Beech Tree News Network

Morgantown City Council met on Thursday, January 13.  Each city department gave their respective reports on 2021 projects. 

The Utilities Board reported on new sewer and gas installations throughout the past year.  The department responded and repaired gas and water leaks.  Repairs were made at the sewer plant and there is potential for more to come in the future.  The water plant reported producing over 99 million gallons of water in 2021, while performing all test and samples as needed. 

A representative from the Tourism Board was present, explaining a budget has been set for 2022 from accumulated funds.  They have decided to allocate a portion of the funds away for larger projects in the future.  Tourism’s major goal of 2022 is to get in touch with Kentucky Department of Tourism, in hopes of getting a representative or Tourism Commissioner to speak of opportunities on how the state could help pay for ways to bring tourism to the city. 

The Housing Authority reported that all their units are filled, except for a few units that were required to remain open for tornado victims as they were needed.  All heating and air units were replaced at Kent Manor in 2021.  Contracts have been awarded to Thomas Lawn Care and Green River Waste.

The Morgantown Fire Department gave their report from 2021.  During 2021, they made a total of 106 runs.  24 of these runs were in the city and 82 were in the county. 

Code Enforcement reported 55 new cases in 2021.  Many cases have been resolved, but there are a few liens filed on properties.  Bobby McKee reported raising the fine for noncompliance from $100 to $200 and $250 per day.  He stated many people have taken notice of these changes and are cleaning up on their own initiative.

Public Works reported of three full-time employees with the help of five inmates, five days a week  They hauled off brush and leaves, mowed the park, right of ways, cemeteries, and Industrial Park.  Park renovation progress has also been observed by the department. 

Giles Taylor, Chief of Police, stated that Morgantown Police Department responded to 2,785 calls for service.  124 vehicle accidents, 425 traffic stops, 295 disturbances, 135 attempts to locate with 44 warrants served, 458 citations, and answered 800 phone complaints for a total of 5,017 calls answered. 

Taylor shared the difficulties the MPD had faced in the past 3 years.  In those three years the MPD had officers and vehicles lost.  There were 4 officers and the chief at the beginning of 2021.  However, in May another officer was lost to another agency.  There are four new hires that left for the academy on January 2^nd and will return in June.  MPD will be fully staffed in June.  This will be the first time since Taylor became chief and Mayor Phelps became mayor. 

“We haven’t done that, ever,” said Chief Taylor.

The city clerk discussed the city grants, new hires for the pool and maintenance in the summer, trainings, both completed and future, keeping administrative department descriptions updated, and taking into consideration what other communities have experienced, that the city would be prepared for if events were to take place. 

Mayor Billy Phelps discussed city businesses, new and completed projects, and events of 2021.  There have been at least eight new businesses opened; Charles Black City Park renovations began; the city awarded $398,000 in paving projects on North Industrial Drive that were completed in the summer of 2021; a city entrance sign was unveiled; the MOGO Transit Shuttle resumed in May after COVID-19 caused a down period; and the ‘Holiday Hoopla’ event, which included the world famous Clydesdales, took place.  The city plans to continue investing in the future of Morgantown by paving projects, lighting and sidewalk development on US 231, the dock grant construction on the Green River, installing a Trail Town sign, adding to the business façade, and entrepreneur grants.