Beech Tree News Network

Morgantown City Council held its regular monthly meeting on Thursday, August 11, at the Eva J. Hawes Agriculture and Exposition Center.  Council member Sharon Johnson was absent.
Due to a decrease of $118,000  in property assessments and tangibles within the city limits, the property tax rate for 2016 increased from .116% to .118%.  The council is required by law to generate the same amount of money from taxes each year.  In 2015 the council increased the tax rate by 4%. The motor vehicle tax rate for 2016 stayed the same.

In other business, Morgantown resident Harlen Dockery donated the old Dime Store ( Reeta's) building to city.  Dockery said he supported the city's efforts to renovate downtown and he was unable to get the building in compliance.
Mayor Billy Phelps, Councilmen Ronald Givens, Russell Givens, and Allen Meredith attended the fiscal court meeting concerning the Fire Dues Ordinance.  Mayor Phelps said he had some major issues with the ordinance and was not ready to jump on board. 
"It is our (council) job to run the Morgantown Fire Department.  They do not write checks and I have a problem refunding more money than we receive when people opt out of paying dues," said Phelps
Mayor Billy Phelps reported that the city now has an Emergency Operation Plan by executive order.  He also said he received a letter from the Chinese Chamber of Commerce saying that they were promoting Morgantown to local businesses.
"Cody Henderson will be doing surveying at the Riverview and Hill Haven Cemeteries, creating more plots for purchase, and we will also be working on the back entrance to the city park," said Phelps.
The council approved the Sidewalk Ordinance 2016-03, 2015-16 Budget First Amendment second reading, City Administrator Pay Ordinance 2016-04 second reading, and Chief of Police Pay Ordinance 2016-05, second reading.

Barbara Reeves addressed the council concerning fireworks.  She said on the last Sunday on July about 10:30 p.m. she and her dogs were startled by loud booms and bangs.  According to Mrs. Reeves, someone was shooting fireworks behind the Eastside Church of Christ.
"I want the council to making an ordinance concerning fireworks and limit when they can be set off in the city," said Reeves.
Mayor Phelps assured her the council was already on top of this issue and that Council member Allen Meredith had already submitted information to be considered by the rest of the council. 
"Also, I see the police cruising around day and night and I really appreciated that," added Reeves.

Reports:

Morgantown Fire Department
Held one basic first aid class
1 Vehicle Fire
1 Service Call
1 Accident Call
Brakes repaired on Engine 7 Brush Truck

Morgantown City Police
Calls for Service 286
Cases Opened 5
Criminal Arrests 21
Traffic Citations 14
Total Citations 35
Collisions 5
DUIs 2
Courtesy Notices 5

Morgantown Housing Authority
The Board of Commissioners of the Housing Authority of Morgantown met in regular session on Monday, July 25, 2016.
 - Gym improvement work is ongoing at Southside Community Building, Boys & Girls Club, and is expected to be completed in a couple of weeks.
 - Some property suffered minor damage during recent storms with trees going down. Removal has been done.
 - Members discussed the drainage issues at Huff Ingram and plans are being considered to correct the drain issues with the City of Morgantown and the Kentucky State Highway Department, along with the Housing Authority.
 - Members approved providing lunch for the kids at the Boys & Girls Club for one day due to the close of the Summer Feeding Program.

Planning and Zoning
 - Discussed House Bill 422 and KRS 381.770 involving planning and zoning reform. They will not be moving forward with ordinances until they have some clarification.

City Administrator
 - Survey Results- Quality of Life is still rated low but improving.
 - October 15th deadline for delinquent taxes
 - Attended BRADD meeting
 - Grant for Morgantown City Hall has been filed and should cover 85 percent of the cost of renovation.
 - Eight benches have been purchased by sponsors at $1,000 each to be placed in the city.
 - Movies in the Park will be August 20th, Inside Out

Maintenance-

The maintenance department will be conducting an evaluation of all city sidewalks.