REGULAR MEETING ~ CITY COUNCIL
PRINCETON, MERCER COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA
April 11, 2022
A Regular Meeting of the Common Council for the City of Princeton, Mercer County, West Virginia was held in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building, 800 Bee Street, on Monday, April 11, 2022, at 6:30 p.m. In attendance were Mayor David Graham; Vice Mayor Marshall Lytton; Council Members Dewey Russell, James Hill, Jacqueline Rucker (by phone), Joseph Allen and James Hawkins; City Manager Michael Webb, City Attorney Paul Cassell and City Clerk Kenneth Clay. A quorum was constituted thereby.
- INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Vice Mayor Marshall Lytton offered a prayer of thanksgiving for the gift of a beautiful day and for the eternal blessings bestowed upon us; prayed a Divine healing touch be upon Council Member Jackie Rucker and comfort for the Matheny family in their time of grief; prayed for protection of the City’s Fire, Police and other city employees; lifted up four million refugees from Ukraine who have fled their country in this time of unprovoked war and prayed for a quick solution to the war; lifted up those who continue to suffer from the effects of Covid-19 as it persists throughout the nation; and invoked Divine guidance for the conduct of the Council meeting and for the decision-making of the Council Members on behalf of our citizens.
Council Member James Hawkins led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.
- CALL TO ORDER
Mayor David Graham called the meeting to order.
III. PROCLAMATIONS ~ PRESENTATIONS ~ RESOLUTIONS
- Jamie Null, Executive Director, Mercer County CVB – As Ms. Jamie Null, Executive
Director of the Mercer County Convention and Visitors Bureau, began her annual report
to City Council she described 2021 as “a year of recovery” for Mercer County Convention
and Visitors Bureau and the tourism industry. She explained that in 2019 people stopped
travelling due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, but as time passed they began to look for
activities to do outdoors and the Hatfield-McCoy ATV Trails offered the perfect solution
by serving its role well for Mercer County and southern West Virginia.
Continuing, Ms. Null mentioned that the bright spots for 2021 were an increased rate of
visitation at local and state parks, as well as a record year for the ATV trails. Other major
achievements included the following:
- Newly designed website that was activated which features an automatic calendar used to promote community events;
- Coordinated with Pinnacle Rock State Park and Coal Heritage Authority on newly designed visitor signage projects;
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- 22 new blogs were written to highlight area attractions. This storytelling is crucial in helping potential visitors to understand local attractions and experiences; and
- The Mercer County CVB saw a rebound in revenue, with estimated ATV lodgings at $117,897.84 and hotel lodging at $402,706.32, a total revenue of $520,604.16.
Ms. Null also reported the Mercer County CVB ran the following on-line, marketing campaigns in 2021:
- Endless ATV Adventures, January – November 2021, that resulted 1,629,040 impressions and 17,783 clicks;
- Fall Campaign, January – November 2021, with 986,088 impressions and 11,009 clicks; and
- Shop Local Campaign – November – December 2021, with 301,202 impressions and 3, 019 click.
The Mercer County CVB’s goals for 2022:
- Promote the new Mercer County CVB website;
- Provide enhanced ATV information;
- Broaden our reach by identifying new potential target markets; and
- Three photo/video shoots: Winter, spring/summer and holidays.
Ms. Null thanked City Council Members and other industry partners for their support in
reinvigorating the tourism industry and remarked that the success of tourism in Mercer
County would not be possible without their Board of Directors, the Mercer County
Commission, the cities of Bluefield and Princeton and the towns of Athens and Bramwell.
Council Member James Hill commented that he had seen a lot of North Carolina license plates in Princeton and Mercer County.
Jamie Null replied there also is a trend of more visitors from Pennsylvania, especially from the Pittsburgh area.
Mr. Hill inquired if there is a local business link through the Mercer County CVB.
Ms. Null replied in the affirmative and explained that local business access is offered on the CVB’s website.
Mr. Hill commented there are more families visiting locally than before when just ATV riders were prevalent.
Council Member Dewey Russell commended Jamie Null on her efforts as Director of the Mercer County CVB, especially in adapting to the technological age to promote tourism in Mercer
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County and southern West Virginia. Mr. Russell expressed that his time on the Mercer County
CVB Board of Directors since its inception had been a pleasure, but added that it would be more appropriate for Princeton’s Economic Development Specialist to serve on the Board instead.
Council Member Joe Allen thanked Jamie Null for his preparation and excellent presentation.
Mr. Hill commented that the development of the community has been something to behold.
