Beech Tree News Network

Morgantown City Council met in regular session on Thursday night, September 8, at the Eva J. Hawes Community Center.  Council members Russell Givens, Allen Meredith, Dionne Merritt, Sharon Johnson, and Ronald Givens were in attendance.
Mayor Billy Phelps made several announcements.

The city of Morgantown contributed a total of $18,248.09 to the Green River Catfish Festival:  fireworks $14,000, Warren RECC $970.36, jail crew $373, Utilities $157.20, maintenance overtime $1,674.15, and police overtime $1,073.38.

County Surveyor Cody Henderson has completed the surveying at the city cemetery.  The city has decided not to tear down the building at the entrance to the cemetery. Instead, new signage will be added to the building.

Cumberland Plastics, which had been looking at the former Kentucky Copper building, notified Mayor Phelps they are no longer interested in the property.  According to Phelps, the city will continue to market the building.

Reeta's building, located on Main Street, which was owned by Harlan Dockery, was donated to the city last month.  The property, which is on the blighted property list is going to cost the city $1,000 to just consult with an engineer about what can be done with the property.

Eight benches have been purchased by local businesses to be placed along the street.

"We have the benches, and the pads have been poured; we are waiting on the donor plaques to be added to the benches.  They (benches) are very nice and heavy duty," said Phelps.

Mayor Phelps informed the council that of the 40 applicants for the T.V.A. grant, Morgantown was one of the twelve that did receive money.  However, Morgantown had requested $100,000 but only received $20,000.  The city plans to negotiate with T.V.A. for enough money to do core samples in the industrial park.

Reports were given to the council by the following people:
City Police - Chief Giles Taylor
Calls for service…376; up from last month
Cases opened.......17
Criminal arrests…28; up from last month
Citations.........46
Vehicle Accidents.....10
DUIs...............5
The approved new hire for the city police, Paul Evens, was sworn in. Evens is on the standby list for October with a confirmed academy start date November 14 and anticipated end date of May 19, 2017.

Department of Criminal Justice Training (D.O.C.J.T.) recruit required equipment, gear, clothing, and uniforms have been ordered and are being received as the order comes from the supplier. During this time an order was placed for the routine replacement of uniform, separates, shoes, clothing, etc. for standing officers.

Department Taser re-certification is scheduled for the month of September, and the necessary equipment has been ordered from Taser International.

A new tracking program has been developed and initiated to provide a more accurate accounting of both individual and department daily activity. September numbers will be a reflection of the new log-in operation.

As department head, Chief Taylor said he attended nine events both in and outside the city as part of the Community Outreach Initiative.

Planning & Zoning:

Danny Cardwell reported that the monthly meeting had been held and they looked at property code violations and abatement.  KRS 381.77 has been amended and replaced by House Bill 22 and all ordinances have been updated. Cardwell expressed the need to address "Tiny Houses."  The home are considered non-traditional housing and are starting to show up in Morgantown.

Morgantown Utilities:
Dale Adcock reported the utilities board had not met yet this month.

Maintenance-Brad Johnson:
Johnson reported on the cost of fixing a city street, Smith Hill, that connects to Sawmill Road.  According to Johnson, the road has been damaged by heavy equipment from an out-of-town tower company.  The company stated they would fix the street but has failed to do so.
"We can repair the road for the cost of materials, $2,830; the county will do the labor at no cost to the city," said Johnson.
The council approved fixing the road by a 5-0 vote.
Johnson also informed the council of the condition of the blade truck.  According to Johnson, the city needs a new blade that would cost between $6,000-$7,000. The council made no decision concerning the blade.

Fire Department- Dustin Embry:
The Morgantown Fire Department made two runs for the month and completed all required training.

City Administrator -Jerrod Barks:
Barks presented updates about the Morgantown Renaissance Project. According to Barks, the city believes in fostering a sense of community. In this vision, a walkable community is a stronger community. Sidewalks to School is the city's newest effort. The city of Morgantown will be evaluating sidewalks and prioritizing construction of new sidewalks and repair existing sidewalks.
With three meetings left in 2016, Barks laid out the plan.  In October the council will discuss the Sidewalks to School Plan; November will be the street plan; and December's topic will be the city park and gateways improvements.  He spoke briefly about the blighted properties and the International Property Code.  According to Barks, the assessed property value in the city has decreased over $500,00 in the last year, while Butler County's property value has increased $8 million.

CLICK HERE FOR 2015 Taxable Assessment PVA Morgantown:2015 Taxable Assessment PVA- Morgantown.pdf

CLICK HERE FOR 2016 Taxable Assessment PVA Morgantown: 2016 Taxable Assessment PVA- Morgantown.pdf

The second reading of the property tax rate was approved.
The council expressed their concerns with the proposed fire dues ordinance being considered by the Butler County Fiscal Court.  According to Mayor Phelps, approximately 80% of the Morgantown Fire Department runs are outside the city limits and nobody has informed the city of the ordinance nor asked for input.
"We are not for or against the fire dues; we don't know enough about them.  We want to be involved but have concerns," said Mayor Phelps

With no new business, the meeting was adjourned.