City Council - Regular Meeting

To the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

We will call this meeting to order. This is the Morgantown City Council regular meeting for Tuesday, May 5th. It is 7:05 p.m. Clerk Wade, would you please call the role? Yes. Joe Bugan, present. Jody Hollings Head. Wheezy Michael, present. Jenny Seline, here. Mark DS here. Deputy Mayor Butcher here. Mayor Trumbull

here. First on the agenda is approval of minutes. We have the April 21st, 2026 regular meeting minutes and the April 28th, 2026 workshop meeting minutes. Were there any additions or corrections? Approved by consensus. Yes. Great. We will move into correspondence. The first item of correspondence we have this evening is a proclamation recognizing National Police Week. We have Chief Powell here to accept. All right. Whereas in 1962, John F. Kennedy signed public law 87-726 designating May 15th as Peace Officers Memorial Day in the week in which it falls as National Police Week. And whereas National Police Week observed this year from May 10th through May 16th is a time dedicated to honoring the men and women in law enforcement who courageously serve and protect our communities each day. And whereas this observance is grounded in the principles of honor, gratitude, remembrance, service, and peer support and provides an opportunity to recognize the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers and their families. And whereas more than 900,000 law enforcement officers serve communities across the United States. And since 1791, over 20,000 officers have lost their lives in the line of duty with their names memorialized at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. And whereas one member of the Morgantown Police Department, Patrolman First Class Frank Fedazo, who tragically died as a result of injuries sustained in a bicycle accident while training with the department's bicycle unit, has made the ultimate sacrifice and service to the community, and his service and bravery will never be forgotten. And whereas the community is encouraged to mark their calendars and join the Mongalia County

Sheriff's Office for National Police Week ceremony to honor those who have fallen on Wednesday, May 13th, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. on the Monalia County Courthouse Square. And whereas National Police Week offers time to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, support the loved ones they leave behind, and reaffirm the commitment of law enforcement officers to safeguard life, liberty, and property. And whereas the city of Morgantown proudly recognizes the dedication, professionalism, and courage of the members of the Morgantown Police Department who work tirelessly, often under difficult and dangerous circumstances to ensure the safety and well-being of our residents and visitors. And whereas the citizens of Morgantown are encouraged to observe National Police Week by honoring fallen officers, supporting law enforcement families, expressing appreciation to local officers, and displaying the color blue as a symbol of respect and solidarity. Now therefore, I, Danielle Trumbull, mayor of the city of Morgantown, West Virginia, on behalf of city council, do hereby proclaim May 10th to 16th, 2026 as National Police Week in the city of Morgantown. We next have a proclamation for Jean Vance Jr. Day. I believe we have Major General James Hoyer and Doug and Jane Giri here to accept the proclamation potentially.

Whereas the 15th annual Jean Vance Jr. day will be observed in Morgantown, West Virginia on the 16th day of May, US Armed Forces Day, 2026 to honor the legacy of all American soldiers, those who boldly serve, those who have fallen, and those who have sustained lifealtering injuries while defending our nation and preserving our freedom. And whereas the 15th Genevance Jr. Day recognizes an American hero, US Special Forces SSG Jean Ardan Vance Jr. of the West Virginia Army National Guards 219th Special Forces Group Airborne who despite being mortally wounded saved the lives of two fellow Americans in 18 Afghan soldiers during the war in Afghanistan. And whereas the 15th Genevance Jr. Day is the only commemorative military appreciation day in the United States named for a fallen US soldier Morgantown, West Virginia native Gan Ardan Vance Jr. Gan Ardan Vance Jr. symbolizes the extraordinary courage, dedication, and sacrifice of all members of the United States armed forces as reflected in numerous military and civilian installations nationwide carrying Vance's name in honor of his heroic and selfless actions. And whereas 2026 is the United States of America semiquincentennial anniversary year marking two and a half centuries of American resolve in military service. a lineage of valor embodying the modern-day heroism of US special forces special forces staff Sergeant Gene Ardan Vance Jr. And whereas 2026 is also the 25th anniversary year of the tragic 9/11 terrorist attacks on our nation the remarkable commitment of the armed forces and first responders make to and for this nation and the unyielding dedication of the Gan Vance Jr. Foundation for the catastrophically injured are worthy of recognition. And it is fitting therefore that Vance, the foundation in his honor, and all servicemen and service women be honored today and every day. And whereas this

day serves as a solemn reminder of the cost of liberty, the valor of our service members facing unprecedented challenges, and the resilience of those who continue to carry the burdens of battle they sustained while fighting to ensure our freedoms and way of life. And whereas the city of Morgantown is proud to be the hometown of Gene Vance Jr. and joins in this annual tradition of remembrance, gratitude, and unity. Now, therefore, I, Danielle Trumbull, mayor of the city of Morgantown, West Virginia, on behalf of the entire city council, do hereby proclaim May 16th, 2026 as Gan Vance Jr. Day in the city of Morgantown and encourage all citizens to honor the legacy of Gan Vance Jr. and the selfless service of all American military personnel, past and present. Then you won't feel so

I even have heels on. So two.

Thank you. There's an extra.

