City Council

March 13, 2018 The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Fairmont was held at 7:00 p.m. on the 13th day of March, 2018, at the Public Safety Building located at 500 Quincy Street in Fairmont, West Virginia. Mayor Mainella called the meeting to order. Councilmembers present were: First District Marianne Moran Second District Frank G. Yann Third District Walter L. (Walt) Colley, Jr. Fourth District Kenneth (Brad) Merrifield Fifth District Fran Warner Seventh District Philip R. (Phil) Mason Eighth District Thomas (Tom) Mainella Ninth District Ronald J. (Ron) Straight, Sr. Absent: Sixth District Dora Kay Grubb Also present were: City Manager Robin I. Gomez City Clerk Janet L. Keller City Attorney Kevin V. Sansalone Police Chief Steve Shine City Planner Sandra Scaffidi IN RE: EXCUSE COUNCILMEMBER GRUBB Councilmember Straight moved to excuse Councilmember Grubb from this meeting due to illness. Councilmember Mason seconded the motion. The Mayor declared Councilmember Grubb excused from the meeting by voice vote of Council. IN RE: OPENING CEREMONIES Rev. Roger Thrower from City Church gave the prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag led by Councilmember Straight. 1 IN RE: EFSH WRESTLING TEAM RECOGNIZED The East Fairmont High School wrestling team was recognized for its participation at the State tournament. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Mayor Mainella noted that each member of Council had received a copy of the minutes from the Regular Meeting held on February 27, 2018. Councilmember Mason moved to approve the minutes as submitted. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Warner. The Mayor declared the minutes approved as submitted by voice vote of Council. PUBLIC HEARINGS IN RE: AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FAIRMONT PROVIDING FOR AND AUTHORIZING THE TRANSFER AND CONVEYANCE OF A CERTAIN PARCEL OF REAL ESTATE SITUATE IN THE CITY OF FAIRMONT, TO-WIT: BLK 10 LT 14 & PT LT 15 EAST PARK AVENUE PARCEL 254 MAP 05-05 UNION CITY DISTRICT MARION COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA 507 EAST PARK AVENUE, FAIRMONT FROM WILLIAM L. COOGLE AND CHARLOTTE L. COOGLE TO THE CITY OF FAIRMONT; PROVIDING FOR AND AUTHORIZING THE CONVEYANCE AND TRANSFER OF SAID PARCEL OF REAL ESTATE FROM THE CITY OF FAIRMONT TO AN ADJOINING PROPERTY OWNER IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CITY OF FAIRMONT'S APPROVED HOME RULE PLAN AND THE ORDINANCES ADOPTED THEREUNDER; APPROVING THE FORM OF THE TRANSACTIONAL DOCUMENTS; AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AND DELIVER THEM ON BEHALF OF THE CITY OF FAIRMONT; RATIFICATION Pursuant to a notice duly published in the Times-West Virginian on March 5, 2018, a public hearing was convened to obtain citizen input on a proposed 2 ordinance providing for the transfer and conveyance of 507 East Park Avenue. The Mayor asked if anyone present desired to speak to the proposed ordinance. Mr. Gomez stated that this item is to approve the City acquiring this parcel to alleviate a blighted, dilapidated structure located on East Park Avenue. Councilmember Yann noted that he wanted to thank the City Manager and Code Enforcement for taking care of this structure. He noted that those living in that area really appreciate it. There being no one else to speak, the public hearing was called to a close at 7:12 p.m. IN RE: FISCAL YEAR 2018-2019 CITY BUDGETS: GENERAL FUND, PARKING FUND, COAL SEVERANCE AND OUTSIDE AGENCIES Pursuant to a notice duly published in the Times-West Virginian on February 26, 2018 and March 5, 2018, a public hearing was convened to obtain citizen input on the FY 2018-2019 City Budgets: General Fund, Parking Fund, Coal Severance and Outside Agencies. The Mayor asked if anyone present desired to speak to the proposed ordinance. Mr. Gomez presented a PowerPoint presentation showing the highlights of the FY 2018-2019 budget. He noted that this presentation was previously presented at a recent work session regarding information on next year’s budget of $18,660,788.00. He then mentioned that the detailed budget information