Regular Meeting – City Council – July 18, 2022

REGULAR MEETING ~ CITY COUNCIL

PRINCETON, MERCER COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA

July 18, 2022

 

A Regular Meeting of the Common Council of the City of Princeton, Mercer County, West Virginia was held in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building, 800 Bee Street, on Monday, July 18, 2022, at 6:30 p.m.  In attendance were Mayor David Graham; Vice Mayor Joseph Allen; Council Members Dewey Russell, Marshall Lytton, James Hill and James Hawkins; City Manager Michael Webb, City Attorney Paul Cassell and City Clerk Kenneth Clay.  Absent was Council Member Jacqueline Rucker.  A quorum was constituted thereby.

 

  1. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Council Member James Hill presented the invocation by praying for guidance in Council’s  decision-making; prayed for divine help in controlling our emotions in these turbulent times; asked for a healing touch upon Jackie Rucker and for Joe Allen’s daughter as they recover from illnesses; with open hearts and minds invoked diving guidance in responding to controversial issues in these divisive times; cited Proverbs 29:11 which declares that the fool lacks control, but the wise remain calm in trying times; and concluded by invoking divine inspiration for guidance as we proceed into the future.

 

Council Member Dewey Russell led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.

 

  1. CALL TO ORDER

Mayor David Graham called the meeting to order.

 

III.  PROCLAMATIONS ~ PRESENTATIONS

 

  1. PUBLIC INPUT

Stephen Asbury, Owner, Muffler Man on Mercer Street – Mr. Stephen Asbury addressed City Council by expressing concerns about the lack of activities in Princeton for the youth.  He noted the plentiful existence of car lots, banks & churches, but very little organizations devoted to the youth of Princeton and surrounding area.  Mr. Asbury continued by describing the City Parks as run down, with needles on the ground, and a City Pool that can’t be fixed.  Also, on the Fourth of July he witnessed two prostitutes on Mercer Street and contended there should have been something for kids every day during the Fourth of July Celebration.  Mr. Asbury then emphasized that he has to take his kids out of the City to enjoy activities for young people.

 

Mr. Asbury continued by remarking that without the help of City Council and City employees nothing will happen to enhance the quality of life for our children.   He cited Pigeon Forge as an example and suggested that cruising on Mercer Street should happen every weekend not

just one weekend a month in the summer and added that small towns elsewhere make it happen.

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In response, Council Member Joseph Allen informed Mr. Asbury that the Park and Recreation Board has a meeting scheduled in August and he would contact Mr. Asbury beforehand to enable him to attend the meeting and present his ideas to the Board.

 

Mr. Bobby Choate, 900 Front Street, Princeton – Mr. Bobby Choate addressed City Council to express his displeasure with the frequency and duration of loud fireworks being set off well before and after the Fourth of July.  He contended that something needs done regarding this practice over an extended time period creates a serious nuisance for veterans with PTSD, for pets, as well as citizens after experiencing this trend over a long time period.  He explained that fireworks in his neighborhood continued well after the Fourth of July and suggested that City and County officials meet and work something out to regulate fireworks more effectively.

 

Mr. Choate continued by explaining that he has neighbors who work, one who leaves at 4:00 a.m., and was unable to sleep because of the noise from fireworks.  Mr. Choate also advised that he had called 911 on July 3rd, but was told by a dispatcher there was nothing that could be done unless the fireworks were being shot directly at him.  Mr. Choate informed he called 911 again on July 11th and was told the reason for his call was not an emergency.  At this point Mr. Choate remarked that he doesn’t know what can be done, perhaps shorten the time period for using the fireworks, or what, but concluded that he and his neighbors were not the only ones with this problem, in that it was prevalent all over town.

 

Mayor Graham thanked Mr. Choate for bringing the matter to Council’s attention and referred his concerns about fireworks to the City Manager and Police Chief.