- Resolution – Mayor Graham read the following resolution of City Council:
RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF UKRAINE
WHEREAS, more than 300,000 Ukrainians called for independence from the Soviet Union and formed a human chain between two cities in 1990; and
WHEREAS, in December 1991, more than 90 percent of Ukraine’s citizens voted in support of independence from the Soviet Union, the first step in establishing a democratic nation; and
WHEREAS, since 2015, Russia has failed to live up to the Minsk Agreements and during the past year conducted a large-scale military buildup around Ukraine; and
WHEREAS, on February 24, 2022, Russian forces launched an unprovoked, full-scale invasion of a peaceful, independent country, Ukraine; and
WHEREAS, many nations, including the United States and its European allies, have condemned, in the strongest language, this horrifying attack and outright war of aggression on Ukraine and its citizens in an attempt to overthrow the democracy and occupy Ukraine; and
WHEREAS, sanctions have been levied against Russia and its government in response to this attack, with calls for an immediate cease-fire and withdrawal, yet Russia’s invasion continues; and
WHEREAS, the City of Princeton joins with other communities, with the United States and with other peace-loving democratic nations throughout the world in condemning this Putin-led attack on Ukraine and its people, institutions, infrastructure and democracy.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED that the City of Princeton stands with the Ukrainian people and its government in opposing Vladimir Putin’s invasion and war against this democratic nations and expresses profound support for Ukraine at this difficult time, while calling upon Russia to halt this deadly and unconscionable aggression against a peaceful neighbor.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF I, David E. Graham, with the power vested in me as Mayor
of the City of Princeton, have hereunto set my hand and caused the great seal of the City of Princeton to be affixed this 11th day of April, 2022.
David E. Graham, Mayor
- Oath of Office – Firefighter Tyler Farley – City Clerk Kenneth Clay administered the Oath of Office for recently hired Princeton Firefighter, Tyler Farley.
- PUBLIC INPUT
Davette Hoylman, Candidate for Mercer County Board of Education – Mrs. Davette Hoylman addressed City Council describing herself as a conservative Christian grandmother who has lived in Mercer County for over thirty years. She lives in Lerona, WV with her husband, Gregg, a Marine Corps veterans, with their service dog Karl.
In running as a candidate for election to the Mercer County Board of Education on May 10, 2022, Mrs. Hoylman explained that if elected her efforts will include continuous communication with parents, grandparents and guardians. As far as the curriculum: Getting back to the basics; the book most sold will be the book most distributed; and teaching the U. S. Constitution.
- CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Graham offered the following for Council’s consideration:
Minutes of the March 14, 2022, City Council Meeting.
There being no corrections or additions, Mayor Graham committed to the record the minutes of the Council meeting of March 14, 2022.
- POLICY AGENDA
- COMMITTEE REPORTS
- PUBLIC WORKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE
Committee Member Dewey Russell reported the Public Works and Recreation Committee of Princeton City Council met on Wednesday, April 6, 2022, with the following items to report out to City Council and called on Public Works Assistant Director Eric Gatchell to present his department’s report.
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
Monthly Report for March – Assistant Public Works Director Eric Gatchell presented the following report:
Storm Drain on West Main at the Presbyterian Church – The collapsed storm water pipe at
the Presbyterian Church has been patched and the access hole temporarily capped. Asphalt will
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be applied after the fill has settled.
Railroad Museum Caboose – Public Works continued the repair work and painting of the
caboose side cars in the Public Works’ shop.
Service Requests – Public Works completed 32 service requests for citizens in March.
Other Public Works Tasks in March:
- Assisted Parks and Recreation with keeping the parks clean and mowed, until additional staff is hired, by assigning two personnel for the task which left Public Works with six men on the Street Department;
- Installed the concrete slab at the Library;
- Worked on the Dog Park grading and fencing installation;
- Repaired a section of sidewalk on Lower Pine Street that had hooved up 4 or 5 inches;
- Removed a section of sidewalk on Bee Street across from New River College in preparation for its replacement;
- Worked on getting a replacement pump for the City Pool water slide;
- Worked on the baby pool pump system to eliminate the leaking and poor circulation (ongoing), and will be assisting Parks and Rec on getting the water service restored, especially for the outdoor toilets;
- Applied lines to streets around the courthouse designating parking spaces;
- Cleared several areas where trees had become increasing problems, including at several alleys, along with trimming back the turn on Princeton Avenue near the Ingleside intersection;
- Removed and serviced snow removal equipment, but held back two trucks rigged for late snows;
- Applied weed killer along several areas of curbing with plans to begin prepping the curbs for painting (i.e. Douglas St. and Honaker Ave.)
