City Council

September 10, 2019 The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Fairmont was held at 7:00 p.m. on the 10th day of September, 2019, at the Public Safety Building located at 500 Quincy Street in Fairmont, West Virginia. Mayor Merrifield called the meeting to order. Councilmembers present were: First District Joshua D. (Josh) Rice Second District Frank G. Yann Third District Karl (David) Kennedy Fourth District Kenneth (Brad) Merrifield Fifth District Barry H. Bledsoe Sixth District Dora Kay Grubb Seventh District Philip R. (Phil) Mason Eighth District Thomas (Tom) Mainella Absent: Ninth District Donna M. Blood Also present were: City Manager Valerie Means City Attorney Kevin Sansalone City Clerk Janet L. Keller Marketing Director Hanna Turner IN RE: COUNCILMEMBER BLOOD EXCUSED The Mayor entertained a motion to excuse Councilmember Blood from tonight’s meeting. Motion: Councilmember Mainella moved to excuse Councilmember Blood. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Yann. The Mayor declared Councilmember Blood excused by voice vote of Council. Rev. Larry Buckland gave the invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag led by Councilmember Yann. 1  APPROVAL OF MINUTES Mayor Merrifield noted that each member of Council had received a copy of the minutes from the Regular Meeting August 27, 2019. Councilmember Bledsoe moved to approve the minutes as submitted. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Rice. The Mayor declared the minutes approved as submitted by voice vote of Council. PUBLIC HEARINGS IN RE: AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE PUBLIC AUCTION OF SURPLUS PERSONAL PROPERTY OF THE CITY OF FAIRMONT; RESERVATION OF RIGHTS Pursuant to a notice duly published in the Times-West Virginian on September 2, 2019, a public hearing was convened to obtain citizen input on a proposed ordinance providing for the public auction of surplus personal property of the City of Fairmont. The Mayor asked if anyone present desired to speak to the proposed ordinance. Ms. Means spoke in favor of the proposed ordinance. She said this is an important part of what we do to eliminate excess assets that we no longer have a need for. There being no one else to speak, the public hearing was called to a close at 7:05 p.m. IN RE: AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FAIRMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, APPROVING THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THAT CERTAIN COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE UNITED STEEL, PAPER AND FORESTRY, RUBBER, MANUFACTURING, ENERGY, ALLIED INDUSTRIAL AND SERVICE WORKERS INTERNATIONAL UNION, LOCAL NO. 1-02, AND THE CITY OF FAIRMONT EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 10, 2019, AND ENDING OCTOBER 9, 2022, AND FURTHER AUTHORIZING AND EMPOWERING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AND DELIVER SAID AGREEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE CITY OF FAIRMONT; RATIFICATION 2 Pursuant to a notice duly published in the Times-West Virginian on September 2, 2019, a public hearing was convened to obtain citizen input on a proposed ordinance approving the terms and conditions of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the City of Fairmont and the United Steelworkers. The Mayor asked if anyone present desired to speak to the proposed ordinance. Ms. Means spoke in favor of the proposed ordinance. She said she is very excited and happy that we were able to come to terms. She thanked the collective bargaining negotiation team of USW and said they were able to work together and happy to have a new contract for the next three years. There being no one else to speak, the public hearing was called to a close at 7:06 p.m. IN RE: AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FAIRMONT AMENDING AND SUPPLEMENTING ORDINANCE NO. 1818 DULY ADOPTED MAY 28, 2019, WHICH ORDINANCE PROVIDES FOR THE CITY OF FAIRMONT’S CURRENT PAY PLAN AND LIST OF OCCUPATIONAL CLASSES FOR ALL CLASS TITLES AND EMPLOYEES, TO PROVIDE FOR BASE PAY INCREASES FOR CERTAIN CLASS PAY GRADES/CLASS PAY TITLES AND CHANGES TO THE STEELWORKER’S PAY PLAN CONSISTENT WITH THE RECENTLY NEGOTIATED COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT Pursuant to a notice duly published in the Times-West Virginian on September 2, 2019, a public hearing was convened to obtain citizen input on a proposed ordinance amending the current Pay