 

Mr. Larry Kincaid, 323 Thornton Avenue, with Business at Straley Avenue (Music City)

Mr. Larry Kincaid addressed City Council by explaining that he lives on the upper end of town and has a house behind his residence with a group of people residing there who seem to have no purpose in life whatsoever.  He further remarked that he is beside himself with the homeless as a business owner and noted that he could start over at another location anytime.  Mr. Kincaid advised City Council that he also needs help at his place of business, Music City at 200 Straley Avenue, due to the homeless people who wander around his business with no purpose and leave trash on the picnic tables, which are not for public use.  Mr. Kincaid remarked that, evidently, there are no repercussions for their behavior, which goes on every day, and concluded by asking what could he do about it.

 

Mayor Graham thanked Mr. Kincaid for calling these conditions to Council’s attention.

 

  1. CONSENT AGENDA

Without correction or addition, Mayor Graham committed the items on the Consent Agenda to

the record, as follow:

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  1. Minutes of the April 8, 2022, Special City Council Meeting;
  2. Minutes of the May 27, 2022, Recessed City Council Meeting; and
  3. Minutes of the July 1, 2022, Recessed Council Meeting.

 

  1. POLICY AGENDA
  2. COMMITTEE REPORTS
  3. PUBLIC WORKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE

Dewey Russell, as Acting Chairman of the Public Works and Recreation Committee, began his report by first recognizing former Princeton Mayor Pat Wilson and her granddaughter who were visiting from Florida.

 

Mr. Russell continued by reporting the Public Works and Recreation Committee of Princeton City Council met on Wednesday, July 13, 2022, with the following to report out to Council.

 

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

Newly appointed Field and Safety Supervisor for the Public Works Department, after eleven years as an employee, Terry Blankenship presented the monthly report for Public Works, as follows:

 

Service Requests – Public Works completed 27 official service requests from citizens in June, together with four additional service requests performed in conjunction with the Code Enforcement Department.

 

Personnel – Public Works was shorthanded during most of June due to vacation scheduling at the end of the fiscal year.  This will be addressed in the future by requesting crew members to schedule their vacations as early as possible in the year.  Also, Public Works recently hired a new employee and has interviewed another in expectation of returning the department to a full staff.

 

Mr. Blankenship noted that the City’s festivals and celebrations in June and July were successful, with all City departments and employees doing a great job in contributing to their success by coordinating and working the events.

 

Storm Water Repairs – In June Public Works continued storm water repairs in the City, including improvements to the Trent Street drainage system and, most recently, on one of the main drains off Kissinger Alley and South 9th Street.

 

Tree Storm Damage – There was a significant amount of storm damage to trees that Public

Works addressed where needed.  Crews also were dispatched two or three times a week in the early morning, depending on weather conditions, to water the flower baskets throughout the City.

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Comprehensive Task List – The Public Works Department will be developing a comprehensive task list over the next few weeks in order to prioritize our work efforts as summer continues.  The major categories addressed will be storm water repairs and installation, tree work (both Public Works and hired-out problem trees), roadway repairs and paving, sidewalk repairs (in coordination with property owners), mowing and street/curb painting.

 

Equipment Acquisitions – In the near future Public Works is considering acquiring a sickle bar mower for the medium tractor, a large brush hog for the four-wheel drive, large tractor, a new

finish mower, additional implements for the new excavator, and two snow blowers to help clear sidewalks this winter.  As for larger equipment, the department still is mulling over a grapple truck to assist with special orders and tree damage cleanup.

 

Public Works was able to purchase a used dump truck that is in good shape which was quickly added to the fleet to help with special orders.

 

The new trash truck has been on order since early in the year with an anticipated delivery date in late December or early next year.

 

Rogers Street Project – James Hill asked the City Manager about the status of the Rogers Street Drainage Project and the issue with water lines impeding progress.

 

City Manager Mike Webb replied that E. L. Robinson Engineers and the contractor, together with the Water Company, are coordinating efforts to resolve the issue by rerouting water lines as needed.

 

PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT

Assistant Recreation Director Malinda Edwards presented the following report to Council:

 

City Pool – Renosys now is on site and performing work to install the new pool liners and RecDeck. The entire job is expected to take about 21 working days to complete.  The Park Board decided it would not be feasible to open the pool this late in the season with school’s starting up and lifeguards in short supply.

 

Program Report – The Department’s three spring basketball leagues finished their season the end of the previous month.  The Department has begun organizing the four summer leagues of Mini Basketball, Minor Basketball, JV Volleyball and Varsity Volley.

