City Council

-. .. . " REGULAR MEETING JUNE 3, 2014: The regular meeting of the Common Council of the City of Morgantown was held in the Council Chambers of City Hall on Tuesday, June 3, 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, Wes Nugent, Marti Shamberger, Mike Fike, and Nancy Ganz. (Bill Kawecki Absent) The Meeting was called to order by Mayor Selin. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The minutes of the regular meeting of May 20, 2014 were approved as corrected. CORRESPONDENCE: Councilor Nugent presented two letters of correspondence. One letter from John Duarte stated that the City of Morgantown has allowed construction to take place on certain individual properties, conferring advantages to those landowners without regards to the impact on the surrounding properties or residents, most notably in regards to short and long term impacts on local infrastructure to include roads, water lines, sewer lines, and drainage. Mr. Duarte also stated that Master Plans have been made only to be disregarded. Councilor Nugent moved on to the second letter and stated that the letter was emailed to Council and a number of public officials. The correspondence was requested to be read last meeting and be put in the May 20 th packet and was not. Councilor Nugent stated that he didn't fully understand why and also stated his belief that letter should be read publicly for the fairness and totality of the official record to reflect correspondence Council previously received and was requested to be read, so as to be made of public record. The letter was from George Papandreas and stated that Mr. Papandreas was very disappointed with the professional conduct of the Planning Commission meeting and their hearing on May 8, 2014. (Exhibit A and B attached) Mayor Selin thanked the parents of Eastwood Elementary (Partners in Education) for sending in the cookies that are displayed at the table. Mayor Selin stated that the City of Morgantown warmly welcomed and presented the key to the city to the Peruvian Delegation in the spirit of the State Partnership Program. PUBLIC HEARING - 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 COAL SEVERANCE FUND. There being no appearances, Mayor Selin declared the Public Hearing closed. PUBLIC HEARING - 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. There being no appearances, Mayor Selin declared the Public Hearing closed. PUBLIC HEARING - 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. 1 Page 4 of 79  There being no appearances, Mayor Selin declared the Public Hearing closed. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE FY 2013-2014 ANNUAL BUDGET THAT APPLIES TO THE COAL SEVERANCE FUND: The below entitled ordinance was presented for second 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 ORDINANCE AS THE SAME APPLIES TO THE COAL SEVERANCE FUND. After explanation from City Manager, Jeff Mikorski, and discussion Motion by Shamberger, second by Fike, to adopt the above entitled Ordinance. Motion carried 6-0. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE FY 2013-2014 ANNUAL BUDGET THAT APPLIES TO THE GENERAL FUND: The below entitled ordinance was presented for second reading. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE FY 2013-2014 ANNUAL BUDGET OF THE CITY OF MORGANTOWN AS SHOWN IN THE REVISED BUDGET AITACHED HERETO AND MADE PART OF THIS ORDINANCE AS THE SAME APPLIES TO THE GENERAL FUND. After explanation from City Manager, Jeff Mikorski, and discussion, revisions of the budget, Motion by Fike, second by Nugent, to adopt the above entitled Ordinance. Motion carried 6-0. AN ORDINANCE FOR A LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY AND JET CENTER ,LLC: The below entitled ordinance was presented for second reading. 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. After explanation from City Manager, Jeff Mikorski, Motion by Nugent, second by Bane, to adopt the above entitled Ordinance. Motion carried 6-0. BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS: By acclamation Patricia Heins was reappointed to the Library Board and Charles McEwuen was reappointed to the parking authority board. PUBLIC PORTION: J.T. Straface, 1334 Anderson Avenue, handed out photos to Council showing various accidents behind his house on Southview-Wilson Circle intersection. He noted that he has been living at this address since 1988 and these accidents started happening around the year of 2007. Mr. Straface referred to the last photo of his granddaughter and requested that the city do something about these horrible accidents that are occurring so his grandchildren can play. He also stated the City has been aware of this for years and nothing has been done to rectify the situation. 2 Page 5 of 79  '. SPECIAL COMMITTEE REPORTS: Councilor Shamberger stated that the Woodburn Redevelopment Committee will meet June 11, 2014 at 7:00pm. Councilor Ganz updated everyone on upcoming BOPARC events. She noted that BOPARC will have free WIFI at Krepps Park starting this summer as part of a test and she also mentioned that both pools will be open June 5th from 12 p.m.