REGULAR MEETING MARCH 18, 2003:
The regular meeting of the Common Council of the City of Morgantown was held in the Council Chambers on Tuesday, March 18, 2003, at 7:30 P.M.
PRESENT: Mayor Ron Justice, City Manager Dan Boroff, City Clerk Linda L. Little, Assistant City Manager Jeff Mikorski, City Attorney Steve Fanok and Council Members Ron Bane, Jim Manilla, Frank Scafella, Teresa Miller, Bill Byrne, Florence Merow.
The meeting was called to order by the Mayor.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes from the regular meeting on March 4, 2003, were approved as corrected.
CORRESPONDENCE:
Mayor Justice read a letter from Mary Rehman of the Monongahela Peace and Justice Coalition and part of a letter from Judith Stitzel.
Mayor Justice reported a letter from Bruce Barilla of White Sulphur Springs about sexually oriented business regulation and read a letter from Devin Ballard about the Metropolitan Theatre Commission and Lisa Vance's thank you note.
Councilor Byrne noted a letter and photographs from Eric Hopkins and Theresa Vanzo regarding garbage and parking problems in Greenmont and requested a meeting about these problems.
Councilor Scafella read a letter from Keith and Ansusan Inskeep regarding the yellow line on Grove Street.
Mayor Justice noted the MPO meeting has been postponed.
PUBLIC HEARING - CREATING NEW ARTICLE 156 ADMINISTRATIVE CODE ESTABLISHING A METROPOLITAN THEATRE COMMISSION :
Pursuant to a legal notice appearing in the Dominion Post, Mayor Justice called for a public hearing on the above referenced Ordinance.
There being no appearances or objections, Mayor Justice declared this hearing closed.
PUBLIC HEARING - AMENDING 305.04(a) OF THE TRAFFIC CODE NORTH HIGH STREET TO PRICE STREET AS ONE WAY STREETS :
Pursuant to a legal notice appearing in the Dominion Post, Mayor Justice called for a public hearing on the above referenced Ordinance.
By acclamation, the public hearing was tabled until the next regular meeting.
Councilor Merow asked for a Point of Information regarding public input.
There being no appearances or objections, Mayor Justice declared this hearing closed.
PUBLIC HEARING - ADOPTING BUDGET FOR 2003-2004 FISCAL YEAR:
Pursuant to a legal notice appearing in the Dominion Post, Mayor Justice called for a public hearing on the above referenced Ordinance.
John Duarte, 460 Grove Street, spoke about concerns with some budget items.
There being no more appearances or objections, Mayor Justice declared this hearing closed.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
AN ORDINANCE CREATING ARTICLE 156 ADMINISTRATIVE CODE ESTABLISHING A METROPOLITAN THEATRE: The following entitled Ordinance was presented for second reading:
AN ORDINANCE CREATING A NEW ARTICLE 156 WITHIN THE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE OF THE CITY OF MORGANTOWN; ESTABLISHING A METROPOLITAN THEATRE COMMISSION AND SETTING FORTH THE COMMISSION'S AUTHORITY AND DUTIES.
Motion by Merow, second by Scafella, to adopt the above entitled ordinance. Motion carried 7-0.
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING 305.04(a) TRAFFIC CODE BELMAR AVENUE FROM NORTH HIGH STREET TO PRICE STREET AS ONE WAY STREETS: The following entitled Ordinance was tabled by acclamation until April 1, 2003 meeting:
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 305.04(a) OF THE TRAFFIC CODE OF THE CITY OF MORGANTOWN AS THE SAME PERTAINS TO DESIGNATING WAVERLY STREET FROM PRICE STREET TO NORTH HIGH STREET, NORTH HIGH STREET FROM WAVERLY STREET TO BELMAR AVENUE, AND BELMAR AVENUE FROM NORTH HIGH STREET TO PRICE STREET AS ONE WAY STREETS.
AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING 2003-2004 BUDGET: The following entitled Ordinance was presented for second reading:
AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE ANNUAL BUDGET OF THE CITY OF MORGANTOWN FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2003-2004.
After discussion, motion by Scafella, second by Miller, to adopt the above entitled ordinance. Motion carried 7-0.
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
City Clerk Linda Little announced a Building Commission opening and gave the requirements.