Thank you. Our next item of correspondence this evening, a proclamation recognizing professional municipal clerk's week. We have our city clerk Christine Wade and deputy clerk Nicole Locker here to accept. Whereas the office of a municipal clerk is a timehonored and vital part of local government that exists throughout the world and is the oldest among public servants. And whereas in 2026 we recognized the 57th annual professional municipal clerks week celebrating the professionalism, dedication, and resilience required to meet the growing complexity of modern municipal administration. And whereas public service stands as a lasting commitment to place the common good above self, shaping a better future through dedicated action today. And we honor and deeply appreciate those who choose to serve as public servants for their unwavering dedication. And whereas a municipal clerk provides a professional link between the citizens, the local governing bodies and government agencies. And whereas municipal clerks pledge to be ever mindful of their neutrality and impartiality, rendering equal service to all. And whereas the municipal clerk serves as an information center on functions of local government and community, serving as guardian to ensure transparency. And whereas the city of Morgantown benefits daily from the commitment, ethical standards, and public service demonstrated by its municipal clerk and clerk staff whose efforts often occur behind the scenes yet have lasting public impact. Now therefore, be it resolved that I,

Danielle Trumbull, mayor of the city of Morgantown, on behalf of city council, do hereby recognize May 3rd through 9th, 2026 as Professional Municipal Clerks Week in the city of Morgantown, West Virginia, and encourage residents, elected officials, and city employees to recognize and appreciate the vital role municipal clerks play in sustaining responsive, transparent, and trustworthy local government. Let's do a picture. I'll set this Finally, under correspondence, we have the Mosaic project funding announcement.

Thank you, Mayor. Uh, I'm excited to bring before you, Mayor and Council, the results of the first round of the Mosaic uh, program. As you all recall, in November of this year, US City Council approved th this new program. I I know several council members uh were instrumental in it. Councelor Dowins kind of led that initiative. So, I certainly would allow him an opportunity to say a few things if that's okay. But, uh the program is designed, it's a micro grant program designed to foster neighborhood pride, civic engagement, and and placemaking uh amongst our communities. So what we have today is a brief uh presentation of the three projects that we will be allocated funding this year under this program. This is the inaugural announcement, if you will, of this program. I wanted to take a a brief minute to recognize the the staff work that has gone into making this program a success uh at the direction of council. Um, so I'm pleased that we were able to coordinate with the neighborhood coordinating council through this process in order to get the community feedback as we look to priorities for the program. Uh, special recognition to Caitlyn Lewis with assistance of Shannon Davis of really shephering uh, the vision through to the reality and certainly as we go through any new program, there might be changes along the way as we take to the program, but we're really excited to bring the results of the program before you tonight. Uh, so councelor Dans, I didn't know if you had a few comments you wanted to make about the program before we

Sure. Just I'll just thank everyone that was involved. Thanks to council, um, thanks to staff. Uh, really am super excited to see this program up and off the ground and getting started. Um, our neighborhoods are where our community starts and um, and you know, this program uh, just to inspires uh, engagement by allowing us to invest in those people that are doing the hard work and building our community and um, and making Morgantown just a better place to live, work, and play. So, I appreciate it. Thank you to the applicants. Um your projects um and your hard work is uh improving our community just uh one one one day at a time and uh I look forward to the announcements. Thank you.

Certainly. I I think it's certainly a highlight. We I like to say you can't govern pride or or force pride into the community, but projects like these sure give us an opportunity for the community to show that pride. So, uh, with no further ado, I do have three projects to briefly highlight that will be receiving funding this year. Um, if you don't mind, Emily. The first one is for the Woodburn neighborhood gateway landscaping project. Uh, so through the neighborhood coordinating council, uh, we received applications and the neighborhood coordinating council went through a process of rating each application. And so this project was a standout uh as as the top priority for recommendation for funding and this will go a long way towards the beautifification to the uh with the Woodburn Association of Neighbors who will be providing in kind labor uh towards their beautifification of their sign area and their gateways to their neighborhood. The second project is the establishment and creation of the Greenmont neighborhood sign project. Uh we we certainly have seen an opportunity where neighborhood signs are a critical place of uh creating that designation and that feel for a neighborhood. And so we're excited uh that we are able to partner with the Greenmont neighborhood in order to bring them a sign for their neighborhood. Uh this is a project I know that the neighborhood has been working on for some time. So, we're pleased to see it move forward in this project. And the last project that we would like to highlight tonight is um some assistance towards uh rehabilitation and restoration at the Oak Grove Cemetery. This is led by a group um that will be going through and professionally working to restore and clean up some of the markers within the cemetery. So, these are all great projects that I think will

impact the community in a positive way and we're excited to uh bring them forward. Okay. Thank you for your time. I believe we have representatives of those neighborhood associations present. Councelor Downst you want photos with them? I Why don't we Why don't we all get photos with them?

Great. All right. If the representatives of the neighborhood association would like to join us for a photo, we will do so. front block anyway. Jamie,

am I short enough? Yes, I know. Jamie, come on. Come on. You signed the award letter.

Congratulations. SO sorry and certainly I would say this is this is the first step as we move forward. Stay tuned. There'll be plenty of publication of the progress on these projects um as they move forward. If if I may. Sure.