- Public Works’ mechanic has been busy servicing both Public Works and Police vehicles;
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- Public Works will be fabricating 37 power drops to service new Christmas
decorations; and
- Will be fabricating 30 new 8’ barricades that will be easier to handle for blockading streets during public events;
- Crews began pothole patching of the worst locations in the City.
Crews from Precision Safe Sidewalks completed 71 sidewalk repairs from Grants on East Main Street to the lower end of Thorn Street. Their work looks good and Public Works will be addressing several areas where serious trip hazards exist (i.e. 1512 Princeton Avenue and 109 Thorn).
Public Works will be marking the 600 Block of Park Avenue where holes are appearing in the yard of a residence for 8-1-1 to check for utilities and upcoming repairs at that location. The Storm Sewer Map shows the storm water line crossing Park Avenue above the locations of these holes, so it might be an abandoned pipe that has failed.
Additional Tasks – Repairing and painting the caboose; installing a mail slot in the front door of the Railroad Museum when the manpower is available. Another option is to advertise this work again for hiring out.
Two problem trees have been identified which are too large to tackle safely: one at the City Park
over the walking trail, while the second, located at the end of N. 2nd Street in the angled alley, is falling and in danger of landing on a garage and fence. These trees will be assessed by a tree expert.
Equipment – Public Works has ordered a pump grinder attachment for the new skid steer that finishes the department’s equipment budget for this fiscal year. The wish list for next year includes another tow trailer for small equipment; a new aluminum box for the leaf truck; and a dedicated stormwater truck with a crane. In the long term – a grapple truck for special orders, etc. and the department is setting up a lease-purchase agreement to acquire a new trash truck, since the oldest one is beginning to have issues regularly, and a tool trailer.
PARK AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT
Assistant Park and Recreation Director, Malinda Edwards, presented the following report:
Program Report – The department just finished drafting all of the little league girls’ basketball teams, as well as the boys’ middle school teams. Those teams began practicing this week.
Only 11 boys signed up for the high school league. Therefore, those participants will be refunded and that league will not take place this spring. The high school boys’ program has always been the department’s smallest league. In 2019, there were only 40 boys registered and
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in 2020 there were 42.
While it is disappointing to lose a spring program, the boys’ middle school league has made up
for it, with 89 boys registered. This is 34 more boys than were signed up in the spring of 2020.
Also, the girls’ junior varsity and varsity little leagues remain consistent in historical numbers,
with only eight less girls signed up than in 2020. These leagues have a total of 130 girls making up 16 teams.
Disc Golf Tournament – Greg Bishop held his 2022 March Madness Disc Golf Tournament in Princeton City Park on Saturday, March 26. Despite the cold, snowy weather, he still had 53 players to compete. The event was a great success and, as always, was a great showcase for our beautiful City Park.
City Pool Renovations – Fredeking-Stafford Construction has done a wonderful job patching and refurbishing the concrete inside the City Pool, as well as the decking and expansion joints.
Public Works Director Jackie Phillips is preparing to relocate the baby pool to help improve the water circulation rate and chemical levels. Also, he will be running new water lines for it. Following the installation of these new lines, Fredeking-Stafford will return to make the final patch at the baby pool. In addition, Eric Gatchell has been diligently working to get the new pump ordered for the waterslide.
Renosys Corporation is scheduled to return at the beginning of May to begin installation of the facility’s new pool liners and RecDeck. The department’s goal is for this to be completed by mid-May.
Fredeking-Stafford also received the estimate from David Petit Painting, located in Beaver, WV, for the waterslide restoration. The estimate totaled $15,780. The work is to include pressure washing, wire brush cleaning and spot priming for any rusted or flaking areas on the structure. The estimate also includes painting the metal structure, stairs and railing, as well as prime and paint the fiberglass flume. We anticipate work on the slide to begin within the next two weeks, as the weather warms up.
City Park Trash Receptacles – The 10 new trash receptacles that were purchased for the City Park are due to ship this week and will be a nice improvement to the park.
Easter Egg Hunt – The department has not held the annual Easter Egg Hunt since the spring of 2019. We really are excited to sponsor this event this year, and free to the community. The event is scheduled for Saturday, April 16, at 1:00 p.m. The event is for ages 11 and under, and will begin in the fields located beside the pool. There will be three different age groups: 5 and under; 6 to 8; and 9 to 11.
Recreation Department staff will be hiding approximately 3,500 plastic eggs, including hundreds
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of prize eggs. Prizes will include a variety of toys and candy, as well as a free bounce house
party and one individual pool pass.