PUBLIC PORTION:
Rich Little, Monongalia Citizens for Peace and Justice, spoke about the economic consequences
of an Iraqi war and gave a copy to Council.
Sister Mary Rehman, 200 Simpson Street, spoke on behalf of 570 petitioners for a resolution opposing any "First Strike" and the cost of war and gave a copy to Council.
Ruth Kershner, South Park, spoke against the war and in support of soldiers.
Suzanne Smart, 50 Smoky Drain Road, spoke about impact of war on federal funds for children's services.
Sara Bird, Lyndhurst Avenue, commented about the effects of war on the international student population at WVU.
Dr. Jagannathan gave a handout to Council and summarized a list of cities that passed resolutions opposing the war.
Bill Warnick, 817 Willowdale Road, spoke against the proposed "First Strike" resolution.
Ann Ours, Wilson Avenue, spoke for promoting peace by peaceful means.
SPECIAL COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Councilor Byrne noted the Sunnyside Up group will select the consultant soon.
Councilor Miller reported that Ken Martis will replace Jim Lattanzi on the Traffic Commission.
NEW BUSINESS:
AN ORDINANCE APPROVING THE CURRENT REFUNDING OF THE BONDS FOR THE MORGANTOWN PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING: The following entitled Ordinance was presented for first reading:
AN ORDINANCE APPROVING THE CURRENT REFUNDING OF THE MORGANTOWN BUILDING COMMISSION'S MUNICIPAL BUILDING LEASE REVENUE REFUNDING BONDS, SERIES 1993, THE AUTHORIZATION, SALE AND ISSUANCE OF MUNICIPAL BUILDING LEASE REVENUE REFUNDING BONDS, SERIES 2003, OF THE MORGANTOWN BUILDING COMMISSIONS FOR SUCH PURPOSE, AND THE CONTINUED LEASING OF THE MORGANTOWN PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING BY THE COMMISSION TO THE CITY OF MORGANTOWN; PRESCRIBING THE FORMS AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF AN AGREEMENT AND LEASE, A BOND PURCHASE AGREEMENT, AN OFFICIAL STATEMENT AND OTHER INSTRUMENTS AND APPROVING OTHER DOCUMENTS AND MATTERS RELATING TO THE TERMS AND SECURITY OF SUCH BONDS; AND PROVIDING FOR CERTAIN OTHER MATTERS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH.
After discussion, motion by Merow, second by Byrne, to pass the above entitled ordinance to second reading. Motion carried 7-0.
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO MAKE APPLICATION TO THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND HIGHWAY SAFETY DIVISION FOR A GRANT OF $49,407 TO ADDRESS THE GROWING PROBLEM OF JUVENILE CRIME BY FORMULATING PROGRAMS, ACTIVITIES, SAFETY, CRIMINAL APPREHENSION AND INTERDICTION FOR LOCAL YOUTH, WITH A MATCH OF $5,488 FROM THE CITY:
The above entitled Resolution was presented for Council's approval:
After discussion, motion by Scafella, second by Byrne, to pass the above entitled Resolution. Motion carried 7-0.
RESOLUTION THAT THE CITY MANAGER SIGN APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS FOR APPLICATION TO THE WEST VIRGINIA DEVELOPMENT OFFICE, DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION, BY AND ON BEHALF OF THE PRESERVATION OF ALLIANCE OF WV, INC., FOR FUNDING $20,000 TO SUPPORT THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A STATEWIDE HERITAGE TOURISM INITIATIVE: The above entitled Resolution was presented for Council's approval:
After discussion, motion by Merow, second by Byrne, to pass the above entitled Resolution. Motion carried 7-0.
CITY MANAGERS REPORT:
INFORMATION:
ITEM NO. 1:
The first milepost of the Metropolitan Theatre Commission will be to seek nominations from the Metropolitan Theatre Foundation for the membership of the commission. City Council and the County Commission will also appoint a member for that 9 member body. Number two, City staff will work closely with the Foundation and Foundation staff to ensure that the ongoing grants and construction contracts are completed in a timely, effective, and efficient way. Number three, we will look for a transfer of the property, consistent with the two previous mileposts, from the Foundation to the City. At that time, the City would accept responsibility for administration, promotion, marketing, and rehabilitation of the Theatre under the guidance and auspices of the Commission. As a matter of practicality, BOPARC will be playing an important part in the maintenance and the day to day activities of the Theatre in supporting the special events and groups that will be using it. All of that will be coordinated with the City staff.
