Morgantown public meetings in 2022
53 substantive meetings from 2022, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
BOPARC
The Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners met in executive session to discuss the acquisition or development of real estate in White Park. No public decisions or votes were recorded in the minutes.
- Entered executive session to discuss White Park real estate acquisition or development
Board of Zoning Appeals
The Board of Zoning Appeals granted a signage variance for Waterfront Place and approved a conditional use permit for a Class II Day Care at 3483 Collins Ferry Road. The day care approval includes specific conditions regarding enrollment limits and traffic safety.
- Approved October 19, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Approved amended findings of fact for Waterfront Place signage variance (unanimous)
- Granted signage variance for 1 & 2 Waterfront Place (unanimous)
- Accepted findings of fact for Zahan Day Care conditional use request (unanimous)
- Approved Conditional Use Permit for Class II Day Care at 3483 Collins Ferry Road with conditions on enrollment (max 6 children) and vision clearance (unanimous)
City Council
City Council approved a resolution supporting the legalization of community solar in West Virginia. The council also approved a contract for the Municipal Court Judge and tabled a new policy for conducting city council meetings.
- Approved resolution supporting legalization of community solar in West Virginia (5-0)
- Approved Municipal Court Judge contract (5-0)
- Tabled City Council Policy for City Council meetings (5-0)
- Approved December 6, 2022 regular and special meeting minutes (by acclamation)
City Council
The Common Council met with state senators and delegates to discuss 2023 legislative priorities. No formal votes or decisions were recorded during the session.
Human Rights Commission
The Commission approved a special meeting for January 5, 2023, to plan for Human Rights Day. Members discussed potential collaborations with MLK Day event organizers and the Community Coalition for Social Justice. No other substantive policy decisions were made.
- Approved October meeting minutes (3-1 abstention)
- Approved November meeting minutes (3-1 abstention)
- Approved special meeting for Human Rights Day planning on January 5, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. (unanimous)
Fairmont-Morgantown Housing Authority
The Board of Commissioners approved the 2023 annual budget, which includes a shift to a 60/40 employer-employee benefit split. The board also approved a one-time payroll adjustment for staff and authorized an investigation into whether a retired employee is eligible for the same payment.
- Approved November 16, 2022, minutes
- Approved financial reports for period ending October 31, 2022
- Approved 2023 Annual Budget (Resolution 2022-11)
- Approved one-time payroll adjustment for 2022 staff
- Approved investigation into eligibility of retired employee Judy Tate for one-time payroll adjustment
BOPARC
The Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners approved the financial report through the end of November. The board also received a presentation from the BOPARC Foundation regarding fundraising priorities and naming opportunities.
- Approved November financial report (unanimous)
Parking Authority
The Board unanimously approved a new Policy for Alternative Work Schedule. The Authority also terminated a purchase agreement for 132 South High Street due to environmental study findings.
- Approved Policy for Alternative Work Schedule (Unanimous)
- Terminated purchase agreement for 132 South High Street
- Approved November 10, 2022, meeting minutes (Unanimous)
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission unanimously approved three minor subdivision applications for properties on S. Walnut Street, Montrose Avenue, and Madison Avenue. Each approval included specific staff conditions regarding plat recording, utility approval, or zoning variances.
- Approved minor subdivision of 300 S. Walnut Street (unanimous)
- Approved minor subdivision/lot consolidation on Montrose Avenue (unanimous)
- Approved minor subdivision of 456 Madison Avenue (unanimous)
- Approved meeting minutes from November 10, 2022 (unanimous)
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission unanimously approved three minor subdivision applications. Each approval included specific conditions regarding plat recording, utility approvals, or required variances from the Board of Zoning Appeals.
- Approved minor subdivision for Free Methodist Church of Morgantown at 300 S. Walnut Street (unanimous)
- Approved minor subdivision (lot consolidation) for James Lee Stottlemyer on Montrose Avenue (unanimous)
- Approved minor subdivision for D and S Homes, LLC at 456 Madison Avenue (unanimous)
- Approved meeting minutes from November 10, 2022 (unanimous)
Woodburn Commission
The Commission voted to limit its membership to five voting members and allow tenants to have non-voting liaisons at public meetings. The body also reappointed John Trumble to the commission through 2025. Other updates included tenant lease renewals and a playground installation planned for spring 2023.