This year we also purchased a bunny costume. Therefore, the Easter Bunny will be present to
take photos with the kids.
Personnel – Ms. Edwards further reported that the Recreation Department had hired a new maintenance employee fulltime whose name is Stacy Kennedy.
Fallen Trees on Park Trails – Council Member James Hill mentioned that a number of trees were falling or had fallen already on the walking trails in City Park.
Council Member Joe Allen responded by explaining the Recreation Director was aware of the trees, but explained that Parks and Recreation will need help to move all of the trees.
RAILROAD MUSEUM
Railroad Museum Director Pat Smith thanked Jamie Null of the Convention and Visitors Bureau for her help in featuring the Museum in the CVB’s visitor’s guide. In continuing, Mrs. Smith offered the following report for the Railroad Museum:
Princetonopoly Game – Pat Smith reported that this year’s retro version of the Princetonopoly Game has been sent to the printer and features the Mercer County Courthouse as the first block on the game board.
Visitor Numbers – Pat Smith reported the Railroad Museum had 280 visitors last month, bringing the total for 2022 thus far to 3,500, as compared to the 4,000 in 2019 when the Museum was last open for a full year.
West Virginia Day – This year’s WV Day Celebration is scheduled for Saturday, June 18th with a full complement of entertainment including historic reenactors Sidney Hendrick, as President Lincoln, and a Mark Twain reenactor who has proven very popular during previous WV Day events.
RV’s – Hosting the RV travelers from the Harvest Host organization is going well with four RV’s at the Railroad Museum on Good Friday. The Railroad Museum joined Harvest Host in 2020 and permits recreation vehicles to park free at the Museum, but donations and/or gift shop purchased are encouraged by the organization, Mrs. Smith explained. Also, in 2021 the Museum had approximately 36 RV’s and has received good reviews from these visitors.
Dewey Russell commented that a visitor he met at the Railroad Museum commented that the Roanoke Railroad Museum is lacking in comparison to Princeton’s.
Mrs. Smith replied that people have been generous in donating artifacts to the Princeton Museum
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and we have much to be thankful for in Mercer County and surrounding counties.
- PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
Chairman James Hill reported the Public Safety Committee of Princeton City Council met on Wednesday, April 6, 2022, immediately after the Public Works and Recreation Committee, with the following to report out to Council:
CODE ENFORCEMENT DEPARTMENT
Chairman Hill presented the following Code Enforcement report for March 2022, on behalf of Director Ty Smith:
COMPUTATION OF COMPLAINTS
Summary – Property Maintenance
Initial Complaints 247
Cumulative Complaints to Date – 43,496
AREA PATROL SUMMARY
Demolition/Renovation Programs Status
Condemnations/Unsafe in Process 45
Demolitions in Appeals Process 0
Demolitions w/Notice to Proceed 1
Total Demolitions to Date 664
Animal Control & Property Maintenance
Complaints this Month 104
Animal Control Cases 30
Impounded (dogs 7; cats 8) 15
Adopted 4
Euthanized 0
Reclaimed 4
Rescued 4
Property Maintenance Cases 74
Melissa Meachum passed the B-1, Residential Building Inspector Exam.
Mr. Hill noted that with Ben Love also passing his PM-64 Exam, the Code Enforcement Department is well certified in all respects.
Building Inspection (Zoning, PM, RC)
Building Permit 23
Total Inspections 28
Total Project Costs $232,530.00
Permit Fees $1,240.00
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Flood Plain Management & Property Maintenance
Flood Plain Determinations 23
Flood Plain Permits Issued 1
Property Maintenance Case Total 71
- New Flood Plain Mapping Data will be completed by FEMA in 2023.
- Ben Love passed the PM-64 Inspector’s Exam!
Zoning Official
Certificate of Occupancy Applications: 3
Certificate of Occupancy Inspections: 2
Zoning Board Cases: 0
Rental Compliance
Revenue in Mar. $100; Total to Date: $17,622.95
Registered Units Mar.: Renewals 2; Houses 0; Apts. 2; Total Units 2
Cumulative Total; Houses 353; Apts. 555; Other 73; Total 967
Vacant Buildings
Registered Vacant Buildings March: Registered 3; Total 33.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Fire Chief Matt Mould presented the following report for the Fire Department:
Call Report – During the month of March the Fire Department responded to the following emergency calls:
- 6 fire calls (2 structure fires)
- 11 motor vehicle accidents/rescues, and
- 91 emergency medical calls
Inspections – The Fire Department also performed 10 fire inspections, 2 certificates of occupancy and 3 pre-incident plans.
