City of Point Pleasant, WV

Mayor Wilson recognized Raymond G. Musgrave for being elected "President-General" of the National Society of Sons of the American Revolution (NSSAR). Mayor Wilson presented Mr. Musgrave with a Certificate of Appreciation and thanked him for the great job he did during the Battle Days celebration. Mayor Wilson then asked Mr. Musgrave to enlighten Council on the background of the NSSAR. Mr. Musgrave explained that the purpose of the organization was to keep alive the story of how this great nation came about. It is a historical and patriotic organization dedicated to the education of young and old alike to keep freedom and justice alive and well in our country. Mr. Musgrave added that the local chapter of the NSSAR is the largest in the state.

Mayor Wilson then recognized George A. Dowell of the Point Pleasant Housing Authority (PPHA). Mayor Wilson explained that the housing authority falls under the umbrella of the City and not many people knew that. He added that last year, the PPHA was graded and received the highest score in the nation. Mayor Wilson presented Mr. Dowell with a Certificate of Appreciation for his dedicated service to the City of Point Pleasant Housing Authority. Mr. Dowell stated he joined the PPHA in 1990 and it would probably come as a shock to most people to know that there are over 600 low-income housing units in Mason County. He added that the local units do not have the problems that are associated with them in larger cities.

Darlene Haer (Riverfront Park Project) presented Council with Pay Application #15 for J.D.& E. Inc. in the amount of $17,699.13 for work done at the riverfront park. Robert C. Doeffinger made the motion to pay part of the invoice from T-21 monies and Carol L. Jones gave the second. The motion passed unanimously. Ronald R. Kapp made a motion to pay the remainder of the invoice from the Small Cities Block Grant funds and Carol L. Jones added the second. The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Wilson asked for a motion to approve the minutes of Regular Council meeting of September 9, 2003 and the minutes of Special Council meeting on September 23, 2003. Robert C. Doeffinger made the motion to approve the minutes as corrected and Ronald R. Kapp gave the second. The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Wilson then asked for a motion to approve the Consolidated Financial Statements of the General Fund, Water and Sewer Fund, and the Coal Severance Fund of September 8, 2003. Ronald R. Kapp made a motion to approve the Financial Statements and Robert C. Doeffinger seconded the motion. In discussion about the budgeted amounts as compared to the actual amounts, Finance Director Ron Siders explained that there were 3 payrolls in September. Being no other discussion, the motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Wilson then asked for a motion to approve the Outstanding Obligations for September 2003. Ronald R. Kapp made a motion to approve and Robert C. Doeffinger seconded. There being no discussion, the motion was approved unanimously.

City Attorney James M. Casey stated that City Inspector Greg Walker had been to a seminar and brought back some information that would be helpful in dealing with distressed properties. It dealt with the enforcement agency and stressed the importance of proper documentation. Mr. Casey added that he was still trying to meet with a business owner that owes delinquent B & O taxes. He stated this problem should be resolved soon.

Attorney Casey stated that Mountaineer Gas Co. has a regulator enclosure on a 10x10 lease from the City. He added that the company would like to increase the lease to a 15x15 for the purpose of building a fence around it. Robert C. Doeffinger made a motion to expand the lease in exchange for payment of $2,500.00 and Elaine G. Hunt seconded. The motion passed with Ronald R. Kapp abstaining.

In closing, Attorney Casey that there had been some conflicting views with the Historic Landmark Commission and that those problems had been resolved. Robert C. Doeffinger added that it would be nice to simplify the process for citizens wanting to do work on their property that lies within the Historic District.

Next on the agenda was the City Clerk, Stanton D. Burdette. The first subject presented was the River Museum invoices for the month of September totaling $389.37. The motion to approve the invoices was made by Ronald R. Kapp, seconded by M. Leota Sang and was passed unanimously.

Mr. Burdette then said he had spoken with Jeremy Bryant of the fire department. Mr. Bryant felt the City owed the fire department back payments on a fire truck. Upon research by the City Clerk, it was found that the City did owe 3 quarters of payments for Fiscal Year 2001 in the amount of $1,446.00 per quarter. Robert C. Doeffinger made a motion to approve making payment to the fire department for the past due amount and Elaine G. Hunt seconded. In discussion, Robert C. Doeffinger stated he felt that the City was obligated to make the payment and suggested the fire department take part in the budget process so as not to be left out in the future. Being no other discussion, the motion was unanimously passed.

