Beech Tree News Network

Morgantown City Council held their regular scheduled meeting on Thursday, May 14th.

Citizens expressed concern and inquired about current zoning and codes that would specifically address protection from potential data centers. The mayor emphasized that proper measures are taken by boards, like planning and zoning, to ensure citizens are protected and appropriate limits and conditions are codified. 

Council members approved Ordinance 2026-02 – Planning and Zoning Meeting Dates & Times, Ordinance 2026-03 – Fiscal Year 2027 Budget 2nd Reading, and Resolution 2026-02 – Municipal Road Aid. The meeting entered closed session per KSR 61.810(1)(b) to deliberate future acquisition or sale of real property.

The Roots & Rhythm Festival will be held on June 6th, in honor of Arnold Shultz, will feature gravesite history tours, live music, jam sessions for attending musicians, vendors, food trucks, and bouncy houses. The city was awarded a $2,000 grant from South Arts National Endowment. Organizers of this event have expressed strong interest from vendors and people outside of Butler County. The MOGO Bus will assist in getting people to and from the gravesite.

There are several grants that are currently pending, with the TAP Grant awaiting state response. The River Park project scope change was submitted and preliminarily approved. Planned park improvements include bathroom facilities, benches, and trash cans. 

The following monthly reports were given: 

Planning and Zoning

There were two permits and two zoning changes approved at their last meeting. A major action item is to draft an ordinance on short-term rentals, with the goal to enact one this year. 

Code Enforcement

There were five new cases opened, none closed, making a total of 19 open cases. Code enforcement staff reported an increase in compliance and continue to monitor to make sure standards are met. 

Housing

An occupancy rating of 87.3% was reported, meaning there are 23 open units, majority of which are three-bedroom units. There are some two-bedroom units available as well. Construction and repair work at Huff Ingram is still in progress with an expected completion date of June 1st. 

Animal Control

In April, there were 17 total cases opened. 12 of those cases were closed, with five remaining open. 

MOGO Transit

There were 1,564 riders and 751 meals delivered. A MOGO driver reported there were around 100 passengers on a single day while the service hours were from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 

Fire Department

For the month of April, there were 27 total runs. Three vehicle accidents in the city - five in the county, one county vehicle fire, four calls for medical assistance  in the city - six in the county, one call for assistance in the city - two in the county, two calls canceled en route in the county, two grass fires in the county, and one structure fire in the county. Fire department staff have been focused on training and certificates by completing state training and live-burn exercises. Ownership of the ladder truck has been taken, with maintenance work ongoing. 

Public Works 

Work has been completed to ensure the pool is prepared for opening day on Memorial Day weekend. Crews also worked on mowing, brush pickup, and completion of the boat dock and ramp. 

Police Department

In the month of April, officers answered 192 dispatch calls for service, worked four motor vehicle accidents, made 13 arrests, opened seven new criminal cases, performed 36 traffic stops, and issued 16 traffic citations. There were a total of 922 calls for service. 

Mayor’s Report

Mayor Phelps reported that in the month of April, the city hosted a grand opening for Casey’s and the chamber of commerce luncheon. Orientation was held for around 50 students in the city work program. Phelps took part in the Child Abuse Proclamation event, chaired the BRADD Legislative Luncheon in Simpson County, and welcomed many individuals to a geocaching event held in the city park. Mayor Phelps and Fire Chief, Dustin Embry, attended Horse Cave Council Meeting to show the city’s gratitude for their donation of the ladder truck.