Plan to provide for base pay increases for certain pay classes and changes to the Steelworker’s pay plan. The Mayor asked if anyone present desired to speak to the proposed ordinance. There being no one to speak, the public hearing was called to a close at 7:07 p.m. IN RE: AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR AN AMENDMENT TO THE CITY OF FAIRMONT’S 2019-2020 ANNUAL BUDGET: GENERAL FUND Pursuant to a notice duly published in the Times-West Virginian on 3 September 2, 2019, a public hearing was convened to obtain citizen input on a proposed ordinance providing for a General Fund Budget Revision. The Mayor asked if anyone present desired to speak to the proposed ordinance. There being no one to speak, the public hearing was called to a close at 7:08 p.m. ANNOUNCEMENTS IN RE: FRANCIS AND JULIA PIERPONT SIGNS Councilmember Grubb stated that she wanted to thank the State of WV for providing us with two new signs for Francis and Julia Pierpont. IN RE: LETTER READ ON BEHALF OF JOANN CIMAGLIA – MURAL PROJECT Councilmember Mason received and read a handwritten letter from JoAnn Cimaglia regarding the mural proposed for the wall Palatine Park. Ms. Cimaglia had mentioned that it would be beneficial for our community if our current and former treasurers are artfully displayed for all to see as a mural on the wall at Palatine Park. Tourists that visit or pass through Fairmont could see the painting of the large round barn in Mannington and then plan to visit Mannington to see the unusual structure, or tourists could visit the Marion County Historical Museum to learn about the former Hunsaker Covered Bridge in Watson across the West Fork River. Many out of towners have heard about our beautiful Valley Falls but have never been there to take photos or listen to the water. The Palatine Park wall mural could serve as a catalyst for local citizens of any age to want to see more, to learn more, experience more, and appreciate more. Families could visit the murals and then go home and talk about them, especially thinking of children that could go to class and tell their teacher about a mural at Palatine Park that caught their eye and tweaks their interest. She closed her letter by saying that she would welcome any questions pertaining to the suggestions about the wall mural. Councilmember Mason stated that her interest probably started during her time serving as the garden club writer for the Times-West Virginian and was thinking in terms of elements that we could include in the mural which would not only insight the interest among the local citizens but also for those who visit to see the depictions on the mural. He noted that her interest is tourism and education. He then thanked Ms. Cimaglia for her letter. 4 IN RE: FAIRMONT STATE BOARD OF GOVERNORS Councilmember Bledsoe stated that he is aware that the Fairmont State Board of Governors is going to be meeting soon to discuss the contract of Dr. Martin, President of FSU, and he would like to speak for himself to offer his public support for Dr. Martin based strictly on what she has done in the short time that she has been there. He said that he can honestly say that he has never seen anyone put students first more than she has. He noted that some forget that the students are the reason that the university exists. He then said that he prays that they renew her contract and keep her around for a long time to come. IN RE: NORWOOD PARK Councilmember Rice announced that the City of Fairmont, Novelis and the Disability Action Center have partnered to make Norwood Park an all- inclusive playground. He reported that Novelis offered to match the City’s contribution of $75,000 on the handicapped accessible park. IN RE: EAST FAIRMONT HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI BAND Councilmember Kennedy reported that on Friday, September 13th, the East Fairmont High School Alumni Band will be performing. He encouraged everyone to attend the ball game because it will be a good time. IN RE: PALATINE PARK Mayor Merrifield mentioned that Butch Tennant’s name is on the plaque that brought us Palatine Park. He publicly thanked Mr. Tennant for bringing it to Fairmont and allowing the City of Fairmont to share it with them. CITIZENS PETITIONS IN RE: 1008 RIDGELY AVENUE MICHAEL GODBY, 568 Wadestown Road, Wana, WV addressed Council regarding property located at 1008 Ridgely Avenue. He said that he owns the property located at 1010 Ridgely Avenue and