City Council

February 9, 2021 The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Fairmont was held virtual at 7:00 p.m. on the 9th day of February, 2021 due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Mayor Mainella called the meeting to order. Councilmembers present were: First District Joshua D. (Josh) Rice Second District Anne E. Bolyard Third District Karl (David) Kennedy Fourth District Richard (Rick) Garcia Fifth District Barry H. Bledsoe Sixth District Gia Deasy Seventh District Blair Montgomery Eighth District Thomas (Tom) Mainella Ninth District Donna M. Blood Also present were: City Manager Valerie A. Means City Attorney Kevin Sansalone City Clerk Janet L. Keller Fire Chief Ed Simmons IN RE: OPENING CEREMONIES Rev. Rebecca Minh gave the invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag led by Councilmember Bolyard. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Mayor Mainella noted that each member of Council had received a copy of the minutes from the Regular Meeting held on January 26, 2021. He asked if there were any corrections, deletions, or amendments. Councilmember Blood 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. IN RE: BLACK HISTORY MONTH The Mayor read a statement on behalf of Fairmont City Council, the employees of the 1 City of Fairmont and all of the citizens of Fairmont pertaining to Black History Month. He said that on behalf of the City of Fairmont he wanted to remind all citizens that February 2021 is Black History Month and he encouraged all citizens to celebrate with us in our Nation’s diverse heritage and culture and continue in the movement to create a world that is more just, peaceful and inclusive and prosperous for all. Councilmember Blood stated that was a beautiful statement and she wholeheartedly agreed that Black History is American History and we are one nation but black gets overlooked and she hoped we are on a new beginning with new insight and that everyone will be equal. PUBLIC HEARINGS IN RE: AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR AN AMENDMENT TO THE CITY OF FAIRMONT ’S 2020-2021 ANNUAL BUDGET: GENERAL FUND Pursuant to a notice duly published in the Times-West Virginian on January 29, 2021, 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. Ms. Means spoke in favor of the proposed ordinance. She said that this is budget revision number five and it is needed to keep track of the line items in the budget. There being no one else to speak, the public hearing was called to a close at 7:07 p.m. IN RE: AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FAIRMONT AMENDING AND SUPPLEMENTING ORDINANCE NO. 1871 DULY ADOPTED OCTOBER 13, 2020, 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 CERTAIN STYLISTIC CHANGES AND TO PROVIDE BASE PAY INCREASES FOR THE POSITIONS OF CUSTOMER RELATIONS MANAGER/AUDITOR AND CODE/HOUSING OFFICER, BOTH OF WHICH ARE CURRENTLY VACANT Pursuant to a notice duly published in the Times-West Virginian on January 29, 2021, a public hearing was convened to obtain citizen input on a proposed ordinance providing for stylistic changes in the current Pay Plan. The City Manager asked Council to approve this ordinance. She said with this ordinance, it will put items in the Pay Plan in proper order of adjustment and does not impact anyone’s pay. She said there are no raises that would affect anyone in this Pay Plan. There being no one else to speak, the public hearing was called to a close at 7:09 p.m. 2 IN RE: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AND SUPPLEMENTING THAT PORTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 403, AS AMENDED BY ORDINANCE NO. 1365, ORDINANCE NO. 1486, ORDINANCE NO. 1624, AND ORDINANCE NO. 1701, WHICH IS CODIFIED AS PART 15 FIRE PREVENTION CODE, ARTICLE 1507, BUREAU FOR FIRE PREVENTION, SECTION .07 STATE CODE AND FIRE MARSHAL RULES, OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF FAIRMONT, TO PROVIDE FOR THE ADOPTION OF THE STANDARDS AND REQUIREMENTS SET OUT IN TITLE 87 LEGISLATIVE RULE, FIRE COMMISSION, SERIES 1 FIRE CODE, AND ESTABLISHED AND ADOPTED BY THE STATE OF WEST VIRGINIA, EFFECTIVE AUGUST 1, 2020, EXCLUDING HOWEVER ALL STANDARDS AND REQUIREMENTS DIRECTED TO THE OPERATION OF LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENTS, IF ANY Pursuant to a notice duly published in the Times-West Virginian on January 29, 2021, a public hearing was convened to