REGULAR MEETING MARCH 21, 2000:
The regular meeting of the Common Council of the City of Morgantown was held in the Council Chambers on Tuesday, March 21, 2000, at 7:30 P.M.
PRESENT: Mayor Frank Scafella, City Manager Dan Boroff, City Clerk Linda L. Little, Staff Attorney Steve Fanok and Councilmembers Frank Salucci, Tom Bloom, Teresa Miller, Ronald Justice, William Byrne, Betty McClain, and Jeff Burdoff, Assistant to the City Manager.
The meeting was called to order by the Mayor.
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: Minutes from the regular meeting on March 7, 2000, were approved as printed.
CORRESPONDENCE:
Councilor Justice mentioned he received a letter about parking problems on College Avenue, especially the 700 and 900 blocks, and has already talked with the City Manager. The City is taking action on that problem.
Councilor Justice also mentioned that the owner from Mario's Fishbowl will be calling the City Manager to set up a meeting to work out a parking plan for their new parking lot.
Councilor McClain mentioned that she has had calls about how dangerous it is pulling out of Burger King on Patteson Drive, and has had requests for a light in that area.
Mayor Scafella responded to Councilor McClain stating that item will be on the COW Meeting on March 28, 2000.
Councilor Bloom mentioned a letter he received from the South Park Association in reference to a problem of illegally parked cars in the South Park area, and cars are being parked on sidewalks and on lawns, which effects the entire community.
Mayor Scafella read a letter from the Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Highways on working out solutions to open the rails-to-trails and come up with alternate paths during the construction of the South High bridge.
Mayor Scafella read a letter informing Council and Citizens in Morgantown, that the Lower West Fork Watershed Association is preparing for the Riverfest 2000 to be July 2-4th at the Worthington City Park, and Morgantowners are being asked to enter a float representing the community. Anyone interested can see the City Clerk to get a form to fill out.
Mayor Scafella introduced Commissioner Bell to present a Make It Shine Award from the Governor's Conference on Environmental Education and Litter Control.
PUBLIC HEARING-ADOPTING THE BUDGET FOR 2000-2001:
Pursuant to a legal notice appearing in the Dominion Post, Mayor Scafella called for a public hearing on the above referenced Ordinance.
Frank Ferrell, 26 Outlook Street, asked Council to give a tax cut or reduce some of the fees. He added that the Fire Dept. has requested four stations and that could be done by hiking the fire fee. He mentioned the $500,000 set aside for the Rec Center. He spoke of the Police and Fire seeking a union and the fact that City workers have received raises each of the last 3-4 years. Mr. Ferrell spoke of the levies that failed in 1995 and 1996 and that gloom and doom were predicted for the City. Council candidates could campaign for a tax reduction.
Bill Graham, 532 Burroughs St., said that he and Mr. Downes met with the City Manager and had an excellent meeting. He thanked the City Manager for taking the time and asked Council to increase the cost of living raise to 5%, which would be an excellent compromise. He continued, asking Council to consider what this increase would mean to the employees' family and morale, and said the City is successful because of the workers.
There being no more appearances or objections, Mayor Scafella declared this hearing closed.
PUBLIC HEARING-CONVEYANCE OF PARCEL IN THE SECOND WARD TO GREGG METHENY:
Pursuant to a legal notice appearing in the Dominion Post, Mayor Scafella called for a public hearing on the above referenced Ordinance.
There being no appearances or objections, Mayor Scafella declared this hearing closed.
PUBLIC HEARING-CREATING A NEW ARTICLE 906 OUTDOOR DINING:
Pursuant to a legal notice appearing in the Dominion Post, Mayor Scafella called for a public hearing on the above referenced Ordinance.
There being no appearances or objections, Mayor Scafella declared this hearing closed.
PUBLIC HEARING-AMENDING SUB-SECTION 501.99(a):
Pursuant to a legal notice appearing in the Dominion Post, Mayor Scafella called for a public hearing on the above referenced Ordinance.
There being no appearances or objections, Mayor Scafella declared this hearing closed.
