Beech Tree News Network

Morgantown City Council held their regular scheduled meeting on Thursday, June 11.

Mayor Phelps recognized the 2026 Miss Morgantown royalty, which are as follows: Miss Morgantown - Ann Marie Skaggs, Teen Miss Morgantown - Eliza Lynch, Pre-Teen Miss Morgantown - Layla Vincent, and Little Miss Morgantown - Cailyx Jackson.

Crossland Community Church Morgantown Campus Pastor Franklin Wiggins has agreed to serve as chaplain for the Morgantown Police Department. Wiggins will also be meeting with the fire department to discuss ways to be an available resource for them as well.

Planning and Zoning

During their meeting, one permit was approved for an addition on a home. The board is working to get information to present to the city council regarding short-term rentals, such as Airbnb, as there are some within the city.

Housing

The Housing Authority is currently at 87% occupied, with 23 open units. There are currently 33 applications in process, 23 of them are waiting for a one-bedroom apartment.

Animal Control

In May, there were 14 total cases – 12 closed and two that remain open. Animal Control Officer Lawson has obtained his EMS certification, worked on state training hours, and has applied for his license. He has scheduled training regarding handling animals.

MOGO Transit

There were 1,415 riders and 570 meals delivered.

Code Enforcement

For the month of May, there were 17 open cases, only opening one new case and closing three prior cases. There were two citations issued and one lien placed on a property.

Fire Department

In May, there were six vehicle accidents in the city – seven in the county, 10 medical runs in the city – seven in the county, one brush fire in the city – one in the county, one county vehicle fire, six calls for service in the city – five in the county. There was a total of 45 runs. The ladder truck is in the city but does have some minor work that needs to be completed before it can be in service.

Public Works

They completed brush hauling, mowing, tile installation on South Tyler, and re-opening the pool after expedited repairs. There are around 17 summer workers that are assisting public works.

Police Department

For the month of May, officers answered 264 dispatch calls for service, worked 17 motor vehicle accidents, made 13 arrests, opened eight new criminal cases, made 27 traffic stops, wrote 16 traffic citations, and 11 courtesy notices. There were 817 total calls for service.

City Clerk

City Clerk Allie Lee reported that Tourism will be on June 25^that 5:00 p.m., for those who wish to attend. Lee thanked Kersie Sharp – Assistant Clerk, Dana Phelps – Tax Clerk, and Dustin Embry – Code Enforcement Officer for their work while she was on maternity leave. Work is being done with the auditor to set up the site visit for Fiscal Year 2025. The auditor is working to have Fiscal Year 2026 completed by December as well.

Mayor’s Report

Mayor Billy Phelps reported that there was an entrepreneur meeting to discuss new a business. He was a guest speaker at the Memorial Day ceremony and attended North Butler Elementary School’s Kindergarten graduation and the Olive Branch Pregnancy Center ribbon cutting. The mayor and three council members attended KLC’s Summer Summit. Phelps and the police department held a meeting to discuss a new schedule until September. He also attended the Utilities’ meeting and discussed updating their policy and procedures manual, accepting credit card payments, and writing their personnel manual at the city. There will be a 250^th birthday party for America on July 4^th at 5:00 p.m. at the Green River Catfish Festival. There will be birthday cake, wrapped cookies, and t-shirt being handed out. The firework show has also doubled in size this  year to celebrate the 250^thbirthday of America.