MORGANTOWN PARKING AUTHORITY

Wednesday, June 21, 2006

Special Meeting

The special meeting of the Morgantown Parking Authority was held at 8:00 A.M., Wednesday, June 21, 2006, in the Conference Room at the Public Safety Building.

PRESENT: Chairman Ernest Fortuna, Vice-Chairman Bill Byrne, George Papandreas, and Tom Arnold.

ABSENT: Ron Bane and Charlie McEwuen.

OTHERS PRESENT:

Chairman Ernest Fortuna called the meeting to order at 8:05 A.M.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

Upon a motion by Mr. Byrne, seconded by Mr. Papandreas and approved by unanimous vote, the minutes of the regular meeting of May 10, 2006 were approved as presented.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Budget Request for 2006-2007 Fiscal Year:

Mr. Arnold presented the 2006-2007 Fiscal Year budget projects for the Parking Authority. He said the projections are based on last year’s revenues. Currently revenue is running 1% behind budget projection. The actual amount of expenditures for FY 2005-2006 will be available in a few weeks. There should be some carry-over money from that budget that will be used for garage maintenance and lot repairs.

The projected budget will include a 4% pay raise. He credits the City Manager and the Finance Director for the reduction in health care costs that will help offset the 4% raise. Nothing was budgeted under new equipment except $10,000 in Capital Outlay for outdated handheld ticketing equipment and $70,000 for facilities at Lot K.

Mr. Byrne asked Mr. Arnold if he plans on going before City Council for a rate increase on High Street. Mr. Arnold said that he will not at this time and will wait to see what happens with the Street Scape. The Parking Authority is currently meeting its expenses and obligations on its structures however not meeting its lot-paving repair.

Mr. Arnold said there are two items that may affect the budget revenue. The first item is the Tree Board wants to put more trees in three parking lots. The second thing is the Transit Authority wants thirty parking spaces in Lot B to put in a bus terminal (center island to Chestnut Street). The projects will reduce the number of parking spaces available. Mr. Arnold does not want to displace parkers. Mr. Byrne said a lot of new projects are being done downtown and as spaces are eliminated rates may increase.

Mr. Byrne moved to approve the 2006-2007 FY budget as presented, seconded by Mr. Papandreas and approved by unanimous vote.

NEW BUSINESS:

None.

OTHER MATTERS:

Mr. Arnold met with Joe Fisher from WVU on the Wiley Street parking garage. At the meeting Mr. Arnold was informed that WVU would like to move the proposed Wiley Street parking garage to the old stadium loop. WVU will build the garage and the Parking Authority will manage it. WVU is hoping that the new garage will become a connector to Route 705 and funnel people to the it.

This proposal came about from another proposal of WVU’s. They would like to close Grumbine Island in front of the Mountain Lair to through traffic on a trial basis from July 15 to December 31, 2006. The lot on Wiley Street that was originally planned for the parking garage will be used to make University Avenue two-way traffic.

WVU also proposed to eliminate parking on Prospect Street for a revenue loss of $9,000 per year. Mr. Arnold said this amount will be offset from revenue received for eighty parking permits the University will purchase at the Wharf District parking garage during this time.

Mr. Papandreas would like to move forward with the expansion of the Lot H parking garage on Spruce Street. He would like to negotiate with the church for their property (Lot F). The proposed extension will be “L” shaped with offices and additional parking.

ADJOURNMENT:

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 9:15 A.M.

_____________________________ ______________________________

DATE Ernest Fortuna, Chairman

Prepared by: _____________________________________

Dianna L. Kovalcheck