Beech Tree News Network

The Morgantown City Council met in regular session on Thursday, December 8th.  All of the current council was present as were the newly elected members, Jason Gaskey, Dustin Embry, and Sterling White. The new council will be sworn in on December 27th at 6:00 p.m. at the Eva J. Hawes Building.

Mayor Billy Phelps recognized the outgoing council members - Dionne Cannon Meritt, Ronald Givens and Allen Meredith. Each was presented a plaque and Yeti mug. Mayor Phelps thanked them for their service to the city of Morgantown.

Councilmember Allen Meredith thanked everyone for the opportunity to serve.

The Butler County Arts Guild was also recognized for their contributions to the city.  
"This group has added so much to our city, from murals, events, and participation...we want to thank them for their dedication and service," said Phelps.

The following reports were presented:

Morgantown Utilities: Doug Weathers reported that the Utilities Board will meet next Monday.
Housing Authority: Chairman James Dossey shared information from the November meeting of the Housing Authority. Plans include putting rock on banks at Huff Ingram property, painting and repairs for City Police Department building, and install security surveillance system at the Boys & Girls Club.
Chief of Police:
Calls for service- 311
Cases opened- 9
Charges-76
Citations issued- 34
Vehicle accidents- 9
Chief Giles Taylor presented the updated Morgantown Police Department Policy and Procedure Manual.
Morgantown Fire Department:
All fire training is current, and they have been helping train new firefighters in the county.
Maintenance Department: Brad Johnson reported the department has been cleaning out ditches, preparing for snow, and picking up leaves and brush.  Johnson told the council they needed to add Friday as a pickup day for leaves in addition to Monday.  Johnson was given permission to tear down the amphitheater at the City Park.  Water damage has caused the building to become unsafe and beyond the point of repair.
City Administrator:
Next year's focus for the City of Morgantown, KY for 2017 will be revitalizing Charles Black City Park. Jerrod Barks summarized 2016 with a power point presentation.
Mayor:
According to Mayor Phelps, he expects the TVA grant for the Industrial Park to be increased from $20,000 to $40,000 which will cover the cost of core samples .  He also informed the council that he planned to hire Charlie Tomes as the Alcohol Beverage /Code Enforcement Officer for the City.

In other business the council approved the following items by a 6-0 vote:

•  2nd reading of Ordinance 2016-08- Increasing the City Administrator's salary from $18 to $24 per hour.

• 2nd reading of Ordinance 2015-11-Reinstating the former guidelines for health insurance for employees.