City of Point Pleasant, WV

     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 march 8, 2004.

     Council member M. Leota Sang led Council in prayer. The meeting was called to order by Mayor James H. Wilson who led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.                 Mayor Wilson opened the meeting by introducing Darlene Haer of the Point Pleasant Riverfront Park Project. Ms. Haer explained that the 1ST disbursement of $538,481.80 from the $1.2 Million in grant money from the West Virginia Economic Development Authority had been applied for. The disbursement would go to pay off loans of $300,000.00 and $200,000.00 at Ohio Valley Bank and BB&T Bank respectively, as well interest on the loans. The remainder of the disbursement would be used to pay an outstanding obligation due the Alan Stone Co., Inc. Ms. Haer went on to say that the Riverfront Park Committee had met to discuss the "Alternates and Additions" that the remainder of the TEA-21 and WVEDA grant money would be spent on. She added that the figures provided were only estimates based on bids that had been received at the beginning of the project. In closing, Ms. Haer explained that another grant for $100,000.00 had been applied for through the National Park Service Land and Water Conservation Program.             Mayor Wilson then asked for a motion to approve the minutes of the Regular Council meeting of February 9, 2004, Consolidated Income (Financial) Statement of the General, Water and Sewer, Coal Severance Funds and the Outstanding Obligations for the month of February 2004. Ronald R. Kapp made a motion to approve and Kevin R. Nott seconded.  The motion passed with M. Leota Sang abstaining.              Next on the agenda was City Attorney James M. Casey. Mr. Casey had to be out of town but Municipal Judge Jeremy Vickers was present to answer any questions. Mr. Vickers presented a report from the attorney's office. Mr. Vickers explained that Ms. Gygax had signed necessary legal documents and contract allowing the City to acquire Suncrest Cemetery. Ronald R. Kapp made a motion to accept the contract and Robert C. Doeffinger added the second. The motion passed unanimously. Mr. Vickers added that there was approximately $7,000.00 in the cemetery fund and that it could be transferred to the City soon.             Mr. Vickers then presented a Demolition Lien on a property located at 1409 Ohio Street from where the City had removed a house. The lien was for the costs the City incurred ($5,228.65) in removing the house. Robert C. Doeffinger made a motion to file the lien and affidavit and William H. Wallace added the second. The motion passed unanimously.             Mr. Vickers also stated that a contract between the City and the Mason County Public Service District had been completed. This would allow the City to provide Technical Assistance to the District for one year for an amount of $7,200.00. The contract would still have to be approved by the Public Service Commission. Robert C. Doeffinger made a motion to enter into the contract and Ronald R. Kapp added the second. The motion passed unanimously.             Mr. Vickers then presented the proposed amendment to the Yard Sale Ordinance. The Mayor explained that the second reading would be held at the next meeting.             Next on the agenda was the City Clerk, Stanton D. Burdette. He presented invoices for the River Museum totaling $2,219.38. Ronald R. Kapp moved to pay the invoices and Kevin R. Nott added the second. The motion passed unanimously.             Mr. Burdette then presented an amendment to Article 4 of the 1972 Zoning Ordinance and Article 1309.01.48 of the Codified Ordinances of Point Pleasant. This would amend the language and definition of "Home Occupation". Mr. Burdette explained that this amendment came from the workshops held with the Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals and City Council. Ronald R. Kapp made a motion to adopt the 1ST reading of the amendment with right to amend. Robert C. Doeffinger added the second and the motion passed unanimously.             Next on the agenda was Mayor Wilson. The Mayor said that he had been looking into leasing vehicles. At the present time, Police Chief Ronnie Spencer is getting prices on leasing a police cruiser. The Mayor added that there was money in the budget for this.             The Mayor explained that the City is in negotiations with a contractor for disputed work done at the Riverfront Park and he would update Council as developments occur. The Mayor said that he had been approached by someone wanting to lease the old concession stand at Krodel Park to sell concessions. The Mayor added he had contacted the City Attorney regarding this matter. Finance Director Ron Siders added that it would have to be let out to bid.      The Mayor asked for a motion to purchase a plaque to be installed at the River Museum in reference to the Hartley's donation of the building housing the museum.              In committee reports, the Mayor stated that the finance committee had not met. M. Leota Sang stated that the beautification committee had met but only 2 members were present.             In Council concerns, William H. Wallace stated that he felt it was time to get started on the North Point Pleasant Drainage Project, even if only a small portion could be done so the citizens could see what the drainage ditch or waterway would look like. Mr. Wallace added that he had spoke to Darlene Haer of the Riverfront Park Committee and reminded her that a portable stage had been requested by the regatta committee. This was to be funded from the $1.2 million bond money. Mr. Wallace also added that the County Ministerial Association would be sponsoring a patriotic musical program at the riverfront park Sunday July 4TH during regatta.    James W. Fetty requested that the signs at Krodel Park pertaining to ice-fishing and walking on the ice be repaired or replaced. He stated that several people had been skating, walking or fishing on the ice and this created a liability to the City.    M. Leota Sang stated that she had been talking with individuals involved with the "Save the State Theater Committee". She added that anyone wanting to become involved should contact Nancy Mayes. Robert A. Messick said that citizens of his ward had asked about the possibility of getting some streets paved. The Mayor noted the request and expressed financial concerns. Ronald R. Kapp stated the Planning, Zoning, and Council workshops were making progress in revising some of the zoning ordinances.    Elaine G. Hunt stated she was also approached about getting the City involved with the State Theater Project. Ms. Hunt asked if the Jackson Foundation might be able to help with the project. Ms. Hunt also voiced concern about the many potholes in the streets. She also asked if there had been any major concerns with the employees regarding the new sanitation schedules. The Mayor stated that the schedule would reduce overtime wages and added the employees probably would not like it. Ms. Hunt added that if saved money, we should look at other departments also. She also asked if transporting the prisoners to the regional jail had caused any problems.    The Mayor then spoke about the problems associated with yard sales within the City. He stated that the City staff had been working to update the existing ordinance (705.01) regulating yard sales. The updated ordinance would require a fee of $5.00 to get the permit. Ronald R. Kapp made a motion to approve with right to amend the 1ST reading of an ordinance to amend ordinance (705.01). Robert A. Messick added the second. The motion passed unanimously after a short discussion. William H. Wallace added that it might be a good idea to have a weekend when no fees would be charged.    Being no other business, Ronald R. Kapp made a motion to adjourn. M. Leota Sang seconded and being unanimously approved, the meeting adjourned at 9:30 pm.  

