City Council

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING May 30, 2017: The committee of the whole meeting of the Common Council of the City of Morgantown was held in the Council Chambers on Tuesday, May 30th, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. PRESENT: City Manager Paul Brake, City Attorney Ryan Simonton, Mayor Marti Shamberger, Deputy Mayor Bill Kawecki, Council Members Ron Bane, Wes Nugent, Jenny Selin, Jay Redmond and Nancy Ganz. Deputy Mayor Kawecki called the meeting to order. City Manager, Paul Brake, explained the new equipment in Council Chambers to Council and those listening on Channel 15. Mr. Brake encouraged those listening to send comments and suggestions to Krista Baker. PRESENTATIONS: 1. Eastwood Elementary Recycling Presentation-Share Table-Karen Davis-DeAnn Hartshorn Deann Hartshorn, Principal, thanked Council for being partners with Eastwood Elementary and for helping celebrate our monthly assemblies. Ms. Hartshorn introduced Karen Davis as the schools STEAM Teacher. Ms. Davis presented a slide-show of a sensory garden that was provided with grant money. She stated that the Eastwood children were involved in learning process of soil, growing organically, hydroponics, studying wild life, monitor natural resources, planning outdoor learning spaces, trails share table and the goal is zero waste. 2. Amendment to Sunnyside Up TIF – Brian Helmick Brian Helmick, Spellman, Thomas & Battelle, requested Council to amend the TIF district plan and allowing an additional phase of improvements totaling about 5 million dollars based on the growth in the district. After questions from Council, Deputy Mayor Kawecki continued to the next presentation. 3. Court House Plaza-Michael Mills/Mills Group Ed Hawkins, Mon County Commissioner introduced Mike Mills. Mr. Mills stated that construction has started at the Courthouse. He noted that the history of the Courthouse will be the backbone of the design, displayed existing conditions, overall design, conceptual masterplan. After questions from Council, Deputy Mayor Kawecki continued to the public portion. PUBLIC PORTION: Deputy Mayor announced the public portion open and asked if there was anyone wishing to speak. Katherine Labys, 221 Grand Street, stated that she travels to Geneva, Switzerland every year and is concerned about the change that the Morgantown Airport is making with Southern Airlines from Dulles to BWI for International destinations. Ivy Deal, 408 Cobun Avenue, President of Greenmont Neighborhood, opposes zoning changes in her neighborhood. She noted she would prefer maintaining the neighborhood as a R-A1 to preserve the historical character of the area. Barry Wendell, 1319 Heritage Place, stated that beginning of the Jewish holiday called Shavuot is on May 30th and that the Tree of Life will have a Celebration of this holiday on June 2, 2017. He explained the reason for the holiday and thanked Council for making him feel part of the community. Matthew Held, 213 Kingwood Street, noted that Greenmont and South Park Neighborhoods should remain the same zoning for the character and continuity of the neighbors. He concurred with Ms. Deals comments and urged Council to make the right decision for the neighborhood. Jay Guminey, GAG Rentals, noted that this zoning change was intended to bring new life to a dilapidated property in a R-1A to B-1. 1  Aldeheid Schaupp, 108 Marcus Drive, asked Council not to change the zoning from R-1A to B-1 at 358 Kingwood Street for it would be undermining the integrity of the neighborhood. Tim Guminey, G&G Rentals, stated that he and his brother had meetings with Greenmont & South Park Neighborhoods Associations about 356-358 Kingwood project and thought the only issue was parking. Mr. Guminey stated that he and his brother just wanted to do a project that was best for the neighborhood. Raef Lambertson, 310 Wilson Avenue, agrees with Ivy Deal and request Council to not change the zoning request for 356-358 Kingwood from R1A to B-1 to preserve the character of the neighborhood. Deputy Mayor asked if there was anyone else wishing to speak. He declared the public portion closed. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION: 1. Amendment to Sunnyside Up TIF – Brian Helmick: No discussion, by consensus, referred item to the agenda. 2. Ordinance amending permitted land uses as it relates to administrative office and office building uses: Chris Fletcher, Planning Director, explained. No discussion, by consensus referred item to the agenda. 3. Ordinance amending conditional uses of the planning and zoning code: Chris Fletcher, Planning Director, explained. After discussion, by consensus referred item to the agenda. 4. Ordinance amending nonconforming provisions of the planning and zoning code: Chris Fletcher, Planning Director, explained. No discussion, by consensus, referred item to the agenda. 5. Ordinance providing zoning reclassification in the sixth ward from R-1A to B-1: Chris Fletcher, Planning Director, explained. After discussion, by consensus, referred item to the agenda. 6. Ordinance adopting an easement agreement between the City of Morgantown and Monongahela Power Company granting two line easements in the Union District locations of Easton Hill and West Run Road: City Attorney, Ryan Simonton, explained. No discussion, by consensus, referred item to the agenda. 7. Ordinance providing for indemnification of officers and employees of the City of Morgantown: City Attorney, Ryan Simonton, explained. After discussion, by consensus, referred item to the agenda with amendments. 8. Comcast/WBOY designated market modification: City Attorney, Ryan Simonton, explained. After discussion, no action taken on this item. 9. Noise/Nuisance Ordinance: After discussion, by consensus, referred item to the agenda with amendment. 10. Met Theatre Lease: City Manager, Paul Brake explained. No action taken on this item. 11. Hazel Ruby McQuain Grant Request to improve the Riverfront Park: City Manager, Paul Brake explained. After discussion, by consensus, referred item to the agenda. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, Council adjourned the committee of the whole meeting at 9:45 pm. 2 __________________________ ______________________________ City Clerk Mayor 3