 

The Summer Day Camp continues with the daily number of kids at camp running near or at

Capacity.  This year’s camp is proving one of the more successful compared to previous years.

 

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Backpack Distribution – On Friday, August 12th, the Recreation Center will be the site of the annual Back to School Bash from noon to 3:00 p.m.  This is a free event sponsored by the Family Resource Center which will be supplying backpacks filled with school supplies for Mercer County children.  Vendors will be present also to provide important information for students going back to school.

 

Circus – The Recreation Center also will be hosting a circus on Saturday, August 13th and Sunday, August 14th on the softball field.

 

Kurt Rice of 811 Park Avenue rose to address the delay in the pool renovations, remarking about its closure and to ask why the City was renovating the City Pool when there are plans to build a new one.

 

Dewey Russell replied that the delays were not the City’s fault and explained that the contractor was not fulfilling its obligations in completing the work, which should have been finished in time

for the summer season.

 

City Manager Mike Webb explained that the entire pool decking and liner had to be replaced and the contractor was delayed by the weather and by other jobs while awaiting for materials to arrive in Princeton.

 

Kurt Rice responded that the City was dealing with the past and, instead, should move forward with the new project planned for Bee Street.

 

Council Member Joseph Allen, who also serves of the Park and Recreation Board remarked that it will be years before the new pool is completed and in the meantime the City needs the pool in City Park until the new pool is finished.  Mr. Allen further remarked that City officials are

frustrated, as well, and want to see the work proceed.

 

Mr. Rice added that he just doesn’t see why the City is wasting money on the old pool when it could be applied to this new project.

 

Mayor Graham replied that the New City Hall Complex, together was a new recreation center and pool, was planned as an eight-year program, but was caught and delayed by Covid for a year.  The contractor on the job at this site also lost manpower and couldn’t obtain supplies.  The new Recreation Center planned for this Bee Street site also must be completed prior to the new City Pool.

 

Kurt Rice asked when to expect results for these programs and added that he had never heard of

an Eight-Year Plan.

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Dewey Russell replied that the City’s Eight-Year Plan doesn’t receive a lot of press, but added  the City has changed light years for the better over the 24 years he has been on Council.

 

Mr. Rice next inquired as to how the drug rehab centers had been allowed to open in the City.

 

City Attorney Paul Cassell responded by explaining the drug treatment centers are part of a federal program and cannot be regulated by a State, County or City governments.

 

Chairman James Hill commented that the City tried to deal with all the drug rehabilitation centers, but the City Attorney provided Council with the law which prohibits City officials from speaking against them or controlling their location.  Basically, the federal authorities have all the control.

 

Dewey Russell interjected that no one up here on the Council dais promotes suboxone or methadone clinics.

 

Mr. Hill added the City must stay within the law or face penalties.

 

On another subject, Mr. Hill remarked that Music in the Park on Thursday nights is a good program with local talent featuring gospel and rock music on an alternating basis.  He offered and invitation for all to attend the events throughout the summer.

 

RAILROAD MUSEUM

Railroad Museum Director Pat Smith presented the following report:

 

Visitors – Pat Smith reported that during the month of June Railroad Museum continued to build on its attendance.  For the fiscal year ending June 30th, the Museum had 4,531 visitors with 978 in June, including 400 in attendance for West Virginia Day.  The Museum also made $196 in gift store sales and received $1126 in donations, with grand total of $4,531 in proceeds for the fiscal year.

 

Mrs. Smith also invited Steven Asbury and family to the museum to view the three, running model trains in the display room upstairs, together with a tour of the Agricultural Museum.  She also offered to do a kids’ tour for their children and take them to the Mythical Collection housed above the Museum on First Street which features vehicles from the early 1900’s that had been converted to the first ever snowmobile and semi-trailer truck.

 

Mrs. Smith also reported that the new Retro Princetonopoly Game would be ready any day now

and noted that the printer had reported problems getting paper for the box cover.  The cost of the games will be $30 each.

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Council Member James Hawkins asked the hours of the Railroad Museum.

 

Mrs. Smith replied that the Museum is open every day from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. except the major holidays.