because of 1008 Ridgely Avenue, it is affecting his retirement income. He said that he cannot keep his property rented because of the people living next door and some of the things that they have done to his tenants. He said the house is useless to him with the homeless people going in and out of the house next to his rental unit. He then asked the City to do what they can to help him with this 5 situation. He said his rental cannot pass inspection and he would like to be forgiven on his fees and he wants a letter from the City of Fairmont stating that his property cannot be rented. The Mayor asked Mr. Godby to leave his contact information with the City Clerk and the City Manager will get back to him with an answer. IN RE: NAMING OF NEW 4 TH STREET BRIDGE ROMELIA HODGES, 614 Benoni Avenue, addressed Council regarding the name of the new 4th Street Bridge in honor of Rose Cousins. She then reminded Council that Ms. Cousins was a citizen of Fairmont who did phenomenal things in the 1920’s and 1930’s as she was growing up. She was an air pilot and overcame insurmountable obstacles in order to become the woman that she was. She then shared some of her accomplishments throughout her career. She said that naming the bridge after her would finally give her the honor that she deserves and it is the right thing to do. Councilmember Grubb stated that she wished Council would name that bridge. The Mayor said that Council will take it back under consideration. IN RE: PROPOSED MURAL ON WALL NEAR PALATINE PARK JOEL DUGAN, Art Professor at Fairmont State University, addressed Council regarding the mural wall at Palatine Park. He presented Council with a price quote for the mural. He said his interest is to align a class on public arts that he would teach during the spring semester with the project commencing on this large task at Palatine Park. He said his goal is to ask the students to have two open forums with the community, one on the east side and west side, and through those forums develop an idea of what the community, has a whole, sees as most important or identifies the most significant people of Fairmont. He went on to say that as he hears the suggestions that are brought forth, he will say that he has heard nothing but a lot of interpretations from the community from what they feel it should be valued. This is a time for us to really understand the lighting rod that is a seed to bring art to that wall. He said there was a lot of wall down there and there is a lot of opportunities that could be had. He said that he wanted to bring forward this estimate and show Council the quote. He said that he has been very successful in reaching out to local business owners and getting what he thinks is extremely good estimates for services. He said he is donating his service on behalf of the University and they want to get students out and involved in the community and to make real world 6 experiences take place. He said they will be making a real gem for Fairmont. Councilmember Rice thanked Mr. Dugan for what he is doing. He said that this mural is going to be a big improvement for Palatine Park. Councilmember Bledsoe asked Mr. Dugan to talk to him after the meeting and maybe he could even save him some more money. CITY MANAGER’S REPORT IN RE: TRICK OR TREAT HOURS The City Manager reported that trick or treat in Fairmont will be on Thursday, October 31st from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. IN RE: MARK MILLER, NEW DIRECTOR OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT Ms. Means announced Mark Miller as Fairmont’s new Director of Planning and Development. She noted that he started in service with the City on Monday. The Manager thanked and commended Ken Fletcher, Building Inspector, for covering the Planning Department until a new Planning Director was hired. IN RE: FALL CLEAN-UP Ms. Means announced that fall clean-up is being planned for the week of October 7-11, 2019. She noted that it will be held on the regular trash pick- up day. IN RE: UNITED WAY PRESENTATION BRETT WHITE AND CHRIS YOST, addressed Council regarding the upcoming United Way campaign and presented Council with a copy of the 2020 Contributor Guide. He noted that this campaign marks their 81st annual campaign in Fairmont. Mr. White said that support is critical to achieving our community fundraising goal of $500,000.00. United Way provides funding to support 33 programs at 26 health and human service agencies in