Beech Tree News Network

The Morgantown City Council held their monthly meeting on April 12th at the Eva J. Hawes Building.  All members were in attendance, Dustin Embry, Sharon Johnson, Russell Givens, Gary Southerland, Jason Gaskey, and Sterling White.
The following reports were given:
Planning and Zoning- Bryan Locke
The Morgantown Planning and Zoning Commission met in regular session on Tuesday, April 10th at 6:00 pm.  Those in attendance were P&Z Administrator Glendale Deweese, Chairman Jody Forgy, Vice-chair Danny Cardwell, secretary Patty Craig and commissioners Hobart Flener Jr. and Bryan Locke.  Also in attendance was Casey Turci.  Mr. Turci submitted a request for a permit for a new garage building and had several questions regarding the project.  The commission also continues to work on updating the Zoning map, converting the map to a digitally publishable and fluid document.  The P&Z commission continues to work on updating the Morgantown Comprehensive Plan.
 Utilities Commission- Jim Green
The first payment to the Rochester Dam Repair Fund has been made.  This payment is made out of a fund that is added to all water customers' bill.  This consisted of 20 cents being added to a minimum bill payment from each customer meter.
The board is exploring current water and gas rates as we compare to other local water systems.  As the board continues to plan and move forward, changes in annual rates may be necessary.  The group is in the gathering of information stage simply to continue to provide the best services for the customers of Morgantown.
Chief of Police- Giles Taylor
Dispatched Call for service 268
Worked 12 vehicle  accidents
Executed 2 search warrants
Presented 13 cases to Grand Jury
Addressed parking issues on Ohio Street
Total calls for service 739
The City is seeking applicants for police officers thru April 27th.
Morgantown Fire Department- Ronald Givens
Calls for Service
Vehicle Accidents City 1 County 3
Vehicle Fires County 1
Medical Assistants City 1 County 4
Calls for Assistance City 1 County 2
Brush or rubbish Fires County 5
Total Calls 19
City Administrator- Jerrod Barks
The Recreation Trail Grant is an 80/20 grant, and the information is being put together.
The Fire Department Grant is for $5,000 and is a 50/50 match with the funding to come out of the Fire Department Funds.
The City is researching a Department of Archives and Library Grant to digitize city records.
 Mayor Billy Phelps
Board of Adjustments Vacancy- Anyone wanting to serve on the Board of Adjustments or Board of Assessments should contact City Hall.
The City is accepting bids to work on the streets.
The Butler Couty Arts Guild has a Grand Opening on May 4th from 5-7 pm.
Summer Employment applications are being taken until April 27th.
The City has contacted an engineer to begin working on the City Park Development Project.  A public hearing will be held concerning the Park in the near future.

The City/County Clean-Up resulted in 32 dumpsters collected, 130.8tons of trash, and 6 tons of metal. 

The Council approved the following:
•    Recreational Trails Grant Resolution
•    Title VI Resolution
•    Charitable Contributions to the Butler County Arts Guild for $2,500 and SkyPac for $1,000.