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 City Hall, 400 Viand Street at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, March 10, 2008.                                        

Marshall Bonecutter led Council in prayer. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Marilyn L. McDaniel who led Council in the Pledge of Allegiance.

OUTSIDE DELEGATION

Darlene Haer / Riverfront Park – Appeared before council about an invoice and letter sent to City Clerk Brian Billings from Troy Sampson/Estimator for the Alan Stone Company.  The invoice was for $12,004.09, in reference to Invoice #22 – revised on the Riverfront Park Contract 2 Phase 2.  Invoice #22 was originally submitted to show the B&O taxes and the balance of Contract 2 Phase 2 monies due. The monies due for work have been paid, but the monies for the B&O tax have not been.  Preparing for a year end audit, showed that not all of Invoice #22 was paid, therefore, Invoice #22 – Revised was created to clarify the invoice to close out the project.  According to Mr. Sampson’s letter former Mayor James Wilson called him and stated that the Alan Stone Co., Inc. will need to pay the B&O taxes on monies received and just bill the City of Point Pleasant accordingly.  The letter further stated that the Alan Stone Co., Inc. has paid all B&O taxes due and therefore request consideration for Invoice #22 – Revised.  Darlene explained to council the Riverfront Park checking account had a balance of $4,121.63.  She asked the council to make up the difference for the revised Invoice #22 in the amount of $7,882.46.  Upon the recommendation Robert Doeffinger made the motion to pay the difference and Leota Sang added the second and the motion passed.  Sam Juniper then made a motion to table with Gary Cotton securing the second. Councilman Juniper stated he wanted to review the issue and the obligation of the city to pay.  Haer also advised council of the “2007 Physical Year Community Participation Grant” of $25,000.00.  This is to continue development of the “Battle of Point Pleasant” mural at the Riverfront Park.  Finally Haer asked the City of Point Pleasant to pass a final resolution accepting the conditions of the contract and authorize the mayor to sign it.

Jane Coles/”Point Pleasant in Bloom” – Advised council of colors they would like to use and upcoming plans to plant flowers in various locations.  Council members were advised that the Tu-Endie-Wei Garden Club also has decided to sponsor a Business of the Month similar to their current Yard of the Month.

John McCoy/Movie – Spoke to council on the filming of the independent movie “Diamond in the Sky”, that will have some scenes filmed in the city and the county.  McCoy asked for usage of (2) city police cruisers because of the retro look.  All expenses for use of the cruisers and officers will be paid by the filming company.  Marshall Bonecutter made the motion for the usage of (2) cruisers and all expenses paid by the filming company and was seconded by Elaine Hunt and the motion was unanimously approved. 

Police Chief Ernie Watterson/Police Department – Chief Watterson appeared before council asking to purchase (2) camera’s for inside the cruisers and (2) in car computers.  Watterson said the department had received two grants that would pay for the equipment.  The cost for the camera’s was $7,790.00, and the cost of the computers $3,600.00.  The grants were from the Governor’s Highway Safety Program.  Robert Doeffinger made the motion to purchase and Elaine Hunt gave the second and the motion was approved.  Watterson also asked council for a recommendation to the Point Pleasant Police Civil Service Board. 

Councilman Juniper made a recommendation for Ronald Kapp (D) to serve on the board and his motion was seconded by Linda Smith and the motion was approved.

Hern-Young/Rezoning Request – Mr. Hern and his daughter Erma Young appeared before council on the request to have their property at 2407 Lincoln Avenue rezoned from R-2 (Residential) to B-2 (Business).  Jack Coles of the Planning Commission spoke and advised that the commission had voted against the rezoning. After much discussion Sam Juniper made a motion to table the rezoning request and have the city attorney research the issue and report back to council.

G&M Fuel Company/Rezoning Request – No action was taken on this request.  The public hearing prior to the council meeting was canceled.

PUBLIC COMMENT

MONTHLY BUSINESS

Robert Doeffinger made the motion to approve the minutes of the regular council meeting on Monday, February 11,2008 a second was given by Linda Smith and the motion passed. A motion by Sam Juniper and seconded by Joe Supple to approve the financial statements of the General, Coal Severance, Water and Sewer Funds for the month of February 2008, was approved by council. Gary Cotton made a motion to approve the outstanding obligations for the month of February 2008, and Marshall Bonecutter gave the second and the motion was approved.