is also available on the City’s website. Councilmember Mason noted that it was a good looking budget and he liked it. There being no one else to speak, the public hearing was called to a close at 7:22 p.m. ANNOUNCEMENTS IN RE: COMMUNITY EVENTS 3 Councilmember Moran mentioned a couple community events that she attended. She stated that she attended the Women’s Leadership Forum held at Fairmont State University and arranged by Marion County Indivisible. She also mentioned that she attended the Empty Bowls event at the Knights of Columbus for United Way. She noted that it was a wonderful event and more than 500 people attended. Councilmember Straight stated that he also attended the Empty Bowls fund raiser and noted it was a great event and very well attended. IN RE: FIRST YEAR ANNIVERSARY – EYE CANDY Councilmember Warner reported that this week is the one-year anniversary for a local downtown business, Eye Candy. She said that Tiffany Samuels is the owner and they have jewelry, wigs, etc. and anything else to fancy someone up or if they have a need for these items. IN RE: STATE HISTORY EXPO Mayor Mainella stated that he attended the State History Expo held on Saturday, March 10th, at the Court House. He said that they also had a wonderful collection of old big trucks parked on Adams Street. CITIZENS PETITIONS IN RE: WATER RUNOFF – 716 MORGANTOWN AVENUE ROBERT ANGELILLI, a resident of 716 Morgantown Avenue, addressed Council regarding water runoff at his residence. After presenting pictures to Mayor Mainella, Mr. Angelilli requested that the City increase the curb along the road. Mr. Gomez said that he met with Mr. Angelilli last week and told him that the City will raise the curb once the asphalt plant opens. IN RE: MAIN STREET FAIRMONT UPDATE NICKI LEWIS, Main Street Director, addressed Council to give an update on various projects regarding Main Street Fairmont. CITY MANAGER’S REPORT IN RE: FAIRMONT 101 4 The City Manager invited everyone, although there is limited space, to attend in Fairmont 101. He noted that the first session will begin Thursday, April 5th. It will be the first and third Thursday of every month from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and lunch will be included. This is a good way to learn more about what the City does. IN RE: FAIRMONT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP MEETINGS Mr. Gomez reported that there will be two meetings tomorrow hosted by the FCDP to discuss a proposed development that the Partnership is working on adjacent to Windmill Park. The meetings will take place at noon and then again at 6:00 p.m. at the Dunbar Annex Building on Weatherwax Street. CONSIDERATION OF COUNCIL BUSINESS IN RE: ADOPTION, AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FAIRMONT PROVIDING FOR AND AUTHORIZING THE TRANSFER AND CONVEYANCE OF A CERTAIN PARCEL OF REAL ESTATE SITUATE IN THE CITY OF FAIRMONT, TO-WIT: BLK 10 LT 14 & PT LT 15 EAST PARK AVENUE PARCEL 254 MAP 05-05 UNION CITY DISTRICT MARION COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA 507 EAST PARK AVENUE, FAIRMONT FROM WILLIAM L. COOGLE AND CHARLOTTE L. COOGLE TO THE CITY OF FAIRMONT; PROVIDING FOR AND AUTHORIZING THE CONVEYANCE AND TRANSFER OF SAID PARCEL OF REAL ESTATE FROM THE CITY OF FAIRMONT TO AN ADJOINING PROPERTY OWNER IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CITY OF FAIRMONT'S APPROVED HOME RULE PLAN AND THE ORDINANCES ADOPTED THEREUNDER; APPROVING THE FORM OF THE TRANSACTIONAL DOCUMENTS; AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AND DELIVER THEM ON BEHALF OF THE CITY OF FAIRMONT; RATIFICATION Mayor Mainella entertained a motion for the adoption of an ordinance providing for the transfer and conveyance of property located at 507 East Park Avenue. Motion: 5 Councilmember Straight moved for the adoption of the proposed ordinance. Councilmember Mason seconded the motion. Roll call was taken by the Clerk. The Mayor declared the ordinance adopted by unanimous vote of those Councilmembers present and the ordinance designated as Ordinance No. 1761 was duly adopted. IN RE: INTRODUCTION, FIRST READING, SET PUBLIC