Beech Tree News Network

On February 12, Morgantown City Council met for their regularly scheduled meeting. Mayor Bily Phelps and the city council members recognized Nathan Whittinghill for his dedication during the January winter snow and ice event. Whittinghill remained at the Morgantown Fire Department for six consecutive days to ensure emergency coverage was available to those in need. Along with Whittinghill and the fire department, the warming center opened, prioritizing public safety during the snowstorm.

The city council approved Ordinance 26-01: Adopting an Investment Policy, allowing them to place money in CDs at the bank.

Kim Morrow, Interim Director of Community and Economic Development at the BRADD office in Bowling Green, supplied the council with information on strategic planning and steering committee updates. Morrow explained the importance of reviewing and updating the city’s strategic and hazard mitigation plan to ensure current goals remain relevant and align action steps with present community needs and funding. The strategic plan would include economic development, housing, hazard mitigation, tourism, workforce, infrastructure, and civic engagement. The hazard mitigation plan updates allow the city / county to maintain eligibility for hazard mitigation funding through FEMA. Morrow stated that the steering committee meets every other month and requested board participation from civic members, schools, fire departments, and local elected officials. The current plans are available at planning.bradd.org 

Mayor Phelps reported that the MOGO Transit had 959 riders and delivered 360 meals, despite weather disruption. Transit was shut down during the winter storm, even days after roadways were cleared due to yards, driveways, and parking lots still being hazardous. 

The city clerk staff became USDA-certified to distribute countywide farm-to-table vouchers valued at 50 dollars each. 

There are many upcoming events within the city of Morgantown. The Miss Morgantown Pageant will be on June 5th, with four divisions. Roots and Rhythm Festival - Honoring Arnold Schultz will follow on June 6th. This is a two-day festival, with four bands booked to perform. There will also be workshops, vendors, and bouncy houses. In the later months, the city will host Hispanic Heritage Day on September 19th, Mayor’s Monster Mash on October 24th, and the 6th Annual Holiday Hoopla on November 21st. 

The police department answered 191 dispatch calls, handled 13 motor vehicle accidents, made 6 arrests, opened 4 criminal cases, conducted 25 traffic stops, issued 12 citations, and 12 courtesy notices. There were a total of 720 calls for service. 

The fire department acquired a truck from Horse Cave, and will be collecting the title to add the truck to the fleet. The fire department reported two accidents in the city - two in the county, two calls for assistance in the county - zero in the city, four calls for medical assistance in the city - nine in the county, zero structure fires in the city - two in the county, zero field calls in the city - two in the county. 

KLC facilitated procurement and accepted bids for cemetery, paving, and fireworks. The fireworks are planned to be the largest in the area and bicentennial themed. 

Utility crews worked to ensure utility services remained for those in the community. The utility department reported the planned equipment purchases to increase operating efficiency and field service data and routine upgrades to gas stations. 

Public Works cleared city streets, using 80 tons of salt and resulting in 75 overtime hours, over approximately 3 weeks. They also identified potholes and water leaks and reported three blacktop projects scheduled this year.

Code Enforcement reported 15 open cases, along with their work alongside the city attorney to release liens as properties improved. 

Planning and Zoning approved permits for three commercial buildings, including the new location for Subway, which will include a drive-through and parking. 

Housing reported 18 vacant units, with 54 applicants on the waiting list. Of the 54 applicants, 29 are waiting for a one-bedroom apartment. Mowing bids were accepted until February 18th and a construction progress meeting was conducted on the 19th regarding the project at Huff Ingram. Board members Jackie Lloyd, Dana Phelps, and Robbie Phelps are attending training in Las Vegas from February 24th to February 28th.