- Approved membership size of 5 voting members (unanimous)
- Approved allowing each tenant a non-voting liaison at public meetings (unanimous)
- Reappointed John Trumble to the commission until 2025
- Approved meeting minutes as presented
City Council
City Council met in executive session to consider new appointments for city boards and commissions. The council appointed three individuals to various roles.
- Appointed Michael Hasenmyer to BOPARC, Planning Commission Ward 3, and Urban Landscape Commission
- Appointed Annie Cronan-Yorick to Civilian Police Review & Advisory Board, Fire Code Board of Appeals, and Human Rights Commission
- Appointed Johnathon Trumble to Woodburn Commission
City Council
City Council approved an ordinance to purchase the Defense in Depth Training Center. The council also passed a resolution supporting greenhouse gas reduction and approved several utility system revenue bond resolutions. Decisions were made regarding vacant structure exemptions for three properties.
- Approved purchase of First Responder Training Center (4-3)
- Approved greenhouse gas reduction resolution (7-0)
- Approved exemption for vacant structure at 301 East Brockway Avenue through July 1, 2023 (7-0)
- Denied exemption for vacant structure at 2100 Listravia Avenue (7-0)
- Deferred exemption request for vacant structure at 400 Beechurst Avenue
- Approved 8 supplemental resolutions for Combined Utility System Revenue Bonds (7-0 each)
- Appointed/Reappointed members to Tree Board, Traffic Commission, Woodburn Commission, Planning Commission, Urban Landscape Commission, and Human Rights Commission
Police Civil Service Commission
The Commission certified three individuals for hire and declined certification for three others. The board also established a new schedule for entry-level testing and set the date for the next exam.
- Approved September 22, 2022, meeting minutes (3-0)
- Certified Shane Bourne, Alexander Boyles, and Jacob Stajnrajh for hire
- Declined certification for Tan Peterson, Wesley Baker, and Zachary Greene
- Set 2023 entry level exam for March 11, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. (3-0)
- Approved testing three times per year in March, June, and October
Human Rights Commission
The commission unanimously approved two nominations for the HRC Award. Members also discussed the city's 100% score on the Municipal Equality Index and potential coordination with city council for award proclamations.
- Nominated Ixia Vega for HRC Award (unanimous)
- Nominated Holler Health Justice for HRC Award (unanimous)
- Tabled acceptance of November 2022 minutes to next meeting
City Council
The Committee of the Whole meeting consisted primarily of presentations and public comments. No substantive votes were taken on the items discussed, though one resolution was scheduled for a future meeting.
- Moved Greenhouse Gas Reduction resolution to the December 6, 2022, Regular Meeting Agenda
- Entered executive session to discuss real estate acquisition or development in the First Ward
- Entered executive session to discuss potential or pending litigation
City Council
The Committee of the Whole meeting consisted primarily of presentations and public comments. No substantive votes were taken on the items discussed, and one resolution was deferred to a future meeting.
- Moved Greenhouse Gas Reduction resolution to December 6, 2022, Regular Meeting Agenda
- Entered executive session to discuss real estate acquisition or development in the First Ward
- Entered executive session to discuss potential or pending litigation
City Council
The Committee of the Whole discussed a resolution to achieve greenhouse gas reduction in support of the Paris Climate Agreement. The item was moved to the December 6, 2022, Regular Meeting Agenda. No other substantive decisions were recorded.
- Moved greenhouse gas reduction resolution to December 6, 2022 agenda
- Entered executive session to discuss real estate acquisition or development
- Entered executive session to discuss potential or pending litigation
City Council
The Common Council met in executive session to consider new appointments for city boards and commissions. The minutes list three individuals under the executive session section, but no formal votes or final appointment decisions are recorded.
- Entered executive session to discuss Board and Commission appointments (carried by acclamation)
Tree Board
The Tree Board approved the minutes from the October 24 meeting. Members discussed the Tree City USA application, upcoming invasive species removal on the Caperton Trail, and the need to update the approved street tree and shrub list.
- Approved October 24 meeting minutes (unanimous)
Fairmont-Morgantown Housing Authority
The Board approved the 2021 Annual Independent Audit and authorized the write-off of specific deficits from the CDBG and Housing Counseling programs. Financial reports for the period ending September 30, 2022, were also approved.
