Beech Tree News Network

Morgantown City Council met Thursday night, September 14^th, at the Eva J. Hawes Building.

The following reports were given:

Morgantown Utilities Commission: Report given by Jim Green

·         A Butler County High School Co-op student started on August 14^th and will be working with the team from 8-11 a.m. daily.

·         The commission is looking in to a revision of the personnel policy manual for employees because it has been several years since modifications have been made.

·         The Morgantown Utilities Commission voted to provide a commitment letter that states it has available sufficient financial resources ($77,000) to guarantee payment of its share of the Rochester Dam Regional Water Commission’s (RDRWD) local match.  The RDRWC has applied for three million dollars from the Economic Development Administration.  The local match (RDRWC) is one million.

·         New computers were installed in the utilities office on September 13^th.

·         The commission voted to increase gas rates by 7%, which will bring them back to 2010 gas-rate prices. This will increase customer bills by 70 cents a month on a minimum bill. The current minimum rate is $9.97, which will be increased to $10.67. Gas rates have not been increased since 2005.  The purpose of the increase is for gas expansion to potential customers of future projects in the community and for utility maintenance issues that may occur.

·         The commission will begin to evaluate gas and water rates annually at the beginning of each fiscal year to determine the needs of the utility services and its customers. 

Morgantown Fire Department: Report given by Ronald Givens

Calls for Service:

·         Vehicle Accidents: city 3, county 6

·         Structure fires: city 0, county 1

·         Medical Assistance: city 0, county 1

·         Call for Service: city 1, county 3

·         Total calls: 15

Morgantown Police Department: Report given by Chief Giles Taylor

August Activity:

·         Opened 9 criminal cases

·         Worked 13 non-injury accidents

·         636 Police actions/contacts

·         Issued 18 citations

·         Answered 323 dispatched calls for service

·         Worked 9 special events

Chief Taylor praised the Morgantown Maintenance workers for installing over 700 feet of cable needed for the new security system at the police department.

Maintenance: Report given by Harold Deweese

Mr. Deweese reported they have been working on getting the mowing done in the city.

Administrator: Report given by Jerrod Barks

·         Downtown Committee met last week and separated into sub-committees in order to make the city a Main Street Community through the state.

·         Mr. Barks said he is working on the city park infrastructure report.

·         The city put liens on delinquent properties that did not pay tax bills last year.  One delinquent bill was paid, and 25 are left.

·         Mr. Barks met with Yellowberri last week to discuss the city marketing campaign they have been working on.  

·         The city’s website contains businesses that have job openings in Morgantown.  The page had well over 3,000 hits last month.

James Dossey, Housing Authority board member, talked to the council about the entrance to the Boys and Girls Club. Several people have complained that entering and exiting the parking lot is causing damage to their vehicles. “This day and time they make the cars lower and lower, so it’s just a problem that has to be dealt with. We are in the process of hopefully getting some work done with Scotty’s if they come down this fall to be able to do the parking lot, and hopefully we can take a look at what we can do with that.”  Mayor Phelps asked that Dossey keep them informed on the situation.

In unfinished business, the council voted to amend the 2017-18 budget in order to transfer money to cover debt.  They also voted to approve the state-mandated 2017 property tax rate of .119.

In new business, the council passed the first reading of updated subdivision regulations.  They also reappointed Robbie Phelps and Raleigh Blancett to the Board of Adjustments.  Mayor Phelps said they still have one opening on the Board of Adjustments.

Butler County Drug-Free Coalition employees Rhonda Vaughn and Ali Johnson presented Mayor Phelps with new signs for the park that say, “Young lungs at play. This is a smoke free zone.” These will be posted at the ball fields and the playground area. 

The next Morgantown City Council Meeting will be Thursday, October 12, at 6 p.m. at the Eva Hawes Community Center.