REGULAR MEETING ~ CITY COUNCIL
PRINCETON, MERCER COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA
March 14, 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, on Monday, March 14, 2022, at 6:30 p.m. In attendance were Mayor David Graham; Vice Mayor Marshall Lytton; Council Members Dewey Russell, James Hill, Joseph Allen 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.
- INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Council Member Joseph Allen prayed for a blessing of healing on Council Member Jackie Rucker as she continues her medical treatments; for the blessing of comfort to the family of former Princeton Mayor Tim Ealy upon his passing; a blessing of divine comfort also for the Stanley family, including former Council Member Chris Stanley whose father just passed away; invoked a special blessing be upon the people of the Ukraine who are suffering under the atrocities of a Russian invasion; asked a blessing for all City employees, first responders and EMT’s who work to keep all of us safe; and invoked divine guidance for the conduct of this City Council meeting and for Council’s future decisions.
Council Member Dewey Russell 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. PRESENTATIONS
- Bill Archer, Mercer County Commission – County Commissioner Bill Archer addressed City Council on behalf of the Mercer County Airport Authority regarding overgrown trees on City property adjacent to the Airport. Mr. Archer explained that representatives from the Federal Aviation Administration had advised Airport officials that certain trees on the side of the runway should be removed and/or trimmed back, some of which are on City property that abuts the Airport’s property. Mr. Archer added that some are not that far into the airport, but others require trimming or cut as needed. Mr. Archer also advised that the County Commission plans to use the wood garnered from the trees on County property to build a walkway around Glenwood Park. Also, the County will give the City the wood trimmed from trees on Dan Hale Reservoir property.
Mayor Graham commented that the City Council had no issue with the County doing as
Mr. Archer proposed.
City Attorney Paul Cassell advised that the City Manager has the authority to take action
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regarding the management of City property, including the action required as described by Mr. Archer regarding the Mercer County Airport Authority.
- Oath of Office – Firefighter Tyler Mitchell – City Clerk Kenneth Clay administered the Oath of Officer for recently hired Princeton Firefighter, Ty Mitchell.
- Firefighter Commendations – Fire Chief Matt Mould presented a “Certificate of Commendation” to Firefighter Justice Shafer for his critical lifesaving actions while responding to a gunshot victim.
Firefighter Aaron Beeman also was commended by the Fire Chief for lifesaving efforts
while on the same call involving the call, but he could not be present to receive the
“Certificate of Commendation.”
- PUBLIC INPUT
Brian Blankenship – Scout Master, Princeton Boy Scout Troop One – Princeton Boy Scout Troop 1 Scout Master Brian Blankenship introduced thirteen Boy Scouts to City Council who were seated together at the back of the Council Chambers, and informed that the scouts were present in order to fulfill a requirement for their Communication Badge.
The Boy Scouts present for the meeting were Landon Palmer, Alex Montgomery, Jonah Nolan, Matthew Weiss, Chris Morgan, Connor O’Brien, Blake Blankenship, Landon Lester, Jason Hajenga, Patrick Conner, Jack Blankenship, Edward Montgomery and Patrick Anderson.
- CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Graham offered for Council’s consideration the following;
- Minutes of the February 14, 2022, Regular City Council Meeting; and
- Minutes of the February 16, 2022, Special City Council Meeting.
There being no corrections or additions noted by the Council Members, Mayor Graham committed to the record the minutes of the meetings of February 14, 2022, and February 16, 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, March 9, 2022, and called on Public Works Director Jackie Phillips to present his report:
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
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Tree Removed – Public Works Director Jackie Phillips reported that the one additional item he
had to report to Council was the removal of a nuisance tree at 500 Karnes Street that had been creating a hazard.
Mr. Russell continued the report of the Public Works and Recreation Committee as follows:
Service Requests – The Public Works Director had reported the completion of nine service requests from city residents during the month of February.
Ongoing Tasks:
- Maintained the mains storm drains and piping;
- Continued work on the Dog Park fencing; and
- Railroad Museum repairs.
Storm Drain Projects – Public Works continues working on two areas of storm drainage lines: (1) the collapsing pipe at the Presbyterian Church to at least get one section of pipe installed to enable closing the access hole, and (2) the 600 block of Park Avenue where holes are appearing in the yard of a residence.
Additional Jobs – Other Public Works’ jobs include the excavation of roots remaining after the removal of a large tree from the Library’s side yard and placing a concrete pad on the site for a reading table; painting of the caboose and side cars for the Railroad Museum (the side cars have been relocated to Public Works’ new shop at 800 Bee Street to enable repairing and painting the cars in a better environment.
The caboose painting will be a weather dependent task. The Railroad Museum Director also has requested the installation of a mail slot in the front doors for donations from the folks utilizing the paring area for RV’s. Public Work was tasked with changing the string lights on Mercer Street from colors to white at the request of the Community Improvement Commission. However, it was the consensus of the committee that the lights should remain as is with the multi-color bulbs.