Could it would it be possible? I know like especially with the first ward uh project that they have, it's an opportunity for people to come out and help in the cemetery. Would it be possible for them to both groups to just give like a brief synopsis for those watching at home? especially with it being the first of our mosaic. If the representative

else if the rep he would like to have a brief synopsis of each of the projects from the representatives and a call for volunteers or anything else that you may need. So if first ward would you like to say anything? you can come up to the microphone like three sentences. Doesn't have to be whatever's comfortable. Margaret always does such a great job with organizing. That's why I just wanted this opportunity for you to talk about all the great stuff that you were doing.

Okay. Uh most of you are probably aware because you drive by the historic Oak Grove Cemetery every day. And it it occurred to me when I've been reading the paper the last few days that this was the perfect timing for this project because we are trying to restore and uh beautify and uh bring awareness of the import the people who are interred in Oakrove Cemetery. And uh we do have several uh revolutionary war heroes and people. We have uh clear back to 1796 is our first burial. So, uh it is an important historic spot which needs to be uh people in the community need to be more aware and uh we just think it's it's a wonderful opportunity to emphasize the history of our community, our state and our county because there are people there that represent every aspect of what this town and this community have become. So, I appreciate this grant and we are already hard at work uh trying to clean and restore the mon the monuments. Excuse me.

Great. Thank you so much. Thanks, Joan. Thanks. Thank you. Um fifth ward. Trying to go in order.

Uh well, I told my son before I left home that I would not be giving a speech tonight because he asked. Um I was wrong. And so to that end, I don't have anything prepared. Uh but I will say that uh Woodburn is uh very proud of our neighborhood sign. It's uh we have we have two. They're both made by local master artist and sculptor Jamie Lester. Um and this one in particular is one of uh is is you know, these signs are people's first impression of our neighborhood. Um, and this one was replaced just a few years ago and it sits at the corner. Uh, there's a triangle of Montgelia and Richwood Avenues. Uh, and as great as the sign is, it's uh, barren. I think that there's some um maybe some daffodils that come up in the in the spring, but uh we're really looking to um kind of shine a spotlight on uh that gateway to our neighborhood by planting some uh perennials. We have uh a couple of master gardeners among our membership in the neighborhood association. Um, and I think it's a real opportunity to uh kind of celebrate um, you know, an object that welcomes people to where we live, as long as they're not in too much of a hurry to get to Mario's fishbowl, of course. Um, but, you know, an opportunity to bring neighbors out um, to maybe engage with the neighborhood association for the first time um, and and and celebrate what we have to offer, maybe bring some pollinators in as well and and that sort of thing. So, um I I really appreciate um the support of the neighborhood coordinating council, uh city manager Jamie, and um and of course all of you for bringing this uh program, uh making it possible for neighborhood associations like ours, which uh don't have a whole lot of funding

opportunities to be completely frank to pull off uh projects like this. So, thank you. Thank you. And uh I don't have a date yet, but uh if anybody follows or doesn't follow Woodburn Association of Neighbors on Facebook, you can find out when we will be doing this project. We will be calling for volunteers, and it is a great opportunity to uh spend a couple of hours, meet some new people, and get your hands a little dirty. So, thank you. Thank you.

Sixth floor. Hi, I'm Stephanie Hunt, uh, co-chair of the Greenmont Neighborhood Association, and we're excited to get a project, uh, past completion. We have been working on this for quite a while, and it's really exciting to see all the wheels moving. Uh, Greenmont doesn't have a sign, which we're excited to now have a sign and do all the beautifification as well. That's part of our grant and hopefully we'll get to do that as it's put into place. Uh we're having our sign on Arch Street right near Maline Marie. That whole island is kind of barren. There's just like three trees and then nothing else. But that's where we do all of our Greenmont stuff. And we're really proud of Greenmont. And we're hoping that this sign shows the kind of artistry that we're so proud of. We have a local artist doing the sign for us and I don't know. I also wasn't planning on speaking. Uh yeah, but uh Greenmont's really proud of our sign. We're proud to work with this program and look forward to working with this program more. And uh we also have a really dedicated group of neighbors and that's why we're able to get this program and this grant written. A bunch of us wrote helped to write the grant together. It's a big project to take on. So, you know, it's nice to have neighbors who are willing to commit their time to do things like this. And speaking of which, uh, Greenmont, we host, uh, monthly cleanups, and our monthly cleanup is coming up on the 9th, 10:00 a.m. we all meet at Jones Methodist Church, and then spread out from there. And then we also have uh, our monthly meetings. We meet once a month because we're always doing stuff. We have our block party coming up. uh

look forward to announcements for that. Uh that is going to be uh June 29th and we'd love to have everyone there. Uh it's from No, sorry, not June 29th. Oh my gosh, looking at the wrong thing. Uh June 27th from uh 4 to 9. And we look forward to having everyone there. Thanks. Thank you. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to put them on the spot like that. I just like showcasing all the hard work that everybody does. Thanks. Clerk, wait. Did you have any additional correspondence to share?

