Beech Tree News Network

The Morgantown City Council met in regular session at the Eva J. Hawes Building on February 14th.  Council members Dustin Embry, Dionne Merritt, Russell Givens, Jason Gaskey, and Sterling White were in attendance.  
The Council approved the hours of operation for bars in Morgantown since bars were not included in the original alcohol ordinance. A change in the state law in 2017 allows for individuals that have a current liquor store license to have a license for a bar.  The Council approved the following hours of operation for bars, Monday through Sunday 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.  Mayor Phelps also stated that a local club is also seeking a bar license.
 

The date for mayor and city council candidates to file for election has changed to the first Tuesday after the first Monday in June.
There was some discussion concerning business license for vendors setting up on vacant lots in town.   No action was taken by the council.

The following reports were given:
Morgantown Utilities Commission- The Commission received the highest audit the can for 2017-18.  Highlights presented by Veronica Gilbert during the audit:
--Very positive on the direction the Utilities Board is headed moving forward.
--Encouraged the Commission to continue staying on top of utility rates that will ensure the board remains financially strong in the future.
--Pointed out the board's desire to expand gas lines throughout the community.

The board approved the purchase of a truck to improve the fleet of vehicles.
The board approved the purchase of a pipe wagon to haul pipe during expansion.
They will start the Mooretown Loop project as soon as the weather breaks.

City Police
Dispatched Calls for Service- 364
Arrests - 22
Criminal Cases - 8
Vehicle Accidents - 12
Other Agency Assists - 44
Total Calls for Service - 1225

Morgantown Fire Department
Structural Fires - City -0, County - 3
Calls for Assistant - City -4, County - 0
Medical Assistant - City - 5, County - 2
Vehicle Accidents - City 1, County - 3
Brush Fires  -  City - 0, County- 1
Calls Cancelled Enroute - City - 0, County - 2
Total Calls -  21

Housing Authority- The Housing Authority of Morgantown Board of Commissioners met Monday, January 28, 2019, for their regular meeting.  They approved a contract for replacement of the heating and cooling units in 60 units to C3 Construction Company.  They approved a contract for bathroom upgrades in 20 units that include handicapped accessible units, and demolition and replacement of new playground for small and larger children at Kent Manor to Coleman B&R Company.  The work will begin in 30 days.

Maintenance -  The crew has been clearing snow and ice, putting up banners on the city streets, clearing tiles, and replaced the water damaged ceiling tiles at the Eva J. Hawes Building.   The ballfields will receive new bases and the electric will be checked.

City Administrator -  The bids packets for the demolition of Reeta's Building and a 200' X24' traffic worthy concrete slab at  Industrial Drive will be advertised on February 20th.

Mayor's Report
Bob McKee has been hired to replace Charlie Tomes as the Code Enforcement Officer.
The funds have been released to renovate City Hall.  The staff will be moving to a different location during the renovation.
The roof at Eva J. Hawes is leaking so it will be repaired.

The entire meeting can be viewed on the Beech Tree News Facebook page.