REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 5, 2010:
The regular meeting of the Common Council of the City
of Morgantown was held in the Council Chambers on Monday, January 5, 2010, at 7:30
P.M.
PRESENT:
City Manager Dan Boroff, Mayor Bill Byrne, City Clerk Linda Little, Assistant
City Manager Jeff Mikorski, City Attorney Steve Fanok, and Council Members, Ron Bane, John Gaddis, Charlie Byrer, Jenny
Selin, Marti Shamberger, and Don Spencer.
The meeting was called to order by the Mayor.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes from the regular meeting on December 15, 2009,
were approved as printed.
CORRESPONDENCE: Mayor Byrne gave a reminder to
Council of the WVML Conference from January 17 to 18, 2010’ in Charleston, to
let the City Clerk know if you are attending.
Mayor Byrne then announced that this evening we have First Sgt. Steve
Ford and Detective Chris Dalton attending this evening being honored for saving
the life of a heart attack victim that crashed his truck on Brockway on
December 9, 2009. Mayor Byrne asked
Chief Phil Scott to come forward to present the Life Saving Award to First Sgt.
Steve Ford and Detective Chris Dalton.
PUBLIC HEARING-AN ORDINANCE REPEALING ARTICLE 1743 ADDRESSING FLOOD
PLAINS AND ADD A NEW ARTICLE 1743:
Pursuant to a legal notice appearing in the Dominion
Post, Mayor Byrne called for a public hearing on the above referenced
ordinance.
There being no appearances or objections, Mayor Byrne
declared this public hearing closed.
PUBLIC HEARING-AN ORDINANCE AMENDING 2009-2010 GENERAL FUND BUDGET:
Pursuant to a legal notice appearing in the Dominion
Post, Mayor Byrne called for a public hearing on the above referenced
ordinance.
There being no appearances or objections, Mayor Byrne
declared this public hearing closed.
PUBLIC HEARING-AN ORDINANCE AMENDING 2009-2010 COAL SEVERANCE FUND
BUDGET:
Pursuant to a legal notice appearing in the Dominion
Post, Mayor Byrne called for a public hearing on the above referenced
ordinance.
There being no appearances or objections, Mayor Byrne
declared this public hearing closed.
UNFINISHED
BUSINESS:
AN ORDINANCE REPEALING ARTICLE 1743 ADDRESSING
FLOOD PLAINS AND ADD A NEW ARTICLE 1743: The below entitled Ordinance
was presented for second reading:
AN ORDINANCE BY THE CITY OF MORGANTOWN
REPEALING ARTICLE 1743 OF ITS
BUILDING AND HOUSING CODE, ADDRESSING
FLOOD PLAINS WITHIN THE CITY, AND
ENACTING IN ITS PLACE A NEW ARTICLE
1743 WHICH ALSO ADDRESSES FLOOD PLAINS.
Motion by Gaddis, second by Byrer,
to adopt the above entitled Ordinance. City Manager Dan Boroff explained that
after the last meeting there were some minor amendments made to the Ordinance,
and Council can motion to amend those this evening. After discussion on amendments, motion by
Bane, second by Gaddis to approve minor amendments to Ordinance. Motion carried 7-0. After discussion on the main motion, main motion
carried 7-0.
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING 2009-2010 GENERAL FUND BUDGET:
The below
entitled Ordinance was presented for second reading:
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE FY 2009-2010
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 explanation by the City Manager, motion by Spencer,
second by Bane, to adopt the above
entitled Ordinance. Motion carried 7-0.
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING 2009-2010 COAL SEVERANCE FUND BUDGET: The below entitled
Ordinance was presented for second reading:
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE FY 2009-2010
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 Bane, second by Shamberger, to adopt the above
entitled Ordinance. Motion carried 7-0.
BOARDS
AND COMMISSIONS: Mayor Byrne complimented Terry Jones for
serving on the Mon. River Trail Commission and other Commissions and also his
service as a Councilmember Council then
by acclamation reappointed James Shaffer & Leanne Cardoso to the BZA and
Mike Shuman and Carol Pyles to the Planning Commission..
NEW BUSINESS:
Consideration of APPROVAL of FIRST READING of A SUPPLEMENTAL RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR THE
ISSUANCE OF THE COMBINED UTILITY SYSTEM REVENUE BONDS SERIES 2010 A AND
COMBINED UTILITY SYSTEM REVENUE BONDS, SERIES 2010 F: The above
Resolution was presented for approval:
City Manager Dan
Boroff explained the City will know more about the exact payment periods and
interest rates once bonds are sold. He also stated that the payment periods and
interest rates can’t exceed the limit set by the City Council. Mr. Boroff
stated that this project is the largest public utility project in the State’s
history. The Mayor suspended the rules to let Vince Collins from Steptoe and
Johnson to explain the bonds and answer any questions City Council had. After
discussion, motion by Gaddis, second by Bane to pass the above entitled Resolution.