Training – The Fire Chief also reported the Fire Department had devoted 499 man hours to training during March. Two members attended the Sissonville Fire School on the 1st and 2nd weekends in March for training. Both firefighters obtained Firefighter II and Rope Rescue certifications.
Three other member completed their State EMT recertification and three members currently are taking the initial EMT Class.
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Vehicle Accident Billing – The Fire Department did not receive any funds from insurance
billing in March. The total for insurance billing remains at $10,102 since July 1st.
Personnel – Chief Mould reported that Firefighter Ashley Peyton had completed her one-year probationary period and passed her first year apprenticeship test.
Firefighter Tyler Farley started his first day with the Fire Department on March 31st. He will complete approximately one week of eight-hour shifts before being assigned to 24-hour shifts. Firefighter Farley brings the Fire Department back up to full staff.
Mr. J. D. Gills was accepted as a new volunteer. Mr. Gills is an enforcement officer with the Division of Natural Resources and brings prior experience in rope rescue.
Council Member Hill commented that Ashley Peyton is the first career, female firefighter with the Princeton Fire Department and is doing a great job.
Training Center Project – Repairs have begun on the Training Tower. Fredeking-Stafford Construction is stabilizing, releveling and replacing anything that is beyond repair. Public Works will begin setting the shipping containers for the burn building and the SCBA maze in April.
Chief Mould continued by explaining that the Training Center is essential in maintaining the Department’s high ISO rating and, since Beckley has the only other fire training center in the southern part of the State, this project will help all county fire departments and others, as well.
City Manager Mike Webb commented that the City of Bluefield is involved and had made a donation of $25,000 toward the completion of the Training Center, as did an anonymous donor whose donation was matched by the City of Princeton. Now the Mercer County Commission also has approved a donation of $25,000 to the Fire Training Center Project, Mr. Webb added.
Chief Mould added that local volunteers who have been traveling to Lewisburg for training now do not have to do so.
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Lieutenant Halsey presented the Police Department report on behalf of Police Chief Tim Gray, as follows:
Call Report – Lt. Halsey reported that during the month of March officers of the Princeton Police Department responded to 557 calls; made 28 arrests and issued 302 citations.
New Surveillance Cameras – Lt. Halsey next reported that the new surveillance cameras are in and will be placed in strategic locations that will provide the best information for fighting crime in the City.
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Trail Cameras in City Parks – Lt. Halsey commended Assistant Public Works Director Eric
Gatchell for his essential assistance to the Police Department in preparing the new trail cameras for deployment in the City’s parks.
Cases – Two Princeton Police Officers had worked with U. S. Marshals on the shooting case in Bluefield that involved two women suspects on the run from authorities. The Princeton PD also is working on a shooting at a church on High Street with two suspects arrested and bonded out.
Personnel – Three K-9 officers will be attending a 40 hour class in Beckley on policy and procedures, while civil service tests for new Police Patrolman applicants is scheduled tentatively for Saturday, May 7th.
Ride-Alongs – Lt. Halsey also offered Council Members the opportunity to join Princeton Police Officers on ride-alongs.
Mental Health Initiative – Councilman James Hill reported that Police Lieutenant Eric Pugh made the second of two presentations thus far on his proposal for the creation of a Mental Health Initiative for all City employees. Lt. Pugh presented a thoroughly researched and prepared presentation during the Public Safety Committee meeting in support of the adoption of policy and procedures for all employees of the City. The signs of mental distress, the importance of training supervisors in the recognition of the signs of mental distress and providing the necessary counseling and other services critical to the well-being of City employees was emphasized by Lt. Pugh. The overarching goal is the prevention of suicide before it becomes too late. Additional work remains before implementing the program through the Human Resources Department.
- FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
Chairman Marshall Lytton reported the Finance and Administration Committee of Princeton City Council met on Wednesday, April 6, 2022, immediately after the Public Safety Committee, with the following items to report out to Council:
FINANCE DEPARTMENT
March 2022, Financial Report – Finance Director Brian Conner reported that as of the end of March, the ninth month of FY2022, the actual revenues collected stood at 73.52% of the budgeted amount, while actual appropriations were expended at a rate of 74.14%, as compared to the budget projections of 75% forecast for the end of March. Total funds available for City operations at the end of March were $2,750,686.
Mr. Conner continued by reviewing the noteworthy expenditures of March, as follow:
Traveler’s Ins. . . . . . . . . . . . . . $119,281
PEIA Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 60,760
A&A Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 36,539
Custom Computers . . . . . . . . . . $ 21,059
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MOTION: Mr. Lytton continued by reporting that the Finance and Administration Committee approved and recommended the March 2022, Financial Report and Statements to City Council, and he so moved.
