View past agendas and minutes for Morgantown City Council.
Watch live meetings and replays on Comcast Channel 15 or online here.
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NOTE: This meeting was held remotely by Cisco WebEx video-conference to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Correspondence
- Proclamation: Gene Vance Day Proclamation
- Mayor Kawecki presented the proclamation of Gene Vance Jr. Day, and proclaimed May 16, 2020 as Gene Vance Jr. Day in the City of Morgantown.
- Mayor Kawecki expressed his thanks to City Manager Paul Brake and read a list of his major accomplishments during his time with the city. He also wished Paul well in his new position at Royal Oak, Michigan.
Public Hearings
- An ordinance authorizing a zoning amendment for the Ronald McDonald House.
- No one chose to speak to this issue.
- An ordinance amending the FY 2020-2021 Annual Budget of the City of Morgantown as shown in the revised budget attached hereto and made a part of this ordinance as the same applies to the general fund.
- No one chose to speak to this issue.
- An ordinance authorizing an easement to Frontier at the Morgantown Municipal Airport.
- No one chose to speak to this issue.
Council Action
Unfinished Business
- Consideration of approval of (second reading) an ordinance authorizing a zoning amendment for the Ronald McDonald House (First reading April 7, 2020).
- Development Services Director Chris Fletcher explained that approval of this amendment would amend the zoning map by changing the zoning classification for the Ronald McDonald House premises from R-3 and R-1 to B-2. This zoning map amendment would permit Ronald McDonald House Charities to pursue a significant addition and expansion of parking to their existing facility (Passed 7-0).
- Consideration of approval of (second reading) an ordinance amending the FY 2020-2021 Annual Budget of the City of Morgantown as shown in the revised budget attached hereto and made a part of this ordinance as the same applies to the general fund (First reading April 21, 2020).
- City Manager Paul Brake explained that the ordinance consists of a $3.2 million reduction of the FY 2020-2021 budget due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Passed 7-0).
- Consideration of approval of (second reading) an ordinance authorizing an easement to Frontier at the Morgantown Municipal Airport (First reading April 21, 2020).
- City Manager Paul Brake explained the approval of this ordinance would approve an easement to Frontier at the Airport due to the Mileground widening project (Passed 7-0).
Public Portion
- City Clerk Christine Wade read a written comment from Tiffany Mihaliak. The written comment expressed support for the Human Rights Commission LGBTQ+ Liaison Positions.
- City Clerk Christine Wade read a written comment from Jan Derry. The written comment expressed support for the Human Rights Commission LGBTQ+ Liaison Positions.
- Don Spencer, on behalf of the Human Rights Commission, stated to council that the LGBTQ+ Liaison Positions would increase the city's Municipal Equality Index Program score.
- Ramsay Kinsella expressed support for the Human Rights Commission LGBTQ+ Liaison Positions.
- Jacob Powers expressed support for the Human Rights Commission LGBTQ+ Liaison Positions.
New Business
- Consideration of approval of (first reading) an ordinance amending Article 545 Regulating Weapons.
- City Manager Paul Brake explained that approval of the ordinance would align city code with state code. This ordinance would authorize carry of deadly weapons within the city (Passed 6-1).
- Consideration of approval of (first reading) an ordinance amending Article 747 establishing Fire Protection Service Charges.
- City Manager Paul Brake explained that approval of this ordinance would increase the Fire Protection Service Fees by 23 percent in order to help fund twelve Morgantown firefighters hired through the SAFER grant (Passed 7-0).
- Consideration of City Council Meeting Rules.
- City Manager Paul Brake explained that this policy would establish rules and guidelines for conducting electronic meetings (Passed 7-0).
- Consideration of LGBTQ+ Liaison positions.
- City Manager Paul Brake explained that approval of these volunteer positions would serve as an accessible and friendly ear to the city's LGBTQ+ community and elevate related concerns to the City Manager and other city officials ({Passed 7-0).
- Consideration of approval of a resolution adopting Airport Rules and Regulations and Minimum Standards.
- Airport Director Jon Vrabel explained that approval of this resolution will implement new and updated rules, regulations and standards for the Morgantown Municipal Airport (Passed 7-0).
- Consideration of approval of a resolution approving the 2021-2026 Capital Improvement Plan.
- City Manager Paul Brake explained that approval of the resolution would approve the detailed plan of how over $98 million dollars will be spent in improvement projects throughout the city over the next five years (Passed 7-0).
- Consideration of approval of a resolution approving the 2020-2021 Budget for the Morgantown Capital Escrow Fund.
