REGULAR MEETING JULY 17, 2007:
The regular meeting of the Common Council of the City of Morgantown was held in the Council Chambers on Tuesday, July 17, 2007, at 7:42P.M.
PRESENT: Mayor Ron Justice, City Manager Dan Boroff, Secretary Donna Roberts, City Attorney Steve Fanok, Assistant City Manager Jeff Mikorski, and Council Members Jim Manilla, Charlie Byrer, Jenny Selin, Bill Byrne, Don Spencer. Linda Little and Ron Bane Absent.
The meeting was called to order by the Mayor.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes from the regular meeting on July 2, 2007, were approved as printed.
CORRESPONDENCE:
Mayor Justice noted the City Clerk was called out of town; mentioned an Alpha Associates letter to Grand Central Apartments; and asked Vision 4 Our Children for a brief presentation. Brandi Potuck and Lynn Sobolov spoke.
PUBLIC HEARING - AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE FY 2007-2008 ANNUAL BUDGET AS APPLIES TO THE COAL SEVERANCE FUND:
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 public hearing closed.
PUBLIC HEARING - AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE TRAFFIC CODE FOR PARKING METER ZONES AND TIME LIMITS AND FEES :
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 public hearing closed.
PUBLIC HEARING - AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A LEASE WITH WVU FOR HOME FOOTBALL GAME PARKING :
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 public hearing closed.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE FY 2007-2008 ANNUAL BUDGET AS APPLIES TO THE COAL SEVERANCE FUND: The below entitled Ordinance was presented for second reading:
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE FY 2007-2008 ANNUAL BUDGET OF THE CITY OF MORGANTOWN AS SHOWN IN THE REVISED BUDGET ATTACHED HERETO AND MADE A PART OF THIS ORDINANCE AS THE SAME APPLIES TO THE COAL SEVERANCE FUND.
Motion by Spencer, second by Byrne, to adopt the above entitled ordinance. Motion carried 6-0. (Bane Absent.)
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE TRAFFIC CODE FOR PARKING METER ZONES AND TIME LIMITS AND FEES: The below entitled Ordinance was presented for second reading:
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTIONS 363.02 AND 363.08 OF THE CITY OF MORGANTOWN TRAFFIC CODE AS THE SAME APPLIES TO DESIGNATED PARKING METER ZONES AND PARKING TIME LIMITS AND FEES.
Motion by Manilla, second by Byrne, to adopt the above entitled ordinance. Motion carried 6-0. (Bane Absent.)
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A LEASE WITH WVU FOR HOME FOOTBALL GAME PARKING: The below entitled Ordinance was presented for second reading:
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A LEASE AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE CITY OF MORGANTOWN (LESSOR) AND THE WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY BOARD OF GOVERNORS (TENANT), REGARDING WVU’S LEASE OF CITY OF MORGANTOWN REALTY FOR THE USE OF PARKING DURING WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY HOME FOOTBALL GAMES.
After discussion, motion by Byrne, second by Spencer, to adopt the above entitled ordinance. Motion carried 6-0. (Bane Absent.)
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS:
By acclamation, Frank Scafella was reappointed to BOPARC and Theresa Rich was appointed to the Planning Commission.
PUBLIC PORTION:
There being no appearances or objections, Mayor Justice declared this public portion closed.
SPECIAL COMMITTEE REPORTS:
No Reports.
NEW BUSINESS:
AN ORDINANCE REZONING TWELVE PARCELS FROM O-I TO PUD IN THE FOURTH WARD: The below entitled Ordinance was presented for first reading:
AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE ZONING RECLASSIFICATION OF ALL OR A PORTION OF TWELVE PARCELS OF REAL ESTATE IN THE FOURTH WARD OF THE CITY OF MORGANTOWN FROM O-1, OFFICE AND INSTITUTIONAL DISTRICT TO PUD, PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT BY AMENDING ARTICLE 1331.02 OF THE PLANNING & ZONING CODE OF THE CITY OF MORGANTOWN AS SHOWN ON THE EXHIBIT HERETO ATTACHED AND DECLARED TO BE A PART OF THIS ORDINANCE AS IF THE SAME WAS FULLY SET FORTH THEREIN.
The rules were suspended to allow Monty Warner to explain the traffic study. After the City Manager’s explanation and discussion, motion by Spencer, second by Byrne, to pass the above entitled Ordinance to second reading. Motion carried 6-0. (Bane Absent.)
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE FY 2007-2008 ANNUAL BUDGET OF THE GENERAL FUND: The below entitled Ordinance was presented for first reading:
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE FY 2007-2008 ANNUAL BUDGET OF THE CITY OF MORGANTOWN AS SHOWN IN THE REVISED BUDGET ATTACHED HERETO AND MADE A PART OF THIS ORDINANCE AS THE SAME APPLIES TO THE GENERAL FUND.
