REGULAR MEETING MAY 16, 2000:
The regular meeting of the Common Council of the City of Morgantown was held in the Council Chambers on Tuesday, May 16, 2000, at 7:30 P. M.
PRESENT: Mayor Frank Scafella, City Manager Dan Boroff, City Clerk Linda L. Little, Staff Attorney Steve Fanok and Councilmembers Frank Salucci, Tom Bloom, Teresa Miller, Ronald Justice, William Byrne, Betty McClain, and Jeff Burdoff, Assistant to the City Manager.
The meeting was called to order by the Mayor.
During the Prayer there was a moment of silence in memory of Councilor Frank Petryszak who served on Council for 29 years.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes of the regular meeting on, May 2, 2000, were approved as corrected.
CORRESPONDENCE:
Mayor Scafella read a proclamation declaring the evening of June 3, 2000, as GRADS UP ALL NIGHT and encouraged graduating seniors to attend and enjoy the Rotary Club sponsored celebration at the Mountainlair.
Mayor Scafella read a proclamation announcing June 1 as STAND FOR CHILDREN DAY in Morgantown, West Virginia, and urged all citizens to support this day by dedicating ourselves to the task of improving the quality of life for all of our children from this day forward.
Mayor Scafella also mentioned that National Police Week is from May 14th - 20th, 2000, and we thank our Police Department for all that they do for this community.
Mayor Scafella mentioned that the Celebration of America Committee of Monongalia County has been planning a gala July 4th Celebration including a parade down High Street, a bicycle decorating contest, activities at the Court House Square, Storefront Decorating contest and Fireworks at the RiverFront Park.
Mayor Scafella also mentioned that there was a meeting at Mountainview Elementary School from 4-7 p.m. about a proposal to upgrade the Kingwood Pike and also interstate access.
PUBLIC HEARING-REGULATING DANGEROUS DOGS:
Pursuant to a legal notice appearing in the Dominion Post, Mayor Scafella called for a public hearing on the above referenced Ordinance.
There being no appearances or objections, Mayor Scafella declared this hearing closed.
PUBLIC HEARING-FORTNEY STREET AS ONE WAY:
Pursuant to a legal notice appearing in the Dominion Post, Mayor Scafella called for a public hearing on the above referenced Ordinance.
Buffy Fehse, Parent & Chair of Local School Improvement Council at Woodburn, all the Staff at Woodburn and Parents are in favor of turning Fortney into a one way street.
Tom Shamberger, 812 Ridgeway Avenue, resident of ward and will have a child going to Woodburn asked Council to support this for the benefits will be the safety of children and enabling the traffic flow.
There being no more appearances or objections, Mayor Scafella declared this hearing closed.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF AN ORDINANCE REGULATING DANGEROUS DOGS: The following entitled ordinance was presented for second reading:
AN ORDINANCE REPEALING SECTION 505.04 OF THE GENERAL OFFENSES CODE OF THE CITY OF MORGANTOWN AND REPLACING IT WITH A NEW SECTION 505.04, AS THE SAME APPLIES TO REGULATING DANGEROUS DOGS.
After discussion, motion by Miller, second by Byrne to adopt the above entitled ordinance. Motion carried 7-0.
CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF AN ORDINANCE ADDING FORTNEY STREET AS A ONE WAY STREET: The following entitled ordinance was presented for second reading:
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 305.04(a) OF THE TRAFFIC CODE BY ADDING FORTNEY STREET AS A ONE WAY STREET WITH FLOW TOWARD RICHWOOD AVENUE FROM CHARLES AVENUE.
After discussion, motion by Justice, second by Salucci to adopt the above entitled ordinance. Motion carried 7-0.
Councilor Justice asked to suspend the rules to recognize Woodburn Elementary teachers and mentioned how nice it has been working with Woodburn as Partners in Education.
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS:
TRAFFIC COMMISSION:
Councilor Justice motioned by acclamation to appoint Gene M. Kiral to serve on the traffic commission for a 3 year term as the 3rd ward position.
PUBLIC PORTION:
There being no appearances or objections, Mayor Scafella declared the public portion closed.
SPECIAL COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Councilor Salucci mentioned that the City Employees that transferred over to the Transit Authority are having problems with their retirement being transferred and requested the City Manager to check into this.
City Manager Dan Boroff responded in saying that the City Attorney is already researching this issue. He will clearly address this issue and in the near future will report back to City Council on our recommendation.
Mayor Scafella reported that the West Run Expressway Committee has decided a road must be built, and has begun to amend the 20/20 plan with the DOH and has come up with a modification that could be workable. Another meeting is set for 5-24 and the committee should have a report back to Council by the end of the month.
NEW BUSINESS:
CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF AMENDING SECTION 1139.99 : The following entitled ordinance was presented for first reading:
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 1139.99 OF THE HEALTH AND SANITATION CODE OF THE CITY OF MORGANTOWN, AS THE SAME APPLIES TO THE PENALTY FOR LITTERING; PERMITTING PREMISES TO BECOME UNSANITARY AND HAZARDOUS.
