REGULAR MEETING JULY 18, 2000:
The regular meeting of the Common Council of the City of Morgantown was held in the Council Chambers on Tuesday, July 18, 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, Bill Byrne and Betty McClain.
The meeting was called to order by the Mayor.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes from the regular meeting on July 5, 2000, were approved as printed.
CORRESPONDENCE:
Mayor Scafella welcomed Professor Sunyak's Journalism Class and asked the professor to come forward and explain what the class is doing.
Paul Sunyak, Adjunct Professor of Journalism at WVU, and the students will be covering City Council this semester and appreciate the City working with them.
Michelle Malott, MRTC, presented a plaque to Council from The White House Millennium Council designating the Caperton Trail as a Millennium Trail.
Mayor Scafella mentioned a letter from Governor Underwood thanking the Mayor and City Manager for attending the Cabinet meeting in Bridgeport on Economic Issues and Development in the region and will be invited to a state wide meeting in the early fall.
Mayor Scafella mentioned a letter from Teresa Lawson on her thoughts on parking downtown. Ms. Lawson complains that the two-hour parking in the parking lots is not long enough and is an inconvenience if you are shopping longer than two hours and have to go back to your car and move it. Mayor Scafella referred this letter to the Parking Authority.
PUBLIC HEARING-AMENDING 305.04(a) BY ADDING WHARF STREET AS A ONE WAY STREET:
Pursuant to a legal notice appearing in the Dominion Post, Mayor Scafella called for a public hearing on above referenced Ordinance.
Gary Schlobohm, HugHart Supply, 120 Clay Street, commented that tractor trailers turning in this area will have to use the sidewalks to turn because it is such a tight area to get through. Mr. SchLobohm requested that Council look at this closely and give these truck drivers all the room they need to make their deliveries in this area.
Milton Cohen, 1060 Ross Street, commented that he will celebrate his 95th birthday, and has spent 54 years in Morgantown working at some public event. Mr. Cohen commented that this administration is planning this Wharf District without expert opinion.
Mayor Scafella interrupted Mr. Cohen and asked to please address the ordinance.
Milton Cohen commented, I understand, and I don't like the way you are doing piece milling planning without expert advice . . .
Mayor Scafella asked Mr. Cohen again, "Do you have something to say about the one way on Clay Street?
Mr. Cohen commented, yes I do, now you don't have any right to not let me speak, and if you do, I'll ask you to leave the bench.
Mayor Scafella commented, it is not a matter of letting you speak, it is a matter of you addressing the ordinance.
Mr. Cohen commented, this body is not doing their proper jobs . . . and you do not have the background to say yes or no . . .
Mayor Scafella commented to Mr. Cohen, we will let you speak at the Public Portion because your issues are of a more general nature, now, if you will take your seat.
Mr. Cohen replied, just let me show you something . . . there are seven piece meal items, and do not have an expert planner to help you with it . . . you have a truck turning circle, a 22-page waterfront zoning ordinance on first reading . . .
Mayor Scafella asked Mr. Cohen to either address the ordinance or take your seat.
Mr. Cohen commented, I am talking about planning
Mayor Scafella asked Mr. Cohen to take his seat.
Frank Ferrell, 26 Outlook Street, in respect to creating one way traffic on Clay, this is in anticipation of parking going into place. For informational purpose, is there any foreseeable time this will be presented and there will be two public hearings on that?
Mayor Scafella responded in saying yes.
David Hall, Owner Morgantown Battery, commented that he is in favor of the one-way street to enable parking in that area.
There being no further appearances or objections, Mayor Scafella declared this hearing closed.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF SECOND READING OF AN ORDINANCE: The following entitled ordinance was presented for second reading:
AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE REZONING OF FORTY-SEVEN (47) PARCELS OF REAL ESTATE IN THE FIRST WARD OF THE CITY OF MORGANTOWN FROM (I-1) INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT TO (B-4) GENERAL BUSINESS DISTRICT (NON-PEDESTRIAN) BY AMENDING SECTION 13 OF THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MORGANTOWN AS SHOWN ON THE EXHIBIT HERETO ATTACHED AND DECLARED TO BE A PART OF THIS ORDINANCE AS IF THE SAME WAS FULLY SET FORTH THEREIN.
After discussion, motion by Justice, second by Salucci to pass the above entitled ordinance to second reading. Motion carried 7-0.
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS:
Beautification Commission:
Council by acclamation reappointed Donna Ford-Wertz, 3rd Ward position to serve another 3-year term.
Library Board:
Council by acclamation reappointed William Byrne to serve another 5-year term.
PUBLIC PORTION:
Florence Merow, 669 Colonial Drive, thanked Council for their kind words regarding her work with the 4th Festival and the Mason Dixon Festival, but asked that Council rescind its vote to appropriate $2000 to reimburse half of her expenses for the 4th, and respectfully requested that the $2000 be added to the appropriation of $3000, thus providing $5000 needed for the 14th Annual Mason Dixon Festival. She thanked them kindly.
