Beech Tree News Network

Morgantown City Council met Thursday night, October 12th, at the Eva J. Hawes Building. Deneatra Henderson, Engineer with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, addressed the council concerning a resurfacing opportunity for the city.
According to Henderson, the state will resurface the street from the stop light on Main Street, past Morgantown Elementary, and Butler County Middle School (Tyler Street), if the city will agree to take over maintenance of the road.  The state will also redo speed limit signs and school signs.
"If you don't do it now, it will not be done," said Henderson. 
The council will be looking at the possibility of passing a resolution with the Kentucky Transportation Department at the next meeting approving the project.

In unfinished business, the council passed the second reading of updated subdivision regulations. They also approved Mayor Billy Phelps' recommendation of Chris Sanders to the Morgantown Board of Adjustments.
In new business, the council approved a resolution to accept the Municipal Road Aid of $47,299.27.  According to City Administrator Jerrod Barks, the current Road Fund balance is $109,000.
The mayor announced there would be a presentation on becoming a City of Ethics at the next meeting.

The following reports were given:

Housing Authority: James Dossey presented the following report:
The Board of Commissioners of the Housing Authority of Morgantown met in regular session on Monday, September 25, 2017, at the Kent Manor Community Room with all members present.  Members were updated on the bidding for the remaining bathroom upgrades at Huff Ingram.  The upgrades will allow improvements to address the elderly and handicap ADA compliance units.  During the last couple of months, the Housing Authority has experienced lower occupancy, especially in 3 bedroom units.  Applications are being accepted to serve the housing needs and requests from the community. The Housing Authority has a web page that is available at www.mtownha.org.

Morgantown Fire Department: Ronald Givens presented the following report: 
·         Vehicle Accidents: city 1, county 6
·         Structure fires: city 0, county 2
·         Medical Assistance: city 2, county 2
·         Call for Service: city 5, county 1
·         Total calls: 20

Morgantown Utilities Commission: Jim Green presented the following report: 
·       The commission is looking into a revision of the personnel policy manual for employees.
·       The new computers are completely installed in the utility office.
·       The recent sewer problem at 509 North Tyler Street was caused by a high rate of rainwater, roots in the sewer line and the basement of the home being below the sewer line.  None of which were caused by Morgantowntown Utilities.  The utility crew ran a saw into several lines on that end of town, no lines were stopped entirely up, and they were able to clear some roots that were slowing the flow of sewage.     

Morgantown Police Department: Chief Giles Taylor presented the following report: 
·         Opened 4 criminal cases
·         Worked 11 non-injury accidents
·         636 Police actions/contacts
·         Issued 8 citations
·         Answered 289 dispatched calls for service
·         Worked 4 special events

According to Chief Taylor, overtime has increased due to Officer Ward being off due to sickness and being short one officer. October 28th is National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day.  Morgantown Police Department will provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of your unused prescription drugs.
The department continues to work toward accreditation.

Planning & Zoning: Bryan Locke presented the following report: 
Planning & Zoning met on October 3rd.  They are updating the zoning map and working with Suzann Brosnon, PVA, using the plots to update parcels in the city limits.

Administrator: Jerrod Barks presented the following report: 
The city has seen an increase in the number of tax bills being paid at this point. 
The City of Morgantown is applying for a TAP Grant ( $80,000) to fund a project to connect Main St to Tyler St and to add lighting from BCHS to Bell Street.

Mayor's Report:  Mayor Billy Phelps gave the following report: 
The City received a $25,000 Emergency Management Grant for a generator for City Hall to maintain continuity of the city government in the case of an emergency.  The City will contribute $3,200.
The City of Morgantown received an Innovated City Award for the Renaissance Project at the Kentucky League of Cities (KLC) Conference.  Morgantown was one of only three cities to receive the award.  Mayor Billy Phelps was also elected to the KLC Board of Directors.

The next Morgantown City Council Meeting will be Thursday, November 9th, at 6 p.m. at the Eva Hawes Community Center.