City Council

\!roe ([itp of ;morgantown Linda L. Tucker, CMC 389 Spruce Street, Room 10 Morgantown, West Virginia 26505 (304) 284-7439 Fax: (304) 284-7525 Itucker@morgantownwv.gov Office of the City Clerk AGENDA MORGANTOWN CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE January 31, 2017 7:00p.m. NOTE: Committee of the Whole Meetings of the Morgantown City Council are intended to provide an opportunity for the Council to receive information, ask questions, and identify policy options in an informal setting. No official action is taken at these meetings. At this Committee of the Whole Meeting the following matters are scheduled: PRESENTATIONS: 1. Michael Hughes· Corp of Engineers· Presentation on passenger vessel & Sternwheeler at Waterfront 2. Dr. Smith·Mon County Health Department· Clean Indoor Air Updates 3. Met Theatre - Rick McEwuen, Joe Kahler, &Darko Velichkovski PUBLIC PORTION: ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION: 1. Michael Hughes· Corp of Engineers· Presentation on passenger vessel & Sternwheeler at Waterfront 2. Dr. Smith·Mon County Health Department· Clean Indoor Air Updates 3. Met Theatre *If you need an accommodation contact us at 284·7439* Page 1 of 5  ACCESS H20 LLC Who Are We? In 2013, ACCESS H20 was formed to explore the introduction of a passenger vessel venue in the Mon River Valley Region. The owners, Michael & Mardee Hughes have enjoyed the beauty of the middle and upper Monongahela River most of their lives. Michael is a USCG Licensed Captain and has held multiple positions in the Marine Transportation Industry. Mardee is a retired RN. They live in the small river community of Millsboro, PA. What Will We Provide? Passenger vessels are the ideal platform for introducing folks to one of our greatest natural resources in our region, lithe Monongahela River". Passenger vessels are all about hospitality, entertainment, food, fun and relaxation. The events are endless, Sight Seeing, Dinner Cruises, Weddings, Proms, Private Parties, Rehearsals, School Outings, Lock & Dam Cruise, Birthdays, Holidays, Theme Cruises, Dance Cruises. If you what to gather or celebrate we'll make it happen. How Do We Fit In? Passenger vessels quickly become Icons in the community. School children embrace them by drawing pictures of the boat, and waving at the Captain to blow the whistle. They draw people to the river so they can enjoy this untapped resource. At night they light up the river frontage wherever they travel. Everyone remembers an event they attend on a riverboat. Most important it will create good sustainable employment for an area that really needs it. The Passenger Vessel? In late 2016, ACCESS H20 purchased an Approved Passenger Vessel named the Tunica Queen. She is 125' long X 35' wide standing three decks high. The main and second decks are enclosed with Heat and A/C, the third deck is outside fresh-air. ACCESS H20 will begin a total restoration on the interior and exterior of the vessel. During this same period she will receive a full USCG Inspection. The vessel has a capacity of 220 for formal dining and 320 for most casual cruises. She will be ready for service in 2017 / 2018. The name of the vessel will change to reflect her area of operation. Where Is Our Home Port? For three years we have traveled the entire length of the Monongahela River from Fairmont, WV to Pittsburgh, PA. Finally we have identified the perfect spot for our Home Port. "We'll keep it a secret just a bit longer". Page 2 of 5  ACCESS H20 LLC Millsboro, PA January 17,2017 To: City of Morgantown Please allow us the opportunity to introduce our selves; we are Michael & Mardee Hughes, owners of ACCESS H20. In 2013 we formed our company to explore the introduction of a Passenger Vessel business into the Mon River Valley Region. After joining the Passenger Vessel Association, the Mon River Valley Coalition, and attending multiple meetings sponsored by the River Life Task Force, throughout the region, we realized the time was right. The River Town Program has significantly changed people's perception of the Monongahela River. Towns which once stood alone and turned their backs to the river now work together as a region and embrace the river as a significant asset, along with a means to improve the quality of life for their residence and visitors through outdoor recreation. We have traveled the entire length of the Monongahela River in search of a progressive community with upside business potential. The proper location will provide exposure for the business opportunity, as well as highlighting the community that embraces it. Our wish is to become part of the business community and the Master Plan for Waterfront Development in Morgantown, WV. location and Parking are key to every business, especially the Passenger Vessel venue. We have identified a site just below the Morgantown / Westover Highway Bridge, running north to the small boat launch ramp, at the end of Walnut Street. This area is also the extreme northern end of the Hazel Ruby McQuian Park. We have prepared documents for the US Army Corps of Engineers as part of the permitting process that would allow us to place mooring piers, floating deck barge, and other infrastructure in/on the river to support the passenger vessel. Ramps running from the shore to the floating deck barge will allow safe egress for passengers, and supplies. Our first request; Before we can submit our documentation to the US Army Corps of Engineers we first need written permission from the property owner on the land side of our proposed site. This is part of the permitting process and is necessary to move the project forward. Page 3 of 5 If possible, we would ask the city officials to expedite this portion of our request asap. The permitting process is long and argues. When the US Army Corps of Engineers receives our request for Permit, it will trigger obligations to three additional government agencies. Our second request; As we mentioned on Page 1, Parking is key to the success and safety of the passenger vessel business. Passengers, employees, tour buses, school buses, handi-cap access, catering vehicles, supply vehicles, and emergency vehicles all need immediate access to the vessel. We believe we have a plan to accommodate our need for parking and satisfy the monetary needs of the city. The land area running parallel to our proposed river site is slightly developed, but under-utilized. The area is 2/3 gravel and 1/3 pavers (brick). The area stretches 240' parallel with the river bank X 50' wide. The proposed parking area is located at the extreme north end of Hazel Ruby McQuain Park and can only be accessed by vehicle when traveling down Walnut Street. With minimal excavation, the addition of parking safety curbs, one gate on the south end, and the addition of a toll gate on the north end, this area would be adequate to support the passenger vessel business and add revenue to the city that currently does not exist. We request the opportunity to enter into meetings, conversations, site visits, agreements necessary that will allow us access to this proposed parking area. At this time the area is utilized approx five times per year for tents and vendor on special occasions at Hazel Ruby McQuain Park. I believe we can work with anyone during those peak times. We look forward to working with the officials of Morgantown and becoming part of the business community. We will keep you updated with our progress throughout the process. Please advise any needs moving forward, Respectfully, Michael W. Hughes ACCESS H20 412 996-0012 mh20ski@atlanticbb.net Page 4 of 5 Page 5 of 5