The meeting was called to order by Mayor Brian L. Billings who led Council in the Pledge of Allegiance.
OUTSIDE DELEGATION
Johnny Brown/Attorney (Civil Action Suit No. 08-C-489) – was absent due to a conflicting schedule. Council asked City Attorney R.F. Stein to contact Mr. Brown and ask that he attend the December Council meeting. Stein advised Council he would contact Johnny Brown and if he is able to attend, he will be added to December’s Agenda.
MONTHLY BUSINESS
Leota Sang made a motion to approve the minutes of the regular council meeting for October 13, 2009, and a second was given by Dr. William Park. Motion to approve minutes passed unanimously
9-0. A motion made by Dr. William Park was seconded by James Bowles to approve the financial statements of the General, Coal Severance, Water and Sewer Funds for the month of October 2009, motion passed 9-0. Dr. William Park made a motion to approve the outstanding obligations for the month of October 2009, and Leota Sang seconded the motion, which passed 9-0.
CITY ATTORNEY
City Attorney R.F. Stein advised Council of the amendments he made to Ordinance 931.02 concerning use of public sewers. He made corrections to a typographical error and deleted the “A” from 16-13. A motion for approval for the first reading was made by Robert Doeffinger and seconded by Bill Park, the motion passed. A motion to approve the first reading of Ordinance 361.07 concerning abandoned motor vehicles, was made by Dr. William Park and a second was given by Marshall Bonecutter. The motion passed unanimously 9-0. Stein asked Council if any changes needed to be made to the amendment to Ordinance 1331.02 concerning special provisions for mobile homes and trailers. Council asked for Stein to delete “or driveway of a residential property” from the ordinance. Stein agreed to make the correction and Mayor Billings asked to proceed with the first reading upon the correction. Council agreed and the first motion to approve the first reading was made by Leota Sang and was seconded by James Bowles. The motion passed unanimously 9-0. Attorney Stein concluded with presenting Council with an estimate for asbestos removal from the Yeager property located at 703 Main Street. Astec Corporation from Charleston estimated $11,100.00 to remove and dispose of the asbestos material. Gillispie Construction gave an estimate of $6,000.00 to demolish the structure. Stein asked Council how they wished to proceed based on his report. Council asked about other properties that Mr. Yeager owns that would allow the City to put a lien on to aid in regaining money that might be spent to demolish the structure. Stein advised Council he would do a title search and report his findings in the December meeting.
ACCOUNTANT
CITY CLERK
In the October Council meeting, Sam Juniper asked for the Mayor to consider a four-way stop at the intersection of Robinson Street and Mossman Avenue. Mayor Brian Billings and Police Chief Ernie Watterson observed the area and recommended a two-way stop would be more appropriate for that area. City Clerk Amber Tatterson asked Council to approve the first reading for a two-way stop at the Robinson Street and Mossman Avenue intersection. Upon asking for the approval, Sam Juniper advised Council that he would like to withdraw his prior request, and Council agreed. Clerk Tatterson then proceeded with reading a Proclamation to recognize the month of November as Prematurity Awareness Month and November 17th as Prematurity Awareness Day. The first motion for approval was given by Leota Sang and was seconded by Barbara Ann Brown, and the motion passed. Clerk Tatterson concluded with asking Council to approve the proposed 2010 City of Point Pleasant Calendar. Sam Juniper made the first motion for approval and Leota Sang seconded. The motion passed 8-0-1, with Gary Cotton abstaining.
MAYOR
Mayor Brian Billings asked Council for a motion to approve giving City employees their annual Performance Bonus. Councilman Sam Juniper made the first motion and was seconded by James Bowles. The motion to approve the performance bonus passed 8-0-1, with Councilman Gary Cotton abstaining. Mayor Billngs informed Council about the municipal court income tax refund program. This new program will allow municipal courts to offset unpaid municipal court costs, fines, forfeitures, and penalties against delinquent individuals’ West Virginia State personal income tax refund. He also informed Council that April Tarker, the Police Secretary, will act as the administrator to begin the collection process. Mayor Billings concluded with reading a proclamation to recognize Christian Heritage Week. November 22-28, 2009 is proclaimed Christian Heritage Week by Governor Joe Manchin III.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Mayor Brian Billings informed Council of a Floodwall Committee meeting held October 26, 2009. Members James Bowles, Marshall Bonecutter, and Mayor Billings were informed by member Willie Call, Street Commissioner, that inspectors with Stantech of Lexington Kentucky will be conducting a full inspection on November 30th or December 1st and will be staying for a week.
