Beech Tree News Network

The Morgantown City Council met in regular session on Thursday, December 14th with all members present: Dustin Embry, Sharon Johnson, Russell Givens, Gary Southerland, Jason Gaskey, and Sterling White.  The council approved the second reading of the Ethics Ordinance. 
Matt Rogers with DDS Engineering gave a report concerning the possible wetland area in the Morgantown South Industrial Park.  According to Rogers, Ensafe,  another consulting company hired by DDS, determined there are three wetland areas ( 8 acres, 5.7 acres, and a half acre) and two streams in the Industrial Park.  Rogers said the US Corp of Engineers would have to make the final determination.  The land in question is part of the possible TVA grant project the city is pursuing.

The following reports were given:
Mayor Billy Phelps announced that the judge had signed the lien-release on the Kentucky Copper Building and the deal with Stratus Plastics should be done within the next 30 days. 

Maureen Carpenter with the Bowling Green Area Chamber stated she had visited several companies in Morgantown, and Corvac has downsized a little, Casco is stable, West Park is now operating full time, and ARC still needs employees.

Housing Authority: James Dossey presented the following report:
The Board of Commissioners of the Housing Authority of Morgantown met in special session on December 8, 2017, at the Kent Manor Community Room with a quorum present.  Members reviewed and approved the updated required policies changes and the Public Housing Agency Annual Plan. Members also approved payment to the City of Morgantown for the payment in lieu of taxes for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2017, in the amount of $25,661.20. The Housing Authority has a web page that is available at www.mtownha.org.

Morgantown Fire Department: Ronald Givens presented the following report: 
·         Vehicle Accidents: city 3, county 6
·         Car fires: city 1, county
·         Medical Assistance: city 0, county 2
·         Calls Cancelled in Route: County 3, City 0
·         Woods, rubbish, grass fires: city 2, county 3
·         Total calls: 20

Morgantown Utilities Commission: Dale Adcock reported the commission passed their audit and everything was running smoothly.   

Morgantown Police Department: Chief Giles Taylor presented the following report: 
·         Opened 6 criminal cases
·         Worked 8 non-injury accidents
·         622 police contacts/actions
·         Issued 36 citations
·         Answered 284 dispatched calls for service
·         Worked 4 special events

The department continues to work toward accreditation.

Maintenance:
Harold Deweese reported they have been dealing with leaves, cleaning out tiles, and putting up Christmas decoration in the City.

The next Morgantown City Council Meeting will be Thursday, January 11, 2018, at 6 p.m. at the Eva Hawes Community Center.