No, mayor. All

right. Uh, report of proclamations issued outside of a council meeting. Uh we were invited by Main Street Morgantown to attend a ribbon cutting for a new mural that was placed on Wall Street between High Street and Chestnut. And councelor Haulings Head and I were joined by director of the Morgantown History Museum Jason Burns and a few other members of city staff. We presented the Morgantown Historic Preservation Month proclamation as requested by Main Street Morgantown. Uh we have two public hearings this evening. Uh this is for anyone wishing to speak on these items and these items alone. Uh the first public hearing is an ordinance of the city of Morgantown amending the zoning classification of two parcels of real estate on Waverly Street from R1A single family residential district to R2 single and two family residential district. Uh I'll open this public hearing. Is there anyone wishing to speak on this item? Seeing none, we will close that public hearing and move on to an ordinance authorizing airport director and city manager to execute certain office and tea hanger lease agreements. We will open this public hearing. Is there anyone wishing to speak on this item? Seeing none, we will close that public hearing and move into unfinished business. First item, consideration of approval of second reading of an ordinance of the city of Morgantown amending the zoning classification of two parcels of real estate on Waverly Street from R1A single family residential district to R2 single and two family residential district. First reading, March 24th, 2026.

Yes, mayor. As you mentioned, this is the second reading and was presented on March 24th, 2026. Director Joerger is here if there are any additional uh questions on this item. Any questions for Director Joerger? Otherwise, we would entertain a motion to approve. Move to approve. Second. Thank you. Additional discussion. Seeing none, clerk. Yes. Joe Bugan. Yes. We Michael, yes. Jenny Seline, yes. Mark Downs, yes. Deputy Mayor Butcher, yes. Mayor Trumbull,

yes. passes 6. Um, boards and commissions. I believe we have a few appointments to boards and commissions this evening. Councelor Sim, you have Yes. Why don't we start with this one? Um, so I would like to um nominate Brennan Williams to land reuse agency. Is there a second? Second. Sorry, we you got it now. Everyone at once. No one then everyone. Um uh any discussion? All in favor? Yes. Yes. All right. Other appointments. I'll nominate Alexander Martin to the board of zoning appeals. Second.

Thank you. Any discussion? All in favor? Yes. Um I believe we have one additional I'd like to appoint Colin Mardle to Land Reuse Agency. Second. Thank you. Discussion. All in favor? Yes. Did we miss any this evening? I feel like we did, but I don't.

Those are the ones I had. Um, you could just mention that some people who may not have heard yet. Um, we may have a few other um applicants that we're interviewing before we will um decide. So in a in a certain category, there might be others that we are interviewing and that's why you haven't heard yet.

We have another opportunity to appoint at our May 19th meeting. Um and I would expect maybe a few then we will then move on to our public portion subject to rules established by council adopted by resolution. Uh generally you come to the podium you have four minutes to speak. Please state your name and address for the record and no personal attacks. I would like to start this evening by inviting anyone from the Jean Vance um junior proclamation. If you have anything that you would like to state at this time, you are welcome to do so. My name is Doug Gary. I'm a Vietnam era veteran with seven and a half years military service. Also a member of the Patriot Guard writers that uh honor and respect our our fellow soldiers and men and women that have served uh welcome home sendoffs and uh funerals. we stand and uh show the final respect with the flags of the uh event that we're invited to. It was my honor to be asked by uh Michael Mintz to uh come and accept the proclamation. Uh I want to accept the proclamation on behalf of the men and women that are currently serving. uh the veterans that have paid the ultimate price uh those veterans that will in fact carry the scars for the rest of their life from their service. I would like to also uh acknowledge the family members because the veteran while he's serving the the family back home is holding it all back together and uh that's a very

important part of that service. But in this 250th year of our country, the 25th anniversary of 911 in the uh anniversary of Jean Vance Jr. Um, I've been with Michael the entire time and I would just like everyone to take a moment and remember that the real cost of freedom is carried by our military and we need to always honor and respect them and and for that I thank the city and uh on behalf of the mayor I'm happy to be here to accept this. Thank you. Thank you so much. Thank you sir.

Thank you. Uh, the next person I have signed up to speak is Marvin Davis. Dance your way to the podium. Say,

thank you, Mayor. Uh, this is the first council meeting I've gotten to attend in quite a while. I've had other responsibilities the last few months and so I appreciate the moment that we come up here. Um, so, uh, as you all know, um, I'm Marvin Davis, geospatial services manager for the city of Morgantown. And one of the things that I normally do is anytime there's an event or opportunity to provide outreach to my profession, I normally take it. Uh I just stepped down as the president of the West Virginia Association of Geospatial Professionals uh almost a year ago today. And uh we have a big event coming to the city of Morgantown. It's the West Virginia Geospatial uh conference or short West Virginia Geocon. It is June 1st through the 3rd and I wanted to extend an invitation to all city council and um staff that are present. Uh we have several city employees presenting at this conference. Uh in fact, I believe we're one of the only uh municipal GIS departments that are presenting at the conference this year. Over 100 uh people like me are going to be present. Uh we have several national companies coming to uh sponsor the event. So, it's actually the largest event since the CO 19 pandemic. So, we're really proud of it. And I just wanted to give you all the opportunity to let you know that, hey, this is coming to the city of Morgantown. It'll be at the Ericson Alumni Center June 1st through the 3rd. Look forward to having you if you're able to make it. Thank you.

There is no one else signed up on the list to speak, but if you would wish to do so, we are open for that now. the head nod here.

