REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 21, 2001:
The regular meeting of the Common Council of the City of Morgantown was held in the Council Chambers on Thursday, August 21, 2001, at 7:30 P.M.
The Council took a moment of silence for the student that perished in the recent fire.
PRESENT: Mayor Frank Scafella, City Manager Dan Boroff, City Clerk Linda L. Little, Assistant to the City Manager Jeff Mikorski and Councilmembers Frank Salucci, Jim Manilla, Teresa Miller, Ronald Justice, Florence Merow. Bill Byrne Absent.
The meeting was called to order by the Mayor.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes from the special meeting & regular meeting on August 7, 2001, were approved as amended.
CORRESPONDENCE:
Councilor Salucci read a letter from Carolyn Hampson, 224 Lebanon Avenue, commending the Fire Department on their expedient response time to a fire at her home on August 2, 2001, and urging Council to support the Fire Department with perhaps some additional personnel.
Mayor Scafella read a proclamation proclaiming September, 2001 as Leukemia & Lymphoma Awareness Month.
Mayor Scafella read a letter from Governor Bob Wise asking him to attend a highway safety briefing to address the problem of deaths and injuries on our roadways on September 7, 2001, in Charleston.
Mayor Scafella mentioned that, at the West Virginia Municipal League meeting, the City of Morgantown was given the All-Star Community Award in recognition for exceptional performance and innovative contributions to a progressive municipal government.
PUBLIC HEARING-LEASE INDIVIDUAL T-HANGARS AT THE MUNICIPAL AIRPORT:
Pursuant to a legal notice appearing in the Dominion Post, Mayor Scafella called for a public hearing on the above referenced Ordinance.
Paul Jensen, Morgantown Pilots Association, commented that he is in support of the lease but is requesting that all parties involved meet in a couple months to make sure that everyone is happy with the lease.
There being no more appearances or objections, Mayor Scafella declared this hearing closed.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A LEASE FOR INDIVIDUAL T-HANGARS AT THE MUNICIPAL AIRPORT: The following entitled ordinance was presented for second reading:
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF MORGANTOWN, LESSOR, TO LEASE INDIVIDUAL T-HANGARS AT THE MUNICIPAL AIRPORT TO: WALLACE VENABLE, AIR CORPS SERVICE, INC., GLEN WARD, ROBERT HOLT, WILLIAM JONES, WILLIAM SWINEFORD, DONALD LAMM, ROBERT BOND, RICHARD JUDY, (LEO & CORA HORACEK), JAMES MARLEY, THOMAS HORACEK, LARRY MYERS, FRED MINER, LARRY KIRBY, CHARLES BURNWORTH, LARRY LAWSON, MARK FURFARI, ESTOL GANS, KEVIN A. KOURY, RICHARD SCHREIBER, (CATHER CONNER AND RICHARD GAIS), ROBERT LAST, JOEL ALLEN, ALEX CASUCCIO, (PAUL DEVORE & ALBERT J. MASCIOLI),ROBERT GIBSON, JOHN CARTER, THOMAS ADAMASKI, (PAUL & NANCY JENSON), DANA MARTIN, JOHN J. MARTIN, BRENDA COLASANTI, MARK HAMRICK, JOSEPH HEBDA, AND SERRHEL ADAMS.
After discussion, motion by Salucci, second by Justice, to adopt the above entitled ordinance. Motion carried 6-0. (Bill Byrne Absent).
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CHARTER SECTIONS 2.08 AND 4.03 : The following entitled ordinance was presented for second reading:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MORGANTOWN PROVIDING FOR PROPOSED CHARTER AMENDMENTS, WHICH CHARTER AMENDMENTS WOULD AMEND SECTION 2.08 BY REMOVING THE REQUIREMENT THAT THE CITY CLERK BE A RESIDENT OF THE CITY, AND WOULD AMEND SECTION 4.03 BY REPLACING THE TERM "POLICE COURT" WITH THE TERM "MUNICIPAL COURT" AND REMOVING THE REQUIREMENT THAT THE MUNICIPAL COURT JUDGE BE A RESIDENT OF THE CITY.
After discussion, motion by Justice, second by Merow, to place the above entitled ordinance on the Ballot at the 2003 Municipal Election, as separate items. Motion carried 6-0. (Bill Byrne Absent).
Boards & Commissions Vacancies:
TRAFFIC COMMISSION:
Sharon Semans was appointed to serve on the Traffic Commission in the 5th Ward position by acclamation.
PUBLIC PORTION:
Paul Devore, President Hart Field Coalition, asked Council for their help with a program, the Scholarship Challenge, to create aviation education and training scholarships. Mr. Devore will be visiting each of the 34 border states with the goal of raising ten $60,000 scholarships and requested that Council consider funding one scholarship for the Pilot Training Scholarship Program.
Cindy Frich, Bakers Ridge Road, reviewed and read from the Randall Travel report prepared for the Convention and Visitors Bureau.
SPECIAL COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Councilor Justice reported that the Umbrella Group will be meeting next month.
Mayor Scafella reported that the meeting of the temporary transportation committee was postponed.
NEW BUSINESS:
CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL TO PLACE AN OVERHANGING CABLE ABOVE AND ACROSS HIGH STREET AND CHANCERY ROW: The below entitled ordinance was presented for first reading:
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MONONGALIA COUNTY COMMISSION TO PLACE, THROUGH A CONTRACTED VENDOR, AN OVERHANGING CABLE ABOVE AND ACROSS HIGH STREET AND CHANCERY ROW.
