REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 20, 2009:                                              

 

The regular meeting of the Common Council of the City of Morgantown was held in the Council Chambers on Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 7:30 p.m.

 

PRESENT: Mayor Ron Justice, City Clerk Linda Little, City Attorney Steve Fanok, City Manager Dan Boroff, Assistant City Manager Jeff Mikorski, and Council Members: Ron Bane, John Gaddis, Charlie Byrer, Jenny Selin, Bill Byrne, and Don Spencer.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes from the regular meeting on January 6, 2009 were approved as printed.

 

CORRESPONDENCE: Mayor Justice commented on the historic significance of today’s Presidential Inauguration and on all the events held on Monday celebrating MLK day. He mentioned the recent passing of Mon County Sheriff Bartolo. He commended the many nice events that celebrate all the different aspects of Morgantown.

 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

 

BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS:   There are no appointments at this time.

 

New business:

 

            AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A LEASE AGREEMENT AT THE MUNICIPAL AIRPORT:  The below entitled ordinance was presented for first reading.

 

            AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A LEASE AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE CITY OF MORGANTOWN, LESSOR, AND THE STATE OF WEST VIRGINIA, LESSEE, REGARDING OFFICE SPACE LOCATED AT THE MORGANTOWN MUNICIPAL AIRPORT.

 

            After explanation on the specifics of the lease from the City Manager, motion by Byrne, second by Selin, to pass the above entitled ordinance to second reading. Motion carried 7-0.

 

PUBLIC PORTION:   There being no appearances, Mayor Justice declared  the public portion closed.

 

SPECIAL COMMITTEE REPORTS:  Councilor Spencer spoke about the next meeting of the Pedestrian Safety Board where the final plan of the Pedestrian Safety Plan will be discussed. Councilor Byrne announced the next meeting of the Sister Cities Committee.

 

Councilor Byrer mentioned on behalf of the Morgantown Museum Commission that the Commission wishes to inquire about the possible renovation of a building on Clay Street. Mr. Boroff replied that it would more involve BOPARC.

 

Mayor Justice gave details on where BOPARC is on the bids for the renovation. He went on to state that the volume of flights at the Municipal Airport has risen and that is one fact among many that shows the growth and improvement of the Airport.

 

CITY MANAGERS REPORT:  

 INFORMATION:

Item No1: The City was recently informed by Comcast that it will increase local, cable television rates on February 1, 2009 (Special Note: The rate for Basic Service though will be decreased from $15.00 per month to $14.15 per month).  The rate increases for different tiers of service will vary, but the company says that the rate increase for the average customer will be 3.7%.  The company also says that on February 15, 2009, its Digital Classic customers will receive 17 additional channels.

 

Item No 2: FEMA has notified the City that it is awarding the Fire Department a $67,592 grant to help purchase exercise equipment (City match is $7,510) for the new Fire Station Exercise Room and equipment for the other stations as well.  The Department is to be commended for seeking this grant and the benefits it will make possible.

 

            Discussion began regarding the news from Comcast and the Councilors’ views of the changes being made.

 

CITY CLERK'S REPORT: As per Section 105.10 of the City Code, Vaughn Kiger and Jacque Williams have been appointed to serve as our Ballot Commissioners for the City Council Election on April 28th, 2009

 

            Motion by Byrne, second by Bane to approve Vaughn Kiger and Jacque Williams as Ballot Commissioners for the April 28, 2009 Election. Motion carried 7-0.

 

CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT:   No  report.

 

REPORT FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS:

 

Councilor Bane:                                     No report.

 

Councilor Gaddis:                                              No report.

 

Councilor Byrer:                                                Councilor Byrer asked that one item be placed on the COW agenda for discussion. He stated there are several intersections in his neighborhood which have no stop or yield signs at them, causing concern for citizens and traffic safety. He announced the neighborhood meeting tomorrow night and the neighborhood watch. He wished Mccall Allen luck in a race she is running this weekend in Miami.

                                                           

Councilor Selin:                                     Councilor Selin  announced the next meeting of the Suncrest Neighborhood association and the Year of the Child meeting after next week’s COW. They will make a presentation at the COW and she remarked that she is very pleased with the Year of the Child Progress.                                                       

                                                                       

Councilor Byrne:                                               Councilor Byrne wished condolences for the family of Joe Bartolo. He congratulated Naomi Butler who participated in the presentation at the Met Theatre. He explained how active she is within the community. He announced the next South Hills Community Meeting and the topics of that meeting. He commented on all the activities leading up to MLK Day and the Inauguration. He thanked all those who volunteer in the communities for everything they do. He also thanked all the City Employees as well, and encouraged everyone to heed President Obama’s call to action in community service.                                                      

 

Councilor Spencer:                                            Councilor Spencer thanked Mr. Boroff for his work on the Legislative requests, and hoped it can be passed onto the delegates before the session begins. He mentioned South/Walnut Street and expressed his gratitude for the removal of the power lines which make the entrance much nicer. He brought to light some power line problems on Boroughs which caused traffic problems and power loss for citizens. He spoke in opposition to these above ground power lines. Councilor Spencer remarked that the fuel service charge is still being collected on garbage bills. He reminded Council that the Public Service Commission had abolished such a fuel charge. He then inquired as to whether a refund is in order from Allied Waste and asked that the matter be looked into. He suggested that the City find and appoint a citizen to be a representative member of the WVU BOG, to ensure the future president of WVU takes Morgantown Citizens’ concerns into consideration. He thanked all involved in the MLK Day events and remembered the distinguished guests of years past. Councilor Spencer then spoke about his views of Constitutionalism and Patriotism.

 

Mayor Justice:                                                   Mayor Justice concurred with Councilor Spencer’s patriotic sentiments and expressed his gratitude for the high level of volunteerism in our community.

 

ADJOURNMENT:   There being no further business, the meeting adjourned by unanimous consent at 8:05 p.m.

 

 

_________________________________                  ________________________________________

City Clerk                                                                   Mayor

 

*A COMPLETE VIDEO TRANSCRIPT OF ALL CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS IS AVAILABLE ON DVD AT THE MORGANTOWN PUBLIC LIBRARY.