City Council

REGULAR MEETING MAY 20, 2014: The regular meeting of the Common Council of the City of Morgantown was held in the Council Chambers of City Hall on Tuesday, May 20, 2014 at 7:00 P.M. PRESENT: City Manager Jeff Mikorski, City Attorney Steve Fanok, City Clerk Linda Little, Mayor Jenny Selin and Council Members: Ron Bane, Bill Kawecki, Wes Nugent, Marti Shamberger and Mike Fike. (Nancy Ganz Absent) The Meeting was called to order by Mayor Selin. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The minutes of the regular meeting of May 6, 2014 were approved as presented. CORRESPONDENCE: Eldon Callen, Mon County Commissioner, spoke to Council about potholes and the need to have a local solution and partner with the State. Mayor Selin suspended the rules for further discussion from Council with Commissioner Callen on the funding and future expectations of this partnership. Mr. Mikorski, City Manager, clarified the paving process. Mayor Selin read a letter as part of the record from Main Street Morgantown recommending that the VFW project be allowed. (Exibit A attached) PUBLIC HEARING - AN ORDINANCE BY THE CITY APPROVING THE SALE OF CITY OWNED REALTY (5.11 ACRES, MORE OR LESS, AND KNOWN AS THE MILEGROUND ARMORY), AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A DEED CONSUMMATING SAID SALE. There being no appearances, Mayor Selin declared the Public Hearing closed. PUBLIC HEARING - AN ORDINANCE BY THE CITY OF MORGANTOWN, WEST VIRGINIA, AUTHORIZING THE SUBMISSION OF A HOME RULE PILOT PROGRAM APPLICATION AND PLAN PURSUANT TO SECTION 8-1-5a OF THE WEST VIRGINIA CODE, TO THE WEST VIRGINIA DEVELOPMENT OFFICE, WEST VIRGINIA HOME RULE PILOT PROGRAM. There being no appearances, Mayor Selin declared the Public Hearing closed. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: AN ORDINANCE BY THE CITY APPROVING THE SALE OF CITY OWNED REALTY: The below entitled ordinance was presented for second reading. AN ORDINANCE BY THE CITY OF MORGANTOWN APPROVING THE SALE OF CITY OWNED REALTY (5.11 ACRES, MORE OR LESS, AND KNOWN AS THE MILEGROUND ARMORY), AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A DEED CONSUMMATING SAID SALE. Motion by Shamberger, second by Kawecki, to adopt the above entitled Ordinance. Motion carried 6-0. 1  AN ORDINANCE BY THE CITY OF MORGANTOWN, WEST VIRGINIA, AUTHORIZING THE SUBMISSION OF A HOME RULE PILOT PROGRAM APPLICATION AND PLAN: The below entitled ordinance was presented for second reading. AN ORDINANCE BY THE CITY OF MORGANTOWN, WEST VIRGINIA, AUTHORIZING THE SUBMISSION OF A HOME RULE PILOT PROGRAM APPLICATION AND PLAN, PURSUANT TO SECTION 8-1-5a OF THE WEST VIRGINIA CODE, TO THE WEST VIRGINIA DEVELOPMENT OFFICE, WEST VIRGINIA HOME RULE PILOT PROGRAM. Motion by Fike, second by Shamberger, to adopt the above entitled Ordinance. City Manager, Jeff Mikorski, explained the Home Rule Application and the five parts of the process that will be sent to the Home Rule Board by June 1, 2014. Motion carried 6-0. BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS: By acclamation the following reappointed: Human Rights Commission; Mike Fike, Frances Whiteman, Marlene Savino, and Don Spencer. Metropolitan Theatre: Richard McEwuen, Keith Reed, Joshua Williamson, Tina Tallaksen, Patricia Watson, Kacy Weidebusch, and Connie Merandi. Museum Commission: Richard McEwuen, Aaron Hawley, and Pam Casto. Parking Authority: Shane Mardis. PUBLIC PORTION: Patrick Meighen, 1288 Fairlawns Avenue, stated that MUB is a very powerful entity. Mr. Meighen noted about ongoing issues regarding the storm drain in his backyard. He also noted that he has been dealing with MUB and other government entities for over a year and there has been no solution as of yet. Mr. Meighen is asking for an amicable and timely settlement. Daniel McMullen, 486 Hite Street, stated that there has been garbage dumping on various sites in the First Ward area and requested the City to address this issue. He also mentioned that White Park Trails are expanding and he is working with Mel Burch at BOPARC on the development and growth of this area. SPECIAL COMMITTEE REPORTS: Councilor Shamberger announced that the BOPARC schedule is out and that the pools open Memorial Day weekend. NEW BUSINESS: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE FY 2013-2014 ANNUAL BUDGET AS IT APPLIES TO THE COAL SEVERANCE FUND: The below entitled Ordinance was presented for first reading. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE FY 2013-2014 ANNUAL BUDGET OF THE CITY OF MORGANTOWN AS SHOWN IN THE REVISED BUDGET ATTACHED HERETO AND MADE PART OF THIS ORDINANACE AS THE SAME APPLIES TO THE COAL SEVERANCE FUND. Motion by Nugent, second by Bane to pass the above entitled Ordinance to second reading. After explanation by the City Manager, motion carried 6-0. 