_______________________________ James H. Wilson, Mayor______________________________Stanton D. Burdette, City Clerk 

     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 march 8, 2004.

     Council member M. Leota Sang led Council in prayer. The meeting was called to order by Mayor James H. Wilson who led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.                 Mayor Wilson opened the meeting by introducing Darlene Haer of the Point Pleasant Riverfront Park Project. Ms. Haer explained that the 1ST disbursement of $538,481.80 from the $1.2 Million in grant money from the West Virginia Economic Development Authority had been applied for. The disbursement would go to pay off loans of $300,000.00 and $200,000.00 at Ohio Valley Bank and BB&T Bank respectively, as well interest on the loans. The remainder of the disbursement would be used to pay an outstanding obligation due the Alan Stone Co., Inc. Ms. Haer went on to say that the Riverfront Park Committee had met to discuss the "Alternates and Additions" that the remainder of the TEA-21 and WVEDA grant money would be spent on. She added that the figures provided were only estimates based on bids that had been received at the beginning of the project. In closing, Ms. Haer explained that another grant for $100,000.00 had been applied for through the National Park Service Land and Water Conservation Program.             Mayor Wilson then asked for a motion to approve the minutes of the Regular Council meeting of February 9, 2004, Consolidated Income (Financial) Statement of the General, Water and Sewer, Coal Severance Funds and the Outstanding Obligations for the month of February 2004. Ronald R. Kapp made a motion to approve and Kevin R. Nott seconded.  The motion passed with M. Leota Sang abstaining.              Next on the agenda was City Attorney James M. Casey. Mr. Casey had to be out of town but Municipal Judge Jeremy Vickers was present to answer any questions. Mr. Vickers presented a report from the attorney's office. Mr. Vickers explained that Ms. Gygax had signed necessary legal documents and contract allowing the City to acquire Suncrest Cemetery. Ronald R. Kapp made a motion to accept the contract and Robert C. Doeffinger added the second. The motion passed unanimously. Mr. Vickers added that there was approximately $7,000.00 in the cemetery fund and that it could be transferred to the City soon.             Mr. Vickers then presented a Demolition Lien on a property located at 1409 Ohio Street from where the City had removed a house. The lien was for the costs the City incurred ($5,228.65) in removing the house. Robert C. Doeffinger made a motion to file the lien and affidavit and William H. Wallace added the second. The motion passed unanimously.             Mr. Vickers also stated that a contract between the City and the Mason County Public Service District had been completed. This would allow the City to provide Technical Assistance to the District for one year for an amount of $7,200.00. The contract would still have to be approved by the Public Service Commission. Robert C. Doeffinger made a motion to enter into the contract and Ronald R. Kapp added the second. The motion passed unanimously.             Mr. Vickers then presented the proposed amendment to the Yard Sale Ordinance. The Mayor explained that the second reading would be held at the next meeting.             Next on the agenda was the City Clerk, Stanton D. Burdette. He presented invoices for the River Museum totaling $2,219.38. Ronald R. Kapp moved to pay the invoices and Kevin R. Nott added the second. The motion passed unanimously.             Mr. Burdette then presented an amendment to Article 4 of the 1972 Zoning Ordinance and Article 1309.01.48 of the Codified Ordinances of Point Pleasant. This would amend the language and definition of "Home Occupation". Mr. Burdette explained that this amendment came from the workshops held with the Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals and City Council. Ronald R. Kapp made a motion to adopt the 1ST reading of the amendment with right to amend. Robert C. Doeffinger added the second and the motion passed unanimously.             