Beech Tree News Network

The Morgantown City Council turned their attention to projects with the state Transportation Department, Boys and Girls Club funding, and help for Butler County Girls Softball at Thursday night’s meeting.

Denetra Henderson and Greg Meredith of the state Transportation Department addressed the Council on two projects.  The first was the 231 North Project, where the state will construct sidewalks on each side of US 231 between Garcia’s and Morgantown Auto Parts.  The state needed an agreement from the city to take responsibility for maintenance of the sidewalks.  The Council, led by member Russell Givens, questioned Henderson on issues of right-of-way, repair of any damage, and where state and city responsibility would be defined.  Discussion focused on a section of retaining wall that is falling, and Greg Meredith said that sometimes gaps in sidewalk construction are unavoidable where a section cannot be stabilized.  The Council approved the needed agreement.

Greg Meredith proposed the city take over a section of North Ward Avenue between Middle Ferry Road and Morrison Street after the state replaces a large culvert, moves a gas line, and resurfaces the pavement.  Discussion focused on the culvert replacement, with Givens flatly stating that the tile is “nowhere near big enough” to handle drainage with numerous feeder tiles being directed into it.  The Council and Transportation officials disagreed on the subject, with Greg Meredith stating that larger tile would not fit and would not matter in case of a large storm and Givens and other Council members disagreeing.  Givens said the problem is not just water overtopping the street but water backing into residents’ yards.  Mayor Linda Keown called for a motion to accept the proposal; no motion was offered, and the Council decided to delay the agreement until more study on the drainage issue was made.

Boys and Girls Club director Stan England presented the Club’s budget and plan to the Council and, along with Bruce White, answered the Council’s questions on Club activities.  Council member Dionne Merritt asked if there had been any success in renting out the Antique Shop on US 231 to raise funds.  England and Bruce White responded that two groups had rented the facility and that the Club is working with Marshall Hughes to promote special events at the Antique Shop.  After further discussion, the Council voted to approve the full $12,500 funding requested by the Boys and Girls Club.

Members of the Butler County Girls Softball group addressed the Council on issues with the softball fields at the city park.  BCGS president Kim Cunningham led the discussion, along with secretary/treasurer Charlotte Philpot, Robert Cunningham, and Mark Clark.  Group members identified issues at the fields which include dugouts needing repair, electrical outlets needing maintenance, some electrical boxes in a dangerous state, grass in the infield needing removal, and fill dirt needed in the infield to prevent ponding.  Kim Cunningham said BCGS had 54 children in spring league ages 5 to 10, and the group had raised $1,800 in a recent fundraiser but still needs help from the city to resolve problems at the fields.  Mayor Keown said the city can do some of the repair work “a little at a time,” and individual Council members identified solutions to specific issues.  Givens said that the safety issues should be addressed first, and the Council asked BCGS to provide a prioritized list of issues.

The Council approved purchase of a used back hoe from Morgantown Utilities for $40,000.  The back hoe will replace the current one, which will be put up for auction.

Council member Allen Meredith told the Council that citizens had approached him about needed signs on Oak Hill Drive.  Meredith said a petition drive had started to get 15 m.p.h. speed limit signs and children at play signs for the street; the current speed limit is 25 m.p.h.  The Council voted to erect children at play signs.

MPD Police Chief Charles Swiney gave his monthly report, with 377 calls for service in June.  Officers Vincent and Embry started the police academy on June 24.  Two new police cars were ordered, with delivery expected in late August to mid September.  The MPD purchased Glock 27 weapons to go with the recent purchase of Glock 22 weapons.

Several comments were made about the just-concluded Catfish Festival, with Mayor Keown praising the maintenance crew for returning the park to normal after the event and various Council members calling the event a success despite the weather.  Council member Allen Meredith addressed rumors that this was the last Catfish Festival, and Mayor Keown stated there will be a Catfish Festival next year but options are being considered to move the event to a different time of year and reduce the festival to one or two days.

Givens reported that another run of agricultural development money would become available in August.  He said if the county manages to get some of that funding, he would like to see some used for improving ag facilities at the Ag Expo and Community Center.