obtain citizen input on a proposed ordinance to provide for the adoption of an update to the Fire Prevention Code. The Mayor asked if anyone present desired to speak to the proposed ordinance. Ms. Means stated that this ordinance is to get in line with the State Code changes that were recently made. She asked Council to support this ordinance. There being no one else to speak, the public hearing was called to a close at 7:11 p.m. IN RE: AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE PUBLIC AUCTION OF SURPLUS PERSONAL PROPERTY OF THE CITY OF FAIRMONT WATER BOARD, NAMELY, A 2004 WILKINS MOBILE HOME/OFFICE TRAILER VIN #WMBAL1203258, ESTABLISHING RESERVE OR MINIMUM BID, AND RESERVATION OF RIGHTS Pursuant to a notice duly published in the Times-West Virginian on January 29, 2021, a public hearing was convened to obtain citizen input on a proposed ordinance providing for the public auction of surplus personal property for the Water Board, a 2004 Wilkins mobile home/office trailer. The Mayor asked if anyone present desired to speak to the proposed ordinance. The Manager stated that this ordinance will provide for the public auction of surplus property belonging to the Water Department. She asked Council to approve this office trailer as surplus property. There being no one else to speak, the public hearing was called to a close at 7:12 p.m. ANNOUNCEMENTS IN RE: COVID VACCINATION 3 Councilmember Blood reported that she received her first Covid vaccination and she was excited to get it. Councilmember Deasy also mentioned that she has been vaccinated. She said that she is glad to see that the vaccinations are coming through. IN RE: CITY WORKERS COMMENDED Councilmember Montgomery commended the city workers for keeping the streets clear during the recent snow. He noted that they do an excellent job. Councilmember Blood mentioned that they do an amazing job. Councilmember Bolyard stated that she sends her appreciation to everyone for the snow removal. IN RE: RUSSELL YANN Councilmember Bolyard reported that on NPR and WV Public Broadcasting, they did a great story on Russell Yann. She encouraged everyone to listen to it because it shares a great legend and a great part of the Friendly City with the rest of the world. IN RE: WOMEN’S CLUB Councilmember Deasy thanked Marcella Yaremchuk for inviting her to see the blessings from the basement at the Women’s Club and it is amazing what the Women’s Club is doing for the City of Fairmont. IN RE: JULIE SOLE AND DISABILITY ACTION CENTER COMMENDED Councilmember Deasy commended Julie Sole at the Disability Action Center. She mentioned that this month is their membership drive and noted that it is really easy to be a community member there. IN RE: FAIRMONT REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER Councilmember Kennedy announced that he wanted to thank all of those that were involved in getting the extra 32 beds at the Fairmont Regional Medical Center. He mentioned that they are bringing online some of the diagnostic equipment and we really need to keep that hospital here. The Mayor also mentioned that the hospital is very important to this community and to the county and that it will only grow and prosper. CITIZENS PETITIONS 4 There were no citizen’s petitions for this meeting. CITY MANAGER ’S REPORT The City Manager reported the following:  Encouraged everyone to pre-register for the Covid vaccination at the State’s registration site.  Commended the Public Works Department for a great job in clearing the streets during the recent snow.  Extended a special thank you to the various departments and agencies that assisted in the clean-up of the trash in the Glen Avenue area.  Commended the City employees and the Finance Department for participating in “Have A Heart Challenge”. She noted that they filled 30 bags with needed items that will be distributed to the needy in our community.  Reported that the FY22 Budget is balanced and finalized and ready for Council’s review. She reminded Council of the Budget Work Session scheduled for Tuesday, February 16th at 4:00 p.m. at the Water Filtration Plant Conference Room.  