SPECIAL MEETING MARCH 8, 2011:

The special meeting of the Common Council of the City of Morgantown was held in the Council Chambers on Tuesday, March 8, 2011 at 7:00 p.m.

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

The meeting was called to order by Mayor Byrne.

NEW BUSINESS:

            Mayor Byrne requested that City Manager Terrence Moore give opening remarks regarding the budget process and concerns. Mr. Moore gave such remarks.

AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE BUDGET FOR 2011-2012: The below entitled Ordinance was presented for first reading:

AN ORDINANCE BY THE CITY OF MORGANTOWN ADOPTING THE ANNUAL

 BUDGET OF THE CITY OF MORGANTOWN FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2011-2012.

            Motion by Spencer, second by Selin to approve the above entitled Ordinance. Mayor Byrne then asked for comments or discussion regarding the budget approval. Council by acclamation suspended the rules to allow discussion and comments between Council members and City Department Heads.

            Councilor Byrer commented on the street paving budget. Mr. Moore gave clarification on the paving program and updated Council on the City’s changing infrastructure. Discussion continued among Council members concerning the paving program and the funding that is available to it.

            Finance Director JR Sabatelli then came forward and explained the amounts of contributions to both MHS and Mountaineer Middle School. Council continued to discuss the allocations to the Board of Education on behalf of these schools and the projects that have been completed.

            Councilor Spencer expressed his appreciation for all the work that has been done by City Administration during the budget process and inquired about Transit and the Aull Center Garden. Mr. Moore responded that the commitment can be made. The discussion continued and included BOPARC support.

            Councilor Bane inquired into the Police Department’s grant funding for overtime, and Interim Chief Watson responded that the grants are in place, Mr. Sabatelli supported this explanation and provided additional details about the grant funding. Discussion continued among Council concerning this topic as well as other budget aspects regarding the Police Department.

            Councilor Selin inquired as to what changes will take place within the budget this year pertaining to BOPARC. Mr. Moore explained what specific aspects of the budget will change, and Mr. Sabatelli added further remarks to this effect. Councilor Selin continued in the exchange about BOPARC budget specifics with Mr. Sabatelli.

            Councilor Gaddis inquired if the City has received any commitment from the State for DOH controlled roads that might need to be repaved. Mr. Moore replied there are no specifics at this time, however the City will be working with the DOH in the near future and updates will be given. The discussion continued regarding which roads need paving and which roads are locally versus State controlled.

            Councilor Bane questioned the overtime in the Public Works budget. Public Works Director Terry Hough addressed the concerns. Councilor Byrer then asked Ms. Hough about street sign replacement and the amnesty program. She replied that there have been no returns since the start of the program, and pointed out which line item the replacement signs are paid out of. Discussion continued about street signs and the Public Works budget.

            Mayor Byrne commented on employee health care costs and Councilor Gaddis inquired about employees continuing education. Mr. Moore replied that each department has their own training line and the department heads can determine the usage of those funds. Mr. Moore continued to elaborate on this subject and the discussion continued. It was also noted that the Employee Home Buying Assistance Program is being continued for the next fiscal year.

            Councilor Spencer asked about the allocation to Code Enforcement and about the reorganization the department is undergoing at this time. Mr. Moore and J.R.Sabatelli addressed the change in budget as a result of streamlining and modification to the department. The discussion continued about the reduction in budget to Code Enforcement and its reorganization.

            Councilor Bane brought up concerns over Sunnyside Up and how effectively they are using their funds and asked that Mr. Moore view the evaluation of Sunnyside Up objectively. Councilor Byrer concurred and is also concerned about Sunnyside Up and what direction they will go in and how long the program will last. Mr. Moore replied that he will give all concerns their due diligence. The discussion on Sunnyside Up continued among Council regarding both the merits and drawbacks of the program. It was decided that a more in-depth look at Sunnyside Up should take place at the next meeting, including a report from the program’s director.

            Councilor Bane then asked what the status of the Positive Spin program’s funding request was. BOPARC Director Mark Wise responded that they would help the program to store bikes, but BOPARC has not received any funding requests from the organization.

            Councilor Gaddis thanked Mr. Moore and the City Staff for all their work in preparing the budget documents. Councilor Byrer also gave his thanks.

            Motion to pass the above entitled Ordinance to second reading carried 5-2. Councilors Bane and Byrer voted No.

ADJOURNMENT:

There being no further business, Council adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

_________________________                            _________________________

City Clerk                                                         Mayor

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