Milton Cohen, 1060 Ross Street, commented that he found on the internet one of the most progressive cities Portland Oregon hired a Harvard Professor, Landscape Architecture, International Designer, Urban Architects to do their water front and what you folks are doing will affect 100,000 people in the City on the campus and in the County and you are trying to do this yourself and you do not have the background to make these decisions about the water front . . . we need expert advice. We could be the show place of West Virginia and for you to make decisions is ridiculous for this Council does not have the background . . . and we will sue every one of you for your actions . . . and I will call all the Veterans in this community so that Platinum Properties does not take over our Council.
Mayor Scafella asked Mr. Cohen to please take his seat . . .
Frank Ferrell, 26 Outlook Street, commented that he was pleased that Councilor Justice is involved with the VA Plaque at the Sabraton Fire Station. Mr. Ferrell commented that he had noticed a lot of people running red lights and possibly the Police Department could beef up their watch on this. Mr. Ferrell also mentioned the reimbursement to Florence Merow of $2000 and public had no input on this and requested that these type of items to be on the COW meeting agenda.
SPECIAL COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Councilor Bloom mentioned that at the July 12th Parking Authority Meeting, a letter was sent to Tony Barill, Sheriff of Mon. County concerning Chancery Row that the meters will be back in place and give 6 spaces for Sheriff Department on Chestnut Street by the PRT, and also explained a concern that a couple of the officers had been abusing parking at expired meters.
Councilor Justice reported that the Solid Waste Task Force will meet on Wednesday, July 19, at 4:00 p.m. in the Public Safety Building Conference Room.
Councilor Byrne informed Council and the public that last week the Library Trustees acquired the Lewin Property that is located adjacent to the Library for Library purposes and we look forward to hopefully opening that property after renovations to the public by
the spring of 2001.
NEW BUSINESS:
CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF AMENDING THE FY 2000-2001 BUDGET AS THE SAME APPLIES TO THE GENERAL BUDGET: The below entitled ordinance was presented for first reading:
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE FY 2000-2001 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 Bloom, second by Justice to pass the above entitled ordinance to second reading. Motion carried 7-0.
CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF AMENDING THE FY 2000-2001 BUDGET AS THE SAME APPLIES TO THE COAL SEVERANCE FUND: The below entitled ordinance was presented for first reading:
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE FY 2000-2001 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 COAL SEVERANCE FUND.
After discussion, motion by Miller, second by McClain to pass the above entitled ordinance to second reading. Motion carried 7-0.
CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACTUAL AGREEMENT TO RECEIVE GRANT FUNDS OF $155,306.00 FOR PROJECT NUMBER 00-DC-06 PURSUANT TO PROVISIONS OF DRUG CONTROL AND SYSTEM IMPROVEMENT GRANT PROGRAM. The above entitled Resolution was presented for Council's approval:
After discussion, motion by Salucci, second by Bloom to adopt the above entitled Resolution. Motion carried 7-0.
CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT WITH THE WV DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS, WITH REGARD TO ESTABLISHMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF A TRAFFIC SIGNAL SYSTEM WITHIN THE MUNICIPAL LIMITS OF THE CITY OF MORGANTOWN. The above entitled Resolution was presented for Council's approval:
After discussion, motion by McClain, second by Miller to adopt the above entitled Resolution. Motion carried 7-0.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT:
INFORMATION:
ITEM NO. 1:
I am very pleased to report that the FAA has awarded grants totaling $2,153,117 to the Morgantown Airport. With these funds, the City will be able to immediately undertake the rehabilitation of Runway 18/36 [$1,544,843] and install a new perimeter fence [$608,274]. With these two projects, the City will be very well served for the next fifteen years.
ITEM NO. 2:
Bids were received for the Rehabilitation and Overlay of Runway 18/36 at Hart Field. The bid opening was held and the low bidder was West Virginia Paving at $1,148,782.40,
and recommend they be awarded the contract. The schedule calls for the Construction
to begin on or about August 1, 2000, with substantial completion to occur within 60 days
and final completion 30 days thereafter. Timely approval of City Council is crucial to maintaining the schedule for
this work.
After discussion, motion by Bloom, second by Justice to award West Virginia Paving to do the Rehabilitation and Overlay of Runway at Hart Field. Motion carried 7-0.
NEW BUSINESS:
ITEM NO. 1:
Several years ago the City was very fortunate to be awarded $500,000 in ARC funds with the local match for the Wharf District. Along with public improvements, the funds were budgeted to finance a low interest, revolving loan program to help start new, small businesses. Since that time, the project has been much more successful than originally envisioned and consequently there has been no demand or need for the loan incentive. Based upon this development, I recommend that the $25,000 originally budgeted for this activity be reprogrammed for construction of public improvements in the area.