So, I am uh Deanna Lindsay. I am the current magistrate that is running for election uh May 12th. Um Sandy Hole Pit retired in July and J Chief Circuit Judge uh Perry D. Christopher appointed me. So, by the time the election rolls around, I'll be doing the job now for 10 months. I have over 30 years of experience uh of a public being a public servant working in the court system. I earned my degree in 1990, just aged myself at Fairmont State in criminal justice and psychology. I do have two other opponents, but I encourage you all to look at at my credentials and compare them to my other two opponents. I'm going to pass out my cards before we leave here, but it's real simple. My uh email address is dianlindsey.com, but I really would encourage you to look and and explore what I've done and what I've currently done as the acting uh magistrate. Um it's a little different. A lot of people don't understand. May 12th, I'm the only magistrate running because it's a special election for an unexpired term. So, this it's really important that this primary, which the numbers are usually low, I need as many people as possible to come out and vote for me because it's one and done. Uh, and then if I if I'm successful, uh, and I'm elected, I will run again in 28 along with all the other magistrates. So, uh, please check out my credentials. I encourage you. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak and I'll pass my cards out before we leave tonight. Thank you.

Thank you. Is there anyone else wishing to address council?

Hi, Stephanie Hunt, Front Street. Um, I saw that Greenmont's on the agenda for the pedestrian bridge and Greenmont is very excited for this bridge. Um mainly we're super excited that we get to do use grants to do things like this because I know the city budget is extremely tight. So without these grants we couldn't achieve projects like this. So super grateful for our amazing grant writer and yeah for the most part uh we're also excited we got to be in the newspaper about our new green space and that's really exciting. And I wanted to share that the green space is in a flood plane. There cannot be houses there. It is not allowed. So, uh, another way to use that space, which is what we are doing now, is as a green space. And we also have to be mindful of because it's in a flood plane, what kind of park can you put in a flood plane? And so, it's going to be mainly nature focused. So, we're all really excited about that because Greenmont doesn't have any space like that at the moment. Even though green isn't our name, we should. So, we'll finally get to have that. And I know all these projects have been going on for years and years and years. So, it's really exciting that they're all finally coming to fruition. And thanks everyone for your hard work on them.

Thanks, Steph.

Thank you. Anyone else? Seeing none, we have no special committee reports this evening. We will move into our consent agenda. I will read all of the items on the consent agenda. If any member of council wishes wish wishes to pull any item from the consent agenda, they may do so at that time. Otherwise, we would entertain a motion to approve and we would vote on these items together. Item A, consideration of approval of second reading of an ordinance authorizing airport director and city manager to execute certain office and tea hanger lease agreements. First reading was April 21st, 2026. Item B, consideration of approval of bid call 2026-15 Richwood Avenue wall construction project. Item C, consideration of approval of bid call 2026-12 Greenmont pedestrian bridge project to Green River Group.

Move to approve. Second. Thank you. Clerk wave. Yes. Joe Bugam. Yes. Wheezy Michael. Uh, yes. Jenny Seline, yes. Mark DS, yes. Deputy Mayor Butcher, yes. Mayor Trumbull. Yes. Passes 6. Uh we have no additional new business. The consent agenda took care of our new business this evening. So we will move into the city manager report.

Thank you, mayor. The first item that I would like to recognize is in addition to some of the recognition weeks that we've heard about today and celebrated, uh this week is also public service recognition week week which touches each of our employees. So, I want to take a moment to acknowledge and thank our dedicated employees who keep our city running every day. Uh, their work often happens behind the scenes, but it's essential to the safety, stability, and quality of life that our residents depend on. Uh, their professionalism and commitment do not go unnoticed, and I want to extend my uh sincere appreciation for their service and the pride they take in serving more in town. Uh, certainly, I am humbled to get to serve alongside such dedicated professionals. So, I wanted to take a moment to recognize that. Um, also as a reminder, next Tuesday, city offices will be closed. That is May 12th in observance of the election. Um, we as we look towards the end of the month, our next workshop will be May 26. Just to run ahead of that of what uh those topics will look like is we will start with a public input session on economic development to discuss the topics or provide an opportunity for public input on the topics that were discussed last month. Um we will then go to the council workshop where we will wrap up the topic of fiscal sustainability or revisit that topic and we will introduce the new workshop topic of enhanced amenities. So look forward to continuing that process to go along. Um last week we had our citizens academy session related to the city manager and the city clerk's office. Uh and I always say wow what a great group of engaged residents. So, um, really excited to have an opportunity to take part in that group. Um, I've sent the schedule of the different topics that are going on each week in that program. If you all are

interested in attending one or any of them, feel free to to pop in. Uh, but kudos to staff on on how that pro project is moving forward. Um, May 13th, it was announced in our one of our proclamations today for police national police week. Um, at May 13th at 11:00 a.m. at Courthouse Square, there will be an observance ceremony for National Police Week. Uh, this is also the United Way Day of Caring that some of our staff will be participating in. And this is also that night we will be doing a neighborhood walk with the Evansdale neighborhood. So, as as things start to warm up, uh there may be other neighborhoods who are interested in in taking a walk around their neighborhood with um city administration, city staff, and and council who are interested in that. So, certainly um open to that if your neighborhood is interested as well. Uh and then last thing I want to provide a reminder of is that we will be doing a a brief ribbon cutting the 14th at 2 p.m. to commemorate the work done at the Coen Creek uh pedestrian bridge. and we want to thank our partners that are involved with that project. Uh as a reminder, we have a a grant and there is more future trails to come related to White Park that is grant funded. So look out for additional feedback sessions and additional things to come about uh what's happening at White Park. Uh that concludes my report tonight.