Resolution Approving Thorn Street Sidewalk Supplemental Agreement – Council Member Dewey Russell reported the Public Works and Recreation Committee approved and recommended to City Council, and he so moved, the following resolution approving the Thorn Street Sidewalk Supplemental Agreement with the WV DOT addressing increased costs of the project, the grant amount, the City’s matching amount and authorizing the City Manager to sign the supplemental agreement on behalf of the City of Princeton:
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, the City of Princeton, West Virginia applied to the West Virginia
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Department of Transportation, Division of Highways, for a Transportation Enhancement Alternative Grant for the Thorn Street South Sidewalk Project (State Project: U328-PRI/NC-8. 02) in Mercer County; and
WHEREAS, the West Virginia Department of Transportation approved the original Agreement for the grant subsequent to the City of Princeton’s approval and execution of said Agreement; and
WHEREAS, the revised total funding for the Project now is two hundred seventy-eight thousand three hundred fifty-five dollars and thirty-four cents ($278,355.34) which reflects an overall increase of seventy-eight thousand three hundred fifty-five dollars and thirty-four cents ($78,355.34); and
WHEREAS, sixty-two thousand six hundred eight-four dollars and twenty seven cents ($62,684.27) is the federal aid amount at eighty percent (80%) and fifteen thousand six hundred seventy-one dollars and seven cents ($15,671.07) will be the twenty percent (20%) match provided by the City of Princeton as sponsor.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED:
That the Common Council of the City of Princeton, on this the 14th day of March, 2022, approved the Supplemental Agreement for the Thorn Street South Sidewalk Project, agrees to pay the twenty percent matching amount based on the total reflected in said supplemental agreement and authorizes Michael Webb as City Manager to execute the Supplemental Agreement hereto attached.
David E. Graham, Mayor
Joseph Allen duly seconded the motion.
Mr. Russell commented that the sidewalk project on West Main Street-North was completed recently as the City officials continue to look for ways to make improvements.
The motion carried unanimously.
PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT
Recreation Director Amanda McCabe presented the following report:
High School Basketball Leagues – The Boy’s High School Basketball League for ages 15 to 18 has not received enough applicants to form two teams and cannot proceed unless enough sign up through the extend registration period. The League games are held in the months of April and May and also includes the Girl’s Leagues that currently have 130 registered.
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City Pool Project – The on-site construction crew from Renosys Corporation completed work on the City Pool to remove the existing decking and liner. With the removal of the decking and liner completed, concrete was being added to the pool’s deck today, Mrs. McCabe reported.
Snowflake Fundraiser – The Rec Department’s Snowflake Fundraiser for the winter programs raised $6,244, which is a huge amount when compared to previous.
Recreation Center Softball Field Improvements – The Princeton Middle School baseball team has been making improvements to the Rec Center’s softball field for their use. Improvements include a new pitcher’s mound, new bases and a roller for the field.
Disc Golf Tournament – Greg Bishop has organized a Professional Disc Golf Association sanctioned tournament in the City Park for Saturday, March 26th with 60 competitors for around the region.
RAILROAD MUSEUM
Director Pat Smith presented the following report for the Railroad Museum:
Upcoming Events – This Wednesday and Thursday the Museum will be hosting a group of 20 preschoolers.
The West Virginia Day celebration this year will occur on Saturday, June 18th.
Also, the Museum has begun charging $25 for the use of the conference room for special events.
Railroad Museum Highway Signs – Mrs. Smith reported that the State Division of Highways had erected total of nine signs, both North and South, on I-77 and Rt. 460, and since July of last year had done an excellent job of directing visitors to the Museum that otherwise would not have visited the Museum.
Informational Booklets – Mrs. Smith reported the Museum intends to have booklets printed listing and explaining the Museums exhibits as an aid in guiding visitors through the displays.
- PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
Chairman James Hill reported the Public Safety Committee of Princeton City Council met on Wednesday, March 9, 2022, immediately following the Public Works and Recreation Committee, with the following items to report to Council:
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Report on Douglas Street Traffic Flow – Police Chief Tim Gray introduced Sergeant Evan Nunn for a report, including a video presentation, on the traffic patterns on Douglas Street with regard to students being transported to and from Mercer School. As Sergeant Nunn referred to the on-screen video, he explained that over the past week he had monitored the traffic flow on
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Douglas Street, both morning and evening, corresponding to the opening and closing of the school day at Mercer Elementary. Sergeant Nunn noted, as the video
indicated, the vehicles moved smoothly staying on the right hand side of the street with no issues. Within the minutes the street was clear of vehicles and no blockages were evident.
Likewise, he also monitored the traffic flow at Mercer School during the evenings and, as the video indicated, the same conditions held true with no issues, the vehicles remaining on the right side of the street with the traffic flowing smoothly and the backup clearing within ten minutes without any blockages.
