J. Glenn Long led Council in Prayer. The meeting was called
to order by Mayor James H. Wilson who led Council in the Pledge of
Allegiance.
Mayor Wilson then excused himself from the next portion of
the meeting due to having personal financial involvement. He turned the
meeting over to City Clerk, Stanton D. Burdette. Mr. Burdette stated
that the issue before Council was a zoning issue that had been tabled at
the December Council Meeting. Clerk Burdette then asked City Inspector
Greg Walker to review the proceedings surrounding the zoning change
request. Mr. Walker explained that CWF,LLC was the property owner of
1716 Jefferson Boulevard and the adjacent lots and that it was presently
zoned R-2. The petition asked that the property be rezoned to B-2 so
that it could be sold to Farmers Bank and Savings Company who would then
construct a bank on the property. Mr. Walker stated that the Planning
Commission had met since the last Council Meeting to hear input from the
citizens and make a recommendation to Council. He explained that the
Planning Commission had given its approval of the zoning change request.
Ronald R. Kapp then made a motion to accept the Planning
Commission’s recommendation to approve the zoning change of the
property owned by CWF,LLC in order that the property may be sold to
Farmers Bank for the purpose of building a new bank. William H. Wallace
added the second to the motion. In discussion, Robert C. Doeffinger
asked if this would be an Ordinance change that would require three
readings. City Attorney James M. Casey stated that it was a modification
upon recommendation by the Planning Commission. William H. Wallace
stated that he felt a bank would be less intrusive than building several
small low-income housing units. He added that he thought the bank would
be a good thing for the City because of job creation and construction
taxes. Carol L. Jones stated that a decision should not be taken lightly
as many residents’ lives could be adversely affected. Robert C.
Doeffinger asked if the bank would absolutely not consider other
properties. Mr. Groves, of Farmers Bank, stated that the bank had not
found any other suitable properties within the City. Ronald R. Kapp
stated that he was definitely against spot-zoning in residential
neighborhoods. He added, however, that there was a business on this
particular property for several years. Also, he stated that if the City
was to grow and promote a business atmosphere that the City would have
to allow businesses to locate along the main thoroughfare through the
City. M. Leota Sang stated that the previous business was a greenhouse
that was on the rear of the property. She added that she felt this would
just be the beginning of many zoning change requests along this highway.
Robert C. Doeffinger stated that if a bank were constructed on the
property, it could substantially change the whole structure of the
neighborhood. He stated that it would be a high volume drive-thru type
of business similar to a convenient store. He added that he felt
zero-lot line high density housing, similar to upscale condos, was the
most suitable use of the property. Gary Cotton, one of the property
owners, answered stating that they had pursued the multiple dwelling
option but no interest was shown. Robert Crush, neighboring property
owner, stated that the zoning change would substantially affect his
daily life especially with regards to noise and traffic congestion. Gary
Cotton, property owner, stated that there would not be any more traffic
as there would have to be a population increase to create more traffic.
As there was no more discussion and no others wishing to be heard, Clerk
Burdette called for a vote on the motion before Council to accept the
Planning Commission’s recommendation to approve the zoning change of
the property owned by CWF,LLC in order that the property may be sold to
Farmers Bank for the purpose of building a new bank. The vote was 5-5
with Nott, Fetty, Kapp, Long, And Wallace voting in favor of the
request. Those voting in opposition to the request were Billings,
Doeffinger, Sang, Hunt and Jones. Clerk Burdette stated that all parties
involved had valid points to their argument. Further, he stated that the
City would like to have Farmers Bank locate in the City and that the
City would help the bank if at all possible. He added however, that he
would like to see the bank exhaust all options and possibly rehabilitate
or improve an existing business location before disrupting a residential
area. Clerk Burdette then cast the deciding vote denying the request
with final vote of 6-5. The Mayor was asked to rejoin the meeting.
Mayor Wilson asked for a motion to approve the minutes of the
Regular Council meeting of December 14, 2004. J. Glenn Long made a
motion to approve and Ronald R. Kapp added the second. The motion to
approve passed unanimously. The Mayor then asked for a motion to approve
the Consolidated Income (Financial) Statement of the General, Water and
Sewer and Coal Severance Funds for the month of December 2004. Robert C.
Doeffinger made a motion to approve and Brian L. Billings added the
second. Being no discussion, the motion passed unanimously. The Mayor
then asked for a motion to approve the Outstanding Obligations for the
month of December 2004. Robert C. Doeffinger made the motion and Ronald
R. Kapp added the second. Being no discussion, the motion passed with a
vote of 9-1 with Carol L. Jones opposed.
Next on the agenda was City attorney James Casey. Mr. Casey
stated that the Riverfront Park Arbitration was tentatively scheduled
for February 24 & 25, 2005. The Mayor stated that Woolpert,LLC had
been talking to the Alan Stone Co. about letting them start working to
correct electrical deficiencies with their portion of the contract. This
might also expose some of the problems that are alleged to be present in
The J.D.& E. Co.’s electrical portion of the contract. Mr. Casey
also explained that he had been in contact with the City of Charleston
about a program offering a driving class to individuals with traffic
violations. Mr. Casey stated that if a person had a municipal traffic
violation, they would be allowed to attend a one-hour driving class and
pay the City for the class. The City would not turn the violation in to
the Department of Motor Vehicles and therefore the citizen would have no
points added to his driving record.
