City of Point Pleasant, WV

June 9, 2003

The Common Council of the City of Point Pleasant, a municipal corporation in Mason County, West Virginia, met in Regular session at the City Building, 400 Viand Street at 7:00 P.M. on Monday, June 9, 2003.

The following were found present:

                          C. Edward Woomer - Mayor
                          Marilyn L. McDaniel - Certified Municipal Clerk
                          James M. Casey - City Attorney
                          Harriett O. Nibert - Administrative Assistant

and the following members of City Council:

William H. Wallace         
M. Leota Sang     
Carol L. Jones    
Kevin R. Nott  
Elaine G. Hunt    
James W. Fetty 
Ronald R. Kapp
Robert C. Doeffinger 

Absent was Councilman Robert A. Messick.

The meeting was called to order by Mayor C. Edward Woomer who led Council in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.  City Clerk Marilyn L. McDaniel led Council in prayer.

Craig Hesson, Chairman of the Fort Randolph Committee, appeared before Council to give a presentation of things they have done in past years, things going on this year and an issue they would like to address to make a change.  A brief overview included hosting the Third Annual Siege of Fort Randolph, a historical drama of the murder of Chief Cornstalk.  Two summer seminars were held on  “Lighting the Frontier” and “Frontier Cooking”.  The fort plays host to a number of historical events throughout the year, including the encampment set up during the Battle Days Celebration, the Harvest Festival the last week in October and the 17^th Century English Civil War event (first ever in this area).  The re-enactors are very excited about coming back to our facility.  Numerous additions have been made to the fort over the past year with volunteer work, but larger projects such as replacing sections of the fort’s wall and cabins will have to be contracted.  The fort has been supported by grants and donations, but the committee believes it is time for the enterprise to generate some revenue to ensure its continued enjoyment by the public.  As a committee member and as a re-enactor, Mr. Hesson explained that in the past, he felt they didn’t have enough in the fort to charge a fee, but this year he thinks they have plenty for people to see.  The committee believes it has a lot to offer visitors and that asking for admission to the military outpost will aid in its growth.  Council Members agreed with the committee’s contention about the fort’s potential and suggested a $2 per person admission and a family or lifetime membership.  Mr. Hesson will discuss the figure with the committee, as well as the possibility of allowing free admission for children under a certain age.  Council Members also suggested the Fort Randolph Committee meet with other attractions in the area, including the Point Pleasant River Museum to pursue a package deal with their fee. The fort is now open Wednesday through Saturday from 10:00 A.M. until 4:00 P.M., and noon to 5:00 P.M. on Sunday.  Mr. Hesson was invited to attend the Mason County Tourism Meeting on Wednesday at 8:00 A.M.     

Police Chief Ronald D. Spencer reported that Larry R. Kendall, Director of the National Highway Safety Program, Huntington, WV, was unable to attend this evening, but will appear at the next Council meeting.  Chief Spencer advised that the Police Department has been working with Mr. Kendall on traffic safety education to secure grants on seat belts, DUI and overtime.  Mr. Kendall had previously presented Chief Spencer with a “Sniffer” for the Point Pleasant Police Department for their assistance.  A Sniffer is a rechargeable flashlight with an alcohol sensor (meter to detect the presence of alcohol) built within the instrument and the cost is $800 each.

Kevin Nott moved to go into Executive session to discuss Point Pleasant Riverfront Park Project finances with Chairman Darlene Haer.  Robert Doeffinger seconded and the motion was unanimously approved.

Upon motion by Robert Doeffinger, second by Kevin Nott, Council unanimously approved to go out of Executive session.

Ronald Kapp moved to approve a RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE REASONABLE EXPECTATION OF THE REIMBURSEMENT FOR CAPITAL EXPENDITURES IN CONNECTION WITH THE PLANNING, DESIGN, ACQUISITION, CONSTRUCTION AND EQUIPPING OF A RIVERFRONT/MARINA PARK COMPLEX MADE PRIOR TO THE ISSUANCE OF TAX EXEMPT BONDS for the West Virginia Economic Development Grant Committee due to the recent State Supreme Court Ruling.  Robert Doeffinger seconded and the motion was unanimously approved.