-6 p.m. daily. Councilor Ganz mentioned that the Family Fun Festival of the season will be held June 6th at Hazel Ruby McQuain Park with fun activities for children and the movie Frozen will be featured. Councilor Ganz also reminded everybody about the newly hired summer Park Rangers and that they will be based out of Hazel Ruby McQuain Park at the bus depot and should be available at the beginning and end of the day if there is a concern. Councilor Ganz expressed that the new BOPARC Director, Melissa Burch, is hardworking, has new ideas, and is very dedicated to her work. She also gave an update about the Tree Board and the plantings of the Urban Landscape. Councilor Ganz stated that the Tree Board held a working meeting at Jack Roberts Park and that the board members pruned small trees around the park area. She also announced that in the May meeting the Tree Board set a date for the recognition of Arbor Day and that will be on September 27th • Councilor Ganz announced that the Cities Demonstration Work Grant has been completed with the exception of some final paperwork and the grant will be distributed to the Tree Board members and citizens for pruning and removal that is needed here in the City. She also noted that the city has 87 hanging baskets and was hung by the Urban Landscape staff. Councilor Ganz also announced that if any citizen wishing to volunteer to help plant please contact the Urban Landscape Office and speak with Marchetta Maupin. She also noted the Urban Landscape Commission is also working on a design proposal for the Public Safety Building that will stabilize the plaza area and house the statue of Zaquill Morgan and provide a functional, inviting entry for our city building. Councilor Ganz stated that it has been a very busy month for Boards and Commissions. NEW BUSINESS: AN ORDINANCE BY THE CITY OF MORGANTOWN AMENDING SECTION 752.02 OF ITS CITY BUSINESS AND TAXATION CODE: The below entitled Ordinance was presented for first reading. AN ORDINANCE BY THE CITY OF MORGANTOWN AMENDING SECTION 752.02 OF ITS CITY BUSINESS AND TAXATION CODE, AS THE SAME APPLIES TO SPARKLER AND NOVELTY REGISTRATION BUSINESS REGISTRATION. The City Manager explained the amendment. Motion by Nugent, second by Shamberger to pass the above entitled Ordinance to second reading. Motion carried 6-0. AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING THE RATES OF COMPENSATION FOR THE CITY OF MORGANTOWN EMPLOYEES: The below entitled Ordinance was presented for first reading. AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING THE RATES OF COMPENSATION FOR THE CITY OF MORGANTOWN EMPLOYEES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2014-2015. The City Manager explained the rates of compensation for employees. Motion by Shamberger, second by Nugent to pass the above entitled Ordinance to second reading. Motion carried 6-0. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTIONS III-l(B) (LONGEVITY PAY), IIT-3(B) (SHIFT DIFFERENTIAL), AND IIT-4 (HAZARDOUS DUTY PAY) AND ADDING 111-5 Page 6 of 79 3  -. -. (SPECIAL SUPERVISION DIFFERENTIAL) OF THE PERSONNEL RULES: The below entitled Ordinance was presented for first reading. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTIONS III-I (B) (LONGEVITY PAY), IIl-3(B) (SHIFT DIFFERENTIAL), AND 111-4 (HAZARDOUS DUTY PAY) AND ADDING III-5 (SPECIAL SUPERVISION DIFFERENTIAL) OF THE PERSONNEL RULES OF THE CITY OF MORGANTOWN BY INCREASING THE MONETARY AMOUNTS WITHIN EACH. The City Manager explained the amendments. Motion by Shamberger, second by Nugent to pass the above entitled Ordinance to second reading. Motion carried 6-0. A BOND ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ACQUISITION AND CONSTRUCTION OF ADDITIONS, BETTERMENTS AND IMPROVEMENTS TO THE STORMWATER PORTION OF THE COMBINED SYSTEM: The below entitled Ordinance was presented for first reading. A BOND ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ACQUISITION AND CONSTRUCTION OF ADDITIONS, BETTERMENTS AND IMPROVEMENTS TO THE STORMWATER PORTION OF THE COMBINED SYSTEM OF THE CITY OF MORGANTOWN AND THE FINANCING OF THE COST THEREOF, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED, THROUGH THE ISSUANCE BY THE CITY OF NOT MORE THAN $850,000 IN AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF COMBINED UTILITY SYSTEM REVENUE BONDS, SERIES 2014 B; PROVIDING FOR THE RIGHTS AND REMEDIES OF AND SECURITY FOR THE REGISTERED OWNERS OF SUCH BONDS; AUTHORIZING EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF ALL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF SUCH BOND; AND AUTHORIZING THE SALE AND PROVIDING FOR THE TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF SUCH BONDS AND ADOPTING OTHER PROVISIONS RELATING THERETO. The City Manager explained the schedule of the Bond Ordinance and asked if Council had any questions for Tim Ball, General Manager of MUB, after discussion, Motion by Fike, second by Bane to pass the above entitled Ordinance to second reading. Motion carried 6-0. CITY MANAGERS REPORT: INFORMATION: 1. Reimbursement Request for Arts Collaborative: The City Manager stated that there is a sufficient amount of funds in the Civic Promotions line and will be used to reimburse Arts Collaborative when provided an invoice. 