Thank you. Report from city clerk. Yes, mayor. Uh want to say on behalf of uh Nikki and I, thank you all for the flowers and the card and the proclamation. We do appreciate it and and uh we are both honored to serve you all in our city and and support you. So we appreciate you. Thank you.

Thank you for that. Um I wanted to uh follow the lead of the city manager about the citizens academy. We had a great time. Uh what a great group of engaged folks. Uh so um I I'll share with you some of the things that at least I talked about. Uh thought they were um great questions and uh very uh very actively engaged. So just want to share that about that group. Um the police civil service commission held their entry level police officer written and physical exams on Saturday, April 25th. And as a result of those exams, 13 candidates passed their written and agility. Uh so good luck to those. uh those candidates as they move forward in hiring process and our next exam is in July. Um the fire civil service commission will be conducting interviews with nine entry level firefighter candidates this week and uh following the interviews candidates will be scored and ranked and establishing our eligibility list for future hiring. And that concludes my report.

Thank you, city attorney. Thank you, mayor. Uh following council's approval of the ordinance delegating authority to enter leases at the airport this evening, I'll work with airport staff and the city manager's office on uh reviewing the standard lease forms, establishing new processes to enter into leases, and any work that they may do on uh updating a fee schedule as specified in the ordinance, uh allowing the uh the airport and the city to move forward with leasing those spaces more quickly as designed by the ordinance. That's all I have to report this evening. Thank you. Moving to report from council members. Would you like to begin?

Sure. Um I just uh I don't always have too much but um the pavilions are coming along up at uh W's neighborhood and it's about halfway through and uh really happy with the progress and same with the playground. Um I think there was one couple more things we were going to we're also going to be doing the same as the Greenmont neighborhood. Um and putting together uh once a month uh litter pickups kind of like within our neighborhood, the Wild Hills neighborhood down to Willadell. So we we'll also be starting that soon. Um, other than that, I think that's all I have for tonight.

Thank you. Uh, yeah. So, first, uh, thank you, City Clerk Wade. You are, uh, you are usually one of the first few people that everyone talks to before they get the chance to talk to us cuz they're trying to get a hold of us. And your kindness and the way you represent us makes our lives so much easier. So, I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate you. Nikki as well, who I would tell if she were here with her infectious laugh, but she's already left. Um, she grabbed her flowers and ran.

And, uh, in addition, so I would I didn't realize it was public service recognition week. So, thank you to everybody that keeps our sitting run city running uh, dayto day. It's a lot of work and speaks to the pride that's in our city, especially when we had like the neighborhoods coming in here tonight and talking about all their wonderful projects. I really appreciated having the opportunity to hear about them. So, thank you all for humoring me on that. I like showcasing uh all the great things that are going on around here any chance we get. Uh, speaking of showcasing the First Ward neighborhood yard sale, June 13th, we have a sign up form online. It is a Google doc to get put onto our Google map, so anybody looking to go out that day will know exactly which houses are uh set up and selling. We will have our hopefully have food trucks again uh set up at Jack Roberts Park. I have to confirm that one though. Um, I would also ask in relation to the yards, if everyone would please be so kind, is to try to get the grass off of the street for the safety of our bike riders so that they don't hydroplane across the road. It's also really great for our water and our aging infrastructure there. And the high school graduation is May 22nd, so plan accordingly for your traffic. And with the election coming up around the corner, it is uh paramount that everybody has a voice and everybody votes no matter the election. Uh this one in particular is close to home because it is the renewal, I emphasize again, a renewal of our school levy that allows us to have the opportunities that we do. And that concludes my report.

Thank you, Councelor SL. Well, I appreciate um the announcements that have come before because um I have similar sentiments. I just appreciate um all of our uh city staff. um appreciate uh items like um being coming uh more informed about GIS and what's going on in the city and having those brief announcements that um kind of fill in the details for us about what's going on and also for our community. Um the people who put in for the Mosaic program and their willingness to speak out about um their grants. I think it's important when we provide grants to know kind of what they're for so that then other um other parts of the community who other um neighbor associations who would like to apply or other groups um can and know kind of what other grants um were awarded earlier. Um, our clerks I would put up um as models uh for being neutral, uh, helpful, um, friendly, um, willing to make changes when changes are necessary, willing to, um, just be a standup part of our, uh, staff, and um, we all appreciate you. um the uh people who are here for the Genevance Jr. Day. We've been doing this for a long time and um including uh going to the cemetery one year with you all and um being in all different parts of our community and and and having an

announcement, having um bicycling event. We've had we've had quite a few um some moments in the rain. We had quite a few quite a few uh uh turns around the sun and uh rightfully so and just under the whole opaces of police week and and um looking at those who are in public service in all their realms. But um it's great to have those traditions and um and honoring those who who have uh supported our freedom. Um, and I appreciate uh candidates who are willing to come and be in the public realm because if they don't get out here, nobody knows who they are and there's a lot of them. So, um I think we need to um talk about these elections and um I know I've got a few signs in my yard and I know a lot of other people in this group um also have signs in their yard and uh people ask you know who who someone might suggest is it is a viable candidate and just talking to your neighbors and listening listening to whatever forums you can attend. Um, I think it really makes a big difference to go into that voting booth informed and get out that vote. And thank you for reminding me about this walk because I think that the Evansdale neighborhood had two different uh dates and I think I need to make sure that they know which date. So, I will uh when I go home this evening, I will make sure that I am uh sending out emails so that they know that we have chosen because we chose that date a month ago and it's time for them to know which

date. Uh and I think that's all um that's all for me. Thank you. Thanks.