Upon the presentation of Darlene Haer, Point Pleasant Riverfront Park Project, Robert Doeffinger moved to approve three invoices: (a) Woolpert LLP Invoice No. 26-202115, dated May 30, 2003, in the amount of $4,250.00 (TEA-21 3^rd Year Federal Funding  and Savings Account to match); (b) J.D.& E., Inc. Pay Application #12 in the amount of $49,500.00 for time period 4/30/03 through 5/15/03, recommended payment by Woolpert LLP (2000 Transportation Enhancement Grant); and (c) Alan Stone Co., Inc. Pay Application #12 in the amount of $108,287.85 for time period 4/25/03 through 5/27/03, recommended payment by Woolpert LLP (1999 Transportation Enhancement Grant and Federal FY 2002 EDI Special Project Grant).  Kevin Nott seconded and the motion was unanimously approved.

The minutes of the Regular Council meeting of May 12, 2003, minutes of the Special Council meetings of May 19, 23, 27 and 30, 2003, copies of the General Fund, Water and Sewer, and Coal Severance Financial Statements of May 31, 2003, were presented to each Council Member and unanimously approved on motion by Robert Doeffinger, seconded by Carol Jones.

Ronald Kapp moved to pay the outstanding bills as presented on the Obligation Summary for May, 2003.  Carol Jones seconded and the motion was approved.

City Attorney James M. Casey presented the Waiver and Subordination Agreement by the City of Point Pleasant in favor of Main Street Apartments, Corp. and the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Project No. 045-HD-029-CA, as approved by Council at the May 12, 2003 meeting.

Attorney Casey reported the following:

    (a) The City of Point Pleasant has authorized Charles O. Lorensen, George & Lorensen P.L.L.C., to represent the City to resolve the claim for B&O Taxes with City National Bank.

    (b) The Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) would   require the City to contribute 10.5% for each employee, an increase from $1,300 to $5,000 per payroll.  Each employee’s share would be 4.5% and it is mandatory that all full time employees participate.  Once the City becomes a member of PERS it is always a member (defined benefit plan).  The City does not have a bid proposal as do some municipalities; the WVML advised to always bid the investments portions out and negotiate for the highest rate and practical service.  Council unanimously agreed to have the Finance Committee get the preferred pension plan from the WVML, define what type of plan they want and place legal advertisement in the newspaper,  then ask who would like to come and talk to us.

    (c) The contract with the Mason County Public Service District  (Camp Conley) is near completion for the sale of water and the language as recommended by Water Superintendent Dan Rodgers has been inserted.

Robert Doeffinger moved to approve the General Fund Budget Revision No. 3 for Fiscal Year 2002-2003 and to submit to the WV State Auditor for approval.  Ronald Kapp seconded and the motion was unanimously approved.  A copy is hereby attached to and made a part of these minutes.

Ronald Kapp moved to approve the Projected Water and Sewer Budgets for Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2004 and submit to USDA Rural Development (FmHA), Parkersburg, WV, and Water Development Authority (WDA), Charleston, WV, respectively.  Kevin Nott seconded and the motion was unanimously approved.

Upon the recommendation of Point Pleasant River Museum Foundation Director Jack Fowler, Robert Doeffinger moved to approve invoices for Haffelt’s Mill Outlet, Inc. @$960.00 and Thomas-Do-It-Center @$149.55, totaling $1,109.55; and submit to the Transportation Enhancement Program, West Virginia Department of Transportation ($60,000) for payment.  Ronald Kapp seconded and the motion was unanimously approved.

Ronald Kapp moved to approve the contract of EFI Actuaries, Edward H. Friend, President, for the Point Pleasant Policemen’s Pension & Relief Fund Actuarial Services for the 2002-2003 Fiscal Year.  William Wallace seconded and the motion was unanimously approved.

In reference to the plan with Xerox to obtain a free printer if you agreed to use a certain amount each month, Ronald Siders reported that an application was submitted and approved by Xerox. The new colored printer is located at the new Water Office and will be used to print the bills plus other items and will be a benefit to the City.