PUBLIC HEARING-AMENDING SECTION 373.01(c) INTENT OF BICYCLES UTILIZING RAILS TO TRAILS:
Pursuant to a legal notice appearing in the Dominion Post, Mayor Scafella called for a public hearing on the above referenced Ordinance.
There being no appearances or objections, Mayor Scafella declared this hearing closed.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE BUDGET 2000-2001: The following entitled ordinance was presented for second reading:
AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE ANNUAL BUDGET OF THE CITY OF
MORGANTOWN FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2000-2001.
After discussion, motion by Justice, second by McClain to amend property tax line and the contingency line items by $12,327 in order to have a balanced budget.
After discussion, motion by Justice, second by Byrne to pass the above entitled ordinance to second reading. Motion carried 6-1. (Councilor Salucci voted No).
CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF AN ORDINANCE CONVEYANCE OF PARCEL IN THE SECOND WARD: The following entitled ordinance was presented for second reading:
AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE CONVEYANCE OF A PARCEL
OF REAL ESTATE IN THE SECOND WARD OF THE CITY OF
MORGANTOWN FROM THE CITY OF MORGANTOWN TO GREGG
METHENY FOR A PRICE OF NINE THOUSAND DOLLARS($9,000).
Motion by Bloom, second by Byrne to pass the above entitled ordinance to second reading. Motion carried 7-0.
CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF AN ORDINANCE CREATING A NEW ARTICLE 906: The following entitled ordinance was presented for second reading:
AN ORDINANCE CREATING A NEW ARTICLE 906 WITHIN THE
STREETS, UTILITIES, AND PUBLIC SERVICES CODE OF THE
CITY OF MORGANTOWN AS THE SAME APPLIES TO OUTDOOR
DINING PERMITS AND PUBLIC SIDEWALKS.
After discussion, motion by Salucci, second by Bloom to pass the above entitled ordinance to second reading. Motion carried 7-0.
CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SUB-SECTION 501.99(a) GENERAL OFFENSES: The following entitled ordinance was presented for second reading:
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SUB-SECTION 501.99(a) OF THE
GENERAL OFFENSES CODE OF THE CITY OF MORGANTOWN
AS THE SAME APPLIES TO PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION
THEREOF.
After discussion, motion by Byrne, second by McClain to pass the above entitled ordinance to second reading. Motion carried 7-0.
CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 373.01(c) TRAFFIC CODE: The following entitled ordinance was presented for second reading:
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 373.01(c) OF THE TRAFFIC
CODE OF THE CITY OF MORGANTOWN BY ADDING TO IT LANG-
UAGE WHICH CLARIFIES THE INTENT OF THE CITY THAT
BICYCLERS, UTILIZING THE RAILS TO TRAILS OR ANY
REALTY OWNED OR LEASED BY THE CITY OR ANY OF ITS
BOARDS OR COMMISSIONS, ARE SUBJECT TO ARTICLE 373
REGULATION.
Motion by Byrne, second by McClain to pass the above entitled ordinance to second reading. Motion carried 7-0.
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS:
TRAFFIC COMMISSION: City Clerk reported that Jim Lattanzi is moving to the Planning Commission and this leaves the 5th Ward position open. The 3rd Ward position will also open April 1st due to John Frist moving out of the City limits.
CITIZENS' ADVISORY COMMITTEE: City Clerk will check with Anita Mayer to see how they are coming along.
PUBLIC PORTION:
Sherry Lung, U. S. Census Bureau, commented that filling out the Census Form can increase your funds. Ten years ago, Morgantown applied for Metropolitan Statistical Area but fell short by less than 400 people. The City has been very active in the process. The Census Bureau is always looking for Census workers; call 284-8869 locally.
Frank Ferrell, 26 Outlook St., said that College Avenue has been a sore spot with him with cars parking on the sidewalk, especially the 700 and 900 blocks. He remarked that garbage is all over again in the area. He also made comments about the 1% bonus and past levies, and added that residents should get something back. He concluded by commending City employees.
SPECIAL COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Mayor Scafella reported on the West Run Bypass Committee which continues to gather information and hear views. The Mayor brought a $500 request to fund a secretary along with the County Commission.
After discussion, motion by Miller, second by McClain. Motion passed 6-1. (Councilor Bloom voted No).
