Land Reuse and Preservation Agency

MORGANTOWN LAND REUSE AND PRESERVATION AGENCY MINUTES 4p.m. March 28, 2019 Council Chambers DIRECTORS PRESENT: David Satterfield, Brent Bailey, Patrick Kirby, Michael Mills, Laura Rye and Tim Stranko DIRECTORS ABSENT: Jessica McDonald STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Paul Brake, City Attorney Ryan Simonton, Director of Development Services Chris Fletcher I. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Satterfield noted McDonald's absence was excused due illness. II. PROOF OF NOTICE OF MEETING OR WAIVER OF NOTICE Ill. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - Rye moved to approve the February 28, 2019 minutes as presented; seconded by Mills. Motion carried unanimously. IV. CORRESPONDENCE V. PUBLIC PORTION - None. VI. PRESENTATIONS A. Mon Valley Green Space Coalition Dr. JoNell Strough provided a PowerPoint presentation concerning the Mon Valley Green Space Coalition to explain current and future projects within the City of Morgantown. Strough noted an increase in development within the City results in an increased demand for parks and recreation . Strough stated the MVGSC has explored pursuing an alternative bike/pedestrian transportation corridor, referred to as the "Green Belt Trail System", and provided further explanation of the project to build connections through green spaces and align with other City initiatives. Strough also provided examples of key properties that would need to be acquired including portions of the property known as Haymaker Forest. Stranko asked who owns Haymaker Forest. Strough stated the forest is owned by a development company including three individuals that are listed collectively as Stonehurst, LLC. Mills asked if the owners have been asked to collaborate with the City. Strough stated she is unaware if the City has approached the owners but noted MVGSC would like to discuss options with them. Land Reuse and Preservation Agency Page 1 of 4 Board of Directors Meeting March 28, 2019 Minutes Stranko asked for the status of the marketing of Haymaker Forest. Strough explained the owners have submitted plans to MUS to develop 81 townhomes in a portion of the forest but noted she does not know the status of that development. Rye referred to the Mountainview Elementary School area and asked what the plans are for linkages and traveling roads . Strough stated a crosswalk and sidewalks are necessary along Dorsey Avenue to safely access the school but noted there is a bike club led by parents that ride bicycles to the school despite the existing barriers. Satterfield expressed the "Green Belt Trail System" is a compelling and exciting vision and asked if the MVGSC has explored the details of the acquisition and costs involved. Strough stated they have not done a property analysis but noted there are many options and expressed they could reach out to property owners to see who is open to a right-of-way. Satterfield stated Board members can submit questions or comments to Fletcher to allow for follow up discussions with MVGSC. VII. REPORT OF OFFICERS AND/OR DIRECTORS Bailey stated other cities are interested in this work and noted there are other technical assistance resources available such as land bank webinars, etc. VIII. REPORT OF COMMITTEES IX. REPORT OF STAFF A. Development Services Director • Fletcher stated that the online mapping should be available in the next week and noted that Board's election terms have been forwarded to the City Clerk's office to be included on a future City Council agenda. • Fletcher stated spoke with City Manager for the City of Clarksburg to gather more information on the matrix that was referred to by Rye at the last meeting. Fletcher explained that Clarksburg does not have a specific matrix but uses an internal administrative process to review properties for ranking consideration under their demolition program. • Fletcher stated a Dropbox folder has been set up for the Board and an email will be sent to Board members regarding the retreat. B. City Manager • Brake stated renovations are underway for the Hazel Ruby McQuain Amphitheater and noted further information on that project can be found on the City of Morgantown's webpage (http://www.morgantownwv.gov/525/HRM-Riverfront-Proiectj. Land Reuse and Preservation Agency Page 2 of 4 Board of Directors Meeting March 28, 2019 Minutes  C. City Attorney • Simonton stated that the LRaPA will be added to the City's insurance policy and will be handled administratively. • Simonton referred to the tax sale process and stated he provided the Monongalia County Sheriff's Tax Office with the LRaPA ordinance and the cooperative agreement which will be forwarded to the WV State Auditor's Office. He noted a list of tax delinquent properties are available on the county website in September of each year and the City will be working with them on details of how and when the agency can exercise their rights to acquire those properties. • Simonton stated he received detailed comments and questions relating to the by- laws and expressed he will be responding to those by email along with a revised draft and asked the Board keep this on the agenda for the next meeting. X. UNFINISHED BUSINESS REQUIRING ACTION A. Approval of By-Laws Board members agreed to keep this on the agenda to allow for Simonton to respond to questions and comments and provide a revised draft. XI. NEW BUSINESS REQUIRING ACTION A. Approval of Agency Logo Fletcher presented two (2) logo options prepared by the City's Communications Department and asked if the Board would like to explore branding. Mills expressed the importance of branding under the City as a partner and noted it might be premature for this task. Fletcher stated he will consult with the Communications Department to ensure separate branding is appropriate. Stranko questioned why its important to establish a brand. Fletcher provided further explanation and expressed that branding would allow for a visual separation from the City and other city- allied organizations. Rye noted that the agency has multiple purposes such as greenspace, housing and economic development and expressed that the logo should bring all of those purposes together. Mills agreed and suggested a logo be established after the retreat. Board members decided it is too early to a establish a logo and will keep it in mind for future discussions. XII. OTHER BUSINESS NOT REQUIRING ACTION Stranko asked for further discussion on Haymaker Forest. Land Reuse and Preservation Agency Page 3 of 4 Board of Directors Meeting March 28, 2019 Minutes Mills asked if the City has reached out to the current land owners to explore other options beyond acquisition. Satterfield stated he would like to have facts and figures prior to this discussion and then if action needs to be taken then it could be discussed in an executive session. Stranko agreed and asked for staff to outline courses of action and alternatives to consider. Simonton stated he will provide a timeline and related documents along with options for the Board to explore via email. Stranko asked if there is a timeline in which the Board would receive the courses of action from Staff. Satterfield expressed the LRaPA should meet as often as needed if there are urgent matters to discuss and asked if they needed to have an executive session after the meeting. Simonton noted the item is not on the agenda and therefore an executive session would not be able to occur after the meeting. He stated the agency could have a special meeting following two days of public notice if time is urgent. Satterfield expressed the need to grow as a team and get to know the process better which will be beneficial with having a retreat. XIII. ADJOURNMENT Stranko moved adjourn at 5:05p.m.; seconded by Bailey. Motion carried unanimously. MINUTES APPROVED: April 25, 2019 BOARD SECRETARY: Patrick Kirby, Secretary Land Reuse and Preservation Agency Page 4 of 4 Board of Directors Meeting March 28, 2019 Minutes