Motion carried 7-0.
Consideration
of APPROVAL of FIRST READING of A
SUPPLEMENTAL RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF THE COMBINED UTILITY
SYSTEM REVENUE BONDS SERIES 2010 B AND COMBINED UTILITY SYSTEM REVENUE BONDS,
SERIES 2010 C:(WEST VIRGINIA SRF PROGRAM): The
above Resolution was presented for approval:
Motion by Bane,
second by Shamberger to pass the above entitled Resolution. Motion carried 7-0.
Consideration of APPROVAL TO
CONSIDER AND ACT UPON A PROPOSED SUPPLEMENTAL RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR THE
ISSUANCE OF THE COMBINED UTILITY SYSTEM REVENUE BONDS, SERIES 2010 D AND cOMBINED
UTILITY SYSTEM REVENUE BONDS, SERIES 2010 E(WEST VIRGINIA DWTRF PROGRAM): The above
Resolution was presented for approval:
Motion by Gaddis, second by Bane to pass the above
entitled Resolution. Motion carried 7-0.
APPROVAL TO CONSIDER AND ACT
UPON A PROPOSED SWEEP RESOLUTION PERTAINING TO THE AUTOMATIC PAYMENT OF
COMBINED UTILITY SYSTEM BONDS TO THE MUNICIPAL BOND COMMISSION: The above
Resolution was presented for approval:
Motion by Selin, second by Bane to pass the above
entitled Resolution. Motion carried 7-0.
PUBLIC PORTION:
Delegate Charlene Marshall, 1010 Ashton Drive, wished
everyone a Happy New Year and stated that she was here tonight to let Council
know she supports their 2010 Legislatives Priorities. Delegate Marshall invited each one of them to
visit her during the Legislative session or call upon her at anytime. Delegate
Marshall also requested that the City take a look at clearing the snow/ice on
Lakeland Avenue for when she was out there for a Holiday event, the residents
seemed concerned about their street.
Mayor Byrne commented that the streets that Delegate
Marshall mentioned are in the process of being adopted in to the City, so they
can be maintained by the City.
Joe Kaehler, Met
Theatre Manager, updated Council on the restoration of the Met Theatre
Glenn Gallagher, P.O. Box 1574, requested that a
crosswalk be placed at the intersection of University Avenue and Westover
Bridge by Wings Ole. Mr. Gallagher
commented that this is one of the busiest intersections in the City.
Ray Swager, Swager General Contracting, mentioned an
article by Dave Miline, Natural Resource Commission and asked for comments on
that article, for it sounds like there should not be any public input.
Mayor Byrne explained to Mr. Swager the process of the
Public Portion.
Mr. Swager stated that he has been around with a petition
and citizens have signed against this urban deer hunt. He
asked how many complaints did we get to warrant an urban deer hunt? Does it matter what people think?
Mayor Byrne said again someone will respond to your
comments
Mayor Byrne commented that we have the Public Portion for
people to give views and we have COW for round table discussion. Do the people matter, absolutely? We are elected by you. We make the best decisions we can with the
information we are given as an elected group.
There being no more appearances Mayor Byrne then declared
the Public Portion closed.
SPECIAL COMMITTEE REPORTS: No Reports.
CITY
MANAGERS REPORT:
INFORMATION:
Item No 1:
Attached you will find a
letter from the United Way requesting $500 to support Martin Luther King, Jr.
Day community services. Given the past
successes of this program, I recommend that the request be approved.
Motion by Shamberger, second by Selin to approve $500 to
support King Jr. Day Community Services.
Motion carried 7-0.
CITY CLERK'S REPORT: City
Clerk Linda Little announced that Deputy Clerk Bethany Sypolt had a healthy
baby girl on December 23, 2009, at 1pm.
They named her Allison Nichole Sypolt and everyone is doing well.
CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT: No Report.
REPORT FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS:
Councilor Bane: Councilor
Bane stated that when he ran for First Ward for Council one of the big issues
was deer. Councilor Bane commented that
the City needs both sides of the story on the committee and possibly Mr. Swager
would be willing to serve on the committee.
Councilor Bane requested that the Warners and Sunnyside-Up attend the
COW
Councilor Gaddis: Councilor
Gaddis also stated that the public always has a comment, and
I
can be contacted by phone or e-mail and am there to listen. Councilor Gaddis
said that even though we may not always agree we must understand all sides and
view points of an issue. Councilor Gaddis wished everyone Happy New Year and
looking forward to working together with an open dialogue of communication. Councilor
Gaddis reported that the next NHA South Park meeting is on 4th Wed
of the month and Greenmont NHA is the last Monday of the month and are always
open to the public.