Councilor Byrne reported that recommendations should be made in May by the Housing Accessibility Task Force to Council. A committee has been formed to explore burying of power lines in the City.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT:
INFORMATION:
ITEM NO. 1:
The quality of City Government is dependent upon the skills, talents, and dedication of City employees. I am very pleased to inform Council that one of the real heros of Morgantown and Community Star Award recipient is Linda Craig of the City's Finance Department. Linda's rich, broad array of community works include the Relay for Life; Daffodil Days; Mon Pointe; Habitat for Humanity; and special Christmas programs. We are very fortunate that Linda is part of City government and very much appreciate the caring, selfless work she invests in enriching the community.
ITEM NO.2:
Senator Rockefeller has announced several, new aviation programs he has guided through Congress that will have an important impact on the City's Airport. The most immediate program will guarantee minimum entitlement funding for general airport improvements. This means that Morgantown will receive $650,000 in AIP grant funds this year and $1,000,000 per year for the next 3 years. In the near future, the Airport Manager will forward proposed amendments to the 5 year, Airport Development Plan for your consideration on how to best invest these funds.
ITEM NO. 3:
The City has exhausted appeals to employ protective barriers to keep the Decker's Creek Trail opened under the South High Bridge. In the near term the State and City will establish a safe, convenient detour that will allow Decker's Creek traffic pedestrian access to the Caperton Trail.
NEW BUSINESS:
ITEM NO. 1:
Attached you will find the bid results for this year's paving program. As per the Public Works Director's comments, I recommend that contracts be awarded to Dodd General Contractors Corp. [$69,268.56] and Greer Asphalt Co. [$153,955.68].
After discussion, motion by Justice, second by Byrne to award the contract for this years paving program to Dodd General Contractors Corp & Greer Asphalt Co. Motion carried 7-0.
ITEM NO. 2:
Attached you will find a request from BFI for a temporary rate increase because of current fuel costs. The request is for a $1.54 percent increase raising residential fees from $9.75 per month to $9.90 per month. Given the current fuel costs, the temporary nature of the increase, and the overwatch of the Public Service Commission, I recommend that the request be granted.
After discussion, Council decided by acclamation to take this as an informational item to let the public know that due to the rate increase of current fuel costs that the Public Service Commission has raised its fees by .15 cents.
CITY CLERK'S REPORT:
No report.
STAFF ATTORNEY'S REPORT:
No report.
REPORT FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS:
Councilor Salucci: Councilor Salucci mentioned that he will not be at the COW
Meeting on March 28th for he will be taking a class on how
to work a heart difibulator.
Councilor Bloom: Councilor Bloom mentioned once again the South Park
parking problem is happening all over the City, and it
could be that more students have cars, and there are less parking places, and cars are being parked in yards and on sidewalks and the City needs to address this issue.
Councilor Miller: Councilor Miller reminded Council of the Student Forum
that will be held on Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. at Percival
Hall to address some issues and concerns they are having.
Councilor Justice: Councilor Justice mentioned he attended the Greenspace
Coalition Retreat this past weekend and it went very well.
Councilor Justice also mentioned that he and the Mayor
continue to serve on the Recreation Committee for the
Mon County Schools Foundation and,as an update, everything is moving forward with that. The committee is pursuing some grant money and will keep council informed as it progresses.
Councilor Byrne: No report.
Councilor McClain: No report.
City Attorney: Steve Fanok commended Councilor Justice for his work with Boy Scouts in getting an Eagle Scout to work on Whitemoore Park for his project.
Mayor Scafella: Mayor Scafella apologized for springing the $500 request upon Council. Mayor Scafella reported a number of abandonded cars by La Casa and on Donley Street. Mayor Scafella Requested to put a stair from Knapp Hall to the Rail/Trail so people can walk to work. WVU is putting in a pedestrian
gate at Stansbury Hall.
Mayor Scafella asked the City Manager about the drops for lighting for the welcome signs. WVU is coordinating that and a local business will donate some of the fixtures.
City Clerk: The Mon River Trails Conservancy Board wanted Michelle Malott to serve on this board as liaison. Motion by Justice, passed by acclamation.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.
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City Clerk Mayor