Beech Tree News Network

Morgantown City Council met on Thursday, August 14th at city hall. The ordinances discussed in this meeting are the first reading, with a second reading being at the special called meeting via zoom.

New Business

Ordinance 2025-06 Property Tax Rate - 1st Reading - It was reported that last year the adopted rate was 0.091. Due to new growth within the city, the compensating rate for real estate and personal property to 0.087. There is an allowable 4% increase which is 0.090, which would require a hearing. Motion made and accepted to use the compensating rate of 0.087. 

Ordinance 2025-07 Motor Vehicle - Watercraft Property Tax Rate. The current rate is 27.9 cents/$100.00. Motion made and accepted.

Ordinance 2025-08 Street Legal Special Purpose Vehicle Operations - The mayor suggested a minimum age requirement of 18 years old and hours of operation with 10:00 p.m. being the latest to operate these vehicles. It is also suggested that the operator have a valid drivers license and that the city is allowed to suspend days of operation, due to police being unavailable due to special details like the Holiday Hoopla, Christmas parades, etc. After discussion and reviewing the state requirements discussed in a previous meeting, a motion was made and accepted to add the suggestions to the state requirements. 

Ordinance 2025-09 Animals at Large Animal Control - There have been many animal complaints over the past months, causing Code Enforcement to review their current animal control ordinances.  The current ordinance was created and passed in 2003, which creates problems due to wording and layout of the ordinance not being viable for today. This ordinance’s main purpose is to protect public safety and property from animals running at large and promotes responsible pet ownership and welfare. This will strengthen identification and vaccine requirements in the city, create and expand the animal control job set, and foster a formal partnership with the Friends of Butler County Animals. There will be a part-time position for an Animal Control Officer, hired through the city. This ordinance requires animals to be leashed - enclosed - or under direct supervision of the owner, collars must have identification and proof of vaccination for any pet over the age of 3 months old, and humane treatment of animals at all times. It will also express how vicious animals would be handled and penalties to responsible parties. After discussion, a motion was made and accepted to adopt Ordinance 2025-09.

Planning and Zoning

During the August meeting, there were zero new permits and two inquiries. They reviewed and amended residential zoning ordinances, due to changes in state laws. The planning and zoning board will vote in September for acceptance of these ordinances.

Utilities

There were a few water leaks to be repaired and re-routing of the gas system by changing out valves.

Housing

The housing authority had a bid opening for their drainage and site improvement project for Huff Ingram. There are more details to finalize before announcing who will be awarded the bid. They are also completing the updating of the boys and girls club lease. There are currently 10 open units with 13 families on the waiting list and 21 families on the applicant list. Most families on the waiting list are looking for 1-bedroom units, which they do not have available.

MOGO Transit

There were 1,339 riders and 672 meals delivered. 

Code Enforcement

There are 19 active cases. In the past month, code enforcement opened seven cases, closed 11, and wrote one citation. They are actively monitoring properties where home owners have started the eviction process.

Fire Department

The fire department reported one structure fire in the county, two city vehicle accidents – county six, one county vehicle fire, six city medical assistance – four county, five city calls for assistance, and one city dumpster fire. There were 26 total runs for the month of July.

Public Works

In July, they hauled 15 loads of brush, mowed the park – dog park – river park – Life Skills property – and ride aways, and cleaned ditch lines. They also patched potholes throughout town and installed 20 feet of drainage tile.

Police Department

In the month of July, officers worked 247 dispatch calls for service, five motor vehicle accidents, and several special details. Officers made 17 arrests – opening two new criminal cases and 57 traffic stops. They wrote 28 traffic citations with 17 courtesy notices. Total calls for service was 1,094.

City Clerk

City Clerk, Allie Lee, reported that they have begun the 2025 fiscal year audit and are in the process of the work comp audit. They are hoping to have the auditors at the next city council meeting to present the 2024 fiscal year audit results. The Farmer’s Market Grant is closed, and the city will be sending progress reports for the next 3 years to show the data of events. Lee is waiting to hear from the state regarding more funding for the TAP Grant. The clerks are also submitting the final land ownership paperwork for the Walking Trail Grant, so they can move forward with the grant process.

Mayor’s Report

It was reported that the fire department has around $1.2 million for the new fire department. Upon reviewing bids received, none were accepted as they were all over the $1.2 million. The architect is making changes to the plans in hopes of getting them updated to receive bids within the budget or more manageable difference.

City Clerk Allie Lee and Assistance City Clerk Kersie Sharp are now certified municipal clerks. Along with Tax Clerk Dana Phelps, they are now beginning their next level of training.

The city hosted a ribbon cutting on Friday, August 29th at 10:00 a.m. at Garrison’s Department Store, due to their efforts in funding grant money to the store for upgrades. September coffee hour will be hosted by the city at the Moore Kent House on September 17th at 7:30 a.m. The arts guild Chalk Festival is September 6th on Main Street. The All-American Circus will be at the Eva J. Hawes building September 7th.