Common Council

A REGULAR MEETING OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BECKLEY CONVENED AT 6:30 PM ON JULY 27, 2021 IN COUNCIL CHAMBERS OF BECKLEY CITY HALL. THE PUBLIC WAS ABLE TO ATTEND IN PERSON IN COUNCIL CHAMBERS AND BY WEB-X. THOSE PRESENT: Mayor Robert R. Rappold, Recorder-Treasurer Billie Trump, City Attorney, Mr. File, Secretary Susan Miller, Council Members: Tom Sopher, Kevin Price, Robert Dunlap, Robert Canter, Cody Reedy, Jeanine Bullock and Sherrie Hunter, Matt Pack IT, Director of Parks & Recreation Leslie Baker, Donnie Morgan Fire Department Captain and Chief Code Official, Captain of FD Ernie Parsons, Director of the Board of Public Works, Jerry Stump, and Chief of Police Lonnie Christian. 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 public joined the meeting in person in Council chambers and had 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 July 13, 2021, copies of which had been distributed to each member. Councilman Price requested the spelling of Jerry Stump's last name be corrected. Council unanimously approved the minutes as written with one Correction on a motion by Councilman Price seconded by Councilman Sopher. Next, Councilwoman Hunter stated that the only bid the City received for the paving and milling of four streets: Myers Avenue, "E" Street, Holiday Drive (Teel Rd – Pikeview Dr.) and Hull Street (Elkins Street – Berry Street) was from Southern WV Paving, Inc. in the amount of $259,750.00. Motion was made by Councilwoman Hunter to accept the bid. It was seconded by Councilman Reedy and unanimously approved by Council. Next, Mr. File, City Attorney read by title only an Ordinance authorizing the purchase of property on Neville Street in Beckley, WV including the building that housed Zen's Café Restaurant located on the Northern right of way of Neville at 313 Neville Street and the vacant lot across from the former Zen's Café restaurant including 306-320 Neville. Mr. File stated the property is identified on the Beckley Tax District Map 24 as parcels 48, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56 and 57. Mr. File opened a public hearing. Those in attendance opposing the Ordinance spoke first. Those in opposition were: Dr. Kristi Dumas, Christina Baisden, Danielle Stewart, Adam Taylor, and Brian Brown. Next, those in favor of the Ordinance spoke, including Mr. Alan Larrick, Michelle Rotellini, and Jena Belcher. Mr. File closed the public hearing. Councilman Dunlap abstained from participating in the discussion and voting due to a conflict of interest. The Mayor asked for those in favor of the Ordinance to raise their hands. Councilwoman Hunter, Councilman Price and Councilman Canter were in favor of the Ordinance. Those raising their hands in opposition of the Ordinance were Councilwoman Bullock, Councilman Reedy and Councilman Sopher. Due to a deadlock Mr. File stated that the Mayor is entitled to vote to break the tie. The Mayor voted for the Ordinance. With a 4-3 vote in favor of the Ordinance, the Ordinance passed. A copy of the Ordinance is incorporated into these minutes.  OLD BUSINESS: The Mayor showed placards that he received that say, "We're Open" and encouraged businesses to display them on their door. The Mayor commented on a book that he and each Council member received titled "Thirteen Ways to Kill A Community". He said it is a great read and encouraged all Council members to read it. Councilman Reedy said that he requested the books from the Author. The Mayor thanked Councilman Reedy for the books. Councilman Sopher asked if there are any updates about the City's potential purchase of the property on New River Drive. The Mayor said that another party has expressed interest in the property on New River Drive and if someone desires to purchase and develop that property the City encourages them to do so. NEW BUSINESS: Councilman Dunlap said that several individuals have expressed safety concerns due to the excessive speeding taking place on the 300 block of Prince Street and that businesses in that area are concerned. Councilman Sopher reiterated that he previously suggested making that part of Prince Street two lanes. Chief Christian will look into this matter. Councilwoman Hunter announced that Mountaineer Food Bank will be at the Epling Stadium tomorrow from 11 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Councilwoman Bullock asked the Mayor if a meeting date has been set regarding Hunter/Hartley flooding. The Mayor said the last week in August is when they hope to hold the meeting. Councilwoman Bullock thanked Captain Morgan for his work and all his help. The Mayor announced the public hearing for the American Rescue Act Funds is Thursday, July 29, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. in Council chambers and Council members are encouraged but not required to attend. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Danielle Stewart spoke regarding her interest in purchasing the Publicity location. Frank Williams spoke giving credit to the Board of Public Works for paving and for their work on crosswalks. Mr. Brown thanked Councilwoman Bullock regarding her help with the vacant lot in Ward 5 and thanked Councilman Dunlap for his help with the vacant lot in Ward 3. With no further public comments the Mayor asked for a motion to adjourn which was made by Councilwoman Bullock and seconded by Councilman Sopher. _________________________________ ________________________________ Mayor Recorder-Treasurer