Beech Tree News Network

An insurance premium tax wasn't the only item on the agenda at last week's Morgantown City Council meeting.  Council members heard reports from the city's fire and police departments, as well as hearing recognition for the maintenance department and the Housing Authority of Morgantown.

Mayor Billy Phelps praised city maintenance employees Brad Johnson (maintenance supervisor), Harold Deweese, and Donald Morris for their work during the recent winter storms.

"They were out all night and logged in 108 overtime hours on top of their 40-hour shift," said Phelps.  "It's important to recognize these guys."  

James Dossey, chairman of the Morgantown Housing Authority Board, reported to the council that the Housing Authority was recently recognized for its work.  Dossey presented a letter and Certificate of Excellence in "Performance Management" in recognition of the overall 'High Performer' score for the fiscal year ending of March 2015.  Anita Jenkins, executive director of the Housing Authority of Morgantown, received the award on February 8 at the Kentucky Housing Association and Department of Housing and Urban Development Mid-Year Conference. According to Jenkins, this recognition "was made possible with the dedication and support of the staff and Board of Commissioners." 

Police and fire department activity reports for January were also provided to council members.
Captain Paul Burden presented the activity report for the Morgantown Police Department.  Burden is currently the interim chief of police following the recent resignation of Chief Charlie Swiney.  Speaking of Swiney, Mayor Phelps said he "was going to be missed and is a good guy."  The mayor also stated that with Captain Burden in place as interim chief of police, the city is not currently accepting applications for the chief of police position.

"We want to stabilize the department and not rush the process," said Phelps.

Interim Chief Captain Burden released the following department report:  426 calls for service; 10 cases opened; 47 criminal arrests; 15 traffic citations; 32 total citations; 22 motorist assists; 9 collisions; 3 DUIs; 122 extra patrols; 11 cases presented to the grand jury.
Individually, Chief Swiney had 20 extra patrols, 2 arrests, 2 motorist assists, opened 1 case, and worked 2 accidents for a total of 27.  Captain Burden had 24 extra patrols, 5 total citations, 5 traffic citations, 13 arrests, 8 motorist assists, opened 3 cases, and worked 4 accidents for a total of 62.  Sgt. Denny Deweese had 21 extra patrols, 2 total citations, 2 traffic citations, 11 arrests, 5 motorist assists, opened 2 cases, and worked 2 accidents for a total of 45.  Officer Brian Ward had 22 extra patrols, 2 total citations, 2 traffic citations, 6 arrests, 3 motorist assists, and opened 1 case for a total of 36.  Officer James Embry had 35 extra patrols, 6 total citations, 6 traffic citations, 15 arrests, 1 motorist assist, 3 cases opened, worked 1 accident, and had 2 DUI arrests for a total of 69. 

Morgantown Fire Chief Easton Weathers presented the department's January report.  Firemen responded to 6 structure fires, 2 in the city and 4 in the county; worked 6 vehicle accidents, 2 in the city and 4 in the county; had 2 medical assists both in the city.  The department had 14 total calls for service during January. 
Chief Weathers reported that a business meeting was held January 7 with 12 in attendance and a called meeting with 11 in attendance was held January 21 to interview applicants for new recruits.
Upcoming events for the department include the following:

•   ISO Review April 5 at 1 p.m.

•   Fire Department Chili Supper Benefit for BCHS Project Prom on March 12 from 4 to 8 p.m.

•   Yearly DOT inspections, hose testing and pump testing.

The Morgantown Volunteer Fire Department has 20 total firefighters and all but three are currently certified.   

City Administrator Jerrod Barks provided a brief update on the city's ongoing Renaissance Plan and a Movies at the Park initiative that is scheduled to run May through September. (More information will be provided on both the Renaissance Plan and Movies at the Park in the coming weeks.)  Barks reported that the Action Item 1 on the Renaissance Plan (creating a policy to condemn property and institute emminent domain) has already been completed.