Beech Tree News Network

Morgantown Mayor Billy Phelps gave the following State of the City Address during the City Council meeting on Thursday.

This past year has been full of challenges for our community and for the world. Covid-19, in a short period of time has fundamentally changed our daily lives hitting all of us all financially, socially, and mentally. Our community has lost many of our staple community events including the first cancelled Catfish Festival in its 40-year history, however a sense of community still prevails. Our local businesses have suffered under the government mandates that were put in place to slow the spread of the virus, and our community has rallied to support them during this incredibly difficult time. Although our lives have become more difficult, I have witnessed the endurance of our citizens. During this unprecedented time, our community has shown its strength.

The City has also been impacted by the effect of COVID-19. While the City is still doing well financially, there has been a slow down of city projects. Changes to employees' schedules, social distancing and COVID absences have impacted the amount of progress the City has been able to accomplish this year. While projects have slowed, there have been new additions and opportunities for the City.

Despite the challenges of this year, the City was able to start and finish construction of the Bark Park on Veterans Way. We have seen great deal of use of this space and we expect it to be utilized even more once the warmer weather returns. This park was largely constructed utilizing LGEA funds from the state.

The City also completed a grant to construct a Buildy- Ready pad in the industrial park. This pad will make the City more competitive in attracting a future industry and employer. We will continue to work with the Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce in seeking future grant opportunities and to coordinate assistance for our existing employers. The City also joined the SBDC, the small Business Development Center, which provides information and training for our small businesses free of charge.

Our administration also provides funding for business including entrepreneur grants for those looking to start a small business, and sign and façade grants for existing small businesses.

The City also constructed the new sidewalk along Sawmill Road. This new sidewalk will increase safety for children and families who live along this route. In 2021 the City will bid out a project to complete phase 2 of this project, completing the sidewalk along the entire span of Sawmill Rd.

Lastly, the City applied to host an exhibit from the Smithsonian Institute. This exhibit was on display at the Eva J Hawes Building during the months of November and December and was available free of charge to the community. The City of Morgantown was one of only a few sites in the state to host the event.

The City has continued working on other projects and we expect to have them started and finished in 2021. Projects such as the street lighting project along HWY231/ Main St, the renovation of Charles Black Park, the Downtown Pocket Park Project, and finishing the new city entrance sign will begin this year. In addition, the City will continue constructing and repairing sidewalks and roadways. This is no small feat for our City and is likely the biggest tear for capital improvement projects that the City has undertaken.

Now, with the vaccine for COVID-19 being distributed, there is hope on the horizon for normal life to return. The City is anxious for this new phase and will meet it with a renewed commitment to create a more fulfilling for those living in this community. The City is investing more than ever on quality-of-life improvements, business opportunities, recreational infrastructure, and more.

Due to the City's conservation budgeting and foresight of the past few years, we are ready to meet the challenges and opportunities of this year and the future.