Beech Tree News Network

The Morgantown City Council moved quickly through a light agenda at their regular monthly meeting Thursday night, July 9. Mayor Billy Phelps said the planned absence of city clerk Jarrod Barks led to the light schedule.  Council member Dionne Merritt was also absent.
 
Repairs and condition of facilities drew the focus of the meeting.  The maintenance department reported that the tennis court repairs were progressing well.  Reynolds Sealing and Striping has finished striping the courts and the project should be completed soon.  In response to a question from council member Russell Givens, Maintenance Supervisor Brad Johnson stated that the drainage tiles were working well.  Mayor Phelps asked about a “huge sway” in the back portion of the upstairs of City Hall, and the consensus seemed to be that the building was “just old.”  Phelps and council member Gary Southerland stated that people need to be kept away from the swaying portion of the upstairs.
 
Diane Dyer addressed the council on the condition of the city park amphitheater, saying the boards of the amphitheater building were in bad shape and would have caused problems if weather had allowed the Catfish Festival beauty pageants to take place there. Dyer and council member Allen Meredith said the condition of the building was an eyesore and presented safety issues.  Phelps said the city may look at using the Eva J. Hawes Ag Expo and Community Building for next year’s pageants.  An extension is being considered for the community building.
 
Danny Cardwell of the Planning and Zoning Board reported on ordinance revisions.  Among those revisions was the removal of the city's Certificate of Occupancy for mobile homes as redundant because a state permit for mobile homes is required for utility hookup.
James Dossey, a member of the Housing Authority board, reported for the Housing Authority of Morgantown.  Occupancy is at one hundred percent at all properties.
 
MPD Police Chief Charles Swiney reported a “pretty busy” month of June with 429 calls for service, 60 arrests, and 144 extra patrols.  Six cases were presented to the Butler County Grand Jury.  Mayor Phelps singled out the Morgantown Police Department and the cith's maintenance department crew for recognition of their efforts during the Green River Catfish Festival.
 
In other business, the council approved the 2nd reading of the city's personnel policy. 

Mayor Phelps reported that the first Kentucky Copper payment of $40,763 has been received.  Phelps also stated that since the city sent notices on nuisances, a lot of cars have been moved and many yards mowed to get in compliance with city nuisance regulations. According to Mayor Phelps, delinquent tax bills have been turned over to the city attorney.

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Story by Don Thomason, Beech Tree News.