James Hawkins duly seconded the motion.
The motion carried unanimously.
Appointment to the Land Reuse Agency Board – Mr. Lytton next reported that the Finance and Administration Committee approved and recommended to City Council, and he so moved,
the appointment of Brandon L. Austin to the Princeton Land Reuse Agency
Joe Allen duly seconded the motion.
The motion carried unanimously.
City Website Proposal – Mr. Lytton also reported the Finance and Administration Committee approved and recommended to City Council, and he so moved, authorization for City Manager Mike Webb to advertise for bids from qualified vendors for the creation of a new City website.
James Hawkins duly seconded the motion.
The motion carried unanimously.
Applications for the B. & O. Tax Incentive – The Finance and Administration Committee approved and recommended to City Council, and Mr. Lytton so moved, approval of the following businesses for the one-year, 100 percent, B. & O. Tax Incentive for new businesses in the City of Princeton:
- Lock Tight Security & Electronics – 1202 Stafford Drive, #101 – Joseph & Rebecca Lail, Owners;
- Affordable Preowned Autos – 80 Locust Street – Hope Harless, Owner; and
to table the following application pending receipt of further information on employment status:
- Jmadisonnails, LLC – Nail Tech -208 Vine Street – Je’Dah Palmer, Owner.
Dewey Russell duly seconded the motion.
The motion carried unanimously.
Council Meeting Dates in May – On request of the City Administration, the Finance and
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Administration Committee approved and recommended to City Council, and Mr. Lytton so
moved, pushing back the dates for City Council’s meetings in May on week to the following:
- Council Committees: Wednesday, May 11th beginning at 1:00 p.m.; and
- City Council Meeting: Monday, May 16th beginning at 6:30 p.m.
James Hill duly seconded the motion.
The motion carried unanimously.
Public Hearing on the Transfer of City Property – The Finance and Administration Committee approved and recommended to City Council, and Mr. Lytton so moved, the publication of legal advertisements notifying citizens of public hearings on the following items prior to action by City Council in May 2022:
- Transfer of three parcels of property on Kirk & Young to the Princeton Economic Development Authority; and
- Transfer of 11 parcels of property on Martin Luther King Avenue to the Princeton Economic Development Authority.
James Hill duly seconded the motion.
Mr. Hill also requested the City Manager explain this action
City Manager Mike Webb explained that transferring these city properties to Princeton’s Economic Development Authority and Land Reuse Agency will allow for more flexibility in repurposing the property into new housing sites for example.
On voting, the motion carried unanimously.
PRINCETON PUBLIC LIBRARY
Finance and Administration Committee Chairman, Marshall Lytton, presented the following Library report on behalf of Interim Director Laura Buchanan:
The Friends of the Library Used Book Sale will be held on April 11th and 12th and May 9th and 10th from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
During the month of March, the Library did 2,629 circulation checkouts, an increase of 761 for the same month last year. Also, 56 new member accounts were created in March of 2022, in comparison to 25 accounts made last year.
Some of our upcoming programs are as follow:
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We Will Rock You! – We will be doing a bit of rock painting at this program to help spruce up your flower bed or gnome garden. The program will take place on April 11th at 5 p.m.
Chess Club – This activity will be held on April 12th at 6 p.m. This program is for any level of chess players and is taught by the 2021 West Virginia Chess Association’s Junior Chess Champion, Noah Stafford.
Egg Hunt – We will be doing a pre-school Easter Egg Hunt on April 15th at 11 a.m. Participants will be making a craft prior to the egg hunt.
Lego Club – This month’s Lego Club will challenge participants to build new and unique plants to celebrate spring.
Let’s Go Fly a Kite – We will be building old-fashioned newspaper kites on April 22nd at 4:00 p.m. Whether these flying contraptions take to the air of not, it should prove loads of fun making them.
Retro Craft: Paperclip Necklace – We will be taking a step back in time on April 25th at 5:00 p.m. to make color coated paperclips for jewelry. Sounds easy, but should be a test of creativity nonetheless. Please register so that we can assure enough material will be available.
D&D – We are happy to host Dungeons & Dragons, 5th Edition. This is a great program for beginners and first time players. This takes place on April 28th from 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Return of the Fifth – We are celebrating Star Wars on May 5th at 5:00 p.m. by making lightsaber sensory bottles. Participants are encouraged to dress up and light refreshments will be served.
