Common Council

A REGULAR MEETING OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BECKLEY CONVENED AT 6:30 PM ON MAY 25, 2021 IN COUNCIL CHAMBERS OF BECKLEY CITY HALL. THOSE PRESENT: Mayor Robert R. Rappold, Recorder-Treasurer Billie Trump, City Attorney, Mr. File, Secretary Susan Miller, Council Members: Tom Sopher, Robert Dunlap, Robert Canter, Cody Reedy, Jeanine Bullock and Sherrie Hunter, Bill Kelly, Director of IT, and Amy Evans, Assistant Director of IT. PRESENT BY WEB-X: Kevin Price. The Mayor reminded the public that they will be able to make comments when invited to do so by either pressing *3 on their phone and their call will be taken in the order it is received, or if viewing by computer or tablet, raising your hand by right clicking your name and choosing “Raise Hand”. The Mayor called the meeting to order. The Mayor asked that all in attendance stand and recite The Pledge of Allegiance. The Mayor announced because of the ongoing concerns of the coronavirus, and the health and safety of the City of Beckley employees, as well as the public, this regular Council meeting for May 25, 2021 is being held via WebEx Event. The public will have access to join the meeting either from their computer, or by phone, using the weblink or phone number provided the day of the meeting on the city’s webpage at Beckley.org or the City’s Facebook page. The Mayor introduced Ronnie Olson, Coach of the Shady Spring Triple A State Basketball Championship team, and Coach Brian Slay. The Mayor complimented Coach Olson, his coaching staff and the team. Councilwoman Hunter presented each player with a certificate and keepsake. The Mayor presented each player with a Challenge Coin. Council dispensed with the reading of the minutes of the regular Council meeting dated May 11, 2021, copies of which had been distributed to each member. Council unanimously approved the minutes as written on a motion by Councilwoman Hunter and seconded by Councilman Sopher. Council dispensed with the reading of the minutes of the Workshop meeting dated May 17, 2021, copies of which had been distributed to each member. Council unanimously approved the minutes as written on a motion by Councilman Sopher and seconded by Councilwoman Bullock. Next, Mr. File read for the second time by title only an Ordinance authorizing the City to accept a gift of real property located at 209 Temple Street. This project is located beside the park on Temple Street and may be used to improve the park and parking for the park. It does have the remains of a burned out structure on it which the City will be responsible for. Mr. File opened a public hearing. No comments were made and the meeting was closed. The Mayor asked for a motion to accept the ordinance which was made by Councilman Price seconded by Councilman Reedy and unanimously approved by Council. This Ordinance is hereby incorporated into these minutes. Mr. File read, in its entirety, a Resolution regarding the Beckley Police and Beckley Fire Department pensions and how the benefits are being calculated. The Mayor asked Councilman Price if he has any further comments. Councilman Price thanked Mr. File for his work on the Resolution and stated that this Resolution will be passed throughout the state as other municipalities are seeking relief from the Pension Oversight Board, possibly through legal action. Councilman Price thanked Council for their support. A motion was made by Councilwoman Hunter seconded by Councilman Sopher and unanimously approved by Council. This Resolution is hereby incorporated into these minutes.  Next, Mr. File presented a change of name of ownership application for Sandeep Chug, Owner, Lamichhane Corp. LLC, dba Jimmie's Place. A notice has been filed of intent to apply to operate a Private Club, Private Wine Restaurant or Tavern at 727 S. Kanawha Street, Map 17, Parcels 308.0-313.0. This application is hereby incorporated into these minutes. OLD BUSINESS: The Mayor said the Mill Recreational Project that Councilman Sopher has worked on may be coming to fruition. The City hopes to receive earmarked grants from Senator Manchin and possibly from Senator Capito. The Mayor said that the City will be relocating the police shooting range which is also utilized by forty other agencies for certification purposes. The Mayor said that Recorder Treasurer Billie Trump is meeting with a prominent landowner this coming week. More details will be shared as they become available. The Mayor complimented Councilman Sopher on his work as the MC for the Bill Withers event. The Mayor thanked the Beckley PD for closing the block of S. Fayette Street for the event. Beckley Housing Authority conducted their final USDA food distribution last week. The Mayor commended Councilwoman Hunter and Ron Hedrick for their involvement in this project. Councilman Sopher thanked everyone that came to the field trip at the Mill. Councilman Sopher said Matt Mullins and Kate Sopher had really pulled the Bill Withers event together as Councilman Sopher helped with the Bill Withers sign. They would like to see this be an annual event. Councilwoman Hunter said the ribbon cutting for the NRGRDA was great. She thanked Amy Evans and Bill Kelly of the IT Department for keeping the City connected. Councilwoman Hunter announced that there will be a donation of food by Mountaineer Food Bank May 26, 2021 at Epling Stadium from 11 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. She said the Beckley Housing Authority is working on another food program to help feed children this summer and hopes to have an update on it in the near future. NEW BUSINESS: The Mayor commended Councilwoman Bullock for her performance with the Motown group which is scheduled for Saturday, May 29, 2021 at 5:30 p.m. at the Intermodal Gateway. Councilman Dunlap welcomed Heather Hunt and her crew from Main Street Coffee Shop as they prepare to open for business at 206 Main Street. She has a successful coffee shop in Pineville and is excited to open one here. PUBLIC COMMENTS: No public comments. With there being no further business, the Mayor asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:07 p.m. which was made by Councilman Reedy and seconded by Councilman Sopher. __________________________ ______________________________ Mayor Recorder - Treasurer