Beech Tree News Network

The Morgantown City Council held their regular monthly meeting on July 12 at the Eva J. Hawes Building.  Council members Sterling White, Jason Gaskey, Russell Givens, Sharon Johnson, and Dustin Embry were in attendance. 

The following reports were given:
Planning & Zoning- A hearing was held on July 10 for the purpose of reviewing a request to change the Coleman Holding, LLC located at 205 E. Ohio Street from professional to commercial.  Stacy Hayes plans to operate Caterpillar Lane Childcare, LLC at the location.  The request was approved. 
The regular monthly meeting was held on July 10 also.  P&L Administrator Glendal Deweese reported three building permits were granted.  Christine Coleman and Rachel Coleman Givens inquired about the process of changing the zoning on two properties.  Should the process be followed immediately, a hearing may be scheduled on August 7 at 5:30 pm. A work session followed the meeting at the WRECC Building to work on the zoning map.
Morgantown Police Department:
Dispatched calls for service 269
Worked 12 accidents
7 Grand Jury Cases
16 Arrests
19 Traffic Citations
Total calls for service 843
Chief Giles Taylor provided the following statics concerning criminal juvenile cases:
2015.....8
2016.....12
2017.....7
2018 .....3 currently

Chief Taylor introduced Art McFadden, of Millstone Labs, LLC, a company the Morgantown Police Department is using for training and assistance in capturing electronic evidence. 
"We are dedicated to Digital Forensics and Investigation Solutions for all agencies and organizations. We are here to train every officer, detective, or other officials in the art of digital evidence to be used in all of their cases," said McFadden.

Morgantown Fire Department
Calls for Service Vehicle Accidents City-1, County- 6
Calls for Assistants City -4, County -0
Total Calls- 11
Morgantown Utilities Commission- The Utilities Commision approved Gilbert, Embry, and Watts to conduct the 2017-18 audit.
Morgantown Housing Authority- The security system at the Boys & Girls Club is repaired and working.  The Housing Authority is 100% occupied and another resident has become a new homeowner.  According to Chairman James Dossey that makes six people that have left the Housing Authority this year and became homeowners. There are plans to repair the parking lot at the Boys & Girls Club.  The Housing Authority has received an increased in the Operating Subsidy Fund.  HUD-approved Capital Fund for 2018 in the amount of $394,829.
Mayor- Mayor Phelps reported that the numbers from the Green River Catfish Festival have not been tallied yet but he will have them at the next meeting.  "It was a good festival, but does cost the City," said Mayor Phelps.
 The first phase of the blacktopping has been complete and they will begin Phase Two.  Asbestos removal will begin in the next couple of weeks on the City's building on Main Street.  The renovation of City Hall is moving forward.
The Council approved the Municipal Road Aid Resolution 2018-19.
The Council went into closed session and no further action was taken. 
The meeting can be viewed on Beech Tree News facebook page.