REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 1, 2011: The regular meeting of the Common Council of the City of Morgantown was held in the Council Chambers on Monday February 1, 2011 at 7:30 P.M.

PRESENT: City Manager Terrence Moore, Assistant City Manager Jeff Mikorski, Mayor Bill Byrne, City Clerk Linda Little, Council Members Ron Bane, John Gaddis, Charlie Byrer, Jenny Selin, Marti Shamberger and Don Spencer.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes from the Special and Regular meetings of January 4, 2011 and the Special and Regular meetings of January 18, 2011 were submitted and approved as printed.

CORRESPONDENCE: City Manager Mr. Moore introduced the City’s new Finance Director, Mr. J.R. Sabatelli. Mr. Sabatelli came forward and gave remarks to Council on his goals and objectives for 2011. Mayor Byrne presented a Proclamation commemorating Literacy Month. Mayor Byrne mentioned a letter from Congressman David McKinley requesting Council’s top three legislative priorities for 2011. He then welcomed a Public Affairs class from WVU, a local Boy Scout troop, and representatives from WVU’s Board of Governors.

PUBLIC HEARING – No Public Hearings.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS: No Unfinished Business.

BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS: No Appointments.

NEW BUSINESS:

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING PARKING AND LOADING STANDARDS IN THE B-4 DISTRICT: The below entitled Ordinance was presented for first reading:

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ARTICLE 1349.08 “PARKING AND LOADING STANDARDS” OF THE PLANNING AND ZONING CODE AS IT RELATES TO MINIMUM PARKING REQUIREMENTS FOR RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT WITHIN THE B-4 GENERAL BUSINESS DISTRICT.

Motion by Spencer, second by Gaddis to approve the above entitled Ordinance. Motion carried 7-0.

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING PARKING REQUIREMENTS FOR TOWNHOUSE DWELLING UNITS: The below entitled Ordinance was presented for first reading:

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TABLE 1365.04.01 “MINIMUM OFF-STREET PARKING REQUIREMENTS” OF THE PLANNING AND ZONING CODE AS IT RELATES TO MINIMUM PARKING REQUIREMENTS FOR TOWNHOUSE DWELLING UNITS.

Motion by Selin, second by Gaddis to approve the above entitled Ordinance. After discussion and a suspension of the rules to allow explanation from Director of Planning, Mr. Chris Fletcher the main motion carried 7-0.

A RESOLUTION THAT AUTHORIZES AGENTS OF THE CITY OF MORGANTOWN TO TRANSACT FUNDING IN THE DESIGNATED BANKING AND FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS:

Motion by Gaddis, second by Shamberger to approve the above entitled Resolution. Motion carried 7-0.

A RESOLUTION TO GENERATE AN AWARENESS OF THE ESSENTIAL ROLE OF NEIGHBORHOODS AND THEIR VOLUNTEERS IN COMMUNITY LIFE BY DESIGNATING 2011 AS “THE YEAR OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD: MY MORGANTOWN”:

Motion by Shamberger, second by Selin to approve the above entitled Resolution. Motion carried 7-0.

PUBLIC PORTION:

Terri Cutright, Main Street Morgantown, announced the celebration of the organization’s 27^th anniversary. She added that they have been a state organization since 1990. She also updated Council on Main Street’s many past achievements and goals for 2011. She reminded everyone of this year’s upcoming events.

Councilor Spencer asked that Terri provide an update on the Farmer’s Market enclosure. She replied that there will be a meeting tomorrow and construction will begin in April and be completed by August. Councilor Selin asked that the record reflect Council’s general commendation of Main Street’s 27 years of excellence and service to the City of Morgantown. That commendation is herein duly noted.

Jim Manilla 202 Gordon Street, mentioned questions about the 24 hour snow removal requirement concerning the elderly and disabled. He added that it should be advertised on Channel 15 and help should be offered to those that cannot remove their own snow.

Wes Nugent 126 Willowdale Road thanked Council for the resolution on Year of the Neighborhood. He mentioned that the City Police should post reports on the web or somewhere citizens can have access to up to date information. He also noted that he is a candidate for City Council and mentioned that he would like more information on the Vote-By-Mail program so he can speak with voters. He mentioned that he would contact the Secretary of State’s office to ask where they are in the education material process.

Nelson France 222 High Street, WVU Student Government, reported that the SGA and other students are traveling to Charleston to speak with legislators about landlord-tenant rights. He enumerated those rights which the students will be advocating. He asked Council to support this initiative and thanked them for continuing to work with Student Government.

There being no more appearances Mayor Byrne then declared the Public Portion closed.

SPECIAL COMMITTEE REPORTS: No Reports.

CITY MANAGERS REPORT:

New Business:

1. Change of residency requirements for Morgantown City Firefighters.

Motion by Bane, second by Gaddis to approve the change of residency requirements. After explanation by Fire Chief Mark Caravasos it was made clear that the change is an item of housekeeping to make the requirements align with those of the Police Department. Councilor Spencer spoke in opposition to the change. Motion carried 6-1, Councilor Spencer voted NO.

CITY CLERK: No Report.

CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT: No Report.

REPORT FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS:

Councilor Bane: Councilor Bane remedied a rumor that he had influence on the decision for Police Chief, stating that by Charter, the City Manager makes the final selection.

Councilor Gaddis: Councilor Gaddis thanked Mr. Moore for attending the Greenmont neighborhood association meeting and thanked him for his support of their Association.

Councilor Byrer: Councilor Byrer spoke in support of the Resolution for neighborhoods and volunteerism. He then invited everyone to get involved in the neighborhood association and announced when the next Wiles Hill meeting is. He stated that deer are a continuing problem in our area.

Councilor Selin: Councilor Selin announced the upcoming Youth Commission meeting. She mentioned that many people are interested in the Vote-By-Mail program and more education is needed for the public.

Councilor Shamberger: Councilor Shamberger thanked the City crews for their work removing snow. She expressed that many citizens in her ward are concerned with large groups of people partying and roaming late at night, especially near the Mountainlair. She encouraged everyone to attend women’s basketball pink game in support of breast cancer awareness.

Councilor Spencer: Councilor Spencer reported deer sightings in the Lawnview area and urged we continue efforts to solving the deer problems. He suggested we add the Community Block Grant to the list of priorities we send to Congressman McKinley. He expressed the importance of these badly needed funds. He announced a meeting about Grumbein’s Island. Councilor Spencer raised concerns about the use of Volunteer Fire Department and emergency vehicle sirens, as the noise bothers those who live near Patteson and Van Voorhis Roads. He asked that a dialogue be opened with these entities to work out an agreement for lessened use of the sirens, especially when traffic is clear and a siren may not be needed. He then wished Mr. Moore the best of luck on his upcoming wedding and marriage.

Mayor Byrne: Mayor Byrne mentioned the WVU athletic department and traffic issue on game days, that the city is working with WVU to resolve the parking issues for the next game. He spoke about the Arts and River Festival, and the changes that will be made for this year. He announced that the City Manager will be speaking at Rotary this month and that he, as Mayor will visit with Heritage Point residents. He relayed a request from a resident in West Sabraton that her street be plowed.

ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, the meeting adjourned by unanimous consent at 8:40 p.m.

_______________________________ _____________________________________

City Clerk Mayor

*A FULL TRANSCRIPT OF ALL COUNCIL MEETINGS IS AVAILABLE ON CD AT THE MORGANTOWN PUBLIC LIBRARY