 

PRINCETON PUBLIC LIBRARY

Interim Library Director Laura Buchanan presented the following report:

 

The Friends of the Princeton Public Library Book Sale was held from 9:00 to 5:00 on July 11th and 12thThey recently voted to use the funds to purchase a Cricut Maker with startup items for the Library.  The three day sale in June was a huge success, doubling what they normally make despite all items being half off.

 

The requirements for the Community Foundation of the Virginias Grant have been fulfilled.  This grant funded the building of an antique bookcase and provided for an Outside Reading Area.

 

For the month of June, the Library had 4,658 items circulate.  This includes our digital circulations.  This is an increase of 829 from last year.

 

  • 94 new members joined the Library in June, this is up by over half this time last year.
  • We hosted 28 in-person programs with 259 participants.

 

Lego Club, Bookbugs Storytime, Dancing Penguin, and Petite Shell Jewelry Dish all had 20 or more participants.

 

  1. Shelley came to the Library on May 7th as part of the Summer Reading Program, but also to engage patrons with a ready teaching tool. She was welcomed with open arms upon announcing her arrival on Facebook, the Library had lots of visitors that were curious to meeting our new “staff Member.”

 

We decided to begin keeping track of turtle engagement that will run for the duration of each month.  For the month of June she had 232 guests inquire or directly interact with her.

 

The Library was open for the duration of the Princeton Street Fair and had 284 visitors stop inside the Library.  This was also a great opportunity to talk about our Summer Reading Program and sign up new Library members.

 

Some of our upcoming programs are as follows:

 

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  • Pokemon Trading Card Exchange on July 19th at 4 pm. This is an opportunity for Pokemon lovers to meet others in the community to talk and trade cards.
  • On July 23rd at noon, there is an opportunity to make an ocean themed charm bracelet during the Ocean at Your Wrist Program.
  • Drop in Tutoring will resume July 25th. Our new tutor is Paula Gould.  She specializes in the humanities, particularly reading, writing and literature.
  • The Library will host a Maker Space Day on July 26th from 10 am to 3 pm. This will feature items housed in our IDEA Lab and allow hands on participation with our button makers, Sphero Robot and 3D Printers.

 

The Library continues to feature regular monthly programs, the details of which may be found on our website or by calling the Library.

 

July 30th is the last day to participate in the Library’s Summer Reading Program.  August 3rd we will be drawing winners for the various raffle prizes.

 

  1.   PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE

Chairman James Hill reported the Public Safety Committee of Princeton City Council met on Wednesday, July 13, 2022, immediately following the Public Works and Recreation Committee with the following to report out to Council:

 

CODE ENFORCEMENT DEPARTMENT

Director Ty Smith presented the Code Enforcement Department’s monthly report for June, as follows:

 

COMPUTATION OF COMPLAINTS

Summary – Property Maintenance

Initial Complaints                              323

Cumulative Complaints to Date  44, 495

 

AREA PATROL SUMMARY

Demolition/Renovation Programs Status

Condemnations/Unsafe in Process      60

Demolitions in Appeals Process            0

Demolitions w/Notice to Proceed         0

Total Demolitions to Date                 680

 

Animal Control & Property Maintenance

Complaints this Month                      115

Animal Control Cases                         38

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Impounded (dogs 3; cats 30)               33

Euthanized                                           20 (If ill, the vet makes the decision)

Reclaimed                                              1

Rescued                                                  7

Property Maintenance                          77

 

Building Inspection (Zoning, PM, RC)

Building Permits (Res. 22; Com. 5)     27

Total Inspections                                  30

Total Project Costs               $506,930.00

Permit Fees                               $1,624.00

 

Flood Plain Management & Property Maintenance

Flood Plain Determinations                  27

Flood Plain Permits Issued                     2

Property Maintenance Case Total       103

 

** Ben Love passed the Certified Flood Plain Manager’s Exam!

 

Zoning Official

Certificate of Occupancy Applications:  3

Certificate of Occupancy Inspections:  3

 

Zoning Board Cases:  1

 

Rental Compliance

Revenue in June. $237.50; Total to Date:  $18,610.45

Registered Units June:  Houses 3; Apts. 0; Trailers 4; Total Units 7

Cumulative Total:  Houses 357; Apts. 559; Other 78; Total 995

 

Vacant Buildings

Registered Vacant Buildings June:  Registered 1; Total 37.

