REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 15, 2011: The regular meeting of the Common Council of the City of Morgantown was held in the Council Chambers on Monday February 15, 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 Regular meeting on February 1, 2011 were submitted and approved as printed.
CORRESPONDENCE: Mayor Byrne read a letter from Jennifer Taylor of the Seimens Foundation, and mentioned that the students were honored. The Mayor then read a letter from Ann Lozal from Troy Ohio regarding snow on VanVoorhis Road in January.
PUBLIC HEARING – No Public Hearings.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: No Unfinished Business.
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS: Ms. Little reported open seats on the Traffic Commission.
NEW BUSINESS:
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AN EASEMENT TO WVU: The below entitled Ordinance was presented for first reading:
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE GRANTING OF A DRAINAGE EASEMENT TO THE WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY BOARD OF GOVERNORS, ON BEHALF OF WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY WHICH WILL ALLOW THE CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE OF STORM WATER DRAINAGE THROUGH A PORTION OF KREPPS PARK.
Motion by Gaddis, second by Selin to approve the above entitled Ordinance. City Manager Mr. Moore asked Council to allow explanation on the Ordinance from the City Attorney Mr. Fanok. After explanation from Mr. Fanok, and further discussion by Council, the rules were suspended to allow remarks from Public Works Director Ms. Hough. After discussion, motion carried 7-0.
A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MORGANTOWN, WEST VIRGINIA, AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT WITH THE WEST VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS, WITH REGARD TO ESTABLISHMENT OF AND MAINTENANCE OF A TRAFFIC SIGNAL SYSTEM WITHIN THE MUNICIPAL LIMITS OF THE CITY OF MORGANTOWN, MONONGALIA COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA:
Motion by Selin, second by Bane to approve the above entitled Resolution. After explanation from the Mr. Moore, the rules were suspended to allow further remarks from Ms. Hough. After discussion by Council, motion carried 4-2. Councilors Bane, Gaddis and Byrer voted NO.
PUBLIC PORTION: No Appearances.
SPECIAL COMMITTEE REPORTS: Councilor Gaddis reported on the Youth Ambassador program interviews and announced the Friends of Guanajuato social event this weekend.
CITY MANAGERS REPORT:
Information:
1. FY 2011-2012 Budget Presentation.
After explanation from Mr. Moore, the rules were suspended to allow further remarks by Finance Director Mr. Sabatelli. Council then continued to discuss the matter.
New Business:
1. Request from Monongalia County Schools.
After explanation from Mr. Moore, the rules were suspended to allow further comments by Finance Director Mr. Sabatelli. After discussion, Council gave approval by acclamation for City Manager Mr. Moore to proceed with the request from Monongalia County Schools. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
CITY CLERK: City Clerk Ms. Little reported to Council the status of the educational materials for the public regarding the upcoming Vote-By-Mail election. Discussion continued and Council gave further suggestions to enhance the public education campaign.
CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT: No Report.
REPORT FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS:
Councilor Bane: Councilor Bane congratulated the town of Lewisburg for being nominated the Coolest City. He asked that a letter of congratulations be sent to Lewisburg. He mentioned the proposed light at Beechurst and 3rd Street, stating that the traffic is congested and trail access is limited.
Councilor Gaddis: Councilor Gaddis noted in response to Councilor Bane’s comments that there may be an alternative access point. He mentioned that we should look at access roads and make a smarter growth plan if there are to be more high density developments in Morgantown. He announced the Greenmont landscape project conceptual drawing exhibit. He also mentioned he is glad the snow is starting to melt, but we should still be mindful of removal for safety.
Councilor Byrer: Councilor Byrer stated that the traffic is a long standing quality of life issue, and added that he is not sure what action should be taken now regarding the new light. He reported parking problems at basketball games and encouraged WVU to address the issue. He announced the Historic Landmarks Commission is working on Grants for restoring the Warner Theatre and the old County Jail. He suggested the Jail could be converted to civic use. He announced the Wiles Hill Neighborhood Association meeting.
Councilor Selin: Councilor Selin reported the next Suncrest Neighborhood Association meeting. She announced the winter farmer’s market will be out at Lakeview next week, and will include a slow food dine-around which is open to the public.
Councilor Shamberger: Councilor Shamberger congratulated the opening of Garcia’s Latin Market and announced the upcoming Woodburn Neighborhood Association meeting, where Mr. Moore will be in attendance. She also encouraged everyone to help pick up litter when they see it.
Councilor Spencer: Councilor Spencer announced that he will attend the Water Quality Forum at the Airport. He mentioned the Empty Bowls event coming up. He also talked about Building Permits and asked that the issuing process come under review. He also noted that he will be traveling to Charleston for the Legislative session to address the Home Rule Pilot Program, and also to present his list of 40 items of legislative priority for them to review. He then wished Mr. Moore well for his upcoming trip and wedding weekend.
Mayor Byrne: Mayor Byrne also mentioned the Empty Bowls event and wished Mr. Moore a safe trip ahead and good luck on the wedding. He commended Lewisburg on their achievement.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, the meeting adjourned by unanimous consent at 9:05 p.m.
_______________________________ _____________________________________
City Clerk Mayor
*A FULL TRANSCRIPT OF ALL COUNCIL MEETINGS IS AVAILABLE ON CD AT THE MORGANTOWN PUBLIC LIBRARY