Beech Tree News Network

The Morgantown City Council met on Thursday, January 9 at Morgantown City Hall. Annual reports were given by department heads and Mayor Billy Phelps gave the State of the City Address.  

Morgantown City Police

The City Police responded to 7502 dispatched calls for service; MPD worked on 132 vehicle accidents and made 277 traffic-related stops. Of those, MPD wrote 187 traffic tickets. MPD responded to 212 disturbances in progress. During the year, MPD made 119 arrests and worked 103 unique details, including Hoopla, Concerts in the Park, Road races, and fundraisers. MPD had 198 calls where alcohol was present and answered 1,713 calls by phone directly. MPD made 25 mental health transports to Bowling Green. The department opened 27 felony cases, of which 29 percent were major crimes. The cases were carried from arrest to conviction with a near 100 percent success rate. The total number of calls for service was 8,035.

Ty Whitaker was added as a new police officer.

City Clerk

Successful execution of multiple events throughout 2024: Hoopla, movie nights at the pool, Summer Socials, Miss Morgantown pageants, Mayor's Monster Mash, and concerts.

Oversaw the continuing progress of multiple grants:

Annual Closed Crumb Rubber Grant

Land and Water Conservation Boat Dock Grant

Farmers Market Grant

Land and Water Conservation Walking Trail Grant

TAP Grant

Fire Department Grant

The City published the third edition of the M Magazine, facilitated five facade grants with local businesses, and hired 50 summer youth employees. Allie Lee and Kersie Sharp completed work toward their Certified Kentucky Municipal Clerk designation and attended the KY Municipal Clerks Academy along with Dana Phelps.

Code Enforcement

In 2024, they opened 37 new cases and resolved 25 of them. They also resolved two older cases and removed a lien on the property after they were resolved.

Tourism

Several events were held within the City during 2024 to attract tourists and improve residents' quality of life. The tourism board's funding application deadline is March 15, 2025.

Public Works

The department stayed busy all year mowing, replacing four road tiles and three drain boxes, and picking up 500 loads of brush and 200 loads of leaves. The City pool was taken care of, and two pumps were replaced. The department put up and took down Christmas lights and decorations and prepared for and cleaned up after events in the park. They are also working on the river dock and the Farmer's Market project.

Fire Department

No annual report was given. The department responded to two runs in the county during the month.

Housing

The Morgantown Housing Authority currently has seven open units. It is accepting bids for 39 heating units and is at 96 percent occupancy. The director thanked the Morgantown Police Department for its prompt response and assistance.

Morgantown Utilities

With the help of grants, they upgraded the water and sewage plants, repaired pipe damage, installed seven new water valves, and installed 17 new gas tabs. 

Planning and Zoning

 1. Completed all training requirements

2. Six zoning changes were conducted that did not result in hearings.

3. Reviewed and approved all 14 Zoning Permit requests.

4. Conducted one hearing on the zoning change.

5. Updated zoning fees.

6. Approved and recommended 5 year Comprehensive Plan

7. Approved and recommended Medical Cannabis Ordinance.

8. Approved and recommended updated Burn Ordinance.

9. Approved and recommended General Provisions for Sober Living Facilities Ordinance.