REGULAR
MEETING OCTOBER 21, 2008:
The regular meeting of the Common
Council of the City of Morgantown was held in the Council Chambers on Tuesday, October
21, 2008 at 7:30 p.m.
PRESENT: Mayor
The meeting was called to order by Mayor
The Pledge was led by “Den 9, Club
Scout Pack 60”.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes from the regular meeting on October
7, 2008 were approved as printed.
CORRESPONDENCE: Proclamations: Take a
Flower To Child Care Day.
PUBLIC HEARING - AN ORDINANCE RENAMING
AN ALLEY IN FIFTH WARD TO HOOVER ALLEY:
Pursuant to a legal notice appearing
in the
There being no more appearances or
objections, Mayor
PUBLIC HEARING - AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTIONS OF THE
ADMINISTRATIVE CODE AS THE SAME APPLIES TO THE TRAFFIC COMMISSION:
Pursuant to a legal notice appearing
in the
There
being no appearances or objections, Mayor
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
AN ORDINANCE RENAMING AN ALLEY: The below entitled Ordinance was
presented for second reading:
AN
ORDINANCE BY THE CITY OF MORGANTOWN RENAMING ALLEY A, WITHIN THE FIFTH WARD OF
THE CITY, TO HOOVER ALLEY
After discussion, motion by Bane,
second by Selin to approve the above entitled Ordinance. Motion carried 7-0.
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING
SECTIONS OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE: The below entitled Ordinance was
presented for second reading:
AN
ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTIONS 151.02, 151.03, AND 151.04 OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE
CODE OF THE CITY OF MORGANTOWN AS THE SAME APPLIES TO TRAFFICE COMMISSION
COMPOSITION, MEMBERSHIP, AND DUTIES.
Motion
by Spencer, second by Bane to approve the above entitled Ordinance. Motion
carried 7-0.
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS: By acclamation Charlie Byrer will be the Council
representative on the Museum Commission.
Councilor
Spencer updated Council on the topics of discussion from the latest MPO meeting
including air quality, the Westover Bridge intersection, and the Bike Board’s
recent achievement.
Councilor
Byrer reported from the Historic Landmarks commission that they will be
applying for grant funds to finance a Historic District in 1st Ward.
Mayor
Justice explained Councilor Spencer’s comments regarding air-quality and its
effect on Morgantown’s attainment status.
PUBLIC PORTION:
Mayor Justice began by explaining that the Presbyterian Church Housing
Project will be discussed at the COW and is in review by the Council. The
developers and concerned citizens can be present for full discussion at that
time.
David Biafora, Developer, stated that
in his opinion the Church should not be able to build their projects under
tax-exempt status.
Don Corwin, owner Win Corp, expressed
his concern for the Planning Commission’s approval of the project without first
tabling the issue. He said the project will have big impacts and needs to be
carefully considered.
Zip Shearer, 92 Chateau Royale Court,
agreed with the previous speakers and encouraged the issue to go under more
review and consideration before proceeding, and he looks forward to discussing
the issue at the next COW.
Mayor Justice thanked everyone for
their comments and announced that due to the concerns the COW will begin at
6:30 to give more time for a dialog with the community.
SPECIAL COMMITTEE REPORTS: No Reports.
CITY MANAGERS REPORT:
INFORMATION:
Item No 1: As directed by Council, Halloween this year will be
observed in the City on Friday, October 31, 2008 between the hours of 5:30 and
6:30pm.
NEW BUSINESS:
Item No 1: The next regular City Council meeting is scheduled
for November 4, 2008. Because of the national election, it would be appropriate
to reschedule the meeting for November 5, 2008.
By
acclamation Council approved to the rescheduling of the next regular City
Council meeting to November 5, 2008. Motion carried 7-0.
CITY CLERK'S REPORT: No Report.
CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT: No Report.
REPORT FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS:
Councilor Bane: Councilor
Bane brought to Council’s attention once again the Resolution that they adopted
on August 19th about the Sunnyside Up TIF District. He read from the
Resolution and reminded Council the amount of money being spent on the project.
