Beech Tree News Network

The Morgantown City Council convened on December 14, 2023, for a regular meeting.  All council members attended the meeting, except Dustin Embry. 

Matt Smalls from Matt’s Boat Docks of Rough River was recognized for helping secure the grant money for the LWCF Boat Dock.  Due to Matt’s persistence and hard work, he received a certificate of recognition, along with a key to the city.  As the dock is fully installed, the city is waiting for weather to permit rock and concrete to be poured.

The council discussed unfished business regarding thirty-seven acres of property the city purchased for $150,000.00, which breaks down to $4,132.00 per acre.  There is a buyer who wants eight acres to build two eight-plexes, that will furnish homes to sixteen middle-income families. He will be investing $2.3 million in the two eight-plexes.  The buyer is willing to buy all thirty-seven acres for $110,000.00, which breaks down to $2,972.00 and acre, for a difference of about $1,100.00 and acre.  The information was sent to the Bowling Green Area Chamber to get a breakdown of the value.  There will be an economic impact of $4,623,862.00.  The value to the community would get back directly related to the construction is $2.4 million, which will have an annual property tax of $34,269.00.  This first year of property taxes would offset the difference between the $150,000 the city paid and the $110,000 the buyer has offered.  The new annual spending in the city would be $600,000 per year.  Through discussion, all council members agreed this was a valuable asset. 

Cemetery fencing was discussed, as there were two options presented to the council.  They were given bids for wooden fencing, like what is around the park, and aluminum gating.  The wooden fence would have to be installed, whereas the City Maintenance Department can install the aluminum gating.  Through discussion, it was voted on to purchase the aluminum gating.

Planning and Zoning reported during their meeting there were inquiries regarding a commercial property looking to locate near the parkway, as well as from Aerospace Composite Solutions regarding their site plans and requirements for zoning.  All questions were answered and required no action from Planning and Zoning.  2024 meeting dates have also been set and approved.

Utilities reported that they are working on two grants.  Utilities are hopeful that by the 5^th of January they will be able to continue work on a project by the river that has been underway for three years.

Housing reported they are working to finalize an agreement with the insurance company regarding wind damage from March of this year.  This has been a lengthy process, but they are beginning to see roofs replaced at the Police Station, two units at Huff Ingram, one at Dabs, and one at Kent Manor.  The Housing Authority is currently at 96% occupancy.  There are seven open units, of which five have someone lined up to fill them.  There are eighty people currently on the Housing Authority’s waiting list, with an average wait time this year of 162 days.  This year, sixteen families have been moved in, with most of them going into two-bedroom units.  For the month of December, they are facing bad debt, as only 74% of the rent has been paid.

Tourism reported at their last meeting the list was presented for artists / acts that would be a part of the concert next year.  Unfortunately, due to request of stage size it may not be likely.  The Butler County Arts Guild is going to present to the tourism board with ideas for events they have for 2024 and discuss ways the board can assist at the Tourism Board’s December meeting.

The MOGO Bus reported 1,186 rides and 219 meals delivered for the month of November.

The Fire Department gave a report for October and November.  There were three vehicle accidents in the county and one in the city, two calls for assistance in the county and zero in the city, two calls canceled in route in the county and zero in the city, four structure fires in the county and zero in the city, two grass/wood fires in the county and one in the city, and one vehicle fire in the county and zero in the city.  There were a total of sixteen runs and they were paged out twenty-two times in October and twenty-two times in November. 

Public Works has winterized the pool and park water, cleaned out tiles and drain boxes in town, hauled brush and leaves, and worked to set up for the Holiday Hoopla.  There was an estimate of 4,000 to 5,000 people that attended the Holiday Hoopla. 

The Police Department reported for the month of November officers answered 270 dispatch calls for service, worked nine motor vehicle accidents, made eighteen arrests, opened four new criminal cases, made forty-seven traffic stops, and wrote twenty-one traffic citations – in addition to four courtesy notices for parking violations.  There were nine alcohol related calls, bringing the total calls for service 997.  They worked on two special details, one of which was the Holiday Hoopla.