She will be attending the virtual Planning Commission meeting tomorrow evening to review the FY22 Capital Budget. CONSIDERATION OF COUNCIL BUSINESS IN RE: ADOPTION, AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR AN AMENDMENT TO THE CITY OF FAIRMONT ’S 2020-2021 ANNUAL BUDGET: GENERAL FUND Mayor Mainella entertained a motion for the adoption of an ordinance providing for a General Fund budget revision. Motion: Councilmember Rice moved for the adoption of the proposed ordinance. Councilmember Blood seconded the motion. Roll call was taken by the Clerk. The Mayor declared the ordinance adopted by unanimous vote of Council and the ordinance designated as Ordinance No. 1879 was duly adopted. IN RE: ADOPTION, AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FAIRMONT AMENDING AND SUPPLEMENTING ORDINANCE NO. 1871 DULY ADOPTED OCTOBER 13, 2020, 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 CERTAIN STYLISTIC CHANGES AND TO PROVIDE BASE PAY INCREASES FOR THE 5 POSITIONS OF CUSTOMER RELATIONS MANAGER/AUDITOR AND CODE/HOUSING OFFICER, BOTH OF WHICH ARE CURRENTLY VACANT Mayor Mainella entertained a motion for the adoption of an ordinance providing for stylistic changes in the current Pay Plan. Motion: Councilmember Kennedy moved for the adoption of the proposed ordinance. Councilmember Rice seconded the motion. Roll call was taken by the Clerk. The Mayor declared the ordinance adopted by unanimous vote of Council and the ordinance designated as Ordinance No. 1880 was duly adopted. IN RE: ADOPTION, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AND SUPPLEMENTING THAT PORTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 403, AS AMENDED BY ORDINANCE NO. 1365, ORDINANCE NO. 1486, ORDINANCE NO. 1624, AND ORDINANCE NO. 1701, WHICH IS CODIFIED AS PART 15 FIRE PREVENTION CODE, ARTICLE 1507, BUREAU FOR FIRE PREVENTION, SECTION .07 STATE CODE AND FIRE MARSHAL RULES, OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF FAIRMONT, TO PROVIDE FOR THE ADOPTION OF THE STANDARDS AND REQUIREMENTS SET OUT IN TITLE 87 LEGISLATIVE RULE, FIRE COMMISSION, SERIES 1 FIRE CODE, AND ESTABLISHED AND ADOPTED BY THE STATE OF WEST VIRGINIA, EFFECTIVE AUGUST 1, 2020, EXCLUDING HOWEVER ALL STANDARDS AND REQUIREMENTS DIRECTED TO THE OPERATION OF LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENTS, IF ANY Mayor Mainella entertained a motion for the adoption of an ordinance providing for the adoption of an update to the Fire Prevention Code. Motion: Councilmember Kennedy moved for the adoption of the proposed ordinance. Councilmember Blood seconded the motion. Roll call was taken by the Clerk. The Mayor declared the ordinance adopted by unanimous vote of Council and the ordinance designated as Ordinance No. 1881 was duly adopted. IN RE: ADOPTION, AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE PUBLIC AUCTION OF SURPLUS PERSONAL PROPERTY OF THE CITY OF FAIRMONT WATER BOARD, NAMELY, A 2004 WILKINS MOBILE HOME/OFFICE TRAILER VIN #WMBAL1203258, ESTABLISHING RESERVE OR MINIMUM BID, AND RESERVATION OF RIGHTS 6 Mayor Mainella entertained a motion for the adoption of an ordinance providing for the public auction of surplus personal property, a 2004 Wilkins mobile home/office trailer, of the City of Fairmont Water Board. Motion: Councilmember Kennedy moved for the adoption of the proposed ordinance. Councilmember Bolyard seconded the motion. Roll call was taken by the Clerk. The Mayor declared the ordinance adopted by unanimous vote of Council and the ordinance designated as Ordinance No. 1882 was duly adopted. IN RE: ADOPTION , A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FAIRMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, AUTHORIZING THE SUBMISSION OF AN APPLICATION TO MCPARC FOR A COMMUNITY GRANT PROGRAM GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $8,592.00 TO FUND, IN PART, FOUR (4) HERCULES DIAMOND BASKETBALL HOOP SYSTEMS FOR THE BASKETBALL COURT RENOVATION PROJECT AT WINDMILL PARK, 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 submission of an application to MCPARC for a Community Grant to fund, in part, four basketball hoop systems for the renovation project at Windmill Park. Motion: Councilmember Blood moved for the adoption of the proposed ordinance. Councilmember Kennedy seconded the motion. The Clerk read the proposed resolution by synopsis. Roll call was taken by the Clerk. The Mayor declared the resolution adopted by unanimous vote of Council. ADJOURNMENT The Mayor entertained a motion for adjournment. Motion: Councilmember Blood moved to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Bolyard. 7 The Mayor declared the meeting adjourned by voice vote of Council at 7:31 p.m. 8