Beech Tree News Network

Morgantown City Council met on Thursday, July 10th at city hall. Ordinance 2025-05 - Amending Ordinance 2017-01 Updating Adoption of 2012 to 2024 International Property Maintenance Code - Second Reading. Motion made and accepted with no discussion. 

New Business 

A local gentleman came to Mayor Billy Phelps wanting to purchase his own street-legal special purpose vehicle.  The mayor explained to the city council that they are essentially a side-by-side, UTV, mini-truck, or military vehicles.  He expressed main concern for the side-by-side / UTVs due to the speed that they can reach, some between 60 and 80 m.p.h.  The governor did sign a law making these vehicles legal and it went into effect July 1.  

There are requirements for these vehicles, which include: head lights, tail lights, brake lights, rear red reflectors, license plate light, turn signal - amber or red, braking system - but doesn’t have to have parking brake, horn or warning device, working muffler, rear view mirror - on both sides, windshield or eye protection for the operator, illuminated speedometer, roll bar or roll cage, seat belts - conforming to federal standards for each person in vehicle, and tires with at least 2/32 of an inch of tread depth.  Vehicles primarily used for farm or agricultural activities and “low speed vehicles” or four-wheeled motor vehicles designed to not operate over 25 mph, are excluded.  

If you plan to have a street legal special purpose vehicle, it does have to be taken to the sheriff’s office for an inspection, and then you would be required to carry insurance and get a sticker from the city.  These vehicles can only be driven on city streets.  More concerns rise of people bringing these vehicles to events such as the Holiday Hoopla, parades, etc. where police are occupied with the special detail. While discussing the topic, Chief of Police Giles Taylor pointed out that this would be a privilege and they would have to be strict with the regulations, as to keep control of the situation. In the event that the city does want to create an ordinance and allow street legal special purpose vehicles, they can add more requirements for these vehicles and how they are operated. The council will have time to think independently and address street legal special purpose vehicles at the August meeting, in the event they would like to create an ordinance. 

Planning and Zoning

Their regularly scheduled meeting was July 1st, where there was no new business or zoning permits to review.  They are currently working to review residential codes to make sure they are up to date.  There were 2 inquiries in June that required no action. 

Utilities 

They have been fairly busy with a couple of water leak repairs and completing their annual leak survey on the gas system.  

Tourism

They completed their last meeting on June 26th where they discussed the success of the catfish festival.  Tourism donated around $9,000.00 toward the stage, band, and one of the tractor sleds.  

MOGO 

There were 1,620 riders and 672 meals delivered.  

Code Enforcement

Over the last month, they have been actively addressing violations in compliance with city ordinances.  There are a total of 23 active cases.  11 new cases were opened, 5 were closed, and 4 citations have been issued.  Code Enforcement is watching closely on 2 cases as the property owners have initiated the eviction process of the tenant.  They are working on organizing in-house training for some of their boards, to help stay up to date on changing laws.  The in-house training will be in addition to their required training hours. 

Fire Department

The fire department reported in June 1 gas leak in the city, 2 structure fires in the county - 2 city, 5 county vehicle accidents - 2 city, 1 county call for medical assistance, and 1 fire alarm call in the city.  

Public Works

In June, public works mowed the parks, dog park, and ride aways.  They hauled 20 loads of brush, put in 50 feet of drainage tile, cleaned out ditches, and helped with moving items for the catfish festival.  

Police Department

 Officers answered a total of 191 dispatch calls for service, worked 7 motor vehicle accidents, made 7 arrests, and opened 2 new criminal cases.  They made 47 traffic stops and wrote 21 citations with 17 courtesy notices.  The police department also worked several special cases.  Their total calls for service was 912.  

City Clerk

The city just closed out their fiscal year and are finishing some closeout paperwork.  With the beginning of the new fiscal year, they have updated insurance changes for employees.  The final paperwork has been submitted for their last reimbursement for “The Raft” pavilion.  There is still discussion with the state about receiving more funds or applying for additional funding for the TAP Grant.  It was reported that City Clerk, Allie Lee, and Assistant Clerk, Kersie Sharp, will attend their last year of institute to become certified Kentucky municipal clerks.

Mayor’s Report

In June, city officials attended the groundbreaking of the new location of the public library.  Mayor Phelps had 2 days of legislative updates, going over several bills, including one that discussed special purpose vehicles.  The mayor presented a plan for individuals in cities and counties being able to get their own storm shelters.  The Executive Board of Directors and Regular Board of Directors voted to suppor those efforts.  Mayor Phelps spoke to Senator Steve Meredith, who says he will be presenting the bill in January or February.

The mayor reported they are working on possibly having a one-day event  to celebrate Arnold Shultz.  Shultz is like the father of Bluegrass music as he taught Bill Monroe and others. It was mentioned that before an event is held, work would need to be done at the cemetery by the nursing home, as that is where Shultz is buried.  There was a free swim day June 25th, with full capacity of around 400 being reached. The mayor and city clerk are working on a list of roadways that need repairs, which will take place in the fall and spring. There will be a bid packet to go out for companies to bid on the project. While looking at roadways that need work, there are some sidewalks that are in need of attention as well within the city. 

The bid packet and advertisement is out for the fire department, giving companies until August 6th to have bids turned in for the project. Bids will be opened at city hall at 2:00 p.m.

Mayor Phelps reported that all the AC units at the Eva J. Hawes' buildings were collapsing, which could result in roughly $100,000 in repairs. The city clerk call Advanced Heating and Air, who had 3 of the 4 units working, saving the city of the $100,000 loss.