Beech Tree News Network

The Morgantown City Council held its regular monthly meeting on Thursday, December 13th at the Eva J. Hawes Building.  This was the last meeting for Councilmember Gary Southerland who chose not to run for reelection.  Southerland was presented with a framed Morgantown City Flag.  Mayor Billy Phelps thanked him for his service to the city and county.
Dionne Cannon Merritt will be replacing Southerland on the council.  The swearing-in ceremony will be held on December 27th at 5:00 p.m. at the Eva J. Hawes Building.
Mayor Phelps announced that the City of Morgantown will soon be operating a 12-15 person bus in the city limits. 
"When former Councilman Terrell House ran for mayor he had a good idea of having some type of city transportation.  A small bus has been donated to the city and we are looking into hiring a part-time bus driver," said Phelps.
The city would like to be able to provide transportation to stores and medical offices for the elderly and non-drivers.
Mayor Phelps also announced that starting in 2019 the city will be granting business licenses free to all entities doing business within the city limits.  Previously there had been a $25 charge.  However, if an individual or business is caught conducting business in the city limits without a license, they will be issued a citation and fined $200.

Mayor Report
Renovation work will begin soon on City Hall.
Tristan Evans, who worked at the PVA office for 9 years, has replaced Kathy Duvall at  City Hall.  Duvall resigned her position. 
The city continues to work on the roadway at the Industrial Park.
Dale Adcock was reappointed to the Utilities Commission.

City Administrator
The city is implementing a computer program to organize and keep track of permits and code enforcement violations.  A detailed report will be available to the city council each month.

Morgantown City Police
Dispatched Calls 348
Arrests 13
Citations issued 23
Criminal Cases opened 8
Special Events 4
Total Calls for service 871

Morgantown Fire Department
Vehicle Accidents - City 4, County 4
Medical assistance- City  1, County  3
Grass, Wood or Rubbish Fires- City 1, County  0
Calls for assistance- City 0, County
False Alarms- City  0, County 3
Total Calls- 20

Maintenance Department
They have been busy picking up leaves and putting up Christmas lights and decoration.

Morgatnown Utilities Commission
The crew will begin the Mooretown Loop gas project at the beginning of the year weather permitting,  There are some soybeans in the fields that have delayed the project.  All of the materials needed to complete the project are on site at the shop and ready to go.
The crew has recently been working on six new gas taps with 2 completed.  Equipment will be moved to Mooretown Loop when that project is complete.
When asked by Mayor Phelps about the possibility of moving utilities in the direction of the Provo Road, Jim Green said the commission had already received a request and was looking into the matter.

Planning and Zoning Commission
2019 regular meeting dates were set: January 8, February  5, March  5. April 2,  May 7, June 4, July 9, August 6, September 3, October 1, November 12, and December 3.
Revisions to the potential Memorandum of Agreement for updating the Morgantown Comprehensive Plan were discussed with Emily Hathcock (BRADD). No action was taken.

Housing Authority
Capital Fund plans are to complete 20 units of bathroom upgrades at Huff Ingram, replace the heating and cooling units at 20 units at Huff Ingram, 20 units at West Heights and 20 units at Dabbs-Tuck properties. 
Presently the Housing Authority is experiencing some turnover, although with a waiting list they are still able to continue to provide housing to applicants.
Two more residents have been able to purchase a home, bringing the 2018 total to 10 residents that have become homeowners.