CITY ATTORNEY

City Attorney Stein spoke to council on the First Street property that (Hartley, Hartley & Hartley Inc.) have been interested in.  Stein went over the upcoming auction for the property and advised council that he would like to have the auction published in the paper this week.  He also asked if council had any changes or comments on the auction to get with him by Wednesday.  Discussion was held on the lease agreement with the Lowe Hotel and the Mothman Museum regarding the Royal Business Enterprise Grant.  After discussion the mayor was advised to speak with Lowell Wilks to see if we can pay Jeff Wamsley $4,800.00, from the grant and then allow Wamsley to obtain the lease with the Lowe Hotel.  The city attorney advised that he is still researching the 15^th Street property that Sam Rayburn and inquired about.

ACCOUNTANT

Shannon Johnson discussed the PEIA 10% rate increase with council and went over the various options on the increase that is scheduled to go in effect July 1^st 2008.  Currently the city is paying 90% of the employee’s health insurance, and the employee pays 10%.  Johnson along with City Clerk Billings asked about increasing the amount for those who are on the Opt Out Insurance.  Council was asked to consider a $500.00 a year increase for those on the Opt Out.  Billings shared with council that there were other employee’s who may be interested in the Opt Out and the end result would be a greater savings to the city on the monthly insurance premium.           

CITY CLERK

City Clerk Billings called for the third and final reading of the Municipal Service Fee increase.  Robert Doeffinger made a motion to accept the final reading and Marshall Bonecutter added the second.  By a show of hands the motion passed (5-4) with Gary Cotton, Linda Smith, Elaine Hunt and Leota Sang voting against. Councilmen Sam Juniper then made a motion to table the final reading until council can further evaluate the budget. Robert Doeffinger gave the second and the motion passed.  The second and final reading of the Toy Vehicles on Streets reading was called by clerk Billings.  Sam Juniper made the motion for the final reading and Barbara Ann Brown added the second and the motion passed.  Billings then read the Ordinance 305.5 – Stop Streets. AN ORDINANCE TO REVISE AND AMEND PART THREE – CHAPTER ONE, ARTICLE 305 (TRAFFIC CONTROL) SECTION 305.5 (STOP STREETS) OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF POINT PLEASANT, WEST VIRGINIA; Adding a three way stop at 23^rd Street and Washington Avenue.  Sam Juniper made a motion to approve the first reading and Gary Cotton added the second and the motion passed.  The City Clerk then asked for a motion to approve the 2008 – 2009 City of Point Pleasant Budget and Coal Severance Budget.  Councilmen Juniper made a motion to table the approval with Linda Smith giving the second to the motion. A budget workshop will be set up as soon as possible to go over the budget.          

MAYOR

Mayor McDaniel shared with council that two bids were received on the Floodwall Office/Garage roof repair project.  Tri State Roofing and Sheet Metal bid was $12,899.00 and Dan Hill Construction submitted a bid of $21,003.59.  After much discussion on the needed repairs to the building Councilman Bonecutter told fellow council members that he could repair the roof with two men from the street department.  There would be no charge to the city but asked that all materials needed be purchased through the city.  Council allowed Bonecutter to go ahead and pursue his offer and report back to council.  Mayor McDaniel told council that April was “Fair Housing” month and asked council for a motion to proclaim as such.  Marshall Boncecutter made the motion and Gary Cotton added the second and the motion carried.  Council unanimously approved purchasing one table for $300.00 at the Mason County Chamber of Commerce’s annual dinner on April 11, 2008.  Barbara Ann Brown made the motion and Linda Smith added the second.  McDaniel asked council about the appointments to the Historic Landmark Commission.  After discussion the mayor asked that the appointments be presented at the next meeting.  The mayor briefly mentioned the Governor’s Community Participation Grant that Darlene Haer shared with council earlier in the meeting.  A letter was read by McDaniel from the Mason County Board of Education in regard to council’s offer to purchase the Point Pleasant High School football field.  The board declined the cities offer and the mayor advised that an auction will be held on May 10, 2008.  Mayor McDaniel told council that she would like for accountant Shannon Johnson to attend the Microsoft Excel seminar May 8^th through May 9^th in Huntington, W.V.  Sam Juniper made the motion and Joe Supple added the second and the motion passed. 

