Beech Tree News Network

The Morgantown City Council revisited the political sign ordinance and the proposed lease with the Butler County Ambulance service at its regular meeting Thursday night.
 
Casey Turci addressed the Council with several questions on the new political sign ordinance.  Turci wanted clarification on what constituted temporary, moveable, and seasonal signs and on what types of signs qualify for exemptions.  Turci contended that the new ordinance would not allow any temporary or political signs in city right-of-way.  He said the new ordinance would place an undue financial burden on political candidates and on property owners who want to erect personal statement signs (such as “Support Our Troops”) that are over 8 square feet.  Turci contended that the ordinance would wind up costing the city in enforcement expenses.  Council members Terrell House and Allen Meredith and Mayor Linda Keown all said the Planning and Zoning Board should address these issues.  Turci replied that he went to a Planning and Zoning Board meeting and was told by the Board that they only wrote in the ordinance what the Council told them to put in.  He added that he sent House a Supreme Court decision that forbid the charging of fees for putting a sign on one’s own property that conforms to a local code.  The Council and Mayor suggested a work session by either the Council or the Planning and Zoning Board to address Turci’s concerns.
 
The Council discussed concerns about the proposed 20-year lease of the former Kellwood Outlet building to the Butler County Ambulance Service.  Council member House said that Mark Hood of the Ambulance Board is seeking an assurance that the Ambulance Service has a guaranteed option to buy after the 20 years is up; Hood is unhappy with the phrase “may renegotiate” in the lease.  Mayor Keown suggested removing the phrase, but House favored rewriting the lease with Hood.  The Council and Mayor decided to have House and Hood rewrite the lease and take it back to the attorney.
 

Jacob Williams of the Butler County Rescue Squad addressed the Council to request $2,000 for the Squad.  Williams told the Council that Rescue Squad runs have increased dramatically, and they have spent $1,900 in fuel for 2013 through the end of October.  The squad is currently funded through donations, but Williams said the average amount raised in a fundraiser has decreased from $1,200 to $400.  Council members Russell Givens and Terrell House said the Council requires a budget and business plan to consider requests for funds.  Williams agreed to provide the information at the December meeting, adding that if the Council could provide funds for fuel the Rescue Squad could handle most other expenses through donations.
 
MPD Chief Sweeney reported 381 calls for service in October, with 13 cases opened and 100 extra patrols.  Swiney told the Council that Officers Embry and Vincent graduated from the state police academy on November 8, with Officer Embry placing 3rd in the class in physical fitness.  Embry and Vincent started November 11 on field training, and Sweeney expects them to start patrolling on their own in mid-December.  He also said the two new Dodge Charger cruisers came in the latter part of October and are in use.  Sweeney reported that MPD officers presented felony cases to the Grand Jury, and Officer Deweese and Sergeant Burden each got new bullet proof vests.
 
In other actions, the Council approved sending requested communication to FEMA verifying the floodplain boundaries have not changed.  Council member Givens reported that the city has started cleanup in the Industrial Park, adding that five beaver dams in the creek need removal.  Mayor Keown recognized actions by two members of the Maintenance Department; Harold Deweese cut a child out of a swing set who had gotten tangled, and Donald Morris pulled a man from a creek near the boat ramp.  Council members Gary Southerland and Terrell House spoke about the recent Deer Hunters Supper at Drake's Farm Service, with House emphasizing the economic impact of deer hunters coming to the community for the event and suggesting playing up next year’s event.  Council member Allen Meredith said he went to the ceremony for the Walls of Honor, which he called “a real asset to our community,” and he also went to the recent Morgantown Mission fundraiser.

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Story by Don Thomason, BtN