2. EPA Brownfields Community-Wide Hazardous Assessment Grant: The City Manager announced that we received the EPA Brownsfield Community-wide Hazardous Assessment Grant in the amount of $200,000. He stated that we plan to use the majority of the funding for Phase I and II Environmental Site Assessments with a small portion for redevelopment planning and have selected a Community-Wide grant because it will allow us to apply the funding to multiple sites throughout Morgantown. Mr. Mikorski stated that we can choose up to 10 locations and also work with property owners to identifY hazardous substances and then develop a plan for remediation. He also expressed that he appreciated the help of the Brownsfield Assistance Center for helping produce the application. 4 Page 7 of 79  -. -. NEW BUSINESS: 1. Declaration Networks Group Inc. (DNG) Agreement: The City Manager stated that the City contracted with Declaration Networks Group, Inc. (DNG) to develop a feasibility study on the use of technology to provide a wireless municipal level network. Mr. Mikorski explained the process and then had further discussion with Council. After discussion, Motion by Ganz, second by Shamberger, to authorize the City Manager to sign the agreement, along with BOPARC, to DNG to utilize the pole location. Motion carried 6-0. REPORT FROM CITY CLERK: Ms. Little reminded that the City Clerk's Office is still accepting applications for the Police Test until July 3, 2014. REPORT FROM CITY ATTORNEY: No Report REPORT FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS: II Councilor Bane: Councilor Bane suggested to Mr. Mikorski that maybe a guardrail could be placed behind l334 Anderson Avenue and reconfirmed with Mr. Mikorski that the City will address this intersection. Councilor Bane expressed that he was sorry he missed the last meeting and stated that Morgantown is slowly losing its identity. He stated that instead of it being Morgantown, home of WVU its WVU and happens to be in Morgantown. He also recommended that the City Manager be able to communicate directly with the President of WVU and be able to see future plans so that the City will be able to formulate opInIOns and recommendations. Councilor Bane continued to express his feelings on the needed communications with WVU to enable not only the city to become a better community but also to enhance cohesiveness of both entities. Councilor Kawecki: Absent Councilor Nugent: Councilor Nugent stated that he recalled when Town and Gown was being set up, a few documents that impressed him the most was the strategic plan documents between the City of Williamsburg and the City of William and Mary. Councilor Nugent expressed that it really seemed like a good marriage of what both entities were trying to accomplish and that there Page 8 of 79 5  -. -. was a sense of metrics of what was trying to be pursued. He noted that we are working on the metrics as well, although sees opportunity for improvement. He expressed that personally he feels that he doesn't need to be in the know and that he needs to know that he can trust the City Manager to be in the know . He stated that he believes that both entities have good plans but the question is how do we marry them together? He also wanted to echo the concerns about the gentlemen who spoke under correspondence; he felt it was necessary for him to speak in front of council and public. Councilor Nugent spoke about the blue curb issue in Wiles Hill/Highland Park area. He stated that the Neighborhood Association is working with the parking authority and the City regarding blue curb parking to hopefully protect the neighborhood from the realities that will land upon them in August. Councilor Nugent stated that the Parking Authority is unfortunately unable to partner with the public/private partnership that is happening at the University Place. He stated that there is a petition for a parking garage to be put in place or some type of parking surface to be placed for the students at University Place to park. He noted that the Neighborhood Association is concerned that the students will park on top of the hill and that will take away from single family parking, property values, and quality of life. Councilor Nugent stated that there was an updated blue curb ordinance passed by previous council and this petition will allow administration to become more involved and to help facilitate the process. He and the City Manager went on to discuss the matter to identify a deadline date for the petition. They plan on bringing the matter to the June or July Committee of the Whole meeting. Councilor Nugent announced that there