After the City Manager’s explanation, motion by Byrne, second by Spencer, to pass the above entitled Ordinance to second reading. Motion carried 6-0. (Bane Absent.)
CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF A RESOLUTION APPLYING FOR AND AUTHORIZING A JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANT TO CONTINUE A MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL DRUG AND VIOLENT CRIME CONTROL TASK FORCE: The above entitled Resolution was presented for Council’s approval:
Motion by Byrne, second by Manilla, to approve the above entitled Resolution. Motion carried 6-0. (Bane Absent.)
CITY MANAGERS REPORT:
INFORMATION:
Item No 1:
The US Census Bureau has released population estimates for US Cities as of July 1, 2006. The Bureau’s estimate for Morgantown is 28,654 up from 26,809 reported in the 2000 Census. Regarding this, it was recently reported in the Huntington Herald Dispatch that at this rate of growth, Morgantown will move from the fifth largest City in WV to the third largest City within ten years.
Item No 2:
The Morgantown Police Department has been awarded a Homeland Security Grant to acquire the Search Cam 2000 (a specialized color camera system that can be extended a safe distance to view objects over walls, around corners, and under debris). Morgantown is the only City in the State to receive this piece of disaster equipment valued at $17,000 and consequently will be better prepared to contend with dangerous situations.
Item No 3:
I am pleased to report that Governor Manchin has appointed FFFC Brian Jones and City Planner Chris Fletcher to the West Virginia Municipal Home Rule Board that will consider applications for Pilot Home Rule Cities in the near future. These appointments speak well of FFFC Jones, Mr. Fletcher, and the City of Morgantown.
NEW BUSINESS:
Item No 1:
Attached is a memo from the Police Chief reporting bid results for uniforms and related equipment. I agree with his findings and recommend that the contract be awarded to the low bidder WV Uniforms.
Motion by Byrne, second by Manilla, to approve the recommended bid to the low bidder WV Uniforms. Motion carried 6-0. (Bane Absent.)
Item No 2:
The second attachment is a proposed engagement letter from Steptoe & Johnson to assist the City with technical Home Rule considerations for a cost not to exceed $10,000. Related to this initiative, the City is also planning two community workshops seeking Home Rule suggestions tentatively scheduled for September 11 and 17, 2007. Based upon the complexity of Home Rule opportunities, I recommend that Steptoe and Johnson be employed.
After discussion, motion by Spencer, second by Selin, to approve. Motion carried 6-0. (Bane Absent.)
Item No 3:
The third attachment is a letter from Ronald McDonald House Charities of Morgantown requesting a Fair Permit to allow outside beer and wine sales at Archie’s as part of the WV Mountainfest Motorcycle Rally. Given the past success of this event and the good works of the Ronald McDonald House, I recommend that the request be granted.
After discussion, motion by Manilla, second by Byrne, to grant a Fair Permit to allow outside beer and wine sales at Archie’s as part of the WV Mountainfest Motorcycle Rally to benefit the Ronald McDonald House. Motion carried 6-0. (Bane Absent.)
CITY CLERK'S REPORT:
Secretary Roberts gave a reminder of the hot dog sale.
CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT:
No Report.
REPORT FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS:
Councilor Bane: Absent.
Councilor Manilla: Councilor Manilla suggested closing High Street for Kids’ Day; commended police presence on Grand Street; and requested local delegates address BZA membership at the state level.
Councilor Byrer: Councilor Byrer commended Kids’ Day and his participating Neighborhood Watch group; clarified traffic concerns for the Grand Central PUD because of the new PUD constricting traffic at Protzman and Vangilder; and announced National Night Out.
Councilor Selin: Councilor Selin gave positive comments about the Farmers’ Market.
Councilor Byrne: No Report.
Councilor Spencer: Councilor Spencer discussed the more than 6,000 people landing at the airport in May; requested the BZA be expanded to 7 members; mentioned High Street streetscape compliments; thanked Public Works for Collins Ferry sidewalk and BOPARC for the picnic table/canopy at Suncrest mini-park; and announced the Suncrest Neighborhood Association venue change.
Mayor Justice: Mayor Justice asked for a Councilor to attend the national conference with Vision 4 Our Children. Motion by Spencer, second by Manilla to approve. Motion carried 6-0. (Bane Absent.) Council concurred on recommending names for the ad hoc task force on children. Mayor Justice complimented Kids’ Day and the steel drum concert; thanked the CVB and Manette Foundation; advised of the Hoops Group growth; and announced future meetings.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, the meeting adjourned by unanimous consent at 8:42 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.