After discussion, motion by Byrne, second by McClain to pass the above entitled ordinance to second reading. Motion carried 7-0.
CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF AMENDING THE FY 1999-2000 ANNUAL BUDGET: The following entitled ordinance was presented for first reading:
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE FY 1999-2000 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 discussion, motion by Justice, second by McClain to pass the above entitled ordinance to second reading. Motion carried 7-0.
CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF A RESOLUTION THAT EFFECTIVE JUNE 1, 2000, THE HOURLY PARKING RATE FOR LOT C SHALL BE DECREASED FROM 30 CENTS TO 25 CENTS PER HOUR, AND THE PARKING TIME LIMIT FOR LOT C BE INCREASED FROM 2 TO 10 HOURS: The above entitled Resolution was presented for Councils approval:
After discussion, motion by Bloom, second by McClain to approve the above entitled Resolution. Motion carried 7-0.
CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF A RESOLUTION DESIGNATING MAY 21-27 2000 "NATIONAL DOG BITE PREVENTION WEEK" IN MORGANTOWN, WEST VIRGINIA, IN RECOGNITION OF THE NEED TO INCREASE AWARENESS OF THE PROBLEM OF DOG BITE INJURIES AND THE MANY EFFECTIVE SOLUTIONS TO THAT PROBLEM: The above entitled Resolution was presented for Councils approval:
After discussion, motion by Bloom, second by McClain to approve the above entitled Resolution. Motion carried 7-0.
CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF A TEMPORARY LICENSE AGREEMENT FENCE RELOCATION ALONG CITY OF MORGANTOWN RAIL TRAIL REALTY: The above entitled Agreement was presented for Councils approval:
After discussion, motion by Bloom, second by Byrne to approve a temporary license agreement fence relocation along City of Morgantown Rail Trail realty. Motion carried 7-0.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT:
INFORMATION:
ITEM NO. 1:
On April 28, 2000, the Morgantown Municipal Airport had its annual FAA Safety Inspection. I am pleased to report that the Airport is in compliance with all Federal Standards and has been recertified. The few, minor recommendations noted are already being implemented.
NEW BUSINESS:
ITEM NO. 1:
The Celebration of America Committee of Monongalia County has requested $2,000 to support this years' Fourth of July Celebration at Hazel Ruby McQuain Park. As the City has done for the past several years, I recommend that this request be granted.
Councilor Justice motioned by acclamation to approve giving $2,000 to support the Celebration of America Fourth of July Celebration on July 4th.
ITEM NO 2:
In accordance with OMB Circular A-110, Section 24 Program Income, paragraph (b)(1), program income earned during the project period shall be retained by the recipient and shall be used to further the grant objectives. The Director, Lloyd W. Wilkerson, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has approved the cities' request to use the program income for continued work of the Met Theater at the amount of $1,300 and I suggest that Council move forward with this initiative.
After discussion, motion by Bloom, second by McClain to move forward with releasing the above $1,300 to the Met Foundation. Motion carried 7-0.
ITEM NO. 3:
The bid opening for the equipment needed to outfit the two new Engines was held on May 12, 2000. Only two vendors responded. They were All Safe Fire Equipment Inc., and Dill's Fire & Safety Equipment Co. Inc. The bid results were $33,723.81 and $37,048.00 respectively. It is therefore recommended by David Fetty, Fire Chief, that we award the contract to All Safe Fire Equipment. Inc.
Motion by Justice, second by Byrne to approve the above bid to All Safe for $33,723.81. Motion carried 7-0.
ITEM NO. 4:
The Public Works Department took bids for upgrading/replacing radio units and it has been recommended by Terry Hough, Public Works Director, that the contract be awarded to Lloyd's Electronics for a total of $22,079.00.
Motion by Bloom, second by Justice to award the contract to Lloyd's Electronics for $22,079.00. Motion carried 7-0.
ITEM NO. 5:
The Trail Work Project in Whitemoore Park is proceeding quickly. In order to keep the crews working, and to purchase the materials needed, Greg Good of the Greenspace Coalition is requesting an additional $10,000. I recommend Council approve the request so that the Greenspace Coalition can finish this project.
After discussion, motion by Miller, second by Justice to give additional $10,000 to finish the Trail Project in Whitemoore Park. Motion carried. 7-0.
ITEM NO. 6:
Mountain Line Transit Authority received the bill for the Trolleys for $13,954.90 and I recommend we pay this, so that we can move forward with this project.
Councilor Salucci motioned to match the $13,954.90 to purchase the Trolleys, second by Justice. Motion carried 7-0.
REPORT FROM CITY CLERK:
City Clerk Linda Little reminded everyone about the United Way Colassesano's Pepperoni Roll sale and to order call 284-7434.