will be a public meeting held on June 18th for anyone in the neighborhood that would like to attend. He stated that this just shows that there is public interest in administration assisting with developing a blue curb parking district. Councilor Nugent announced that the Main Street Economic Development meeting for June 5th is cancelled and that the next meeting will be July 10th at 4 p.m. at the Main Street Morgantown Office. He also announced that the greater CVB will be opening a satellite office 6 Page 9 of 79  -. which will be located at the Main Street Morgantown Office at 201 High St. and open on June 13 th at 8 a.m. Councilor Shamberger: Councilor Shamberger appreciates Councilor Bane and Councilor Nugent's concerns with the relationship with WVU and the development with plans. She expressed that the City Manager should be working with the President of WVU. Councilor Shamberger reminded the citizens of a few laws in Morgantown to include the helmet law, texting law, and also she reminded citizens that you can put your trash out at 6 p.m. the night before but to please make sure that trash cans are put back the next morning after trash is picked up and do not put trash back out until the next trash day. Councilor Shamberger announced that the Woodburn Neighborhood will be having a yard sale this Saturday from 8 a.m. to I p.m., also the Safe Communities will be meeting this Friday, June 6th at 10 a.m. and will be held at the Health Department. Councilor Shamberger inquired to see if at the next Committee of the Whole Meeting we could get an update on the graffiti around town and also the branding process. Councilor Fike: Councilor Fike noted that the past week was filled with neighborhood association meetings and gatherings and is very excited to see the interest generated in the various areas of our city. Councilor Fike stated that participation is noteworthy and appreciated and that summer brings more opportunities for neighborhood events and he encourages all of our citizens to become involved in them. Councilor Fike stated that he accepted an invitation to join the Monongalia County Prevention Coalition and he believes Deputy Mayor Shamberger did as well. He noted that he was a part of this group during his career in the public schools and he commends its work toward programming to reduce drug and alcohol issues which face our communities. Councilor Fike stated that again we have an opportunity to collaborate with others who can contribute to a mission of making our city and its surroundings as drug- free as possible and safe for our citizens. Councilor Ganz: Councilor Ganz recognized Officer Bennett for attending her Neighborhood Association 7 Page 10 of 79 ". Meeting and mentioned that he has a great sense of humor, worked real hard on getting rid of the graffiti, and that he is loved by the neighbors and her. She mentioned that she appreciates all the Police Officers that have attended the neighborhood meetings and also thanked the officers for interacting with their community. Councilor Ganz expressed that Southview Street-Van Voorhis Road, Wilson Circle, and Mr. Straface's issue are just a few of many side effects from development not only in our city but outside the city where it's out of our control. She stated that she has been on city council for slightly less than a year and is evaluating the viability of being on city council where we have very little decision making. Councilor Ganz gave examples of public/private partnership projects that the city had no control over. She stated that there has been no environmental assessment, no planning that's gone on to see what the increase of enrollment at the university or increase of prosperity in our town affects people like her, and her neighbors. Councilor Ganz noted that the City is poor and how can we enforce speed when we have no money for more enforcement. She stated that we don't have enough police or fireman for the size of our City. She stated that Mr. Fletcher created a master plan meeting with many people and was superseded by other entities that purchase property and noted that one third of our City is owned by entities that don't function under our master planning process. Councilor Ganz noted that she visited a few Universities and all of them portrayed that they want people to prosper and retire in the cities that these universities reside in. Councilor Ganz stated that it's just not sustainable to live in Morgantown anymore. She noted that communication is important and we are not communicating like we should. She noted that we have opportunities to prosper and the City is not getting involved in order to do so. Councilor Ganz stated that she challenges the Mayor and City Manager to talk with President Gee to make and to start a communication line. She expressed her opinion on salaries and noted that we are not equal and stated that we are not going to be free to make decisions until we are equal. Councilor Ganz stated that she questions if we should continue on or hand the keys over to the University. 