- City Manager Paul Brake explained that this resolution would approve allocation of $3.1 million dollars of the 2020 Capital Escrow Fund toward improvements to city buildings (Passed 7-0).
City Manager's Report
Information
- Update - Minority Liaison Coordinating Council
- City Manager Paul Brake informed council that copy of the draft guidelines that the Human Rights Commission has approved and is proposing for the Liaison Council can be found in the packet.
- Update - Appointment of Interim Police Chief
- City Manager Paul Brake expressed that Deputy Chief Eric Powell should be appointed Interim Chief of Police and that the permanent successor to Chief Preston as Chief of Police should be left to the incoming City Manager.
- CARES Act Funds for Morgantown Municipal Airport Runway Extension Project
- City Manager Paul Brake explained what the CARES Act and AIP Funds will cover regarding the Morgantown Municipal Airport Runway Extension Project. The airport was recently awarded $7.7 million in federal funds for the runway extension project.
- City's update on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) in West Virginia
- City Manager Paul Brake updated council on the city's response to COVID-19. He stated that he has been working closely with the Monongalia County Health Department Director, Dr. Lee Smith, regarding the tentative plan for reopening city buildings. As of now, plans to reopen city buildings hand have city employees return to work has been put on hold.
- City Manager Paul Brake stated that currently, it will probably be many months before council can meet in council chambers for regular meetings.
New Business
- Request for Advance of Funding from WV Coalition to End Homelessness
- City Manager Paul Brake explained that this advancement of funds would provide $10,000 to the WV Coalition to End Homelessness for the cost of moving the homeless in the county into into the Motel 6 in Star City during the COVID-19 pandemic (Passed 7-0).
- City Infrastructure Improvement Bond
- City Manager Paul Brake explained that City Hall and several other city buildings are in need of energy saving repairs such as replacement of the current heating and cooling systems. City Manager Paul Brake presented an Energy Performance Contract (EPC) concept for council's consideration (Passed 7-0).
- Implementation of Focused Workweek Pilot Program
- City Manager Paul Brake addressed questions from council regarding the Focused Workweek Pilot Program. The Focused Workweek Pilot Program proposal was given to council for their consideration (Passed 7-0).
Report From City Clerk
- Christine Wade expressed her appreciation to Morgantown citizens for reaching out to the City Clerk's office during the COVID-19 pandemic, and requested citizens continue to do so for assistance.
- Christine Wade expressed her thanks to City Manager Paul Brake for his work at the city and wished him well in his new position in Royal Oak, Michigan.
Report From City Attorney
- City Attorney Ryan Simonton stated that he attended a Tree Board meeting on April 30 and that they have prepared a draft update to the Community Forestry Ordinance and that he will be working with the Tree Board to bring the ordinance to council by the May Committee of the Whole meeting.
- City Attorney Ryan Simonton stated that there is a request by the city GIS Coordinator to update the street address in
Mapping Ordinance 919.
- City Attorney Ryan Simonton stated that since two utility ordinances have been adopted,Segre has contacted him in hopes of moving forward in their easement.
- City Attorney Ryan Simonton expressed his thanks to City Manager Paul Brake for his work at the city and wished him well in his new position in Royal Oak, Michigan.
Executive Session
- Pursuant to West Virginia Code Section 6-9A-4 (2) (B) (12) to discuss potential or pending litigation.
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May 12 - Morgantown Utility Board (MUB) (Virtual Meeting)
May 14 - Planning Commission (Virtual Meeting)
May 19 - City Council Meeting (Virtual Meeting)
Check out the calendar on the City of Morgantown website for specific information on public meeting times and locations.
Sign-up for our Community Newsletter
The City of Morgantown is now issuing a monthly community newsletter, The Morgantown Messenger. Stay updated on city news and events by signing up for the mailing list here.
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Jobs & Volunteer Opportunities
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There are currently openings on the following boards and commissions:
- Morgantown Green Team
- 1 vacant seat - General public
- Fire Code Board of Appeals
- 3 vacant seats - Legal Representative, General Contractor, and general public
- Sister Cities Commission
- 5 vacant general public seats
- Housing Advisory
- 1 vacant seat - WVU Government
- Traffic Commission
- 3 vacant seats - Ward 3, Ward 4, and Ward 5
- Woodburn School Redevelopment Commission
- 1 vacant general public seat
- BOPARC
- 1 vacant general public seat
- Ward and Boundary Commission
- 1 vacant seat - Fifth Ward
- Health and Wellness Commission
- 1 vacant general public seat
For more information, visit morgantownwv.gov/volunteer.
Current job openings:
- Police Officer. Deadline to apply is June 19.
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