REPORT FROM CITY ATTORNEY:
City Attorney Steve Fanok commented buy a pepperoni roll!
REPORT FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS:
Councilor Salucci: Councilor Salucci motioned to allocate $400.00 to have the
West Side Pan Handlers play at the Rail-Trail opening on May
20th from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm. Second by Justice. Motion carried
7-0.
Councilor Bloom: Councilor Bloom mentioned we have a big weekend this weekend.
We have the Cystic Fibrosis walk at 9:00 am and the City Attorney
Steve Fanok and his wife do an excellent job chairing the event.
Councilor Bloom also mentioned we have the Rails to Trails opening on the same day.
Councilor Bloom suggested the possibility of leaving the Bus Terminal refreshment stand open, and requested the City Manager
to check into this possibility and report back to Council.
Councilor Bloom commented he saw his first vendor at the Rail
Trail selling things and requested that the City Manager check
into regulating these vendors.
City Attorney Steve Fanok commented and reminded Council that
BOPARC in fact will be the party looking at and controlling the
vendors and what they should do, but any vendor that would be
in operation down there would have to apply for a municipal license
but would be checking with BOPARC on any guidelines, etc.
Councilor Miller: Councilor Miller mentioned that a week ago Saturday Mayor Scafella, Councilor Justice and myself visited Grant Avenue and Stewart Street and got some shots of the trash and burnt furniture that was left after the students left town. Councilor Miller suggested that Council develop a Task Force to look at these problems and come up with some solutions.
Councilor Justice: Councilor Justice informed Council that tomorrow night we will
be attending the State Mainstreet Dinner & Awards Banquet in
Charleston and will report back to Council at the next meeting
on all the awards Mainstreet won.
Councilor Justice also mentioned he had received some information
on some advertising issues on the buses and suggested to the Transit Authority-why not adopt the same policy that the City has on vendors. Councilor Justice mentioned once again the same problem of weeds at a particular home in his ward and would like to look at how we can address this problem and possibly place this on the next COW.
City Manager Dan Boroff responded in saying that issue will be on
the COW at the end of this month.
Councilor Justice also commented that there was a lot of garbage
left after students departed. In fact, we picked up 42 bags on Grant alone and would like to thank Jambie for allowing the crews to come in and work. That was a big help and I want to make a comment on what a nice job BFI did also.
Councilor Byrne: Councilor Byrne reminded everyone about the Candlelight service
at the arboretum on May 21 at 8pm in honor of those that died of
Aids. Councilor Byrne commented that the City needs to do a
better job on recycling and asked the City Manager to check into how we could do this better and report back to Council at a later date.
Councilor McClain: Councilor McClain reminded everyone that this is National Preservation Week. Councilor McClain also informed Council that she had the good fortune to be in Italy this past 10 days and especially in Florence, and was overwhelmed with the historic treasures in this beautiful city. The evidence of master building was all around me, in stone, marble, brick buildings hundreds & even thousands of years old-evidence of people determined to leave their mark. When I came home to Morgantown I thought, we are at the first stage of preserving what we have, so that our children and the rest of the country know where we began and how we looked. We have the treasures to build on now-11 buildings on the National Register downtown, and the City's Historic Landmarks Commission and the Main Street Program which pushes those sites worthy of preservation. These programs were begun 15 years ago and, as a town, I think we are lucky.
Mayor Scafella: Mayor Scafella commented that he has located a name and address
of the company of the bags to pick up after dogs. The bags are called Mutt Mitt and they are sold by a company called Intelligent Products Incorporated in Burlington, Kentucky and requested the
City Manager to check into getting this.
Mayor Scafella thanked the University for putting a pedestrian gate
in the fence at Stansbury Hall which gives faculty access to the RailTrail.
Mayor Scafella had passed on a request to the City Manager about
a stairway at Knapp Hall, and asked if there has been any movement on that.
City Manager Dan Boroff responded the problem on that is CSX had previously leased that property to another entity and so it is still
being negotiated and I will continue to work on these.
Mayor Scafella also mentioned an idea from a constituent and ideas of lining the Railroad bridge with lights. It would be attractive and
add safety in the early morning hours and at dusk.
Mayor Scafella also thanked Jambie and the inmates for picking up
trash on Stewart Street this last weekend and also thanked the Fire Department for washing down the street, and also Papa Johns for providing free Pizza to the pick up crew.
Mayor Scafella mentioned the solid waste problem itself in the City, it is not possible to address by having the Police Department cite individuals so I am suggesting developing a Task Force on this problem. Deputy Mayor Justice will chair this along with Rental Owners, WVU, and City Representation by addressing this problem in a pro-active way and have a solution by August when the students return.
Councilor Byrne commented that he would like us to look at this
issue comprehensively and look at the recycling issue at the same time and offered to serve on the Task Force as representation of
Recycling.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business the meeting adjourned by unanimous consent at 8:44 p.m.
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City Clerk Mayor