HEARING, AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR AN AMENDMENT TO THE CITY OF FAIRMONT’S 2017-2018 ANNUAL BUDGET: GENERAL FUND Mayor Mainella entertained a motion and a second for the introduction of an ordinance for a General Fund Budget Revision. Motion: Councilmember Warner moved for the introduction of the proposed ordinance and the reading of a synopsis in lieu of the entire ordinance. Councilmember Colley seconded the motion. The Clerk read the proposed ordinance by synopsis for the first time. The Mayor declared the public hearing set for March 27, 2018 by voice vote of Council. IN RE: INTRODUCTION, FIRST READING, SET PUBLIC HEARING, AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FAIRMONT PROVIDING FOR AND AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF THOSE CERTAIN PARCELS OF REAL ESTATE SITUATE IN THE CITY OF FAIRMONT, UNION DISTRICT, MARION COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA, AND DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: PT LT 1 (7753.40 SQ FT) VERMONT AVE (PLAT 239-75) DISTRICT 05 MAP 4 PARCEL 6; AND PT LT 1 (6156.61 SQ FT) MORGANTOWN AVE (PLAT 938-753) DISTRICT 05 MAP 4 PARCEL 6.1 6 FROM TEDDY R. EDWARDS & JOY R. SILVERMAN EDWARDS, AND JAMES B. MCCORMLEY, RESPECTIVELY, TO PROVIDE A LOCATION FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW EAST SIDE FIRE STATION Mayor Mainella entertained a motion and a second for the introduction of an ordinance authorizing the purchase of property on Vermont Avenue and Morgantown Avenue for a new East Side Fire Station. Motion: Councilmember Straight moved for the introduction of the proposed ordinance and the reading of a synopsis in lieu of the entire ordinance. Councilmember Warner seconded the motion. The Clerk read the proposed ordinance by synopsis for the first time. The Mayor declared the public hearing set for March 27, 2018 by voice vote of Council. IN RE: ADOPTION, A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE CITY OF FAIRMONT’S FISCAL YEAR 2018-2019 CITY BUDGET: GENERAL FUND, PARKING FUND, COAL SEVERANCE AND OUTSIDE AGENCIES Mayor Mainella entertained a motion for the adoption of a resolution approving the 2018-2019 General Fund Budget. Motion: Councilmember Warner moved for the adoption of the proposed resolution and the reading of a synopsis in lieu of the entire resolution. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Mason. The Clerk read the proposed resolution by synopsis for the first time. Roll call was taken by the Clerk. The Mayor declared the resolution adopted by unanimous vote of those Councilmembers present. IN RE: ADOPTION, A RESOLUTION BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FAIRMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, AUTHORIZING THE FILING OF AN APPLICATION WITH MCPARC FOR GRANTS TO FUND, IN PART, PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT FOR MORGANTOWN AVENUE PARK AND MORRIS PARK, AND IF 7 AWARDED, FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE ACCEPTANCE THEREOF AND PROVIDING THE CITY MANAGER WITH AUTHORITY TO DO ALL THINGS REASONABLE AND NECESSARY IN CONNECTION THEREWITH Mayor Mainella entertained a motion for the adoption of a resolution authorizing the filing of two MCPARC grants, one for Morgantown Avenue Park and one for Morris Park. Motion: Councilmember Straight moved for the adoption of the proposed resolution and the reading of a synopsis in lieu of the entire resolution. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Colley. The Clerk read the proposed resolution by synopsis for the first time. Roll call was taken by the Clerk. The Mayor declared the resolution adopted by unanimous vote of those Councilmembers present. ADJOURNMENT The Mayor entertained a motion for adjournment. Motion: Councilmember Straight moved at 7:45 p.m. to adjourn this meeting to Tuesday, April 17, 2018 at 4:30 p.m. in order to approve the Levy Rates. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Yann. The Mayor declared this meeting adjourned until 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 17, 2018 by unanimous vote of those Councilmembers present. 8