COUNCIL CONCERNS

Gary Cotton – Advised council that he located four external infa red camera’s at a cost of $2,995.00. This would be for the Riverfront Park area for security measures.  Joe Supple - Spoke to council on the recent finance meeting and concerns he has on revenue and spending.  Discussion was held on the issue of less revenue being generated.  In past years with special construction projects being done with in the city extra revenue was secured.  To help offset the deficit facing the city, councilman Supple asked the mayor to seek avenues to trim $12,000.00 per month.  With the motion by Supple to trim the spending by $12,000.00 per month Sam Juniper secured the second and the motion passed.  Marshall Bonecutter – Shared with council members the work that has been done to the Krodel Park campground.  Bonecutter showed pictures of before and after work that had been done to the electrical boxes for the camp site.  Robert Doeffinger – Spoke to council on turning over a report done by Burgess and Niple on the city’s wastewater treatment plant to the Mason County Public Service District.  After a lengthy discussion Robert Doeffinger made a motion to turn the report over and Elaine Hunt added the second. The motion passed (8-1) with Sam Juniper opposing.  Leota Sang – Spoke to council on several issues of concern.  She asked the mayor when the fire hydrants were last checked in Ward 3.  She advised that she has had calls on a Black Lab running loose through her ward.  She spoke on the city wide clean up day of Saturday, April 12^th and discussion was held on sponsorship for the T-shirts to be given to those who participate.  Sang asked council to review the video lottery ordinance.  She feels we need to revise the distance allowed to have a video lottery business in the city.  The city attorney asked Sang to provide information on the changes she would like to see and that he would draft the language necessary for her to present to council.  Sang told council about the above ground pool ordinance that the city has.  She feels that the city should enforce the ordinance and if it is not going to be enforced, eliminate it.  Elaine Hunt – Reminded council that it is soon to be mosquito time.  She asked about the packets being placed to kill the eggs.  She said that this a major issue in the bottoms of Ward 5 and in other areas throughout the city.  Linda Smith – She told council members that we should have a city curfew in effect.  The city attorney has been instructed to draft the language and will get with Linda as soon as possible so that it can be presented.  Advised council that the recreation committee had met recently and discussed several items that needed to be brought to the attention of council.  Smith said that the rental fees at the campground should be raised.  The new rates will be $225.00 per month for senior citizens and $250.00 per month for non-seniors and should take effect on April 1, 2008.  Smith made a motion to increase and Joe Supple added the second and it passed. She told council that the committee will be seeking ways to fund a proposed skate park for the area through grants, business and private donations.  Smith added that the skate park should be built at Harmon Park.  A motion by Robert Doeffinger to seek bids on the project was seconded by Joe Supple and it passed unanimously.  The recreation committee did meet with and had information on a skate park provided by the American Ramp Company.  A motion by Smith to keep the swimming pool open for one more year at a cost of $16,000 – $20,000.00 and decreasing cost by eliminating the diving boards and not repainting the liner was seconded by Gary Cotton and passed.  Council was also advised that the committee would like to see an above ground pool built which would open in the summer of 2009.  The committee will be searching for funding for the above ground pool in the next several months.  Sam Juniper - Asked the city attorney to research the truck that was purchased for the street department and to see if council could be held liable.  Juniper asked about the Franklin property and if we had heard anything from the attorneys in Huntington who are working on this for the city. He asked the mayor about the operators of the water department and stressed to her that we are going to need more operators in the near future.  Juniper told council members that the assessor’s office was going to provide the city with a list of property owners who have rental property for the collection of B&O taxes.  Shared with council about the problems the water office had been experiencing with the computer system.  Juniper made a motion to proceed with measures to have the system upgrade done.  Robert Doeffinger added the second and the motion passed.  Shannon Johnson will report back to council on the issue and the cost for the upgrade.  Juniper shared his concerns with reports that the rental fee for the Youth Center had been waived for some groups.  Barbara Ann Brown – Asked again about the vacant lot in her ward that Dr. Shah owns.  Residents in that area had contacted her about the lot and its appearance.  Sam Juniper then made a motion to go into executive session at 10:33 P.M. with Linda Smith giving the second to discuss personnel and the motion passed.  Marshall Bonecutter made a motion to come out of executive session at 11:38 P.M. and the motion passed.  Sam Juniper made a motion to have a special meeting on Monday, March 17, 2008 at 7:00 P.M. to discuss personnel.  Marshall Bonecutter gave the second and the motion passed.