Beech Tree News Network

The Morgantown City Council spent Thursday’s monthly meeting on funding for the Boys and Girls Club, city insurance for the coming year, and business signs that have become nuisances.
 
Boys and Girls Club director Stan England and several Club board members and supporters addressed the Council on the Club’s request for $12,500 in annual funding.  Former County Judge-Executive Hugh Carroll Evans talked about the recent Boys and Girls Club golf tournament fundraiser, with England adding that it raised between $3,000 and $4,000 with donations still being received.  Commonwealth Attorney Tim Coleman thanked the Council for its investment in the Boys and Girls Club, saying the more they invest, the more the children benefit.  Educator and volunteer Amanda White Casey spoke about the club’s Accelerated Reader Program; Casey said children regress during the summer in reading without such programs, particularly children in poverty.  England said 103 children are registered at the Boys and Girls Club for the summer.  He said, “We want our kids to do better … and in a safe environment from predators.”
 
The Council questioned England and his supporters extensively on what the Boys and Girls Club plans to do with city funding.  Council member Dionne Merritt asked what other sources of funds the Club gets, saying “When talking about contributions and donations [from the city], we are talking about taxpayer money.”  England replied there are some grants but most have run their course.  Phyllis Ray added the Leonard Oak Road cleanup and the annual Radio Auction are future fundraisers.  Anita Gossett asked if the Club is allowed to do roadblocks, and both Ray and Casey replied they have done them in the past.  England said he gives $3,000 of his salary back to the Boys and Girls Club and that Board members often give money to the Club.  Council member Gary Southerland was among the Council members commending the written presentation England distributed to the Council on Club activities, but he said “I don’t see a budget … you’re asking for money.”  England said the Club budget is prepared but has to be approved by the Club Board.  Southerland added “I have trouble funding salaries” and prefers city funds go to programs.  Casey replied that if no one is at the Club to implement programs, spending on programs is not effective.  Council member Russell Givens and Mayor Linda Keown each said that the city is under statutory requirement to either control an organization being funded or control how funds given to an organization are spent.  Keown said they are not speaking against the Boys and Girls Club but that the city is asking for accountability.  Council member Terrell House moved to give $6,250 to the Boys and Girls Club now with the other half contingent on a budget and plan from the Club; Givens seconded, and the Council approved that plan.
 
Gina Tynes of Hocker Insurance addressed the Council on the city’s insurance plan for the upcoming year.  Tynes said the plan the city had for this year was no longer available, but she got the closest available plan.  Council member Russell Givens asked if the out-of-pocket expenses to employees would be higher; Tynes said no, although there were minor changes.  The plan does have a premium increase to the city, but Tynes said the worst case scenario would be an increase of $11,786 over the current year.  The Council approved the plan.
 
A summary of the Signs and Advertising Devices Ordinance was distributed to the Council and to the media.  Approved changes were outlined, and the ordinance will become law upon publication.  Josh Givens addressed the Council regarding business signs that will not meet the new ordinance, including the Charley Biggs, Cash Express, and Main Street Pawn signs.  Givens said the Charley Biggs sign in particular is a problem because it is in the way of the newly relocated Pizza Zone and it is a reminder of a failed economic incubator business.  Council members discussed the complication of the split ownership of that sign between Charley Biggs, James and Jean Beattie, and Houchens Industries.  However, Council member Terrell House said that once the new ordinance is published, “the city’s got bite” in its ability to get signs removed.
 
Council member Russell Givens said he wants to set up a work session as soon as possible on developing the city’s website.  Council members agreed that the site needs to be comprehensive and include official functions of the city to attract and benefit businesses.  Mayor Keown suggested that Council member look at other cities’ websites and study them; she wanted to look at her calendar and give choices of dates for a work session to the Council.
 
Police Chief Charles Swiney reported that the MPD had a “very busy month of May” with 394 calls for service.  Officer Brian Ward was officially hired on May 23, and officers James Embry and Ethan Vincent would be going to the police academy.  Glock weapons are being purchased as both duty guns and backup weapons.  Swiney emphasized that the MPD would be patrolling the city park over the summer, citing recent arrests of two teenagers around age 13 at the first pavilion.
 
Mayor Keown reported that the new Rochester Dam Regional Water Commission has had its first meeting.  To meet statutory requirements, the Council reaffirmed Keown as a member of the Commission from the City of Morgantown.
 
The Council discussed the proposal from the state to take over Ward Street which is designated a state highway.  Hugh Carroll Evans questioned the Council what the city would get in return, saying the state is “awfully eager” to transfer this out of state control.  Council member Allen Meredith voiced a concern that water comes over some driveways on Ward Street during rains, with Council member Russell Givens adding there is “not enough ditch for the water.”  Mayor Keown recommended the Council “work on it” before making any decision to take Ward Street over from state control.