Motion by Salucci, second by Justice to approve that the $25,000 budgeted for the Wharf District be reprogrammed for construction of public improvements in the area. Motion carried 7-0.
ITEM NO. 2:
City Council has discussed the desirability of keeping Clay Street all brick. To replace bricks at the intersection of Hurley and Clay Streets which have been removed for new storm lines will cost $33,900 as per a change order negotiated with the contractor. Given Item No 1 above, the City could fund the balance of $8,900 from the Capital Escrow Account.
After discussion, motion by Miller, second by Salucci to fund $8,900 from the Capital Escrow Account to replace bricks at the intersection of Hurley and Clay Streets. Motion carried 5-2. (Councilor Bloom and Council Justice Voted NO).
ITEM NO. 3:
Attached you will find a summary of the Police and Fire Uniform bid results. I agree with the findings and recommend that the contract be awarded to the low bidder Uniforms LTD.
Motion by Justice, second by Miller to award the Police and Fire Uniform bid to the low bidder Uniforms LTD. Motion carried 7-0.
ITEM NO. 4:
Responded to Mr. Cohen's comments about the City not having experts to develop the Riverfront Park and Wharf District. City Manager and to the contrary the Rail Trail, Hazel Ruby McQuain Park, Wharf District, Hotel Office Complex this is a body of work that was started in the early 1990's this has been a priority and many different firms, citizens, business people, organizations and Council have been involved in this development and have investments under construction today that are approaching 100 million dollars.
CITY CLERK'S REPORT:
No report.
STAFF ATTORNEY'S REPORT:
No report.
REPORT FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS:
Councilor Salucci: Councilor Salucci motioned to name the Training Room in the Public Safety Building in memory of Officer Frank Fidazzo,and the Raill/Trail should also have a memorial,
second by Justice, passed by acclamation. Councilor Salucci had a request about problems with Allison Street-turning left from parking lot and speeding,
recommend speed bump. Possible Traffic Commission study to eliminate the problem before school starts.
Councilor Salucci commented on Ann
Payne's letter about flower baskets downtown and possible video hookup at the Train Depot for events to be broadcast on the Government Station.
Councilor Bloom: Councilor Bloom remarked that getting out of South Park is a nightmare with construction. An 8-10 minute trip took 42 minutes. The bottom of Prairie and South University is starting to dip in and scheduled school buses might not be able to use it. Mayor Scafella commented re the sidewalk now on Prairie Ave.
Councilor Miller: Councilor Miller requested Evansdale area permit parking be first on COW agenda. The flower baskets should have been coordinated between BOPARC and the commission. The baskets are at risk. The City Manager responded
that a pickup truck has been outfitted for watering the baskets.
Councilor Justice: Councilor Justice asked Council to consider changes in the $600,000 carryover at the COW. Councilor Justice
motioned to rescind the $2,0000 reimbursement to
Florence Merow, by her request, second by Salucci.
Motion passed 7-0. Councilor Justice wrote to Governor's Office requesting funding for the Veterans' Memorial. A City match could result in $3,500 and would need placed on COW. Greg Nair, Baseball Assoc. would like to update Council on facilities improvements at August COW. Councilor Justice enjoyed the class meeting with the Journalism class that is here tonight. Councilor Justice remarked on an enjoyable time at the River Festival. Thanked Janie Ives as City employee and a volunteer for all of her work and time.
Councilor Byrne: Councilor Byrne asked that Council work with the Development Authority to look for new replacement for the CVS Drugstore going out of business.
Councilor Byrne welcomed the Political Science class.
Councilor McClain: Councilor McClain has many requests for a sidewalk on Burroughs Street. The City Manager reported the State has approved a T-21 grant for this but the State Right-of-way is very narrow.
Mayor Scafella: Mayor Scafella welcomed the Journalism class and assured cooperation. On the Rail/Trail to Masontown,thebarriers are close but the Trail Conservancy is considering lowering
the height to not hook handlebars. Mayor Scafella asked if the City Manager knows the date the
Trail under the South High Street Bridge is to open, but there is no firm commitment to any one detour . Mayor Scafella observed that we are fortunate in our budget amendment to have money for projects that benefit
people across town. We are better off than many other cities. "Economic independence is the foundation of the only sort of freedom worth a damn." H.L. Meneken
EXECUTIVE SESSION: Councilor Bloom motioned to go into Executive Session pursuant
to Section6-9A-49(b)(2)(A)to discuss a matter regarding the compensation of a public employee, who has not requested an open meeting on this matter and also Section 6-9A-4(b)(12) to discuss potential litigation involving the City, which at this time is confidential in nature and not of a public record. Second by Salucci. Present: Councilmembers, City Attorney, City Manager and City Clerk. Time 9:05 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business the meeting adjourned by unanimous consent at 9:30 p.m.
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City Clerk Mayor