSUING PARKING REVENUE BONDS NOT TO EXCEED $6,500,000 FOR THE WHARF DISTRICT PARKING GARAGE: The following entitled Ordinance was presented for third reading:
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ACQUISITION, CONSTRUCTION AND EQUIPPING OF NEW MOTOR VEHICLE PARKING FACILITIES, AND THE FINANCING OF THE COSTS THEREOF, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED, THROUGH THE ISSUANCE OF PARKING REVENUE BONDS, SERIES 2002, OF THE CITY IN THE AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF NOT TO EXCEED $6,500,000, THE PROCEEDS OF WHICH, TOGETHER WITH OTHER FUNDS OF THE CITY, SHALL BE EXPENDED FOR SUCH COSTS AND TO PAY COSTS IN CONNECTION WITH ISSUANCE OF SUCH BONDS; PROVIDING FOR THE RIGHTS AND REMEDIES OF, AND THE SECURITY FOR, THE REGISTERED OWNERS OF SUCH BONDS; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF OTHER DOCUMENTS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH; AUTHORIZING THE SALE AND PROVIDING FOR THE TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF SUCH BONDS AND ENACTING OTHER PROVISIONS WITH RESPECT THERETO.
After discussion, motion by Byrne, second by Miller, to adopt the above entitled ordinance. Motion carried 7-0.
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A LEASE AGREEMENT WITH MYLAN LABORATORIES FOR HANGER AND OFFICE SPACE AT THE AIRPORT: The following entitled Ordinance was presented for second reading:
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A LEASE AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE CITY OF MORGANTOWN (LESSOR) AND MYLAN LABORATORIES, INC. (LESSEE), AS IT PERTAINS TO MYLAN LEASING HANGER AND OFFICE SPACE AT THE MORGANTOWN MUNICIPAL AIRPORT FROM THE CITY OF MORGANTOWN.
After discussion, motion by Merow, second by Scafella, to adopt the above entitled ordinance. Motion carried 7-0.
AN ORDINANCE ENACTING SECTION 129.13 WHICH WILL ALLOW THE PAYMENT OF TAXES, FEES, ASSESSMENTS, AND OTHER MONEY DUE THE CITY BY CREDIT CARD. The following entitled Ordinance was presented for second reading:
AN ORDINANCE ENACTING SECTION 129.13 OF THE MORGANTOWN CITY CODE, WHICH WILL ALLOW THE PAYMENT OF TAXES, FEES, ASSESSMENTS, AND OTHER MONEY DUE THE CITY BY CREDIT CARD.
Motion by Scafella, second by Byrne, to adopt the above entitled ordinance. Motion carried 7-0.
PUBLIC PORTION:
Cindy Frich, 1248 Baker's Ridge Road, commented on the fires after the Virginia Tech game and mentioned the use of city workers at a city employee's home.
Milton Cohen, 1060 Ross Street, spoke about the Wharf District parking garage bond issue and read from the charter.
NEW BUSINESS:
SUPPLEMENTAL RESOLUTION PROVIDING TERMS OF THE PARKING REVENUE BONDS, SERIES 2002, OF THE CITY OF MORGANTOWN. The above entitled Resolution was presented for Council's approval:
After discussion, motion by Scafella, second by Miller, to pass the above entitled Resolution. Motion carried 7-0.
PROPOSAL FOR GARAGE GATE SYSTEM. The above entitled Proposal was presented for Council's approval:
After discussion, motion by Miller, second by Byrne, to pass the above entitled Proposal. Motion carried 7-0.
BID FOR WHARF GARAGE CONSTRUCTION. The above entitled Bid was presented for Council's approval:
After discussion, motion by Byrne, second by Scafella, to pass the above entitled Bid. Motion carried 7-0.
AN ORDINANCE ABANDONING ELMER PRINCE DRIVE, A ROADWAY BEING FORTY-FIVE (45) FEET IN WIDTH AND RUNNING A DISTANCE OF APPROXIMATELY SIX HUNDRED AND FIFTY FEET (650'): The following entitled Ordinance was presented for first reading:
AN ORDINANCE ABANDONING ELMER PRINCE DRIVE, A ROADWAY BEING FORTY-FIVE (45) FEET IN WIDTH AND RUNNING A DISTANCE OF APPROXIMATELY SIX HUNDRED AND FIFTY FEET (650'), IN THE FOURTH WARD OF THE CITY OF MORGANTOWN, MONONGALIA COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA.
After discussion, motion by Scafella, second by Merow, to pass the above entitled ordinance to second reading. Motion carried 7-0.
A RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT THE GRANT APPLICATION FOR THE COMPLETION OF PLANNING COSTS FOR THE WEST VIRGINIA BOTANIC GARDEN.