After discussion, motion by Justice, second by Miller, to approve the above entitled ordinance. Motion carried 5-0. (Frank Salucci Abstained). (Bill Byrne Absent).
CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL AMENDING ARTICLE 1139.111 HEALTH AND SANITATION CODE REQUIRING DAILY PICKUP: The below entitled ordinance was presented for first reading:
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ARTICLE 1139.111 OF THE HEALTH AND SANITATION CODE OF THE CITY OF MORGANTOWN, AS THE SAME APPLIES TO CERTAIN DESIGNATED DISTRICTS REQUIRING DAILY PICKUP AND APPLICABLE SERVICE FEE RATES, BY ADDING THERETO A PORTION OF HIGHLAND AVENUE FROM RAYMOND STREET TO STEWART STREET.
After discussion, motion by Miller, second by Merow, to approve the above entitled ordinance. Motion carried 6-0. (Bill Byrne Absent).
CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT BLOCK GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $10,819 AND AUTHORIZING THE REQUIRED $1,202 TO MATCH THE GRANT: The above entitled resolution was presented for Council's approval:
After discussion, motion by Salucci, second by Merow, to approve the above entitled resolution. Motion carried 6-0. (Bill Byrne Absent).
CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE CITIZEN PARTICIPATION PLAN FOR THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT SMALL CITIES PROGRAM: The above entitled resolution was presented for Council's approval:
After discussion, motion by Merow, second by Justice, to approve the above entitled resolution. Motion carried 6-0. (Bill Byrne Absent).
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT:
INFORMATION:
ITEM NO.1:
The City has been informed by the State Division of Highways that audible pedestrian indicators will be placed at two Downtown intersections within the next sixty days as a pilot project. The intersections are High/Willey Street and High/Walnut Street. Other intersections may be added at a later date.
ITEM NO. 2:
The City has a number of construction projects underway. The next ones to come on line with bid openings are as follows:
b. Rail/Trail Improvements - - August 27, 2001
c. Salt Building Construction - - August 28, 2001
CITY CLERK'S REPORT:
No report.
STAFF ATTORNEY'S REPORT:
No report.
REPORT FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS:
Councilor Salucci: Councilor Salucci requested the new garbage officer look at the alley behind City Hall to check for adequate lighting and asked for a checkup on the Pleasant and Spruce St. turning traffic situation.
Councilor Manilla: Councilor Manilla agreed the Wall St. problem needs looked at and the audible pedestrian indicators are a good idea. Councilor Manilla reported crosswalks are being ignored by cars and traffic on High St. needs to be slowed and keep an eye on the right hand turn to the Pleasant St. Bridge.
Councilor Miller: Councilor Miller reported a pedestrian crosswalk in Suncrest is not being honored, she also stated Council will meet with WVU on Sept. 4, to find a better way of handling students and housing before another fire. occurs. Councilor Miller suggested that the DA work with the Fire Dept. to educate students and that the Fire Dept.does an excellent job.
Councilor Justice: Councilor Justice noted crosswalk requests on Richwood Ave. and a speed limit reduction by the park. Willowdale residents have been to the Traffic Commission and will be at the COW. The Landmarks Commission commended the City Attorney.
Councilor Byrne: Absent.
Councilor Merow: Councilor Merow reminded everyone of the Mason/Dixon Festival fund-raiser and that Chief Justice Starcher will be at the Festival Friday. Councilor Merow requested that the Hart Field Coalition request, road planning, and the three minute rule be on the COW. Councilor Merow asserted that the Beechurst sidewalk project should stop at 3rd St. Councilor Merow reported that weeds are everywhere and a tour should be scheduled to see all the problems. Councilor Merow proposed starting a Morgantown Communication Network and will bring in more details. Councilor Merow noted a sewer grate on Brockway is not even with the road and there is always room for improvement. Councilor Merow reminded everyone of her Citizens' Meeting at St. Mary's next Monday.
Mayor Scafella: Mayor Scafella clarified that he did not use the Randall Travel Report as a basis for requiring sidewalks and lights but, after meetings with business people there, new sidewalks with 8 inch high curbs were desired. Mayor Scafella requested of Ms. Frich that Baker's Ridge consider annexation. Mayor Scafella agreed that the dumpster problem on Wall St. is not only garbage but grease and requested a report from businesses using this dumpster. Mayor Scafella suggested that Council call the City Manager with items for the agenda of the meeting with WVU. Mayor Scafella observed that "Jeremiah Dixon," William Van Eck, who helped set up the Mason/Dixon Festival, was in town last week. Mayor Scafella stated that Sunnyside has received attention in the last 10 years; new 12 unit apartment building, new 40 unit apartment complex, and a number of other projects are underway - especially WVU tearing down buildings for parking.
Councilor Merow commented on the chronology of the Beechurst project.
Councilor Salucci called for a point of order as this is Councilors' Reports and not a time for debate.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business the meeting adjourned by unanimous consent at 8:55 p.m.
_____________________________ ___________________________
City Clerk Mayor
*A FULL TRANSCRIPT OF ALL COUNCIL MEETINGS ARE AVAILABLE ON CD AT THE MORGANTOWN CITY LIBRARY.