Advertisement

firehouse pizza banner

City Council: Roadblocks, Insurance, and Sidewalks

file photo

The Morgantown City Council approved a new sidewalk project and the city’s insurance policy at their regular meeting Thursday, and it engaged in a debate on fundraising roadblocks within the city.
 
Hocker Insurance representatives Gina Tynes and Buddy Butts addressed the Council on the city’s 2015 insurance policy.  Butts, who serves as program manager for the city’s policy, said the city is doing well after several years of what he called “bad luck” with claims.  Butts recommended maintenance of property and signs to reduce exposure to liability.  The new policy premium is $51,098, an increase of $5,396 over last year; Butts said the increase reflected property added to the policy and not an increase in rates.  The Council approved the policy.
 
Council member Russell Givens brought up the city’s soliciting ordinance as it relates to roadblocks for fundraising.  Givens voiced concerns over roadblocks that have been unorganized with participants not following safety guidelines from the city.  He said he checked with the state since the most popular roadblock locations were on state highways and found that such roadblocks were not legal on state highways.  Givens added that the state tends to “look the other way” on roadblocks.  The Council engaged in a debate on whether the city should continue to issue permits for roadblocks, which Givens called “not the safest way” to raise money.  City Treasurer Anita Gossett explained the permit procedure, where the roadblock is scheduled and rules are issued.  Council member Terrell House asked “How can we give a permit on something we don’t own?”  Representatives from Hocker Insurance stated that if the state does not legally allow roadblocks but the city permits them, the city could be liable for anything that happens.  Mayor-Elect and former Police Chief Billy Phelps was asked for his opinion; he said that the city started scheduling roadblocks to prevent multiple groups from trying to have roadblocks in the same place at the same time.  Phelps stressed that police would have to “strictly enforce” any no-roadblock policy.  Hocker Insurance offered to review the city’s potential liability on roadblocks, and Givens moved to postpone action until after the review; the Council agreed.
 
Mayor Linda Keown brought up the need for a new sidewalk between Bell Street and First Baptist Church to connect the newly constructed US 231 sidewalk with downtown.  Keown and Council member Gary Southerland brought up liability issues, with Southerland concerned that pedestrians would cross the street in traffic to access the side of Main Street that has sidewalk.  House said construction will be needed at Fred’s Pharmacy and Whittinghill Apartments and said a letter has been sent to Fred’s Pharmacy.  Givens stated that the city has saved money for a sidewalk project between Bell Street and First Baptist Church and moved to undertake the project; the Council approved.
 
The Council took up the first reading of the nuisance and blighted property ordinance.  Mayor Keown said the ordinance is not perfect but recommended passage.  Council member Dionne Merritt voiced concern about whether the noise section as it relates to musical instruments could place marching bands in violation; Southerland responded that the ordinance language refers to “recurring” noise.  The Council passed the first reading 5-1 with Merritt voting no.
 
MPD Chief Charles Swiney recommended promotion of Paul Burden to captain and said both Denny Deweese and Brian Ward were scheduled to test on Monday for possible promotion to sergeant.  Swiney recommended the 50 cent per hour pay raise that come with promotion.  House moved to accept Swiney’s recommendation with raises; the Council approved.
 
In other business, the Council approved the second reading of the ordinance closing an alley around Morgantown Bank and Trust, and Mayor Keown recognized outgoing Council member Terrell House with the presentation of a plaque.

Tags: 


Bookmark and Share

Advertisements