Councilor Byrer: Councilor
Byrer stated we always need public input. Councilor Byrer said the issue of the
deer problem is long over due as it has been a health and safety issue in our
neighborhoods. Councilor Byrer also
mentioned the passing of Coach Gene Corum who was well know in the Community
and always referred to as Gentlemen Gene and offered condolences to his family
and his former players. Councilor Byrer reminded everyone that the NHA meeting
is the third Wednesday of each month and encouraged new members to join and
that all meetings are open to the public.
Councilor Selin: Councilor
Selin reminded everyone of the Farmers Market being held at the Marilla Center
on January 9, February 6, and March 6, from 12-3pm; Evansdale NHA meeting on
January 11, and Suncrest NHA on January 28th. Councilor Selin reported that the next Youth
Commission meeting is on January 10th at 2:30 pm at the Public
Safety Building. Councilor Selin stated
that there is a real need for a crosswalk at Pleasant Street and Westover
Bridge. Councilor Selin then mentioned
the Urban Deer Hunt and thanked Mr. Swager for coming this evening, and that
Council always needs public input on all issues. Councilor Selin agrees that there should be a
committee to look at this and as for her opinion thinks the City should
consider an urban deer hunt.
Councilor Shamberger: Councilor
Shamberger thanked Mr. Swager for coming to Council this evening and sharing
his information, I also share as with my fellow Councilors the same concerns on
the deer problems. Councilor Shamberger
informed everyone that on January 18, there will be a Martin Luther King
breakfast at the Mt. Lair and also the Coalition for Social Justice will have a
program from 12:30 to 2pm at MHS. Councilor
Shamberger complimented the Street Department for their cleaning of the streets
during snows. After hearing Bill Rumble speak at the last Neighborhood of Coordinating
Councils and explain the protocol for snow removal, our Street Department does
do a great job and they have a plan.
Councilor Shamberger had a call concerning the zoning signs the Planning
Department puts out, and commented that the signs are a great tool for it is
peaking citizens interests.
Councilor Spencer: Councilor
Spencer commented that the crosswalk that is needed at University Avenue and
Westover bridge is a State issue and mentioned to Mr. Gallagher that he should
attend the next MPO meeting to tell them of his concerns of this intersection
on 1-21 at 7pm. Councilor Spencer spoke
strongly of the deer hunt and how his neighbors have been support of this all
along and this is this first time he has heard of any one against the
hunt. Councilor Spencer continued by
saying he welcomed Mr. Swager’s input on this issue and City Council always
encourages the citizens to come to Council to give their opinions. Councilor
Spencer mentioned two national awards that were presented by The Governing
Journal (one was bidding and the other was asking different departments to set
goals for upcoming year). Councilor Spencer requested that both these processes
be considered to help improve the City. Councilor
Spencer congratulated the Public Works Department and the 6 Morgantown schools
(North Elementary, Woodburn, South Middle, Suncrest Middle,Trinity, and MHS)
for the snow plow blade painting program. Councilor Spencer asked the City
Manager for a road salt update? City
Manager Dan Boroff responded saying that this year road salt was $68 dollars a
ton and we have used 1000 tons and have 1300 tons for the rest of the winter.
Councilor Spencer closed his report in mentioning the passing of Gene Corum who
was Head Football Coach at WVU from 1960-1965, but he also supported the
construction of the Marilla Pool; served on Council from 1966-68; and he and
his wife Lucille were loyal Mountaineers and important contributors to life in
Morgantown. We are thankful for both of their lives. Councilor Spencer also
complimented City Administration on job well done on The Annual Report.
Mayor
Byrne: Mayor Byrne commented in keeping on
the theme of Coach Corum, the MLK Celebration will be coming up soon and Coach
Corum was the one that integrated our WVU Football Team and it would be fitting
to honor him during this celebration.
Mayor Byrne then commended the City Street Department for keeping our
streets clear during this snowy weather and explained the process in which the
streets are cleared. Mayor Byrne suggested to the City Manager that Mr. Swager
be added to the Deer Hunt Committee, and we appreciated not only his input but all
public comments. Mayor Byrne requested a
walking tour be done of the Gateway Areas of each Ward when the weather breaks. Mayor Byrne complimented the work done on the
Annual Report on a very modest budget.
Councilor
Gadddis asked that at the University Avenue/Westover Bridge crosswalk area, can
the State Highway place better signage there?
Mayor
Byrne stated that this is an MPO issue.
Councilor
Selin asked Mayor Byrne can this body make a recommendation to the MPO.
Mayor
Byrne responded in saying that the process is that issues go to the MPO
Director; then he forwards them to proper committees; then if issue is approved
by MPO, then Council can talk to the State.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further
business, the meeting adjourned by unanimous consent at 8:55 p.m.
_____________________________ __________________________________
City Clerk Mayor
*A FULL TRANSCRIPT OF ALL COUNCIL MEETINGS IS
AVAILABLE ON CD AT THE MORGANTOWN CITY LIBRARY.