Common Council

A REGULAR MEETING OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BECKLEY CONVENED AT 6:30 PM ON JUNE 8, 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, Kevin Price, Jeanine Bullock and Sherrie Hunter, Bill Kelly, Director of IT, and Amy Evans, Assistant Director of IT, Director of Parks & Recreation Leslie Baker, Donnie Morgan Fire Department Captain and Chief Code Official, and Fire Department Captain Ed Thompson, Department Ed Thompson. PRESENT BY WEB-X: Chief Lonnie Christian, Director of the Board of Public Works, Jerry Stump, 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 June 8, 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. Council dispensed with the reading of the minutes of the regular Council meeting dated June 8, 2021, copies of which had been distributed to each member. Council unanimously approved the minutes as written on a motion by Councilman Price and seconded by Councilwoman Hunter. Next, Mr. File read by title only a Resolution Approving an Intergovernmental Agreement Between The Raleigh County Commission, The City of Beckley, and The Raleigh County Solid Waste Authority. Mr. File explained the Resolution and the Agreement. The Mayor asked for a motion to accept the Resolution which was made by Councilman Price seconded by Councilman Sopher and unanimously approved by Council. This Resolution is hereby incorporated into these minutes. Next, Mr. File read, in its entirety, a Resolution For Employee Longevity During the FY 2021-2022. A motion to adopt the Resolution was made by Councilwoman Hunter, seconded by Councilman Price, and unanimously approved by Council. This Resolution is hereby incorporated into these minutes. Recorder – Treasurer Billie Trump summarized the final revision of the fiscal year 20-21 Budget. Council unanimously approved the budget as written on a motion by Councilman Price and seconded by Councilwoman Bullock The budget is incorporated into these minutes. Next, Council voted on and unanimously approved the following members for renewal to the Beautification Committee: Jane Haga on a motion by Councilwoman Hunter and seconded by Councilman Price; Sandy Palen on a motion by Councilman Sopher and seconded by Councilman Price; Willie Taggart on a motion by Councilwoman Bullock and seconded by Councilman Sopher. A new member, DeeDee Ellison was approved to join the committee by a motion made by Councilman Dunlap and seconded by Councilman Sopher. Next, the Mayor announced the City received one bid for the paving of Broadway & Sour Street which was from Southern WV Paving. The total bid was for $98,700.00 which is to be reimbursed to the City through HUD and CDBG. The bid was referred to the City's bid committee. This bid is hereby incorporated into these minutes. The Mayor advised Council that Wayne Davis submitted his resignation as a member of the Beckley Sanitary Board approximately two months ago. Ann Worley (a former City Council Member) is being submitted for Council's approval to replace Mr. Davis on the Board. Ms. Worley is also a former Chairperson for the WV Municipal League. A motion to approve Ms. Worley's appointment was made by Councilman Price, seconded by Councilman Sopher, and unanimously approved by Council. For the edification of Council, Mr. File read Bob Evan's application to operate a private club, private wine restaurant or tavern at 122 Industrial Drive. The application was given to Recorder-Treasurer, Billie Trump for his review and signature. OLD BUSINESS: The Mayor commended Tammy Jordan's presentation that she made at a Workshop meeting Monday, June 7, 2021. She is the CEO of Fruits of Labor, Inc. Councilwoman Bullock thanked Captain Donnie Morgan for all the help that he gives her. NEW BUSIINESS: Councilman Dunlap said that he was recently informed by Attorney, Alan Larrick that there is loitering constantly taking place in front of the Abraham's Store which is creating an issue for his business. The Mayor suggested that Mr. Larrick post "No Loitering" signs. The Mayor asked Mr. File to address this concern. Councilman Reedy said that he has been having similar issues at his wife's business on Ragland Road. Councilman Reedy said that he spoke to Chief Christian about this because it is a major concern for a lot of businesses. The Mayor said that Mr. File and Chief Christian will discuss this further. The Mayor said that tenants of the Presidential on Neville Street should be storing their garbage cans at the rear of the building. Councilwoman Hunter asked when the Rising Cardinals will be ready. The Mayor gave the tentative date of completion as late July. Councilman Dunlap thanked Ms. Baker, Director of Parks & Recreation, for everything she does and for all her hard work. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Dr. Kristi Dumas called in offering her help to change the narrative of Black Knight and assist in the rebranding and marketing of Black Knight. She is willing to submit suggestions for strategic PR and marketing planning to include inclusive campaigns, integrated information systems, and consultation including diversification and inclusion. The Mayor told Dr. Dumas that her input will be valued and appreciated and if a committee is formed that the City would look to her to take a position on that committee. The Mayor thanked her for the nice improvements that she has helped make around the City. Christina Baisden called to share her thoughts about the closing of the New River Pool. She feels it was poorly addressed. She invited the Mayor and City Council to the Beckley Pride Event this Saturday at the Beckley Intermodal Gateway from noon to 6:00 p.m. With no further business to discuss, a motion was made by Councilman Price seconded by Councilman Dunlap to adjourn at 7:05 p.m. __________________________ __________________________ Mayor Recorder-Treasurer