 

Billing Totals for June

Demolitions Billed:  $15,992.50            Payments Received:  $435

Grass, Trash & Vet Billed:  $2,118.46   Payments Received:  $60

 

Councilman James Hill asked if Princeton is way ahead of most cities on Flood Plain work and

enforcement.

 

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Ty Smith responded that Flood Plain Manager Ben Love is working on new mapping for the City and how to move forward, but added the City still has a ways to go under the current codes in determining the best course of action for Princeton.  Mr. Smith also noted that a lot of federal requirements are coming down to every jurisdiction that are more stringent than ever and which will further restrict development in flood plain areas.

 

Mr. Hill then inquired about the Green Infrastructure Initiative.

 

Ty Smith replied that Code Enforcement is developing special projects to insert plants in developed areas of the City to control water runoff and filter it before the water returns to streams.  Mr. Smith added that funding is available for such projects and Code Enforcement is involved already in planning and developing sites in Princeton for green infrastructure.

 

Mr. Hill asked Ty Smith to address how Code Enforcement and the City are working on obtaining grants to control the homeless problem by removing vacant and dilapidated buildings.

 

Mr. Smith replied that the Demolition Grant just awarded is important to the City for removing dilapidated and dangerous structures.  He explained that every city in West Virginia has been bombarded with dilapidated structures and the smaller cities that applied for a demolition grant are understaffed and unprepared to follow through.

 

FIRE DEPARTMENT

Fire Chief Matt Mould presented the following report for June:

 

Call Report – During the month of June the Fire Department responded to 83 emergency calls that included four fire calls (one structure fire), eight motor vehicle accidents/rescues and 55 emergency medical calls.

 

Inspections – The Fire Department also performed 10 fire inspections, 6 certificates of occupancy, and issued 20 outdoor burning permits.

 

Training – The Fire Chief also reported the Fire Department devoted 442 man hours to training during June.

 

Vehicle Accident Billing – The Fire Department received no funds from insurance billing in June.  The total for insurance billing in FY2021-22 comes to $11,466.

 

Training Center Project – The Training Tower has been completed and is now in use.  The

maze is pending completion.   The Athens-Concord Fire School training recently offered presented an opportunity for training without traveling to Beckley.

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Other Updates:

  • A preliminary report from the WV Department of Homeland Security indicates the application for new radios was denied. The grant application for air packs is still pending.
  • Required annual aerial and ground ladder testing was conducted by Aerial Testing Company, Inc.
  • A hiring test is scheduled for Saturday, July 30th, with the physical test at 9 am and written exam at 2:00 p.m.
  • Lieutenant’s promotional exam is scheduled for August 29th.

 

Council Member James Hill remarked that the Training Center provides an excellent venue for training County’s firefighters without having to send them to Greenbrier County or other areas like Beckley.  He further explained that Bluefield, Princeton and Mercer County all donated to the project and all firefighters in the County will work better together if they train together.

 

POLICE DEPARTMENT

Police Chief Gray presented the following report for June:

 

Call Report – Chief Gray reported that during the month of June 2022, Princeton officers responded to 472 offenses, made 22 arrests and issued 72 citations.

 

Food Truck Frenzy – Next Chief Gray reported the Food Truck Frenzy at the Mathena Center went well with no incidents and all the City’s departments worked well together.  Also, the City’s Fourth of July Celebration, over the entire four days of events, went well without any incidents.  The staff also did a very good job planning for the Fourth of July, with all of them working well together.

 

Civil Service Testing – Testing was conducted on Saturday, July 16th at 9:00 at the track field with 13 applicants present of which four passed and moved on to the written test at 3:00 p.m. at City Hall.  Out of those four two passed the written exam.  The Chief described both as good candidates for future consideration.

 

Personnel – Chief Gray further reported that Captain Woodard just returned to work from two weeks annual military training in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  However, the Captain advised that he would be leaving on July 31st for 26 days of required leadership training at Ft. Lee, Virginia.

