Beech Tree News Network

The Morgantown City Council met on Thursday, May 9th at the Eva J. Hawes Building.  All council members were present: Dustin Embry, Sharon Johnson, Dionne Merritt, Russell Givens, Jason Gaskey, and Sterling White.

The following reports were given:

Planning and Zoning
Bryan Locke reported that four permits had been granted
-Rachel Givens, 426 Tyler Street, storage building
-James Hayes, 308 S. Warren Street, carport
-Todd Meredith, 121 W. G.L. Smith Street, storage building
-Bradley Neighbors, 178 Sawmill Road, 12X12 detached storage building

The commission approved a new ordinance for Cellular Antenna Towers and gave the City Council update for the Comprehensive Plan and amended zoning map.

City Police
Arrests 34
Criminal Cases 9
Special Details 16
Vehicle Accidents 9
Other Agency Assists 28
Traffic Citations 113
Dispatched Calls for Service 368
Total Calls for Service 1288

Morgantown Fire Department
Vehicle Accidents City 1, County 4
Car Fires - City -0, County -1
Grass Fires- City -0, County-1
Total Calls -7

Housing Authority
The Board of Commissioners of the Housing Authority met on April 22nd.  Members received updates on the capital fund projects that included bathroom upgrades, new playground equipment, and replacing heating/cooling units. 
Officer Jesse Burden attended the meeting and reported no recent call or concerns at the properties.  Discussion on repairing a foundation issue at one building, quotes are being received to award for the repair. Members approved the purchase of new wall mats for the gymnasium at the Boys and Girls Club.  Gina Tynes presented information for the renewal of health insurance, which was approved.  The Housing Authority will receive $385,992 from HUD for 2019 upkeep of the five properties. Iris Moore was reappointed to the board.  Provisions have been made to provide information for low-interest home loans for interested residents.

Maintenance Department
They have been painting, mowing, and picking up brush.

City Administrator
The Park Committee has had its first meeting.  Members include Eric Sublett, Erin Moore, Robert Hall, Lexie Belcher, Robin Johnson, Cody Henderson, Rob Hankins, Greg West, and Paula Givens.

Mayor
City Hall renovations are going well. Reeta's building is coming down brick-by-brick.
The pool renovations have started and the opening date for the pool will be June 1st.  Movies at the pool will also be held this year.
The shuttle bus has operated for three days and made 38 runs.  There are six bikes in downtown ready to be rented.
The city has received a TVA grant for about a $100,000 project to get lots one and two "Build Ready".
Industrial Drive has been fixed with a 24 X200 drive but does need to be extended due to heavy traffic going from concrete to gravel.

In other business, the council approved the second reading of the ordinance to close the alley beside the Butler County Public Library, and the updated Comprehensive Plan.
City Administrator Jerrod Barks presented the 36-page document, More Like Home Budget Proposal for 2019-2020.  The first reading was approved and the second reading will be held on June 13, 2019.  After final approval the budget will be online on the City website.  You may also request a copy from City Hall.