The above entitled Resolution was presented for Council's approval:
After discussion, motion by Merow, second by Byrne, to pass the above entitled Resolution. Motion carried 7-0.
A RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT THE GRANT APPLICATION FOR SPECIAL EVENT CONTRACTED SERVICES FOR BOPARC. The above entitled Resolution was presented for Council's approval:
Motion by Merow, second by Bane, to pass the above entitled Resolution. Motion carried 7-0.
A RESOLUTION DESIGNATING AUTHORIZED BANKING FACILITIES AS DEPOSITORIES FOR CITY FUNDS. The above entitled Resolution was presented for Council's approval:
After discussion, motion by Bane, second by Miller, to pass the above entitled Resolution. Motion carried 7-0.
Mayor Justice added a discussion of events of the evening after the Virginia Tech game.
CITY MANAGERS REPORT:
NEW BUSINESS:
Item No. 1:
Over the past several years the City has received numerous requests for a traffic light at Law School Drive and University Avenue. This consideration is complicated by the proximity of Eight Street. To definitively resolve the issue, I recommend the City invest $2,500 to collect the data necessary to do a formal study.
After discussion, motion by Miller, second by Byrne, to invest $2,500 for a traffic light study at Law School Drive. After discussion, motion to table by Merow, second by Manilla. Motion failed 6-1. (Manilla voted Yes). Motion carried 6-1. (Manilla voted No).
Item No. 2:
This time each year Council sets the schedule to adopt the City's budget documents for the new fiscal year as per state requirements. To meet these conditions, I recommend the following schedule be used:
SPECIAL NOTE: Budget Conference meetings may be scheduled after the proposed budget is presented.
Item No. 3
Attached you will find a memo from the Assistant City Manager reporting the status of TEA-21 Trail Grant applications. As per his comments, I recommend that the City file these applications again and one new one to meet State deadlines for a new round of funding - projects are trails for Krepps Park, White Park, and Marilla Park ($190,000 cost requiring a $24,000 City match).
Motion by Byrne, second by Merow, to file the TEA-21 Trail Grant applications again and authorize the match of $24,000. Motion carried 7-0.
Item No. 4:
The second attachment is another memo from the Assistant City Manager reporting on Requests for Qualifications from firms to do the engineering design work for the sidewalk and bike lane on Monongahela Boulevard. I agree with the selection committee's findings and recommend that Greenhorne and O'Mara, Inc. be awarded the project for $48,587.50 (this firm has good experience in imaginative installations of bike lanes).
After discussion, motion by Scafella, second by Byrne, to award the engineering design work to Greenhorne and O'Mara, Inc. for $48, 587.50. Motion carried 7-0.
Item No. 5:
The last attachment is from the Morgantown Historic Landmarks Commission requesting $7,500 for two special projects - the extension of the Greenmont Historic District and nomination of Dorsey's Knob to the National Register of Historic Places. The requested funds will be used as local matches for State grants to effect the work. Both of these are very timely initiatives and I recommend that they be approved.
Motion by Bane, second by Merow, to give $7,500 for the two projects of the Historical Landmarks Commission. Motion carried 7-0.
CITY CLERK'S REPORT:
City Clerk Linda Little thanked Woodburn Elementary students for making Christmas ornaments and for decorating her door.
CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT:
No Report
REPORT FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS :
Councilor Bane: Councilor Bane commented on the insurance issue, the airport intersection, water pressure problems caused by new development by the airport, and asked for more information on MUB stakeholder meetings.
Councilor Manilla: Councilor Manilla noted the airport intersection is a problem.
Councilor Scafella: Councilor Scafella commented on Willowdale Road speeding, neighborhood entrance signs and lampposts along sidewalks.
Councilor Miller: Councilor Miller also commented on Willowdale Road speeding, neighborhood entrance signs, and the Laurel Street sidewalk.
Councilor Byrne: Councilors Byrne, Merow, Bane, Justice and City Manager Boroff attended the M-TEC luncheon. Councilor Byrne noted the Library Annex open house and wants more information about the MUB stormwater meetings. Councilor Byrne said the Sunnyside Up group will support a bike lane and requested the participation of the City Planner with Sunnyside Up.
Councilor Merow: Councilor Merow noted the lack of sidewalks on Collins Ferry and Laurel Street.
Mayor Justice: Mayor Justice commented on the MPO and Solid Waste meetings, noted that the holiday lights have been restored, and that the Wharf District holiday lights are up. Mayor Justice mentioned the Holiday Parade and wished good luck to the MHS football team for the State Championship game.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, the meeting adjourned by unanimous consent at 9:40 p.m.
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City Clerk Mayor
*A FULL TRANSCRIPT OF ALL COUNCIL MEETINGS IS AVAILABLE ON CD AT THE MORGANTOWN CITY LIBRARY.