 

Also, the Police Department already has begun its in-service hours for the new fiscal year with

Lt. Combs attending an eight-hour class the past Friday.  In addition, Detective Severt’s federal background investigator will be at the Police Department tomorrow to begin his background investigation for the U. S. Marshal’s Service.

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Chief Gray then noted that he was in the process or ordering the equipment required for the

upcoming Self Defense and Defensive Tactics class that will be taught by Lt. Weatherly and

Officer Owens.

 

The Chief Gray acknowledged appreciation for Public Works idea of using one of the new message boards at North Walker and Douglas Streets to inform parents and City residents that Douglas Street will become a one-way street permanently on August 15th.

 

  1. FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE                   

Chairman Marshall Lytton reported the Finance and Administration Committee of Princeton City Council met on Wednesday, July 13, 2022, immediately following the Public Safety Committee, with the following to report out to Council:

 

FINANCE DEPARTMENT

June 2022, Financial Report – Finance Director Brian Conner reported that as of the end of June, the twelfth and final month of FY2022, the actual revenues collected stood at 104.20% of the budgeted amount, while actual appropriations were expended at a rate of 88.28%, as compared to the budget projections of 100% forecast for the end of June.  Total funds available for City operations at the end of June were $4,199,647.

 

Mr. Conner reviewed the noteworthy expenditures for June as follow:

 

Andy Mohr Ford, Inc.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .$83,162.50

Southern Gas & Oil. Inc.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  $16,255.81

 

Mr. Lytton continued by reporting the Finance and Administration Committee approved and recommended the June 2022, Financial Report to City Council and he so moved.

 

James Hawkins duly seconded the motion.

 

The motion carried unanimously.

 

FY2023 General Fund Budget Revision #1 – Mr. Conner next presented and recommended to City Council Revision #1 to the FY2023 General Fund Budget and explained that in March 2022, the FY2023 unassigned fund balance was estimated at $1,141,128.  The actual balance on June 30, 2022, after accruals (receivables and payables) is $1,523,315; thereby creating an

increase of $382,187 from estimates. The increase in fund equity brings the total budgeted for FY2023 to $8,127,474. 

 

Mr. Conner continued by explaining that the General Fund estimates have been adjusted for the

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the increase in the fund balance, as follows:

 

  • Increase in the City Manager’s transfer line to reflect the purchase of a work truck.
  • Increase in Contingencies to set aside needed monies for continuing construction of City

Hall.

  • Adjust under budgeted Storm Sewer line.
  • Increase in Fairs and Festivals to cover accrued expenses associated with July 4th
  • Increase in Beautification for additional landscaping in high traffic areas.

 

These expenditure adjustments increase the General Fund Expenditures Budget by $382,187 bringing the total General Fund appropriations for FY2023 to $8,127,474, thereby creating a balanced budget.

 

MOTION:  Mr. Lytton further reported the Finance and Administration Committee approved and recommended Budget Revision #1 to the FY2023 General Fund to City Council, and he so moved.

 

Joseph Allen duly seconded the motion.

 

The motion carried unanimously.

 

FY2023 Coal Severance Fund Budget Revision #1 – Next Mr. Conner explained that in March 2022, the FY2023 assigned fund balance was estimated to be $1,000.  The actual balance on June 30, 2022, after accruals (receivables and payables), is $25,420, thereby creating an increase of $24,420 from estimates.  The increase in fund equity brings the total budgeted revenue for FY2023 to $38,424.

 

The Coal Severance Fund expenditure estimates have been adjusted for the increase in the fund balance, as follows:

 

  • Finance Office, an increase of $24,420. This expenditure is for annual maintenance of the Tyler System and services as needed.

 

This expenditure adjustment creates a balanced budget of $38,424.

 

MOTION:  Mr. Lytton continued by reported the Finance and Administration Committee

approved and recommended to City Council Budget Revision #1 to the FY2023 Coal Severance Fund, and he so moved.

 

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Dewey Russell duly seconded the motion.

 

The motion carried unanimously.

