Land Reuse and Preservation Agency

MORGANTOWN LAND REUSE AND PRESERVATION AGENCY MINUTES 6:00 p.m. January 15, 2019 Council Chambers DIRECTORS PRESENT: Brent Bailey, Patrick Kirby, Jessica McDonald, Michael Mills, Laura Rye, David Satterfield, Tim Stranko DIRECTORS ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Paul Brake, City Attorney Ryan Simonton, Director of Development Services Chris Fletcher I. INTRODUCTIONS Following introductions by directors and staff present, Brake discussed general purposes of the Agency to promote productive use of properties within the city for public space, conservation, affordable housing, and commercial uses. Brake noted that Fletcher would be providing staff support to the Agency. Stranko noted concerns the Agency may become staff intensive. Brake noted the City Manager’s and City Attorney’s Offices would aid in staffing the Agency as well. II. ENABLING STATE AND CITY CODES Simonton briefly covered West Virginia State Code 31-18E-1, which is the state enabling legislation governing agencies, and City Ordinance 18-26, which established the Morgantown Land Reuse and Preservation Agency. Handouts of both State and City Codes were provided. III. AGENCY PURPOSE GENERALLY Fletcher, referring to Ordinance 18-26, covered the hierarchical ranking of the Agency’s priorities when evaluating property it owns, uses, disposes of, or studies for its potential. Specifically, first priority will be how those properties are a potential component of the City Land Preservation Program and whether those properties are designated for preservation or conservation in the City’s current Comprehensive Plan Update. Second priority will be properties’ potential as a purely public space or place, considering the City’s Land Preservation Program and the BOPARC Master Plan. Third priority would be potential for affordable housing, followed by commercial activities, and industrial activity. IV. WEST VIRGINIA OPENING GOVERNMENTAL MEETINGS ACT Simonton provided an orientation presentation briefly covering the WV Ethics Act, WV Open Government Meetings Act, WV Freedom of Information Action, guidance on the use of social media, and guidance on meeting and parliamentary procedure. A related handout was provided. Land Reuse and Preservation Agency Page 1 of 3 Board of Directors January 15, 2019 Minutes V. MATTERS OF DISCUSSION FOR FUTURE CONSIDERATION AND ACTION A. SCHEDULING FUTURE MEETINGS Fletcher discussed the scheduling of regular monthly meetings until such time a bi-monthly or quarterly meeting become prudent. Staff suggested, given limited Council Chamber availability and reoccurring evening meeting commitments of present staff, that a late afternoon time be considered. It was agreed that staff would circulate a Doodle calendar poll, based on Council Chambers availability, to determine a regular day of the month and time of day convenient to all directors. B. BOARD MEMBER QUALIFICATIONS AND TERMS Fletcher briefly discussed the rubric provided in Ordinance 18-26 concerning the Board’s membership make-up in initial one-, two-, and three-year terms and three qualification levels provided in Section 147.02(C)(1), (2), and (3). A related worksheet was distributed, and Directors were asked to complete the worksheet and return to Fletcher. Specific terms and qualification factors would be included on the Board’s next regular meeting agenda. Fletcher noted that at least the term assignments may require approval by City Council. C. DEVELOPMENT OF BY-LAWS AND GOVERNANCE RULES Fletcher and Simonton briefly covered the need and purpose of by-laws. Stranko suggested the City Planning Commission’s by-laws be used as a template. Staff agreed to prepare a draft set of by-laws for presentation at the next Board meeting. Fletcher noted that Ordinance 18-26 requires the Board to include a public comment portion at each meeting. Fletcher suggested the Board’s by-laws could provide meeting governance rules to include public comments. D. ELECTION OF LEADERSHIP Fletcher and Simonton briefly covered the officers and responsibilities enumerated in Ordinance 18-26. Stranko nominated Satterfield to serve as the Board of Directors Chair for the 2019 Calendar Year, seconded by Mills. Stranko moved to close nominations, seconded by Mills. Satterfield was elected Chair for the 2019 Calendar Year by acclimation. Stranko nominated McDonald to serve as Vice-Chair for the 2019 Calendar Year, seconded by Kirby. Stranko moved to close nominations, seconded by Kirby. McDonald was elected Vice- Chair for the 2019 Calendar Year by acclimation. It was agreed to postpone election of Secretary and Treasurer until after by-laws are approved at a future meeting Land Reuse and Preservation Agency Page 2 of 3 Board of Directors January 15, 2019 Minutes  E. CITY'S LAND PRESERVATION PROGRAM Brake discussed his experiences with similar agencies in Michigan and would provide the Board with example work programs and success cases. F. STRATEGIC PLANNING RETREAT Fletcher suggested that the Board consider a half-day strategic planning retreat once the Agency organizational tasks had been completed. The purpose of the retreat might be to establish organizational goals and set priorities to begin to identify and study site specific objectives. G. FIRST REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING AGENDA Fletcher asked for direction on whether the Board wished to receive hardcopy or digital packets for future meetings. It was decided to utilize Dropbox or similar web-based packet distribution initially. Fletcher advised the Board that parking passes would be distributed to directors prior to the next meeting and advised members to park in the Morgantown Market Place but not under the canopy. Kirby noted that funding the Agency will be critical to ultimate program success. Kirby asked when the State's next sale of state tax delinquent properties was scheduled. Kirby suggested grant writing support would be appropriate to research and pursue alternate funding opportunities. McDonald asked for a listing of City-owned properties, condemned properties, and properties registered with the City as vacant. Simonton noted his office would be notifying the Sheriff's tax office of the obligation to disclose first option properties. Brake advised the Board of a potential property acquisition in the Sabraton area currently being studied and that he would provide the Board an update at its next meeting. VI. PUBLIC COMMENT Bill Kawecki thanked the members for their interest and service to the community in this capacity. VII. ADJOURNMENT: 7:15 p.m. MINUTES APPROVED: February 28, 2019 BOARD SECRETARY: Land Reuse and Preservation Agency Page 3 of 3 Board of Directors January 15, 2019 Minutes