8 Page 11 of 79  Mayor Selin: Mayor Selin agreed with everyone on their comments that their City is out of the loop with the University but we are trying by having Town and Gown meetings four times a year. It may not be enough but we must stay upbeat because we have many organizations working on different projects to make the city better. Mayor Selin mentioned that there was an intersection problem at Parkview Drive and Laurel Street and also noted that Evansdale Association had a wonderful picnic last weekend. She mentioned the WVU Brochure will be handed out to all new WVU students. Mayor Selin announced various activities to include: Rivertown Meeting; Decker Creek Half Marathon; Farmers Market on Saturdays; Concerts in the Park; Fun Festival Fridays; and Botanical Garden Bluegrass Festival. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further items of business or discussion, the meeting adjourned by unanimous consent at 8:50 p.m. City Clerk Mayor * A FULL TRANSCRIPT OF ALL COUNCIL MEETINGS IS AVAILABLE ON DVD AT THE MORGANTOWN CITY LIBRARY. 9 Page 12 of 79 Zimbra Ern/bit fJ http://127 .0.0.1 :2038/zimbralhlprintmessage?id=ad8d4aOb-19b7-45b6, Zimbra lIittJe@cityofmorgantown.org Fwd: Thanks for listening and your time From: Wesley Nugent <wes@wnugent.com> Wed, ]un 04, 201411:37 AM Subject: Fwd: Thanks for listening and your time To : Unda Uttle <lIittle@Cityofmorgantown.org> - - - - Forwarded message -------- From: John M. Duarte <jmduarte@comcastnet> Date: Thu, May 22,2014 at 12:15 PM Subject: Thanks for listening and your time To: "Ward 3:" <wes@wnugent.com> HelioWes Thanks for your time and for listening last night. I went home thinking about what I have said and what is essentially construed as "accusations" wondering if I am totally nuts and out of bounds. Could not sleep for many hours. In the end I camot find ways to minimize my opinion: The city of Morgantown has allowed construction to take place on certain individual properties, conferring advantages to those landowners without regards to the impact on the surrounding properties or reSidents, most notably in regards to short and long term impacts on the local infrastructure - Roads, water lines, sewer lines, drainage. Master plans have been made only to be disregarded. Individual project impacts have repeatedly being minimized at the onset, only to have the costs passed on to everyone else either immediately as in the difficulty in traveling in our neighborhocxl during extended construction periods, and later with the added traffic, and parking requirements that were not addressed. As well as the lack of proper1y engineered drainage which has resulted in huge problems during rain stonns and snow storms. In the case of Sunnyside, after 10 year of planning and promises for new pari< space in Sunnyside and in spite of all the new construction and influx of money into the city coffers, not a single new public pari< space, has been added to that student neighborhood. More students, and less space ... I suppose High street is their pari< and late night businesses there value their presence more. Take the little project of street corner at the intersection of University Ave and Stewart Street; the money that was supposed to have been in place for one beatification improvement and which was a clearly defined as a requirement for the apartment project was never enough and the promised street improvement wori< totally disregarded. The quality of life has been degraded in the city; Pedestrian safety has not increased, roadway safety went from bad to worse, the city streets are in the worst condition ever, garbage issues has not been resolved, we are under constant threat from the heavy construction traffic and damage to all the city streets and I fear there are other huge liabilities in the making as well. It remains to be seen what other demands are coming down the line in many areas such in terms of fire protection demands and civil matters. I suspect the fire department will soon be coming to City Hall with a new list of needs. Parking planning and enforcement are said to be self-suffiCient, but for instance adding Wiles Hill as a parking district will require a lot more personnel and eventually increase the city liability for pensiOns of more personnel. The budget ofthis city is tiny in regards to its liabilities. Is this sustainable .... ? Please fill in the blanks. Page 13 of 79 lof2 6/4/20143:55 F ". "• Zimbra http:// 127.0.0. 