Common Council

A REGULAR MEETING OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BECKLEY CONVENED AT 6:38 PM ON OCTOBER 26, 2021, BY WEB-X DUE TO COVID-19. THOSE PRESENT BY WEB-X: Mayor Robert R. Rappold, Secretary Susan Miller, IT Director, Bill Kelly, Assistant IT Director, Amy Evans, Department Heads: Captain of FD and Chief Code Official, Donnie Morgan, Director of Board of Public Works, Jerry Stump, and Captain of Beckley FD, Ernie Parsons, Recorder-Treasurer Billie Trump, and City Attorney Mr. File. Council Members: Sherrie Hunter, Cody Reedy, Bob Canter, Robert Dunlap, Kevin Price, Tom Sopher, and Janine Bullock. 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 at 6:38 p.m. Council members, Department Heads, and the public joined the meeting by WEB-X 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 October 12, 2021, copies of which had been distributed to each member. Council unanimously approved the minutes as written on a motion by Councilman Dunlap and seconded by Councilman Price. Next was the second reading by title only and public hearing of an Ordinance Authorizing The Purchase Of 6.158 Acres On New River Drive For The Relocation Of The Beckley Sanitary Board. Following Mr. File's explanation of the Ordinance and his reading the title of the Ordinance, Mr. File opened the public meeting. There were no public comments. Mr. File closed the public meeting. Motion to adopt the Ordinance was made by Councilman Price, seconded by Councilman Reedy, and unanimously approved by Council. The Ordinance is hereby incorporated into these minutes. Next, the Mayor nominated Jessica McGuire to join the Human Rights Commission. Motion was made by Councilwoman Hunter, seconded by Councilman Dunlap and unanimously approved by Council. Next, Recorder Treasurer Billie Trump opened the only bid received for roof repair to the Welcome Center which was from JH Building & Contracting, LLC in the amount of $46,500.00. This bid will be given to Councilwoman Hunter, Councilman Reedy, and the Director of Board of Public Works, Jerry Stump for their review and possible award. The bid is hereby incorporated into these minutes. The Mayor read a Proclamation titled "Extra Mile Day" which is observed November 1, 2021, and thanked everyone for their hard work for going above and beyond. OLD BUSINESS: The Mayor thanked Captain Joe Coughlin of the Beckley FD, Captain Morgan, and Recorder Treasurer Billie Trump for their work on the updated map of the City that highlights the Wards. Mr. Trump said that the map was updated according to the U.S. Census Bureau information. The Mayor announced a Workshop is scheduled Monday, November 1, 2021, at 5:05 p.m. On the agenda is the updated Ward map for Council's review and the Ordinance regarding Self Storage Units. The Mayor discussed the proposal of South Fayette Street becoming honorarily renamed. He mentioned Reverend Daniel Stratton as a consideration for the honorary renaming as he was a distinguished local citizen who overcame tremendous obstacles. Councilman Tom Sopher mentioned possibly renaming the street Bill Withers Way. Councilwoman Bullock said that she enjoyed the concert held at Tamarack and the book signing event with Homer Hickam yesterday. She thanked Scott Hill for his involvement. She also thanked the Beckley PD, the Code office, and the Board of Public Works. She also commented about the article in today's paper regarding homelessness in our area. Councilwoman Hunter thanked Vicki Webb with the Beckley Beautification Committee for all she does for the City and complimented her on how nice the Welcome Center looks and the Community Garden. NEW BUSINESS: Councilman Price said that he talked to IT Director, Bill Kelly, and Parks and Recreation Director, Leslie Baker, about adding information about the Black Knight on the City's Facebook page. The Mayor agreed and said that Cucumber and Company is working on revising the City's website and Black Knight will be included on the site. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Jody Lovelace Patrick and Robin Moore called to voice concerns regarding Stiffler Drive. The Mayor invited them to attend a meeting to be scheduled with Director of Board of Public Works Jerry Stump, Recorder Treasurer Billie Trump, and himself. With no further comments to be discussed the Mayor asked for a motion to adjourn at 7:05 p.m. which was made by Councilman Dunlap and seconded by Councilwoman Hunter. _________________________________ ________________________________ Mayor Recorder- Treasurer