- Approved October 26, 2022, minutes
- Approved financial reports for period ending September 30, 2022
- Approved 2021 Annual Independent Audit
- Approved write-off of $80,224.00 under State/Local (CDBG program)
- Approved write-off of $54,102.00 under Housing Counseling Program
- Approved resumption of annual Angel Tree collection and Board match
- Agreed to schedule 2023 meetings per bylaws and cancel if no agenda items exist
Cultural Arts Commission
The Commission approved the August 2022 meeting minutes. Members discussed a variety of potential future arts and cultural programs and received a director's report on city facilities and staffing.
- Approved August 2022 minutes (5-0)
Ward & Boundary Commission
The commission approved the minutes from the September 13, 2022, meeting. No other substantive decisions were made, as the body discussed vacant seats and mapping tools.
- Approved September 13, 2022, meeting minutes (carried by acclamation)
City Council
Council approved the issuance of up to $29 million in lease revenue bonds for the renovation of the Morgantown Ice Arena and construction of a new swimming pool at Marilla Park. The city also awarded a $1,992,470 contract for the airport runway extension and approved updates to purchasing and tax ordinances.
- Approved up to $29M in lease revenue bonds for Ice Arena renovation and Marilla Park pool (7-0)
- Awarded $1,992,470 airport runway extension project to Cast & Baker Corporation (7-0)
- Approved ordinance amending City Code regarding Sale and Use Tax (7-0)
- Approved ordinances amending Section 121.04 Order of Procedure and Section 129.05 Purchasing Procedures (7-0)
- Tabled ordinance amending Section 121.24 Applicability of Robert’s Rules of Order (4-3)
- Approved letter of support for Health Right’s Harm Reduction Program (7-0)
- Reappointed Michael Mills to the Land Reuse & Preservation Agency Board by consensus
City Council
The council entered executive session to discuss new appointments for the Civilian Police Review & Advisory Board and the Morgantown Land Reuse & Preservation Agency Board. No formal votes or final appointment decisions were recorded in the minutes.
- Entered executive session to discuss board appointments (carried by acclamation)
Building Commission
The Building Commission approved a Bond Authorizing Ordinance to fund improvements to city recreational facilities. The funds are designated for the renovation of the Morgantown Ice Arena and the construction of a new swimming pool at Marilla Park.
- Approved Bond Authorizing Ordinance for up to $29,000,000 in lease revenue bonds (2-0)
Morgantown Utility Board
The board approved a contract for remediation services at the former Dinsmore Tire property. Members also reviewed a proposed plan for using Municipal Bond Reserves for water and sewer infrastructure projects to be presented to City Council.
- Approved contract to Greenbrier Environmental Group, Inc. for remediation services at former Dinsmore Tire property not to exceed $40,000 (Unanimous)
- Approved minutes for October 11, 2022 meeting (Unanimous)
Planning Commission
The commission approved a request to divide 216 and 220 Grandview Avenue into two parcels. The approval is subject to four staff-recommended conditions regarding utility letters, easements, and plat recording.
- Approved minor subdivision of 216 and 220 Grandview Avenue (All in favor)
- Approved meeting minutes from October 13, 2022 (All in favor)
- Entered executive session to discuss a new land use classification (All in favor)
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission approved a request to subdivide 216 and 220 Grandview Avenue into two parcels. The approval is subject to four staff-recommended conditions regarding utility letters, maintenance easements, and plat recording. The commission also entered an executive session to discuss a new land use classification.
- Approved October 13, 2022 meeting minutes
- Approved minor subdivision of 216 and 220 Grandview Avenue (MNS22-09) with four staff conditions
- Approved motion to enter executive session to discuss a new land use classification
Parking Authority
The board agreed to offer free parking for the weeks of Thanksgiving and Christmas, during which downtown meters will not be enforced and garage gates will remain up. The board also approved the minutes from the October 12, 2022, meeting.
- Approved October 12, 2022, meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Approved free downtown meter parking for Thanksgiving and Christmas weeks
- Approved keeping garage gates up during holiday free parking periods
BOPARC
The Board approved the lowest qualified bid for the demolition and replacement of the Dorsey’s Knob Lodge deck and adjacent amenities. The board also accepted the financial report through October. Staff provided updates on the White Park bridge project and a sewer line replacement project.
- Approved $174,500 bid from Accelerated Construction for Dorsey’s Knob Lodge Deck Replacement Project (unanimous)
- Approved October meeting minutes (consensus)
- Accepted financial report through end of October (unanimous)
Traffic Commission
The commission held a meeting where no formal decisions were made. Members discussed the Morgantown 311 Reporting system and scheduled votes on minutes, bylaws, and procedural guidelines for December.