Um okay. Well, um happy uh National Police Week um Jean Bance Jr. day and um and municipal clerk's week. Um it's appropriate that this uh happens on public service uh week um because you know appreciate all of the service that you all do past and present. Um so thank you for that. Um congratulations to the Morgantown Mosaic Awardees. um super excited to see those projects uh getting started and and uh and and making Morgantown a more vibrant community. Um the uh reminder that the Ruby concert series kicks off a month from today. Um, I want to um thank take the opportunity to thank the Hazel Ruby McQueen uh Charitable Trust for their enduring support for that concert series and uh and also uh recognize the hard work of C cultural arts department and and staff uh for for uh for making that happen. Uh and also remind folks that it is uh that our concert series is uh nominated for the best outdoor concert series uh USA Today best outdoor concert series. Um so that vote uh folks can vote every day until May 11th. Um so uh please please do that. Please vote and help us uh bring that recognition to Morgantown. welldeserved recognition to Morgantown. Um, and uh, in uh, speaking of voting, uh, reminder that election day is coming,

primary election day is coming. Uh, on May 12th, early voting is available until May 9th. Um, you can vote at the the old mall for uh, the Mason Nixon Park. Um, last week we at committee of the whole we talked about economic development and um, and I just want to want to take the opportunity to recognize the the the the great opportunity that we have in Morgantown right now. Um, a lot of great discussion. I appreciate it. Um and and and I think you know we've got we've got great things in front of us with good policy focus and and some leadership. We uh the sky's is the limit for us in Morgantown. We've got so much that we can do. We live in such a a great community um that uh I'm really bullish on our future and uh look forward to working with you all um through these policy discussions to to to make it better. Um you know economic development isn't just one project or or event or announcement. It's a it's a system that we build around people like entrepreneurs, small businesses, property owners, institutions, and neighborhoods. And um last week we had bridging innovation in town, bridging innovation week in town. Um this week is small business week. Um, so please, uh, please get out and support your favorite small business, your second favorite small business, um,

your least favorite small business,

your least favorite small business, all the small businesses. We've got a bunch of great ones uh, in in in our city. Um, so um, I had the opportunity to lead u an opportunity tour uh through downtown. It was the the the third time with my good friend LJ Giuliani um uh with with with a a fairly fairly large group of folks that were interested in our community. Um showing off our spaces, listening to their ideas. Um so we have people that are willing to invest. Um we need to make that easy for them. Um, so, uh, you know, with, uh, with that, I think I'm done.

Okay, thanks. Sounds good.

Um, I want to highlight a couple of events. Uh, so the United Ways blue and gold mine sale uh, I'm sure a lot of people know um, is on the 7th, so get out and support that. It's also, um, a great time to buy a lot of cool stuff. So, um, also on the 9th, uh, May 9th is, um, Stamp Out Hunger. It's nation's largest, uh, food drive and you just put your non-p perishable items out by your mailbox and the mail carrier will pick it up and then it gets distributed to our local food pantries. Um, just make sure you don't put any prepared foods, produce, things that would not be good to be left outside for a long period of time um, out there. No cookies, Danielle. Um, so, uh, last thing I wanted to talk about was, um, at our last, uh, last week we had our public workshop related to fiscal sustainability. I think it's important that we have public forums on these uh, all kinds of topics, but this topic at all times. And uh but I think right now that that topic is especially relevant. Um Councelor DS and our own finance department as well as just our budget um are are reflecting on some concerning outlooks for our budget going forward. And I think this puts us in an uh awkward position as as counselors. one that you don't want to be in as a elected official where we aren't looking to increase revenue to grow or um to start new initiatives but to increase revenue to sustain our essential services is what we know of them now. Um and I think it's you know made even more awkward for us because we have at least to my mind underperformed sometimes on providing some of those basic services.

Um, I I also don't think our underperformance is at the level that the community perceives it to be, but I think that's also a failing of our city, right? That's a failure on us to provide an alternative narrative to what's out there. But that also makes it difficult for us to ask our constituents for more money when they feel like they're not receiving the level of service that they should expect from city government. But I also think that only gets worse as we don't act. Um, we already heard in that meeting something that struck me and I think several people who were there just kind of mountains of disinformation that was fed to local business owners. Um, most especially I heard that we were increasing the sales tax, doubling it, which we can't even do. Um, that the user fee was going up to $11 a week. Um, and that we were like fully defunding Bark. Um to be honest like that level and specificity of disinformation seemed like it was coming from some intentional place. But I mean whether it was or not. The fact is that those levels of disinformation are going to persist no matter what we do and they'll get significantly worse as we try to if we wait to pursue other revenue streams. like as our budget contracts, our city services will also contract and that'll feed into an even lower appetite for us to do what we have to do to stay solvent. So, I think at this moment, we have to have a backbone. We have to have the backbone to make sure that we address this now or we're going to plunge future city councils into a harder making harder decisions and looking at more cost savings and places that they don't want to do um that I don't want to do if I'm on council at that time. So, I I think yes, we'll look for cost savings. We'll look for streamlining and efficiency where it's available. Um, but without an adjustment to revenue streams, I think we're being

shortsighted and putting ourselves in a bad position. Um, I have trust right now that city management can hear this direction from council and ensure we have um more fiscal solveny and um that they're acting upon it. Um, but it's also like incumbent upon us, all of us in the seats to be expecting results in that area, be ready for accountability when needed, and be ready to make sure that we are being the best stewards of this city and our city services going forward. That will conclude my remarks. Thank you.

