Beech Tree News Network

Morgantown City Council held its last meeting of 2021 on Thursday, December 9, at city hall.

Two individuals with long-term ties to the city were recognized.  Kendall Embry and Glendal Deweese were honored for their hard work over the years and both received official "Keys to the City."

Embry started working for the city in 1986 as a Certified Public Accountant and has continued throughout the years, helping in many capacities. Mayor Billy Phelps commented on Embry saying, "He is the first to volunteer for whatever is needed."

Deweese started working with the city in 1972 when he was elected a city councilman. He has served the city in many other capacities, as well. Mayor Phelps referred to Glendal as a "founder of the city and a prime example of someone who cares about their city." He currently serves on the Planning and Zoning Commission.

In other city business, each department head gave their respective reports.

• MOGO Bus has been beneficial as it has given 762 rides in October and 592 rides in November.
• Bobby McKee, Code Enforcement Officer, reported that the city levied four liens on four properties. Three of those have already been resolved.
• Public works have cleared/mowed all right of ways and Industrial Drive and have begun winterizing buildings at the park. Scotty's has applied blacktop and will return in the Spring to add another coat of blacktop. Green River is working on the bathrooms, and Knight's Electric works on electrical work. The park project is complete next year, but the baseball and soccer fields will need a year to allow the sod to hold before use.
• Morgantown Chief of Police Giles Taylor reported 11 arrests, eight vehicle accidents, 32 citations written, 2 DUI cases opened, working a death scene, and several unique details (Holiday Hoopla, Christmas Parade, and Shop with a Cop). In addition, all officers are completing taser recertification, body cam certification, and updating their CPR training. The four recruits will be leaving on January 2, 2021 for the academy.
• Mike Ansberry was named to the Planning and Zoning Committee, replacing Patty Craig, who resigned. The Council chose Dwight Jenkins to sit on the Code Enforcement Board, replacing Ansberry.