 

Council Meeting Dates in August – Due to a scheduling conflict with the WV Municipal League’s Annual Conference in August, the Finance and Administration Committee approved and recommended to City Council, and Mr. Lytton so moved, rescheduling City Council’s meetings in August 2022, to the following dates:

 

  1. Committees of Council – Wednesday, August 10, 2022, at 1:00 p.m.; and
  2. City Council Meeting – Monday, August 15, 2022, at 6:30 p.m.

 

James Hawkins duly seconded the motion.

 

The motion carried unanimously.

 

  1. &. O. Tax Incentives – 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:

 

  1. Kylie Kakes Desert Bar & Cafe – 835 Mercer Street – Kylie Carpenter, Owner;
  2. The Tye Dyed Tarantula – 600 Rogers Street – (Retail) – Barbara Fields, Owner;
  3. Memphis Cutz – 106 Oakvale Road – (Barber Shop/Salon) Latonya Porterfield, Owner; and
  4. Capital Armory – 613 Rogers St., – Wholesale Distribution – Randall Durham, Owner and Director of Business.

 

James Hawkins duly seconded the motion.

 

The motion carried unanimously.

 

Affiliation Agreement Among WVU United Health System, Inc. and City of Princeton and Princeton Community Hospital, Inc. – Council Member Marshall Lytton moved City Council approve the “Agreement and Plan of Affiliation By and Among WVU United Health System, Inc. and City of Princeton and Princeton Community Hospital. Inc.”

 

James Hill duly seconded the motion.

 

Mr. Rusty Sarver, President of the Princeton Community Hospital Board of Directors, explained this agreement will assure quality health care to the citizens of Princeton and the surrounding region for an eternity.

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Bob Schumacher, Attorney for the Princeton Community Hospital’s Board of Directors, commented that this agreement also will enhance medical and health services in Princeton for those patients who now are being transported elsewhere for treatment.

 

City Attorney Paul Cassell advised that the aforesaid motion should be amended to authorize the Mayor to sign the Affiliation Agreement on behalf of the City of Princeton.

 

Amendment to the Motion:  Dewey Russell moved that the motion to approve the Affiliation Agreement among WVU Health System, Inc., the City of Princeton and Princeton Community Hospital, Inc. be amended to authorize Mayor David Graham to sign the Agreement on behalf of the City of Princeton and City Council.

 

Joseph Allen duly seconded the motion.

 

The City Attorney advised that a roll call of City Council be taken on the final vote for the record.

 

The roll call vote was as follows:

 

Dewey Russell, Yay

Marshall Lytton, Yay

James Hawkins, Yay

Joseph Allen, Yay

James Hill, Yay

Mayor David Graham, Yay

 

Therefore, the motion carried by unanimous vote of Council.

 

COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT COMMISSION

Community Improvement Chairman Sam Lusk presented the following report:

 

Mr. Lusk reported the CIC met July 11th and approved the following six businesses in Princeton for the Façade Grant:

 

  • Trevor Mullins’ State Farm Insurance Agency, 1045 Stafford Dr. – $2,000
  • Grants Supermarket, East Main Street – $2,000
  • Daily Bread, 403 High Street – $175
  • Ray’s Powersports, 680 Beckley Road – $2,000
  • Royal Fades Barbershop, 316 Thorn Street – $2,000
  • Sophisticated Hound Brewing Company, 833 Mercer Street – $2,000

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Council Member James Hill remarked that he had a Code question and asked should not City Council be voting on these grants.

 

In response, City Attorney Paul Cassell stated that he would review the City Code for the answer to Mr. Hill’s question.

 

Mr. Hill remarked that in the past the Façade Grants were brought before Council for approval.

 

MOTION:  James Hill moved City Council approve the six façade grants as reported to Council

by CIC Chairman Sam Lusk.

 

Dewey Russell duly seconded the motion.

 

The motion carried unanimously.

 

  1. CITY ATTORNEY

City Attorney Paul Cassell presented the following ordinances for City Council’s consideration:

 

  1. Second Reading, by title, and Public Hearing for AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE

UPDATED WEST VIRGINIA STATE BUILDING CODE, § 87CSR4, EFFECTIVE AUGUST 1, 2022.

 

City Attorney Paul Cassel explained this ordinance is a house keeping matter to assure the City keeps up to date with the State law.