Marion and Taylor counties. These agencies are working daily to address the growing challenges faced by individuals and families in our communities. Mr. Yost spoke to Council regarding the 2-1-1 program which is a free and 7 confidential service provided by the United Way that connects area residents to critical health and social service resources when they need help the most. He said this program walks residents through more than 12,000 available resources in WV to find the right service or program for residents 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. CONSIDERATION OF COUNCIL BUSINESS IN RE: ADOPTION, AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE PUBLIC AUCTION OF SURPLUS PERSONAL PROPERTY OF THE CITY OF FAIRMONT; RESERVATION OF RIGHTS Mayor Merrifield entertained a motion for the adoption of an ordinance providing for the public auction of surplus personal property owned by the City of Fairmont. Motion: Councilmember Rice moved for the adoption of the proposed ordinance. Councilmember Bledsoe 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. 1830 was duly adopted. IN RE: ADOPTION, AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FAIRMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, APPROVING THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THAT CERTAIN COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE UNITED STEEL, PAPER AND FORESTRY, RUBBER, MANUFACTURING, ENERGY, ALLIED INDUSTRIAL AND SERVICE WORKERS INTERNATIONAL UNION, LOCAL NO. 1-02, AND THE CITY OF FAIRMONT EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 10, 2019, AND ENDING OCTOBER 9, 2022, AND FURTHER AUTHORIZING AND EMPOWERING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AND DELIVER SAID AGREEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE CITY OF FAIRMONT; RATIFICATION Mayor Merrifield entertained a motion for the adoption of an ordinance approving the terms and conditions of the collective bargaining agreement between the City of Fairmont and the United Steelworkers. Motion: 8 Councilmember Rice moved for the adoption of the proposed ordinance. Councilmember Yann 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. 1831 was duly adopted. IN RE: ADOPTION, AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FAIRMONT AMENDING AND SUPPLEMENTING ORDINANCE NO. 1818 DULY ADOPTED MAY 28, 2019, WHICH ORDINANCE PROVIDES FOR THE CITY OF FAIRMONT’S CURRENT PAY PLAN AND LIST OF OCCUPATIONAL CLASSES FOR ALL CLASS TITLES AND EMPLOYEES, TO PROVIDE FOR BASE PAY INCREASES FOR CERTAIN CLASS PAY GRADES/CLASS PAY TITLES AND CHANGES TO THE STEELWORKER’S PAY PLAN CONSISTENT WITH THE RECENTLY NEGOTIATED COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT Mayor Merrifield entertained a motion for the adoption of an ordinance amending the Pay Plan to provide for base pay increases for certain class pay grades and changes to the United Steelworkers pay plan. Motion: Councilmember Mainella moved for the adoption of the proposed ordinance. Councilmember Yann 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. 1832 was duly adopted. IN RE: ADOPTION, AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR AN AMENDMENT TO THE CITY OF FAIRMONT’S 2019-2020 ANNUAL BUDGET: GENERAL FUND Mayor Merrifield entertained a motion for the adoption of an ordinance providing for a General Fund Budget Revision. Motion: 9 Councilmember Bledsoe moved for the adoption of the proposed ordinance. Councilmember Kennedy 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. 1833 was duly adopted. IN RE: TWO RE-APPOINTMENTS, FAIRMONT PARKING AUTHORITY, THREE YEAR TERMS TO END SEPTEMBER 30, 2022 Mayor Merrifield entertained a motion for two re-appointments to the Fairmont Parking Authority for terms to end September 30, 2022. Councilmember Mainella moved to confirm the appointments of Eddie Snider and Kenneth Satterfield to the Fairmont Parking Authority for terms ending September 30, 2022. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Rice. Roll call was taken by the Clerk. The Mayor declared Eddie Snider and Kenneth Satterfield appointed to the Fairmont Parking Authority for terms ending September 30, 2022 by unanimous vote of those Councilmembers present. ADJOURNMENT The Mayor entertained a motion for adjournment. Motion: Councilmember Mason moved to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Grubb. The Mayor declared the meeting adjourned by voice vote of Council at 7:50 p.m. 10 11