Beech Tree News Network

The Morgantown City Council met on Thursday, February 13th at Morgantown City Hall.  Mayor Phelps announced that council member Dustin Embry would be stepping down, and would take on a new role with the city as Code Enforcement and Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Officer full-time effective March 3, 2025.  Council members congratulated him and Dustin stated, “Serving this community since 2017 has been one of the greatest honors of my life, and I am deeply humbled by the trust and support I’ve received over the years.  This new chapter allows me to continue serving our community in a meaningful way, and I look forward to making an even greater impact in this capacity.  Thank you for your ongoing support—I’m eager to see what the future holds for all of us.”

Along with new business, several monthly reports were given.

Planning and Zoning

Department conducted their regular meeting with all in attendance, except one board member.  There was an inquiry regarding a billboard sign for the interstate.  This inquiry is under discussion regarding details to comply with city ordinances and state guidelines before an approval is made.  

Housing

There are currently 9 vacant units, 3 of which became vacant this month with 2 due to transfers of other tenants.  There are 2 intent to vacate notices as of this month, with 36 people on the waiting list.  There was a Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) visit on January 27th, scheduled to last 2 days; however, they completed the visit on the first day.  The housing authority has replaced some property and address signs and updated outside lighting to comply with HUD’s initiative to help emergency services identify units easily, when called to the property.  Flooring in all units have been completed and a contract was just awarded to Complete Comfort to replace 39 heat pumps - which will give everyone new furnaces.  Quotes are now being accepted for 3-ton replacements at the police department and housing authority office, bringing all heating and cooling up to date with more energy efficient units. 

Tourism

Applications for grants and donations can now be picked up at city hall.  These applications are for nonprofits and will be due on March 15th.  

MOGO Transit 

There were 1,688 riders and 245 meals were served. 

Code Enforcement 

In the past month, there were 2 citations issued on older cases, 5 notices of violations, and 4 cases were able to be resolved, one of which was a new case.  This makes for around 11 open cases at this time. 

Fire Department

In the last month there were 2 structure fires - zero in the city, calls for assistance - 1 in the county and zero in the city, with a total of 3 runs.  There were a total of 86 runs in 2024.  This year they have elected new officers - Brian Hope, Chief; Wayne Johnson, Assistant Chief; Rebecca Beliles, First Lieutenant; and Niasha Johnson, Second Lieutenant.

Public Works

Throughout the month of February, they have patched potholes and taken down Christmas trees and lights throughout town.  They have completed 3 days of snow and ice removal, cut back some rideaways, cleaned out tiles in town, and hauled 11 loads of brush.

Police Department

For the month of January, officers answered 207 dispatch calls for service, made 9 arrests, and worked 10 vehicle accidents.  There were 63 traffic stops of which 23 traffic citations and 40 courtesy notices were written.  There was one major scene that was turned over to KSP due to a conflict of interest with an officer being related to both parties.  There have been 800 total calls for service for the month of February.  

City Clerk 

The city clerk has been working to plan the summer social, summer’s dive-in movies, and other events to be involved in during the summer.  The Summer Social is scheduled for May 3rd this year.  Most of the past month has been spent cross training in preparation for the assistant clerk to be out.  Work is being done for the next issue of the M Magazine, along with preparing for the next budget cycle, and audit - which is scheduled in May.

Mayor’s Report

We have received the architectural designs / drawings, with the state’s approval on them for the fire department.  The bid packet is in the process of being put out.  Two new members were welcomed to the city family - Kersie and Jason Sharp’s daughter, Anna Jane, and Harold and Amy Deweese’s granddaughter, Hattie Lane.  The police department is now fully staffed, 7 officers are on the street, and one member is going to the academy on May 17th.  On February 28th, city council member Dustin Embry will be stepping down and is going to work for the city of Morgantown beginning March 3rd full-time as Bobby McKee’s replacement as a Code Enforcement and ABC Officer. 

New Business

The Kentucky League of Cities, along with others, are wanting the city council to create Resolution 2025-01 opposing the state from collecting our local occupational fees and taxes.  Currently, occupational fees and taxes come in quarterly to the tax clerk, who processes them through the system resulting in them going into the General Fund - which is how the city is able to provide critical services including police, fire, emergency management services, public infrastructure improvements, and other critical programs.  The state wants to begin collecting the occupationals for the city and send a check to the city of Morgantown.  The purpose of creating the resolution is to urge all members of the General Assembly to vote against mandated state or third party collection of local occupational license, taxes, and fees.  No bill has been filed by the senate or house but is in one of the committees.  Resolution 2025-01 was accepted.

Ordinance 2025-01 - amending Ordinance 2021-04, Section 22 - Regulatory License Fee, Subsection A.  Currently, the city collects a 5% regulatory fee on all sales of alcohol throughout the city of Morgantown. The 5% is mandated to be collected, used, and proportioned based on what you're bringing in from alcohol sales.  As of right now, it is observed that the police and ABC are not able to collect the 5% and justify to the state why the city is collecting that amount.  To make sure things are being done properly, it is being recommended that the city council lower the percentage to 1.5% effective July 1, 2025.  During discussion, it was clarified that all of the percentage collected cannot be used to purchase new vehicles or pay salaries.  The percentage taken has to be proportioned to different areas /departments.  This Regulatory License Fee will be reviewed yearly and adjusted as needed.  After discussion, Ordinance 2025-01 was accepted. 

The mayor set the date of March 3rd for city council members to submit a name, if they wish, of someone they would like to see as a new city council member.  The mayor will then contact each person, to ask if they are willing to serve on the council.  Then on March 10th at 5:00 p.m. there will be a called meeting, where the city council members will decide the process of appointing the new council members.