1:20381zimbralhlprintmessage?id91d8d4aOb-19b7-4Sb( Thank you for Iistenlrg, reading, and ... your time in doing so. John M. Duarte Wesley "Wes" Nugert Third Ward Oty Courdlor, Morgantown, W.Va. Connect online @ WNugent.com Facebook I Un!cedlo I llrl.tte.c ConfJdentiality Notice: This email, Including any attachments, '5 for the sole use 0' the intel'lded reclplent{s) and may contain confidential and privileged Information. Any unauthori:r.ed review, use, disclosure or distribution 1$ prohibited. If you are not the Intended recipient. please contact the sender by reply email and desb"oy all copies of the original message. Page 14 of 79 2of2 614120143:55 P Zimbra http://127 .0.0.1 :4596/zimbra/h/printmessage?id=ad8d4aOb-19b7-45b ... Zimbra ,lltlle@cityofmorgantown.org Planning Commission Conduct, May 8, 2014 From: George Papandreas <gpapandreas@gmail.com> Fri, May 16, 2014 11:08 AM Subject: Planning Commission Conduct, May 8, 2014 To: Chris Fletcher <cfIetcher@cityofmorgantown.org>, Jeff Mikorski <jmikorski@Cityofmorgantown.org> Cc: Morgantown Council <citycouncil@cityofmorgantown.org>, Heather Gentile <hgentile@jacksonkelly.com>, Terri Cutright <director@downtownmorgantown.com>, William Hutchens <WHHutchens@mail.wvu.edu>, Glen Kelly <ckelly@cityofmorgantown.org>, Steve Fanok <sfanok@cityofmorgantown.org>, Stephen Bus <sbus@ca-ventures.com>, Sabrina Cave <Sabrina.Cave@mail.wvu.edu>, Darlene Dunn <DDunn@bbandt.com>, Bernie Bossio <bernie@bossioent.com> Dear Chris and Jeff, Please read the following letter into the official record of both the next City Council as well as Planning Commission meetings. Thank you, George Dear Chris and Jeff, I find it difficult to express how disappointed I am with the professional conduct of the Planning Commission at their hearing of May 8th, 2014. As a member of the Board of Zoning Appeals, I understand well the trust and responsibility placed in us to guarantee a fair and unbiased decision to each and every applicant. For us, an integral and equal part of the process is the public portion comments, whether offered in person or by way of correspondence. Each and every comment in favor of, or in oPPOsition to a project is read by the Director in its entirety into the official record not only for our benefit, but for the benefit of all in attendance as well as watching on television. It would appear by its latest meeting that Planning Commission standards are set substantially lower. If there was any question as to the impartiality or potential bias on the part of Planning Commission, this most recent meeting screamed the answer loud and clear, and greatly undermined the integrity and legitimacy of such an important process. During the hearing regarding the proposed project at the former VFW site on the comer of Spruce and Willey Streets, five highly opinionated letters were offered containing virtually no actual facts in opposition to the project. With no exceptions, the commissioners allowed each to be read by the Director in their entirety. One of these, from Wheeling, represented the opinions of a woman that has had no personal ties to Morgantown since the 1970's. Multiple individuals spoke in opposition to the project, most echoing identical opinionated talking points as if prepared by the same person and bearing no factual or conclusive information, yet all were allowed to speak uninterrupted. Even petty theatrics were tolerated, further marginalizing the importance of the process. Only one letter was censored. Only a letter containing objective comments, and supported exclusively by quoted excerpts from either: - the official Morgantown Strategic Plan, adopted by City Council in 2010, - the official City of Morgantown Comprehensive Plan, adopted by city council in 2013, and, - the Downtown Housing Needs Assessment, Preliminary Draft, dated 11/ 2013, was censored by the recommendation of commissioner Stranko. A rational person might ask, "what might cause Stranko to seek censorship of ONLY those comments that relate the official position and direction of the City, garnered from groups of varied stakeholders through open public forums, and as adopted by the City Council in their most recent Strategic and Comprehensive Plans, spanning a four year study period? Why was the audience Page 15 of 79 10f2 6/3/20142:22 PM  -. -. Zimbra http:// 127 .0.0.1:4596/zi mbralh/printmessage? id=ad8d4aOb. 19b7·45b ... not allowed to hear these facts? Are we to assume impartiality from a group not capable of demonstrating it? I was stunned that not one commissioner objected to the blatant censorship. Was that by design, or just apathy and disregard for their sworn duty? Or, Is there an acceptable level of apathy and neglect based on who the applicant is, where they are from, or who opposes them? What Is this applicant, or any future applicant to think about the planning process in Morgantown? How should the dty deal with a Planning Commission that demonstrates contempt for one position in favor of another? How does this City and this Planning Commission atone for their disrespect for everyone in the audience, in person as well as on television, by denying them the opportunity to hear pertinent, relevant facts concerning development of this scale within the City? One ml,lst question the standards and motives of a City administration that would sanction this type of "professional" conduct by their tolerance. Respectfully, George Papandreas Sent from my iPad Page 16 of 79 2 0f2 6/3/201 4 2 :22 PM