Mr.
Boroff responded by explaining the TIF project.
Councilor
Bane expressed that he still not in agreement with the TIF project at this
time. He explained that because of the country’s economic condition there are
other priorities that far outweigh this project such as employee pay raises and
citizen’s needs. He mentioned that he walked his dog at the Waterfront area and
praised the development in there. He feels the money was well spent and that
there is a good chance for economic growth.
Mayor
Justice commented that in reference to the Trail, there is a fit station
provided by WVU and BOPARC near the Waterfront Hotel for community use.
Councilor Gaddis: Councilor
Gaddis mentioned the next SPAN meeting will be October 22nd at 7pm
at First Christian Church, and the next Greenmont Neighborhood Association
meeting will be held at 4pm at the Jones United Methodist Church on Green
Street.
Councilor Byrer: Councilor
Byrer was impressed with and thanked the Fire Department on their new Fire
Engine and spoke of his enthusiasm for the new Erickson Alumni Center and the
tour Council was given. He also mentioned that there was another water line
break in Wiles Hill and was glad to hear that MUB will be improving the
infrastructure in that area. He inquired as to the status of the oil and gas
rights leasing that were previously discussed.
City Manager Dan Boroff responded that
MUB, The County Development Authority and the City of Morgantown have combined
all unused and undeveloped public lands and are working with a firm which
specializes in mineral rights issues and leases to move forward with the
project.
Councilor Byrer reported to Council on
the election meeting with State Delegates and the League of Women Voters and
Charter Board member Don Price.
After the discussion Council by
Acclamation directed the City Clerk to move forward with implementing the Vote
by Mail by forwarding the bill from Oregon to Lisa Dooley of the WVML, Delegates
Marshall and Shook to be addressed by the next Legislative session.
Councilor Selin: Councilor
Selin thanked all involved with the Take a Flower to Child Care Day and those
involved Lights on After School. She reminded everyone that the Farmer’s Market
is still going on and encouraged all to keep shopping there until it ends on
November 1st.
.
Councilor Byrne: Councilor Byrne responded to
comments made about the recent MPO meeting, stating that in regards to the
truck traffic downtown he would like to bring the issue back to light and solve
the problems of noise and congestion and develop a truck route around
Morgantown. He also congratulated the MFD on their new truck and the
improvement it will make to the Department’s fire fighting abilities; and
thanked those responsible for the tour of the new Alumni Center. He concluded
his comments by speaking positively about the Sunnyside area and the
improvements that will be made possible by the TIF.
Councilor Spencer: Councilor
Spencer stated he has noticed a lot of noise from trucks on Brockway Avenue and
seconded the suggestion that the issue go back to the COW. He stated that in
reference to Sunnyside Up, it was molded after a plan made by Columbus, for
Ohio State University and assured Council that Jim Hunt is the best person for
the job on state, city and national levels. He mentioned that the Wiles Hill
group is working on their neighborhood plan and he reminded all neighborhood
associations to do so, in aiding the formulation of the city comprehensive
plan. He requested that the Public Art in Public Places initiative go on the
agenda due to its approval from Arts Mon. He said he enjoyed the Arts Walk he
took on Saturday evening from 6-9 and mentioned the Youth Ballet Theatre and
named Kenny Holloway’s daughter as one of the dancers. He told of the rescue vehicle
demonstration he attended. He asked that Homeless initiatives be talked about
again.
Mayor
Councilor
Gaddis quickly added thanks to the Municipal Airport for their Pilot Day and
asked for support for the WVU Soccer Team.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: Motion
by Bane, second by Bane, to go into an executive session pursuant to Section
6-9A-4-2 of the West Virginia Code in order to discuss personnel matters with
the following persons present: Mayor
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, the meeting adjourned by
unanimous consent at 10:00 pm.
__________________________________ ________________________________________
City Clerk Mayor
*A FULL
TRANSCRIPT OF ALL CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS IS AVAILABLE ON CD AT THE MORGANTOWN
CITY LIBRARY.