Thank you. I'm not going into anything that deep. Um, just wanted to thank the clerks for their work for the city. I know that they are a resource that council relies on quite a bit and Christine is always sunny and bright and um is a highlight of the day when you get to see her and chat with her. So, thank you and Nikki for what you do for the city and thanks to all of the city staff. I also had no idea that it was public service week. So, um, we'll have to see what we can pull together or something. I don't know. Uh, oh, Bridging Innovation Week. Yes, that was last week and I attended councelor D's um opportunity tour and had the opportunity to speak and attend a few different events. I uh got a note from Amber Ravenscraftoft, who is the director of the West Virginia entrepreneurship ecosystem. Um, thanks for joining Bridging Innovation Week. The energy was incredible, largely due to partners like you who made the week a truly collaborative effort. We appreciate Morgantown's leadership being involved in every aspect of the week. It's unprecedented and it does not go unnoticed. We look forward to continued opportunities to collaborate. Please share this with the full crew from the city of Morgantown who made this event possible. I know it was a team effort. So uh I am sharing with everyone in the city that um we heard a lot of good feedback I think from hosting bridging innovation week and look forward to more ways um the West Virginia entrepreneurship ecosystem as part of the West Virginia works um cohort that I have participated in and director Jerger has participated in when I was uh uh a little unavailable for a month or so, but um we look forward to the ongoing

partnerships with them and seeing how we can collaborate in the future. Um just a few upcoming events. The first arts walk of the season of not very many. So make sure you attend will be this Saturday from um I believe that starts at 11:00 downtown goes until 3 uh that's the 9th. On May 16th, Woodburn Association of Neighbors will have our bimonthly adopt a street cleanup beginning at 10:00 a.m. in Upper Whitmore Park behind Mario's Fishbowl. That same day, May 16th, from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m., will also be the first Moonlight Market of the season. Very excited for that. Uh the farmers market is back downtown. If you have not been, you missed two um chilly weeks. Hopefully those start to warm up and we get a lot of good attendance. I was there last week and did not seem to slow people down. They're very excited for the outdoor farmers market again. Um I councelor Selene and I discussed back in January a desire to bring back the Morgantown Fourth of July parade. I heard from administration today that that has tentatively been approved for the 4th of July at 400 pm. So, we look forward to continuing our preparations for that. I've kind of been on the break pedal until we were able to get that approved. So, I'm very appreciative of administration and uh Morgantown Police Department and public works who came together to find a way to allow that to happen. And we're very excited. Um more information and registration for that

will be coming out in the next few days. Just wanted to put a bug in your ear that we haven't talked about it a whole lot recently publicly, but we've been working behind the scenes and moving forward. I'm excited. Parades are one of those small town community building events that a lot of people look forward to and um happy to bring that one back. We get questions about it.

Are the kids leading the bike the way with the bike parade? I spoke to city staff member Drew Gatlin who also leads a few cycling groups in town and he has agreed that he and some friends would be willing to lead a cohort of children on bicycles to kick off the parade. So we will be working with that. Um currently looking for sponsors for maybe some bike decorations so we have can have a group bike decorating downtown before the parade. More information usually by the public safety building and I think I have some decorations left over from other years. So I think we will uh

councelor Selena is sponsoring councelor Seline will um add some things. I'm sure we'll get some donations and a sponsor would be lovely. But we're very excited. That was one of the first things when I said, "Let's bring back the Fourth of July parade." You and two or three other people said, "Only if there's a bike parade to lead it off." So, that is something that um I have behind the scenes been working on. Look forward to being able to speak about it more publicly now. So, kids, kids and kids and adults in the anyone who wants to decorate. So they can um some people have a tandem bike that they brought down before some adults and then

it's it's slightly downhill so fairly young children supervised by their appropriate adult can can kind of just kind of coast down High Street. It's very nice.

We look forward to working with the fire marshall and having a few floats. A few folks have already committed to that. Maybe some dancers, maybe some music. the sky's is the limit. We'll we'll see and it'll lead right into when the amphitheater opens for the Fourth of July celebrations there. So, we're very excited. Again, thank you to everyone at the city who played a part in making sure that that was um able to proceed and now I have a lot of work to do over the next two months. So, thank you for you and you and councelor DS have been instrumental so far and I'm sure we will uh continue. We can use as many people hands on decks.

It it makes a big difference for sure. Uh that is all that I have. I believe we have a brief executive session. Is there someone willing to read us into executive session? Uh, I would move that pursuant to West Virginia State Code section 69A4B2A, we move in and section 69A4B12 that we move into executive session to discuss personnel matters related to boards and commissions and potential or pending litigation. Second. Thank you. Yes. All right. We will take a short recess and enter executive session.