City Council

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING April 28, 2020 City buildings remain closed to the public to protect public health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Personal attendance at the meeting will not be permitted. When it is time, the public may participate in the public portion by videoconference at the following link: https://cityofmorgantown.my.webex.com/meet/cityofmorgantown with meeting number (access code) 793 734 477, or by calling in at the following number 408-418-9388 and using the access code 793 734 477. All members of the public may view the meeting on Channel 15 and by streaming hosted on the City’s website at www.morgantownwv.gov. If you do not wish to speak at the meeting, please view it by these methods to conserve capacity on the videoconference. Any person who wishes to speak at the meeting may complete the form at http://morgantownwv.gov/FormCenter/Public-Comment-Sign-Up-Sheet-14/Public-Comment- Committee-of-the-Whole-fo-61, or provide their name, phone number they will use to participate, and the topic on which they would like to speak by texting 304-288-0847 or 304- 288-7072. You may sign up to speak at any time until the meeting begins. Additionally, the public may submit written comments for the public portion of the meeting by sending written comments via email to the City Clerk at cwade@morgantownwv.gov. In the email, please use the subject line "Public Comment 04/28/2020" and indicate in the body of the email if you would like your comment read aloud during the public portion of the meeting. The Committee of the Whole Meeting of the Common Council of the City of Morgantown was held by via Webex on Tuesday, April 28, 2020, at 7:08 p.m. PRESENT: City Manager Paul Brake, Assistant City Manager Emily Muzzarelli, City Attorney Ryan Simonton, Mayor William A. Kawecki, Deputy Mayor Rachel Fetty, Council Members Zack Cruze, Jenny Selin, Ron Dulaney, Dave Harshbarger, and Barry Wendell. The meeting was called to order by Deputy Mayor Fetty. PRESENTATIONS: 1. MUB – Proposed refinance of outstanding bond issue – Series 2010A Tim Ball General Manager of Morgantown Utility Board presented to council a request to refinance the outstanding bond issue Series 2010A. Tim Ball explained the outstanding bond issue Series 2010A that was put into effect to upgrade the water treatment plant on Don Knotts Boulevard. Tim Ball suggested and proposed to refinance the outstanding bond issue Series 2010A for reasons such as COVID-19 related costs and lost revenue. 2. Human Rights Commission Liaison Positions Ash Cutright LGBTQ+ liaison for the Human Rights Commission presented to council with a request for City of Morgantown LGBTQ+ Liaison positions. The general goal of appointing these two positions is to focus on the city concerns and public safety needs of the LGBTQ+ community. 3. Recycle Right Morgantown Campaign Update Vanessa Reaves Recycle Right Morgantown Campaign Manager presented to council with information regarding the Recycle Right Morgantown campaign. 4. Focused Workweek Research Presentation Emily Muzzarelli Assistant City Manager presented to council a request for consideration of implementing a four-day focused workweek. She presented a focused workweek pilot program that would last for one year, beginning July 4, 2020. Business hours for multiple city offices would be from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and buildings would be closed Fridays. PUBLIC PORTION: Deputy Mayor Fetty opened the public portion and asked if there was anyone wishing to speak.  Assistant City Manager Emily Muzzarelli read written comments expressing support for the Human Rights Commission LGBTQ+ Liaison Positions and urged council to consider approving at the next regular meeting: 1. Lucy Romeo 3. Shelby Lloyd 5. Jan Derry 2. Emily Womelsdorf 4. Mollie Kennedy There being no one else wishing to speak, Deputy Mayor Fetty closed the Public Portion. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION: 1. MUB – Proposed refinance of outstanding bond issue – Series 2010A After discussion, this item will be moved to a future meeting agenda. City Attorney stated that city staff will work with Bond Council to prepare it. 2. Human Rights Commission Liaison Positions After discussion, this item was moved to the May 5, 2020, Regular Meeting Agenda. 3. Focused Workweek Research Presentation After discussion, this item was moved to the May 5, 2020, Regular Meeting agenda. 4. Ordinance Authorizing Revisions to Article 545 – Weapons After discussion, this item was moved to the May 5, 2020, Regular Meeting agenda. 5. Ordinance Authorizing Revisions to Article 747 – Fire Protection Service Charges After discussion, this item was moved to the May 5, 2020, Regular Meeting agenda. 6. Morgantown Municipal Airport - Minimum Standards for Commercial Aeronautical Service Providers After discussion, this item was moved to the May 5, 2020, Regular Meeting agenda. 7. City's Update on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) in West Virginia City Manager Paul Brake provided council with an update regarding the city's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The city will work under the Governor's plan for reopening West Virginia. Tentatively, the city is looking at reopening on May 18 with protective measures taken to protect employees, such as installation of Plexiglass barriers, routine cleaning, and social distancing. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, motion by Councilor Wendell, second by Mayor Kawecki, to adjourn the meeting. Time: 9:58 p.m. ___________________________ ___________________________ City Clerk Mayor