Next on the agenda was Mayor Wilson. The Mayor said that he had been looking into leasing vehicles. At the present time, Police Chief Ronnie Spencer is getting prices on leasing a police cruiser. The Mayor added that there was money in the budget for this.             The Mayor explained that the City is in negotiations with a contractor for disputed work done at the Riverfront Park and he would update Council as developments occur. The Mayor said that he had been approached by someone wanting to lease the old concession stand at Krodel Park to sell concessions. The Mayor added he had contacted the City Attorney regarding this matter. Finance Director Ron Siders added that it would have to be let out to bid.      The Mayor asked for a motion to purchase a plaque to be installed at the River Museum in reference to the Hartley's donation of the building housing the museum.              In committee reports, the Mayor stated that the finance committee had not met. M. Leota Sang stated that the beautification committee had met but only 2 members were present.             In Council concerns, William H. Wallace stated that he felt it was time to get started on the North Point Pleasant Drainage Project, even if only a small portion could be done so the citizens could see what the drainage ditch or waterway would look like. Mr. Wallace added that he had spoke to Darlene Haer of the Riverfront Park Committee and reminded her that a portable stage had been requested by the regatta committee. This was to be funded from the $1.2 million bond money. Mr. Wallace also added that the County Ministerial Association would be sponsoring a patriotic musical program at the riverfront park Sunday July 4TH during regatta.    James W. Fetty requested that the signs at Krodel Park pertaining to ice-fishing and walking on the ice be repaired or replaced. He stated that several people had been skating, walking or fishing on the ice and this created a liability to the City.    M. Leota Sang stated that she had been talking with individuals involved with the "Save the State Theater Committee". She added that anyone wanting to become involved should contact Nancy Mayes. Robert A. Messick said that citizens of his ward had asked about the possibility of getting some streets paved. The Mayor noted the request and expressed financial concerns. Ronald R. Kapp stated the Planning, Zoning, and Council workshops were making progress in revising some of the zoning ordinances.    Elaine G. Hunt stated she was also approached about getting the City involved with the State Theater Project. Ms. Hunt asked if the Jackson Foundation might be able to help with the project. Ms. Hunt also voiced concern about the many potholes in the streets. She also asked if there had been any major concerns with the employees regarding the new sanitation schedules. The Mayor stated that the schedule would reduce overtime wages and added the employees probably would not like it. Ms. Hunt added that if saved money, we should look at other departments also. She also asked if transporting the prisoners to the regional jail had caused any problems.    The Mayor then spoke about the problems associated with yard sales within the City. He stated that the City staff had been working to update the existing ordinance (705.01) regulating yard sales. The updated ordinance would require a fee of $5.00 to get the permit. Ronald R. Kapp made a motion to approve with right to amend the 1ST reading of an ordinance to amend ordinance (705.01). Robert A. Messick added the second. The motion passed unanimously after a short discussion. William H. Wallace added that it might be a good idea to have a weekend when no fees would be charged.    Being no other business, Ronald R. Kapp made a motion to adjourn. M. Leota Sang seconded and being unanimously approved, the meeting adjourned at 9:30 pm.  

_______________________________ James H. Wilson, Mayor

______________________________Stanton D. Burdette, City Clerk