Next on the agenda was City Clerk Stanton D. Burdette. Clerk
Burdette stated that work was continuing on the outside stairway at the
River Museum. Mr. Burdette asked for a motion to pay the museum invoices
up to a maximum of $1,200.00 as some invoices had not yet been received.
Ronald R. Kapp made the motion to pay the invoices and M. Leota Sang
added the second. The motion was approved unanimously.
The Clerk stated that the proposed budget was due by March 7.
He encouraged Council to attend the budget workshop scheduled for
January 27th at 7:00 P.M. The Mayor stated that reminders
would be sent out.
Next on the agenda was Mayor Wilson. The Mayor reported that
inquiries had been made to the City in regards to renting out the mobile
stage. William H. Wallace stated that he would check with the
manufacturer to try to get an idea of what the stage should rent for.
The Mayor stated that he had been in contact with the Law
Firm of Steptoe & Johnson regarding the sale of bonds to finance
street paving. He said their representatives would be willing to meet
with Council to look at the finances to decide which may be the best way
to fund the projects.
The Mayor then presented a Resolution to Authorize
Application for $10,000.00 in Local Economic Assistance Grant Funds for
construction/installation of outside stairs at the Point Pleasant River
Museum. J. Glenn Long made the motion to approve the Resolution and
Ronald R. Kapp added the second. The Resolution was passed unanimously.
The Mayor stated that plaques had never been installed at the
River Museum, Medal of Honor Park, Riverfront Park and Oshel B. Craigo
Amphitheater. He added that the cost of the plaques would be
approximately $3,000.00. Brian L. Billings moved to purchase the plaques
and Robert C. Doeffinger added the second. The motion passed
unanimously.
The Mayor then reported that the fireworks display was
previously scheduled for July 2nd with a rain date of July 3rd.
He explained that another rain date would have to be chosen as the July
3rd date was not available. After some discussion, William H.
Wallace made a motion to have Labor Day as the rain date for the
display. Robert C. Doeffinger added the second and the motion was passed
unanimously.
The Mayor stated that the Annual Sleighbell Ball would be
held on January 29th at the Moose Lodge and the City had
$1,500.00 in the budget for the annual donation. The Mayor added that he
had complimentary tickets for the function if members of Council would
like to attend.
The Mayor then recognized Scott Perfater of the Burgess &
Niple engineering firm. Mr. Perfater was present to present information
on the North Point Pleasant Drainage project. Previously, Council had
selected Burgess and Niple to do preliminary work on the project. Mr.
Perfater presented a Professional Agreement
for services rendered on the project. Mr. Perfater explained that
there had been studies done previously on this project but little was
addressed as far as how to fund the project. He explained that the best
choice for funding the project was by classifying it as a combined
sewer/water separation project. He added that the City could also start
a Storm Water Utility which would allow the City to charge a Storm Water
Fee to all citizens within the watershed. He added that some other
municipalities have done this and charge approximately $1.50 per month
to pay for such projects. Mr. Perfater explained that the fee charged by
Burgess & Niple for services rendered through Section II (Storm
Water Utility Development Assistance) would be $8,900.00. He added that
Burgess & Niple would be flexible on how and when the City would
make payment. Robert C. Doeffinger made a motion to authorize the Mayor
to sign the agreement in the amount of $8,900.00 to get the project
moving forward. Ronald R. Kapp added the second and the motion passed
unanimously.
In closing, the Mayor stated that Council would have to make
some decisions as to how some of these projects were going to be funded.
He stated that fees charged for services were the only way that the City
had to generate income and that raising fees was the only way to
increase revenue. He added that with increasing costs facing the City,
he felt there would have to be some rate increases proposed. In closing,
the Mayor urged every Council Member to participate in the upcoming
budget workshops to help plan for the upcoming fiscal year.
In Council concerns, J. Glenn Long added that there were
potholes on Maxwell and Mason Boulevards that needed to be repaired.
Robert C. Doeffinger stated that the new car wash needed to
remove their temporary sign. Also, he stated that he had heard several
complaints about the water draining out on Viand Street. He stated that
the old Yeager House was still in a state of complete disrepair. He
added that there was a rat problem developing in the Main Street area
also. The Mayor stated that he would contact the Health Department about
the problem. In closing, Mr. Doeffinger reminded the Mayor about the
utility pole holes in the sidewalk that needed to be grouted on Main
Street.
Elaine G. Hunt asked that the Health Department also be
notified as to the condition of the old bowling alley property. She
stated that she felt it is a real health concern especially with the
close proximity to schools and day-care centers. Ms. Hunt also asked if
the City’s water had been tested for the contaminant C-8 produced and
released into the waters by a chemical company.
Ronald R. Kapp stated that the 911 Center was looking at
relocating into a new facility. Mr. Kapp made a motion that the Mayor be
authorized to send a letter to the County Commission requesting that the
emergency vehicles still be housed within the City to better serve the
residents. Carol L. Jones added the second and the motion passed
unanimously.
Carol L. Jones asked why the camper had not been moved from
Lincoln Avenue. The Mayor stated he would check with City Inspector as
to what the Codified Ordinance said in regards to camper storage.
Kevin R. Nott stated that there was a car parked in the ditch
on Neal Road. The Mayor stated that he would have police department
check out the car.
There being no other business, J. Glenn Long moved to adjourn
the meeting and Brian L. Billings added the second. The meeting was
adjourned at 8:50 P.M. by unanimous vote.
_______________________________ James
H.
Wilson,
Mayor
______________________________Stanton
D.
Burdette,
City
Clerk
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