ITEM NO. 2:
As per your direction, City staff recently made a presentation to the County Commission requesting $350,000 to support the water improvement project at the City Airport. It was explained that this allocation could be budgeted over a 7 year period at $50,000 per year. If this request is granted, the City will make a similar presentation to the County Development Authority. If successful there as well, the City will be able to proceed with the project given the $500,000 that City Council has already dedicated to the $1,200,000 project.
ITEM NO. 3:
Related also to the Airport, in the near future a meeting will be organized by the City and a committee of the County Development Authority to develop a Vision Statement and Mission Statement for the facility. The Hart Field Coalition, Chamber of Commerce, WVU, and a number of other interested concerns will be invited to attend. The meeting will employ a professional facilitator and 4 hours will be scheduled to accomplish the goal. The City is hopeful that 50 to 80 people will participate and City Council is encouraged to attend. When the time and meeting place have been affirmed, I will make certain that you know.
ITEM NO. 4:
This summer promises to generate another extraordinary construction season. Projects announced include a new hotel and related developments in Sabraton; phase I of the Falling Run project, if approved; a new office building on VanVoorhis; a parking garage at WVU's Medical Campus; an apartment building on University Ave; and ground breaking for the WV Public Theater. These projects will be complimented by City Projects that include the Wharf District Parking Garage, reconstruction of Clay Street, Sidewalk on Jerry West Blvd; the Street Paving Program, Chancery Row Improvements, and the Sidewalk Program.
CITY CLERK'S REPORT:
No Report.
CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT:
No Report.
REPORT FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS (reverse order):
Councilor Merow: Councilor Merow gave a history of local power plants, argued against Gen Power, and mentioned the traffic problem on Beechurst Avenue.
Councilor Byrne: Councilor Byrne gave an Irish blessing, requested an update on Vandalia speeding, noted cinders on streets need swept, reported on a study of Adelphia finances and complaints re internet service speed, and commented on concerns about war with a request to place the resolution on the COW.
Councilor Miller: Councilor Miller reported on a petition for "Children Playing" signs on Riverview Drive and spoke about speeding.
Councilor Scafella: Councilor Scafella asked the City Manager to provide technical support for a Willowdale traffic flow group and noted BOPARC is stretched thin with responsibilities and wondered if the Met will be supporting BOPARC.
City Manager Boroff replied that the objective is to have the Metropolitan Theatre break even on a sustained basis. The real detail will be developed and worked out in the transition period. There will be a mixing of private, public, and non-profit interest and resources against the level of operation we all desire and which is financially feasible. Out of that balance, we will define the long-term solutions to this issue. The body of this work should be accomplished in the next 6 months.
Councilor Manilla: Councilor Manilla commented that a report should be coming from the DOH on Beechurst Avenue in June and asked about parking on both sides of streets to slow speeders. Councilor Manilla asked about Boards and Commissions agendas and minutes. It was decided that the Clerk will get them to the Assistant City Manager to be put on the web site. Councilor Manilla thanked the City Manager and his staff for the informative budget report and said, "Dan Boroff . . . is definitely the best city manager in the state of West Virginia".
Councilor Bane: Councilor Bane concurred about the budget, noted the Rail/Trail maintenance job, reported a Wayne Street construction job that has become an eyesore, and commended Jim Wood's presentation and the Planning Commission for the Square at Falling Run public hearing.
Mayor Justice: Mayor Justice commended the detailed, factual information presented by the public tonight and at the Falling Run public hearing, announced some future meetings and events, and suggested the monthly Code Enforcement report be on the web site. Mayor Justice asked if the Assistant City Manager could ask the other top 15 cities what types of traffic control devices they use to control speeding and announced a Community Leader survey.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, the meeting adjourned by unanimous consent at 9:34p.m.
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City Clerk Mayor
*A FULL TRANSCRIPT OF ALL COUNCIL MEETINGS IS AVAILABLE ON CD AT THE MORGANTOWN CITY LIBRARY.