City Council
City Council approved funding for cold shelter employees and advanced an ordinance for up to $29 million in lease revenue bonds for the Ice Arena and Marilla Park pool. Several board appointments were made, and a woodchipper purchase was approved. No action was taken on the First Responder Training Center proposal following public opposition.
- Approved $38,041 for cold shelter employee pay (7-0)
- Approved purchase of 2022 Vermeer Diesel Woodchipper Freight (7-0)
- Advanced $29M lease revenue bond ordinance for Ice Arena and Marilla Park pool to second reading (7-0)
- Approved reimbursement resolution for recreational facility costs (7-0)
- Advanced Sales and Use Tax ordinance (Article 733) to second reading (7-0)
- Advanced Robert’s Rules of Order ordinance (Section 121.24) to second reading (4-3)
- Approved ordinances amending Purchasing Procedures (129.05) and Order of Procedure (121.04) (7-0)
- Appointed 11 members to the Civilian Police Review & Advisory Board, Tree Board, Library Board, and Sister Cities Commission
City Council
City Council approved funding for cold shelter employees and advanced an ordinance for lease revenue bonds to renovate the Morgantown Ice Arena and build a new swimming pool. Several board appointments were made, and a woodchipper purchase was approved. No action was taken on the First Responder Training Center ordinance following a public hearing.
- Approved $38,041 for cold shelter employee pay (7-0)
- Approved purchase of 2022 Vermeer Diesel Woodchipper Freight (7-0)
- Advanced $29M lease revenue bond ordinance for Ice Arena and Marilla Park pool to second reading (7-0)
- Approved reimbursement resolution for recreational facility design and construction costs (7-0)
- Advanced ordinance amending City Code regarding Sales and Use Tax to second reading (7-0)
- Advanced ordinance amending Applicability of Robert’s Rules of Order to second reading (4-3)
- Approved ordinances amending Purchasing Procedures and Order of Procedure (7-0)
- Appointed 11 members to the Civilian Police Review & Advisory Board, Tree Board, Library Board, and Sister Cities Commission
Building Commission
The Building Commission approved a Bond Authorizing Ordinance to finance improvements to city recreational facilities. This includes the renovation of the Morgantown Ice Arena and the construction of a new swimming pool at Marilla Park.
- Approved August 2, 2022, and October 25, 2022, meeting minutes
- Approved ordinance to issue up to $29,000,000 in lease revenue bonds for the Morgantown Ice Arena renovation and a new swimming pool at Marilla Park (2-0)
Land Reuse and Preservation Agency
The agency approved the minutes from the August 25, 2022 meeting. No other substantive decisions were made during the session.
- Approved August 25, 2022 minutes
Woodburn Commission
The Commission approved providing in-kind basement storage space to Free Bikes 4 Kids. Members also agreed to a mural dedication date and requested a tree planting plan from the city. Maintenance updates were provided regarding the HVAC system, roof, and interior water leakage.
- Approved in-kind basement storage space for Free Bikes 4 Kids (unanimous)
- Approved mural dedication for November 5 at 9:30 a.m.
- Approved request for the Urban Landscape and Tree Board to provide a tree planting plan (unanimous)
Fairmont-Morgantown Housing Authority
The Board of Commissioners approved the financial reports for the period ending August 31, 2022, and the minutes from the September 21 meeting. The board also elected its leadership for the 2022-2023 term. Staff provided updates on housing voucher usage and the summer feeding program.
- Approved September 21, 2022, minutes (Roll Call Vote)
- Approved financials for period ending August 31, 2022, with date correction (Roll Call Vote)
- Elected Marcella Yaremchuk as Chairperson
- Elected Brian McAllister as Vice Chair
City Council
The Committee of the Whole discussed several ordinances and resolutions, moving all items to the November 1, 2022, Regular Meeting Agenda for official action. No substantive votes were taken on the proposed items during this meeting.
- Moved $29M lease revenue bonds for Ice Arena renovation and Marilla Park pool to Nov 1 agenda
- Moved reimbursement resolution for recreational facility costs to Nov 1 agenda
- Moved sales and use tax code amendment to Nov 1 agenda
- Moved purchasing procedures ordinance (Section 129.05) to Nov 1 agenda
- Moved Robert’s Rules of Order ordinance (Section 121.24) to Nov 1 agenda
- Moved order of procedure ordinance (Section 121.04) to Nov 1 agenda
City Council
The Common Council met in executive session to discuss new appointments for boards and commissions. The minutes do not record any formal votes or final decisions regarding the candidates.