Council Concerns
Councilman James Bowles voiced concerns about the lack of activity from the individuals conducting the Neighborhood Watch meetings. Bowles also advised Council that City Inspector, Jeremy Bryant, is doing a good job getting the 1500 block of Kanawha Street cleaned up for the City.
Marshall Bonecutter also spoke of concerns about the Neighborhood Watch program not being active since September. Bonecutter also had some concerns in the Kingtown area. According to Mr. Bonecutter some residents are working on cars and revving the engines causing a disturbance. He asked the Mayor to review the noise ordinance and proceed with posting signs concerning the ordinance guidelines.
Councilman Robert Doeffinger asked how long a business is permitted to have temporary business signs. Mayor Billings indicated he would review the ordinance on temporary signs and take necessary actions on the businesses in violation.
Leota Sang advised that she reviewed the packet insert concerning the paving of the west side 2100 block of Mt. Vernon Avenue. She asked Mayor Billings how he would proceed. Mayor Billings indicated the project would have to wait until spring 2010. She then asked if temporary repairs could be made to that section of Mt. Vernon. The Mayor told Sang that he would meet with the Street Commissioner and discuss having temporary repairs completed. Sang then asked the Mayor if they have any leads on the vandalism that took place at the Krodel Park Clubhouse. He indicated that they are still investigating, but have no leads at this time. Sang concluded with asking the Mayor if he knew about any suspicious activity that occurred in the Heights/Harmon area. Mayor Billings indicated he would ask the Police Department and report back to her.
Dr. William Park voiced his concern about leaf removal in the City. Mayor Billings indicated that the workers have 4 zones that they work and they are trying their best to keep up.
Gary Cotton voiced concerns about a couple local businesses closing operations in the City which would result in a loss for collection of Business and Occupation Taxes. Councilman Cotton also asked the Mayor for a proclamation to recognize the Point Pleasant Big Blacks Football team’s dedication and hard work and congratulate them for making it to the playoffs. Mayor Billings agreed and it will be on December’s agenda.
Elaine Hunt spoke about how thoughtful it was for the Huntington District Waterways Association to send a letter recognizing and thanking Mayor Billings and City staff for being helpful and courteous during the Maritime Day Celebration at the Riverfront Park.
Sam Juniper asked Mayor Billings if he could get paperwork showing the figures for a water adjustment credit that was given to a local business. Billings indicated he would contact the water office and obtain the requested information. Councilman Juniper then advised he would like to be on the December agenda to address a letter from Damon Morgan, Jr., the Prosecuting Attorney. The letter is in response to a complaint of open meeting law violation of executive session held April 13, 2009 for the City of Point Pleasant. At that time, Juniper asked for the letter from Mr. Morgan be added to the permanent part of the minute book. Clerk Tatterson agreed to insert the letter in the minute book. Councilman Juniper asked the Mayor if he had a report showing over-time worked for the month of October. The Mayor indicated that he was unaware Council still wanted the reports. Juniper said it was not necessary as long as the Mayor would keep an eye on the number of hours worked for over-time, which he agreed to do. Juniper asked if the Water Department has replaced the culverts for J2Y35 water. The Mayor advised he would ask the Water Department and report back to Council. Mr. Juniper then asked City Clerk Tatterson if she had anything to report on rates for drug testing. Tatterson indicated she is still waiting for two companies to submit bids and she plans to address Council in the December meeting. Juniper mentioned some speeding going on in his neighborhood that needs addressed. Councilman Juniper concluded with praising Captain B.J. Veith for a fine job that he is doing for the Police Department.
Being no other business, James Bowles made a motion to adjourn. Marshall Bonecutter added the second and being unanimously approved, the meeting adjourned at 8:28 p.m.
Amber D. Tatterson City Clerk ________________________
Brian L. Billings Mayor________________________
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