Cinema Society – We will be hosting bad movie night on May 12th at 5:00 p.m. For our feature film, participants will have the pleasure of watching “The Brain that Wouldn’t Die,” the original. Light snacks will be served and laughter is encouraged.
The Library continues to provide a weekly, in person storytime and craft programs that take place each Friday at 11:00 a.m.
Don’t forget the other monthly Library programs that include Life Lesson Book Club, Knitting 101, PPL Art Club, Drop In Tutoring, Banned Book Club, and many others. All information can be found under events on the Library webpage or through our Facebook page.
The Library also will be participating in the Mercer County Altogether Arts Week by ensuring that programs are held during the week from May 7th to May 13th.
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Library Notary – Lastly, Mr. Lytton reported that Laura Buchanan is now a notary public and ready to serve in that capacity at the Library.
PRINCETON LAND REUSE AGENCY
Princeton Economic Development Specialist Samuel Lusk presented the following report of the Princeton Land Reuse Agency’s meeting of April 4th:
Senate Bill 552 – Mr. Lusk reported the members of the Land Reuse Agency discussed the implications of Senate Bill 552, which now is law and created a statewide Land Bank and revamped the State Tax Sale process. Guidance will be provided by the State Auditor’s Office in June or July as to how Land Reuse Agencies will fit into the new system.
Appointment of Director – Sam Lusk further reported the Land Reuse Agency appointed him as its first Director.
- CITY ATTORNEY
City Attorney Paul Cassell presented the following three items for City Council’s consideration and action:
- Public Hearing on A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE RENEWAL OF A LEASE AGREEMENT WITH DR. DAVID MULLINS FOR THE CONTINUED USE OF .23 OF AN ACRE OF CITY PROPERTY AT 12TH STREET EXTENSION AND MORRISON DRIVE, IN THE CITY OF PRINCETON, WEST VIRGINIA.
Mayor Graham moved City Council into a public hearing at 7:44 p.m. on the proposed extension of Dr. Mullins lease agreement with the City of Princeton for another five years and called for public comments.
There were no comments forthcoming. Therefore, Mayor Graham declared the public hearing closed at 7:45 p.m. and read the resolution into the record, as follows;
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING LEASE
WHEREAS, the Common Council of the City of Princeton believes that continuing the leasing of the property to Dr. David Mullins serves the interests of the citizens of Princeton.
BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED that the Common Council of the City of Princeton hereby authorizes the attached Lease and authorizes the City Manager to sign it on the City’s behalf.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF I, David E. Graham, with the power vested in me as Mayor of the City of Princeton, have hereunto set my hand and caused the great seal of the City of Princeton to be affixed this the 11th day of April, 2022.
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David E. Graham, Mayor
MOTION: Dewey Russell moved City Council adopt the resolution approving the extension of a lease agreement with Dr. David Mullins.
Joe Allen duly seconded the motion.
The motion carried unanimously.
- First Reading by title of AN ORDINANCE AMENDING § 1365.05 “GENERAL INFORMATION,” OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF PRINCETON, WEST VIRGINIA: SIGNS
City Attorney Paul Cassell explained this ordinance will add a provision prohibiting any obscene material on signs in the City of Princeton.
MOTION: James Hawkins moved City Council accept the ordinance on first reading.
Dewey Russell duly seconded the motion.
Council Member James Hill commented that he had a problem with the language in this ordinance and could foresee problems from its vagueness. He recommended more clarification be inserted to make the wording more specific.
Joe Allen asked if the language in the ordinance is from State Code.
Mr. Cassell responded that the language is modeled after another jurisdiction’s code.
On voting, Dewey Russell, Marshall Lytton, James Hawkins, Joseph Allen and Mayor Graham voted in favor of accepting the ordinance on first reading. James Hill voted against the motion. Therefore, the motion carried on a vote of five in favor and one opposed.
- First Reading by title of AN ORDINANCE CREATING ARTICLE 310, “TRAFFIC REGULATION,” OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF PRINCETON, WEST VIRGINIA.
The City Attorney explained that this ordinance incorporates State traffic regulations into the City Code by using the City’s own, distinct reference numbers. This ordinance also replaces the State Traffic Code which had been adopted by reference while using the State’s Code indices. By this ordinance the traffic codes of the City of Princeton are identified specifically, Mr. Cassell stated.
MOTION: James Hill moved City Council accept the Traffic Regulation Ordinance on first
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reading.
James Hawkins duly seconded the motion.
Mr. Hill thanked and commended the City Attorney for undertaking the drafting of this ordinance, which must have consisted of considerable work to accomplish.
On voting, the motion carried unanimously.