2  AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE FY 2013-2014 ANNUAL BUDGET AS IT APPLIES TO THE GENERAL FUND: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE FY 2013-2014 ANNUAL BUDGET OF THE CITY OF MORGANTOWN AS SHOWN IN THE REVISED BUDGET ATTACHED HERETO AND MADE PART OF THIS ORDINANCE AS THE SAME APPLIES TO THE GENERAL FUND. Motion by Nugent, second by Bane to pass the above entitled Ordinance to second reading. After explanation by the City Manager and discussion, motion carried 6-0. AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF MORGANTOWN AND MORGANTOWN JET CENTER, LLC.: AN ORDINANCE BY THE CITY, AS LESSOR, AND MORGANTOWN JET CENTER, LLC, AS LESSEE, REGARDING WHAT IS KNOWN AS THE MYLAN HANGER LOCATED AT THE MORGANTOWN MUNICIPAL AIRPORT. Motion by Nugent, second by Bane to pass the above entitled Ordinance to second reading. After explanation from the City Attorney on the minor amendment in the lease, motion carried 6-0. CITY MANAGERS REPORT: INFORMATION: 1. Walnut Street Streetscape: The City Manager explained the schedule and process of the Streetscape project. Mr. Mikorski announced that there will be a delay in construction. He stated that the West Virginia Department of Highways has to conduct a full environmental impact study and that has not taken place yet so therefore due to it being so late in the season it would be best to start the project next year early in the season. Mr. Mikorski also stated that this extra time will give us an opportunity to relook at some designs and also work with the utility companies for the possibility of replacing old utility lines. NEW BUSINESS: 1. Metropolitan Theater rigging bid results: Motion by Nugent, second by Kawecki, to approve the bid to Pittsburgh Stage in the amount of $214,487.00. Motion carried 6-0. 2. Request for festival permit Motion by Shamberger, second by Nugent, to approve permit for the 2014 Jim Dunn Memorial Scholarship Twilight 5-Miler Run on July 18, 2014. Motion carried 6-0. REPORT FROM CITY CLERK: The City Clerk gave notice to Council of two liquor license applications for Mutt’s at 263 Beechurst Avenue and the Wine Bar at 510 Burroughs Street. REPORT FROM CITY ATTORNEY: No report. 3 REPORT FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS(Roll reversal): Councilor Fike: Councilor Fike stated that he was very pleased with the grant funding of the Greenmont/South Park pedestrian bridge and that this project will provide access to the rail trail across Decker’s Creek and will no doubt stimulate business and trail use. Councilor Fike expressed that he shares the excitement with the Greenmont Neighborhood Association as he met with the group last evening and can assure you that they are thrilled with the good news of the grant award. Councilor Fike stated that he has been a loyal supporter of Habitat for Humanity’s homebuilding projects in Jerome Park. Councilor Fike stated that recent conversations with the staff called attention to the ongoing successes of that organization and it was decided that we would ask for Committee of the Whole agenda time for Habitat to bring a status report as well as what is planned for the future. Councilor Fike requested that the presentation be included in the July 29 Committee of the Whole Meeting. Councilor Shamberger: Councilor Shamberger stated that there will be a Safe Communities meeting at 10:00am on June 6, 2014. She congratulated the 1000 plus girls that ran on the trail this past Saturday from Girls on the Run. Councilor Shamberger wished all the High School graduates good luck. She also stated that on June 7, 2014 from 8:00am-1:00pm there will be a Woodburn Neighborhood Association yard sale. Councilor Nugent: Councilor Nugent expressed sympathy to the Dalton Family and also to the Police Department. He also reported that the Wiles Hill/Highland Park Association meeting will be held on May 21, 2014. He commended City staff and City Attorney on Home Rule application. Councilor Nugent commented that it may be tough driving down High St. but finally High Street is being paved. Councilor Nugent stated to please do not forget to put in the pedestrian signs. He also mentioned a problem near Decker’s Creek under the Walnut Street Bridge that there is a dumpster placed there that could be a potential hazard. 4  Councilor Kawecki: Councilor Kawecki agreed with Councilor Nugent about the hazardous dumpster that has been an ongoing problem and job well done for repairing High Street. Councilor Bane: Councilor Bane expressed that retired Police Officer Joe Billotti passed also and he served the City as Police Officer for 27 years. Councilor Bane stated that he was a motorcycle cop and that he enjoyed his job and will be missed by all. Councilor Bane stated that University High School boys and girls Lacrosse team were both awarded State Championship and that Morgantown High School were in the semifinals. He also stated that First Ward Neighborhood Association will be on May 31, 2014 from 10:00am-1:00pm with a cleanup and social. Mayor Selin: Mayor Selin reported that the Suncrest Neighborhood Association Meeting will be on May 29, 2014 at 7:00pm; Evansdale Neighborhood Association Meeting will be held on May 31, 2014 from 5:00pm-7:00pm; Convention Visitors Bureau ribbon cutting will be held on June 2, 2014; Botanical Garden event will be held on June 14, 2014; Farmers Market will be held on Saturdays from 8:00am- 12:00pm; first BOPARC Concerts in the Park will be held on June 10, 2014; and she stated to mark your calendars for kids day on July 19, 2014 from 10:00am-2:00pm. EXECUTIVE SESSION: Motion by Fike, second by Shamberger to go into Executive Session Pursuant to West Virginia Code Section 6-9A-4(2) (9) in order to discuss personnel matters. Motion carried by unanimous consent. Present: Councilmembers. Time 8:30 p.m. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further items of business or discussion, the meeting adjourned by unanimous consent at 9:15 p.m. _____________________________ __________________________________ City Clerk Mayor *A FULL TRANSCRIPT OF ALL COUNCIL MEETINGS IS AVAILABLE ON DVD AT THE MORGANTOWN CITY LIBRARY. 5