 

PUBLIC HEARING

At 8:02 p.m. Mayor Graham moved City Council into public hearing and called for comments regarding the ordinance updating the City Code by adopting the revised State Building Code.

 

There being no public comments, Mayor Graham closed the public hearing at 8:02 pm., returned Council to its Regular Session and called for a motion on the ordinance.

 

MOTION:  Joseph Allen moved City Council adopt the ordinance as presented.

 

James Hill duly seconded the motion.

 

The motion carried unanimously.

 

  1. Second Reading by title, and Public Hearing for AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AND REPLACING § 1511.01 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF

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PRINCETON, WEST VIRGINIA REGARDING THE STATE FIRE CODE.

 

The City Attorney explained that this ordinance replaces the out-of-date City Fire Code with the current State Fire Code to assure the City of Princeton conforms to State law.

 

PUBLIC HEARING

At 8:04 p.m. Mayor Graham moved City Council into public hearing and called for comments regarding the ordinance replacing the City Fire Code with the current State Fire Code.

 

There being no public comments, Mayor Graham closed the public hearing at 8:04 p.m., returned Council to its Regular Session and called for a motion on the ordinance.

 

MOTION:  Dewey Russell moved City Council adopt the ordinance as presented.

 

James Hill duly seconded the motion.

 

The motion carried unanimously.

 

  1. CITY MANAGER

City Manager’s Updates – City Manager Mike Webb presented power point updates of ongoing projects and events of note in the City:

 

Two USDA Grants – Two USDA grants totaling $250,000 have been approved and will be finalized this month for the purchase of two police cruisers and one utility truck for the Fire Department to pull the HAZMAT trailer.  Once finalized the vehicles then may be ordered.

 

Demolition Grant – A Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Grant of $225,000 has been approved and will be administered by Region I PDC for the demolition of 45 dilapidated structures in the City.

 

Rogers Street Stormwater Project – American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds will be applied to pay for the cost of moving water lines on Rogers Street that are somewhat impeding the installation of storm water lines.

 

Historic District Work – Volunteers from the Princeton Rotary Club worked in the Historic District near the Railroad Museum to paint the brick pavers in the street, as well as the

intersection at 2nd Street, with plans to do more painting and improvements to other buildings in the Historic District.

 

Fourth of July Weekend – The inaugural four-day, Fourth of July Celebration worked well

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with all City departments involved.  All advertising avenues were used to get the word out, including a street banner.  However, the baseball game on Friday was rained out, but the first night’s fireworks on Friday were set off at 9:30 p.m. after a rain delay.  A Disc Golf Tournament was held in City Park on Saturday, July 2nd with 45 participants from seven states.  The Dog Park also opened with a ribbon cutting and a Dog Parade.  A hole-in-one was recorded at the Disc Golf Tournament on Saturday.  In addition, a Special Cruise-In was observed on Mercer Street on Saturday, July 2nd, as was a Patriotic Jeep Cruise-In on Sunday, July 3rd together with a movie in Town Square.  On July 4th the Princeton a Whistlepigs’ baseball game was played in the afternoon; a Hot Dog Eating Contest at 11:30 a.m. involving 13 contestants and which was won by Mr. Webb’s son.  That evening an outdoor music concert was presented at the Mathena Center, together with a car show and fireworks to top-off the evening.    Mr. Webb thanked the Fire, Police and Public Works’ employees and everyone else who helped make the City of Princeton’s inaugural Fourth of July Celebration a success.

 

  1. CITY CLERK

The City Clerk had nothing to refer to City Council.

 

  1. HUMAN RESOURCES

Human Resources Director Brian Blankenship reported that he was working with the City’s department heads to bring their departments up to full staff before the end of the year.

 

Mr. Blankenship also reported that two Hometown Hero banners had been replaced which were worn and faded.

 

In addition, he advised that all necessary arrangements had been made for those who would be attending the upcoming Municipal League’s Annual Conference in Morgantown.

 

VII.  COUNCIL ROUNDTABLE

Mayor Graham dispensed with the Council Roundtable.

 

VIII.  ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, Mayor Graham adjourned the July 18, 2022, City Council Meeting at 8:23 p.m.