- Entered executive session to discuss Board and Commission appointments
Building Commission
The Commission approved on first reading an ordinance to authorize lease revenue bonds for city recreational facility improvements. The projects include renovating the Morgantown Ice Arena and constructing a new swimming pool at Marilla Park.
- Approved first reading of Bond Authorizing Ordinance for up to $29,000,000 in lease revenue bonds (2-0)
Tree Board
The Morgantown Tree Board approved the minutes from its September 26 meeting unanimously. Members discussed 2023 goals, including improving community outreach through articles and fair presence, and heard updates on White Park replacement planting and Arbor Day success. No formal decisions were made on new business items.
- Approved September 26 meeting minutes as amended (unanimous)
Human Rights Commission
The Morgantown Human Rights Commission is holding a working meeting via Zoom. The body intends to establish goals and plans and schedule its next meeting.
- Setting of goals and plans
Human Rights Commission
The Human Rights Commission is holding a working meeting via Zoom. The agenda focuses on setting organizational goals and plans, as well as scheduling the next meeting.
- Set Goals and Plans
- Set next meeting
Human Rights Commission
The City of Morgantown Human Rights Commission is meeting to discuss the development of a Racial Equity Strategic Plan and an annual report. The body will also address the retirement of Commissioner Don Spencer and the future of the commission.
- Formation of Committee to Develop a Racial Equity Strategic Plan
- Review of Racial Equity Plan and Annual Report
- Discussion of Minority Liaisons Coordinating Council Guidelines
- Legislative Docket Review/Planning
- Proclamation honoring retiring commissioners
Land Reuse and Preservation Agency
The Board of Directors will hold elections for leadership positions including Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer. The meeting includes discussion regarding potential signage for 430 Spruce Street and the proposed FY22-23 Budget.
- 2022 Leadership Election (Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer)
- Potential signage for 430 Spruce Street (Spruce Center)
- Proposed FY22-23 Budget
- Executive Session regarding Property Acquisition/Development
Human Rights Commission
The Human Rights Commission will meet to review a proposed resolution on Just Transition requested by Del. Evan Hansen. The body will also discuss an anti-racism MEI initiative and the commission's annual report.
- Resolution on Just Transition requested by Del. Evan Hansen
- Anti-racism MEI Initiative
- Annual Report
- Volunteer Administrative Secretary Proposal
- Progress on Committee of Indigenous Peoples’ Day Resolution
Land Reuse and Preservation Agency
The provided agenda consists of encoded characters and does not contain legible text, names, or specific action items. It is procedural boilerplate or corrupted data.
Human Rights Commission
The Human Rights Commission will meet to review a resolution on Just Transition requested by Del. Evan Hansen. The body will also discuss an anti-racism MEI initiative and the commission's annual report.
- Resolution on Just Transition requested by Del. Evan Hansen
- Anti-racism MEI Initiative
- Annual Report
- Vol. Administrative Secretary Proposal
- Progress on Committee of Indigenous Peoples’ Day Resolution
Human Rights Commission
The commission will review the December 2021 minutes and receive updates on task lists and commissioner communications. The agenda includes a proposal for a volunteer administrative secretary and a resolution on Just Transition.
- Vol. Administrative Secretary Proposal
- Anti-racism MEI Initiative
- Resolution on Just Transition
- Committee of Indigenous Peoples’ Day Resolution progress
Land Reuse and Preservation Agency
The Land Reuse and Preservation Agency is meeting to elect 2022 leadership and review committee reports. The board will discuss or take action regarding potential signage for the Spruce Center at 430 Spruce Street.
- 2022 Leadership Election for Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer
- Discussion and/or action on potential signage for 430 Spruce Street (Spruce Center)
- Executive Session regarding property acquisition and development
Human Rights Commission
The regular meeting scheduled for January 20, 2022, was cancelled. The provided agenda is for a cancelled session.
Human Rights Commission
The Human Rights Commission will meet to review a proposed resolution on Just Transition requested by Del. Evan Hansen. The body will also discuss an anti-racism MEI initiative and the commission's annual report.
- Resolution on Just Transition requested by Del. Evan Hansen
- Anti-racism MEI Initiative
- Annual Report
- Proposal for a Volunteer Administrative Secretary
- Progress on Committee of Indigenous Peoples’ Day Resolution