City Council

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING June 26, 2018: The Committee of the Whole meeting of the Common Council of the City of Morgantown was held in the Council Chambers on Tuesday, June 26, 2018 at 7:05 p.m. PRESENT: City Manager Paul Brake, City Attorney Ryan Simonton, Mayor Bill Kawecki, Deputy Mayor Mark Brazaitis, Council Members Ryan Wallace, Jenny Selin and Barry Wendell. Rachel Fetty and Ron Dulaney Absent. Deputy Mayor Brazaitis called the meeting to order. PRESENTATIONS: 1. WVU College of Law Land Use and Sustainable Development Clinic – Land Reuse Agencies in West Virginia (Ex. A) City Manager explained that the Land Bank is a tool that enables the City to redevelop, sale or lease neglected properties for productive use. After discussion, Deputy Mayor continued to the next presentation. 2. BOPARC (Ex. B) Melissa Wiles, Executive Director, and Marissa Travinski, Associate Director, presented to Council a history of BOPARC, such as, Statistics of green space, and recreational areas that is owned by the City of Morgantown. They also spoke of the board’s planned budget for renovations and upcoming projects and the areas that are still in need of financial aid. 3. Mon County Health Department Presentation – Dr. Smith (Ex. C) Dr. Smith talked about the Hepatitis outbreak that is happening across the nation in hopes to clear up any misconceptions about the virus and to educate the public and give advice on how to prevent it. 4. Proposed Suncrest Trail – Vaike Hess (Matthew Cross presented for Vaike Hess. Council by consensus approved him to be added to the agenda) (Ex. D) Matthew Cross, chairman of the Pedestrian Safety Board, spoke to council about a proposed hiking trail in the Suncrest area. PUBLIC PORTION: Deputy Mayor opened the public portion and asked if there was anyone wishing to speak. Mercedes Minana, 49 Sennette Street, noted that she is for acquiring Haymaker Forest now and stated that the City may not have the opportunity to purchase again. She noted this Fall at WVU she will have a program for new students on forest bathing, which has profound impacts on your mood. She encouraged Council to move forward on green spaces and the green belt in the City for the health of the community. Kathryn Madison, 825 Madison, noted she supports the City Manager in his decision making for the City. She encourages annexation for the City which would bring funding. She stated that she encourages Council to approve the Haymaker Forest and continue their work on the green belt and am happy with the work they have been doing for the community. Mary Beth Withers, 207 Raven Run, mentioned the figure skating youth issues in the community underfunded by BOPARC and requested Council look at helping BOPARC on behalf of the youth. Dave Harshbarger, 1009 Vandalia Avenue, stated that he supports the green belt issue which is a health issue helping your community. Jaime Toro, 366 Charleston Avenue, encouraged Council to purchase Haymaker Forest to add to the green belt and for future generations of this community. 1  Adam Rosefsky, 640 White Avenue, stated that he has worked with finances for years in many compacities and requested that Council not rush the Land Use Ordinance. He mentioned that with annexation, this too should be approved by the County Commission and there is a process the City must follow. Michael Clifton, 145 South High Street, noted his concerns about the Land Use Ordinance, suggested that the City clear the air on the “conflict of interest” on the Deputy Mayor’s vote on Haymaker Forest with the Ethics Commission. He stated that there was much discourse over this issue and clearly there are better ways to handle ourselves in public. Elizabeth Sneathen, 179 Bluegrass Village, she suggested that Council keep the purchase of Haymaker Forest on the table for the City will see diminished quality of life and more pollution. Toni Christini, 931 Southpoint Circle, he noted that this has been asked for three years. He read part of the NH position paper South Hills, South Park, South Point to protect, promoting ecology a quality of public purchase of Haymaker Acres for the safety & health of this community. Katy Ryan, 931 Southpoint Circle, encouraged Council to purchase Haymaker Forest and establish a green space acquisition in helping to make our community green and healthy. Austin Porter, 848 Riverview, after talking with Council I feel comfortable about the City purchasing the Haymaker Forest. He noted the attacking of Council was appalling and agenda driven. Fran Toro, 366 Charleston Avenue, noted that she is a strong supporter of the purchase of the Haymaker Forest for the wellness benefits for the community. She stated that the property will be an investment for the City. She requested that the City fix Krepps Kitty pool and help BOPARC become fiscally sound for its residents. She hopes that Morgantown will be the kind of City people will want to move to for its economy, greenspace, trails, forest, parklands, and jobs. Christine Wang, 668 Kenwood Place, Pantry Plus, she stated that children from low income families use the pools and resources like the Boys & Girls Club. They will not us the Haymaker Forest. She suggested that Council have a Town Meeting to discuss this issue. Christine Wallace, 339 Virginia Avenue, read an e-mail from Jaqueline Core from Uniontown noting their commitment of a Morgantown YMCA along with BOPARC to fill the gap along with their other activities. Jonell Strough, 608 Hess Street, she visited Haymaker Forest and found trees and plants that will outlive all of us. She noted that this Council and community should consider looking at the future and purchase of the Haymaker Forest. Coleen Harshbarger, 1009 Vandalia, noted the health benefits she mentioned at the last meeting of having the Haymaker Forest. She mentioned that Council might want to do financial study for the benefits of purchasing this property for the health of the community. Catherine Royzycki Magruder, 963 Southpoint Circle, stated she supports the Deputy Mayor on this and on the purchase of Haymaker Forest. Danielle Trumbull, 1114 Charles Avenue, noted that she opposes the purchase of Haymaker Forest. Matthew Cross, 524 Milford Street, he mentioned that in his neighborhood he either hears sirens from emergency vehicle or at 3am Garbage Trucks, so I fully support the purchase of Haymaker Forest. There being no one else wishing to speak, Deputy Mayor Brazaitis closed the Public Portion. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION: 1. Ordinance amending sections 1329.02, 1333.07, 1337.07, and 1363.02 of the Zoning Code as it relates to residential setbacks in developed blocks and residential lighting. 2  City Manager explains, after discussion, council referred to the July 10th agenda by consensus. 2. An Ordinance establishing a Land Reuse/Preservation Agency for the City of Morgantown City Manager explains, City Attorney then explains, after discussion, council referred to the July 24th agenda by consensus. 3. A Resolution instituting a Land/Preservation Program for the City of Morgantown City Manager explains, after discussion, council referred to the July 24th agenda by consensus. They also decided to put together a Town Hall Meeting and also referred to the July 10th agenda for discussion. 4. Proposed Suncrest Trail – Vaike Hess Council referred to the July 10th agenda by consensus. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, Council by consensus adjourned the committee of the whole meeting at 11:17 pm. ___________________________ ______________________________ City Clerk Mayor 3