Next on the agenda was Mayor Wilson. He asked for a motion to approve a $1,500.00 donation to the Point Pleasant Artist Series. He explained that there had been money set aside in the budget to make this donation. M. Leota Sang made the motion and Elaine G. Hunt added the second. The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Wilson then asked for a motion to reimburse the Main Street Committee for costs incurred for the Riverfront Park Dedication. Carol L. Jones made the motion and Ronald R. Kapp added the second. The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Wilson then spoke about the H.C. Nutting Co.'s pre-meeting presentation regarding the regulation of cell phone towers within the city limits. Ronald R. Kapp made a motion to "enter into an agreement with the H. C. Nutting Co. to provide the service and to further enact an ordinance to allow the City to regulate the siting of cell phone towers within the City". Robert C. Doeffinger added the second and the motion passed unanimously.

The Mayor then told Council that the Zambelli Fireworks Co. had sent a letter stating the City would receive a 10% discount if fireworks were ordered before November 15.

Mayor Wilson stated that 26 businesses had signed up to have the City clean their parking lots with the street sweeper. This would be an extra source of income for the City. The Mayor also passed out information about a smaller sweeper that could be utilized at the Riverfront Park, as well as at Krodel Park and on smaller business parking lots.

The Mayor then stated that the DMV had asked about using an area at Harmon Park for the purpose of having a permanent parallel parking practice area. No action was taken on the request.

Mayor Wilson then discussed briefly a rental agreement from Haddad Riverfront Park in Charleston. He asked Council to review it and be ready to make any changes necessary so that the City might be able to use it for the Point Pleasant Riverfront Park.

Mayor Wilson then presented the recommendation from the Recreation Committee to set winter camping rates at Krodel Park at $200.00 per month. Ronald R. Kapp made the motion to adopt the rate including a Senior Discount. James W. Fetty added the second and the motion passed unanimously.

Next on the agenda were the Committee Reports. Ronald R. Kapp reported that the Water Committee had met and discussed the need for regular cleaning of the water wells. He also discussed the need for a utility truck and a dump truck for the water department. Discussion ensued on whether money was in the budget for maintenance of the wells. Finance Director Ron Siders said there was money built into the water budget for this purpose.

Elaine G. Hunt reporting on the Fire and Police Committee stated that the police department is having their newest car equipped to haul prisoners to the regional jail. Also, there have been 2 female auxiliary officers join the force. This will also help in the transporting of prisoners to the regional jail. She also stated that the department needed 6 bullet-proof vests and 2 additional officers. Further, she stated that the Police Chief felt there would be some grant money available to help offset the cost of the vests. Brian L. Billings asked if the City had sufficient staffing in the Police Department at this time. He stated that providing police protection to the residents of the City was of utmost importance. Mayor Wilson agreed and added that it was difficult to find qualified policemen and that he was comfortable with 9 police officers at this time. He also stated the auxiliary would be a help in police presence. After financial discussions, Carol L. Jones made a motion to purchase 6 bullet-proof vests at an approximate cost of $600.00 each. Elaine G. Hunt seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

Carol L. Jones, reporting on the Sanitation Committee, spoke of some concerns that residents had approached her about involving the usage of City trucks. The Mayor stated he would look into and address the situation. Ms. Jones then added that some sanitation employees had told her that they heard they would be put on 10 hour work-days. The Mayor stated he was looking into different ways to make the sanitation department more cost-efficient.

M. Leota Sang stated that the Beautification Committee had not met, but she asked that each Council Member look for homes in their ward to recommend for the Yard of the Month Award. She added, speaking on behalf of the Historic Landmark Commission, that they are in the process of replacing the markers on the Historic Walking Trail.

Elaine G. Hunt, reporting on the Emergency Ambulance Authority, informed about what the Authority does at it's meetings and invited Council to attend one of the quarterly meetings.

Mayor Wilson stated that the Mason County Commission had recently sent a letter requesting assistance in the resurfacing of the Ordinance Tennis Courts. Action will be taken at a letter date as the request did not arrive in time to be put on the agenda.

In closing, the City Clerk stated that the rules governing the use of the youth center and the clubhouse would need to be reviewed and updated before the end of the year.

Being no other business, Ronald R. Kapp made a motion to adjourn. Brian L. Billings seconded and being unanimously approved, the meeting adjourned at 10:15 pm.

_______________________________ James H. Wilson, Mayor

______________________________Stanton D. Burdette, City Clerk