Beech Tree News Network

Morgantown City Council met in regular session on Thursday, June 14th at the Eva J. Hawes Building.  Council members Sharon Johnson and Russell Givens were not in attendance. 
The Morgantown Utilities Commission announced they had the second reading and passing of their 2018-19 budget and effective July 1, 2018, they will increase water and gas rates.  Water will increase 5 percent and natural gas will increase 4 percent. According to Jim Green, Utility board member, with the cost of day-to-day operation cost rising, this increase is necessary to help offset the expenses.
Fire Department:
There were no fires inside the city limits.  The department responded to 3 accidents, 2 structure fires, answered 4 assistance calls in the county.
Planning and Zoning:
Different people have been coming to Planning & Zoning asking questions about rezoning.
Zoning map continues to be updated and they will start updating the Comprehensive plan.
Police:
Dispatched calls 284
8 accidents
23 citations
Calls for service 919
Two weeks ago hired Ronald Cox and Charles Dauley ending two months of heavy overtime.
Maintenance:
A lot of street repair for blacktopping and mowing.
Housing:
The Housing Authority has been busy with building upgrades, mowing, trimming, turnover move-outs, and new leases.  They are fully occupied and continue to address applicants for housing requests.
The Southside Community Building is in the process of discussing resurfacing.  A video camera for security has been installed at the Boys & Girls Club.  They recognized six high school graduates this year. They are very appreciative of the summer workers provided by the City of Morgantown.
Mayor:
Dive-In Movies at the Pool will begin June 20th
Praise for the MPD- Due to short staffing, two officers were working 7 days a week/24 hours a day for 68 days.  They did a great job and answered every call.
Blacktopping is well underway. We had to work out some easement issues concerning sidewalks.
Asbestos will be removed from the building on Main Street starting the second week of July.
Repair work will begin on the curbs on Main Street.

With only one item on the agenda the council approved the second reading of the 2018-19 budget.