Progress Report for May, 2003, from the City’s Street, Sanitation, Maintenance, Floodwall, Shop, Water, Krodel Park Campground, Police Departments and City Inspector Stephen Williamson were presented to each Council member.

William Wallace received complaints of water over the Krodel Park Walking Trail near the highway.  Mayor Woomer advised that it is due to the rain and the trail has been repaired and the pump turned on.

James Fetty requested repairs to Neal Road and Krodel Park Road near the Fort.

Robert Doeffinger asked to verify that the sub-contractor is paying B&O Taxes in addition to the general contractor.  Accountant Ronald Siders advised that in his estimation the sub-contractors are in compliance.  He requested repair to a large pot hole in front of the Prestera Center on Main Street.  He reported tires on the roof of a building at the bottom of the bridge on Third Street and asked that they be removed because it is a harborage for mosquitoes and a pigeon roost.

Leota Sang suggested the City submit an entry in the “WVML All-Star Community Awards” to be presented during the League’s Annual Conference held August 21-23, 2003, at Stonewall Resort, Roanoke, WV.  The goal of this award is to recognize and encourage innovation and excellence in local government in West Virginia.  Ms. Sang advised that if Point Pleasant can be recognized in Charleston in any way it will be an asset when applying for grants or for other assistance to move forward.  She suggested that the tourism committee could apply for the City.

Upon Kevin Nott’s request for gravel in the new overflow area at Krodel Park Campground, Mayor Woomer advised that it has been dressed up twice and they will continue to build it up to prevent camper’s trailers from sinking lower into the ground.

James Wilson requested hauling gravel to the Harmon Park parking area (off Monroe Avenue) for a little league tournament.  Mayor Woomer advised that this area has been inspected and needs work done on the drainage before applying gravel.

Ronald Kapp received a call about the bottom between Lincoln and Madison Avenues and spraying for mosquitoes.  Mayor Woomer advised that the City has been spraying every Monday and Friday and the packets were started three months ago.

Mr. Kapp requested repairs to the sidewalk next to City Hall.  Upon Mayor Woomer’s request, Councilman Kapp will check with the contractor replacing the gas lines along Route 62 in front of the Mason County Library and inquire about repairing the damaged sidewalk/curb.

In reference to the Medal of Honor Park, Ronald Kapp reported that the flag pole will be installed, the marker is due to arrive tomorrow, and invoices have been submitted to the State for payment.  Harriett Nibert advised that the State has received the City’s extension request for the Medal of Honor Park grant money and they have assured her that they see no problem.

As Chairman of the Point Pleasant Sternwheel Regatta, William Wallace reported that the festival is scheduled for July 3-5, 2003:

     a) Wednesday, July 2, 2003, 7:00 P.M., the Regatta Queen Pageant will be held at the State Theatre with Heather Wood as Chairman.

     b) Thursday Night is the Annual Gospel Sing at 6:00 P.M. The entertainers for the evening are Charley Lily and Poor Side, followed by R&B Station.

     c) Friday, Fourth of July, is special with the Country Music Association Bluegrass Band of the Year (last year) performing at Tu-Endie-Wei Park and then the fireworks.  Jack Mayes is the organizer for additional acts.

     d) Girls Night Out is Saturday Night’s entertainment featuring local singers C. C. Tench and Ashton Ernst, and two performers who recently cut CDs in Nashville, Nina Sharp and Kara Click.  To complete the regatta after dark will be a laser show on a 30-foot screen staged by Laser Image Pro.

           A company in Clarksburg wants to get its name out here and will have a carnival midway on Main Street of inflatable toys for bouncing, crawling, climbing, mountain climb, obstacle course, bungee run and bounce house; and a tent with toys to purchase.  Funds are being raised for the event; sponsors have been generous and former Senator Oshel Craigo had previously increased the regatta budgeted funds from $3,000 to $5,000.  The events planned for the Fourth of July weekend are for the Mason County residents to enjoy.

Mayor Woomer presented Robert Doeffinger with a Certificate of Appreciation for his experience and expertise in the architectural design for the Tourism Center/Water Office which was dedicated on Wednesday, May 28, 2003.

On a motion made by Kevin Nott and seconded by Leota Sang, the meeting adjourned at 9:10 P.M.