- CITY MANAGER
City Manager Mike Webb presented the following updates:
Wayfinding Signs – Covid-19 delayed the production of the City’s Wayfinding Signs, but the DOH will start installing the signs this coming week and all of them should be in place by June.
Disc Golf Tournament – A Disc Golf Tournament was held in the City Park on March 26th with fifty-three players, even with the temperature hovering around 32 degrees under snowy conditions. The Disc Golf Tournaments get better with each succeeding year.
Railroad Museum – The model train display at the Railroad Museum has been completed and the public now is welcome in that area of the Museum. The model train takes up a full sized room.
Also, the railroad side cars have been painted and look shiny new and on display again near the caboose.
Fire Training Center – The project to refurbish the Fire Training Center continues with work currently being done on the stairs of the tower. Also, the burn building will be replaced with new metal shipping containers. The Training Center will require attention every 3 -5 years to keep it functional.
Dog Bark Park – The waterline to the dog park is in place and the pad is ready for paving. The fencing is being installed, the fire hydrant is here and work is proceeding. The park should be open later this spring.
Thorn Street Sidewalks – The notice to proceed has been received and work began today on the south side of Thorn Street for construction of new sidewalks, which should be completed in two to three weeks. The cost of the project is $270,000 with an 80/20 match paid by the City.
Princeton Community Hospital – An important construction project has begun at Princeton Community Hospital to install a new CATH lab with state-of-the-art technology.
Washington Avenue Park – Limbs from overgrown trees have been removed from the lights at
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the Washington Avenue Park which makes the park much brighter at night.
New LED Streetlights – A work order has been filed with AEP for the installation of new LED streetlights on High and North Walker Streets. The project should be completed by the summer. Also, photos show the greatly improved lighting created by the addition of a long extension for the LED streetlight at the McKinley Park.
New Businesses – Jimmie’s Restaurant is set to open in the near future; a new bakery has opened next to Sophisticated Hound; Trevor Mullins of Dominion State Farm is opening an office on Stafford Drive; and the building at 921 Mercer Street has been sold and a new store front is under development.
Rogers Street Storm Water Project – The property easements and permits from the DOH have been obtained and E. L. Robinson, Engineering is preparing the bid documents for publication.
Sidewalks Leveling – The company, Precision Safe Sidewalks, has been working at 71 sites within the city to remove trip hazards on the sidewalks by leveling and smoothing out the surfaces.
Ten Year Comprehensive Plan – The City of Princeton and its Planning Commission are launching a project to update the City’s Ten Year Comprehensive Plan, the City’s blueprint for development. The project will be completed by July of next year.
- CITY CLERK
City Clerk Kenneth Clay commended the work of Reva Kessinger, Teresa Myers, Kaitlyn Smith and Madison Gunnoe who work the front desk at City Hall and represent the City well in their interactions with the public.
- HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR
Human Resources Director Brian Blankenship reported, with the retirement of Mary Quick, that Kaitlyn Smith has accepted Mary’s Accounts Payable position, while Teresa Myers has moved into the Tax Auditor’s position and Madison Gunnoe has been hired as the new Court Clerk.
Mr. Blankenship thanked those individuals who chose to step up and take these positions, commended them for taking on the responsibility of a new position and declared that, in doing so, they had put the City’s house back in order.
VIII. COUNCIL ROUNDTABLE
Mayor Graham dispensed with the Council Roundtable in order to move into an Executive Session for Real Estate matters.
Cruise-Ins – Councilman James Hill announced that the Mercer Street Cruise-In season begins on Saturday, May 21st and also noted that the Stafford Drive Cruise-In already had begun.
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VIII. EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR REAL ESTATE MATTERS
Pursuant to WV Code § 6-9A-4(b)(9), Vice Mayor Marshall Lytton moved City Council adjourn to Executive Session for the purpose of real estate matters.
James Hawkins duly seconded the motion.
The motion carried unanimously and at 8:05 p.m. Mayor Graham adjourned City Council to Executive Session for real estate matters.
REGULAR SESSION RECONVENES
James Hill moved City Council close the Executive Session and reconvene its Regular Meeting.
Dewey Russell duly seconded the motion.
The motion carried unanimously and at 8:24 p.m. Mayor Graham called the Regular Meeting of City Council to order once again.
City Attorney Paul Cassell reported that no decisions were made during the Executive Session, nor were any discussions conducted other than those allowed by law.
- MEETING RECESSED
At 8:24 p.m. Mayor Graham recessed the April 11, 2022, City Council Meeting until Tuesday, April 19, 2022, at 12:00 p.m. to Lay the Levy for FY2023.