Chief Gray followed up by reporting that Sergeant Nunn had spent a lot of time at Douglas Street and Mercer School with no issues. The Chief added there are issues on Mercer Street as the video clearly establishes. However, there also are issues with speeding on Mercer Street at the school which have been addressed.
Chairman Hill expressed that the video presentation was very professional and thanked Chief Gray and Sergeant Nunn for their efforts on the issue.
In Service Training – Chief Gray reported that in-service training for Princeton’s officers is receiving a lot of emphasis at this time in order to complete the training by June 30th as required.
Chief Gray reported that the recently ordered body cameras had arrived and thanked City Council for providing the resources to purchase the cameras. However, the docking stations had not yet been delivered.
Trail Cameras – Trail cameras have been purchased and will be placed in all the City’s parks as soon as the associated solar panels arrive.
ROCIC – Chief Gray reported that he and Captain Woodard are scheduled to arrive in Dallas, Texas the coming Saturday for the national conference of the Regional Organized Crime Information Center and will spend all the time allotted in training over four days. Lodging and all other related expenses are paid by the ROCIC.
Call Report – During the month of February Princeton Police Officers responded to 393 calls, made 18 arrests and issued 156 citations. January’s numbers were 302 calls, 29 arrests and 68 citations.
Chairman Hill commended the Princeton Police Department for being highly professional.
Mayor Graham remarked that the video presentation and report on Douglas Street traffic patterns was excellent and advised Chief Gray to hold onto it.
CODE ENFORCEMENT DEPARTMENT
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Monthly Report for February 2022 – Code Enforcement Director Ty Smith presented the
following report to City Council:
COMPUTATION OF COMPLAINTS
Summary – Property Maintenance
Initial Complaints 230
Cumulative Complaints to date 43,249
AREA PATROL SUMMARY
Demolition/Renovation Programs Status
Condemnations/Unsafe in Process 45
Demolitions in Appeals Process 1
Demolitions w/Notice to Proceed 1
Total Demolitions to Date 664
Animal Control & Property Maintenance
Complaints this Month 67
Animal Control Cases 10
Impounded (dogs 4; cats 6) 10
Adopted 3
Euthanized 0
Reclaimed 0
Rescued 4
Property Maintenance Cases 57
Currently studying to take the B-1 Exam
Building Inspection (Zoning, PM, RC)
Building Permits (Res. 11; Com. 7) 14
Total Inspections 21
Total Project Costs $350,537.04
Permit Fees $1,425.00
Flood Plain Management & Property Maintenance
Flood Plain Determinations 14
Flood Plain Permits Issued 2
Property Maintenance Case Total 76
New Flood Plain Mapping is scheduled for completion by FEMA in 2023.
Currently preparing for the PM-64 Exam.
Zoning Official
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Certificate of Occupancy Applications: 13
Certificate of Occupancy Inspections: 12
Zoning Board Cases: 1
Rental Compliance
Revenue in Feb. $50.00; Total to Date: $17,522.95
Registered Units Feb.: Renewals 2; Houses 0; Apts. 2: Total Unit: 2
Cumulative Total: Houses 353; Apts. 555; Other 73; Total 967
Vacant Buildings
Registered Vacant Buildings Jan.: Registered 3; Total 30.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Fire Chief Matt Mould presented the following report for February:
Call Report – Chief Mould reported that during the month of February the Fire Department responded to the following emergency calls:
- 4 fire calls (1 structure fire in Oakvale)
- 11 motor vehicle accidents/rescues, and
- 66 emergency medical calls
Inspections – The Fire Department also performed seven fire inspections, three certificates of occupancy, one pre-incident plan an done building closure at 204 N. McNutt.
Chairman James Hill commented that he started in the fire service in 1975 and there were a lot of fires on Mercer Street and elsewhere involving vacant buildings. But since Code Enforcement Department was created and started working to remove dilapidated structures, the number of structure fires have declined drastically.
Training – The Fire Chief also reported that the Fire Department devoted 486 man hours to training during February, while two members of the Department will be attending the Sissonville Fire School on the first two weekends in March for training.
Vehicle Accident Billing – The Fire Department received $528 in February from insurance billing, bringing the total of funds received on billing to $10,102 since July 1, 2021.
Personnel Update – Firefighter Ty Mitchell began employment on February 16th for an eight hour orientation shift. His first 24 hour shift was on February 26th and he is exceeding expectations so far.
Mr. Tyler Farley was recommended to the City Manager for hiring with the Fire Department and
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accepted the position on February 25th, with his tentative start date being March 30th. Mr. Farley
will bring the Fire Department up to full staff with 12 firefighters, plus the Fire Chief.
Training Center Project Update – Chief Mould reported having met on site with Eric Gatchell
and after an inspection, placement of the burn building must be delayed until the concrete pad
has been repaired. Public Works is taking the lead on the concrete repair and placement of the containers.
The tentative schedule for the training tower work has been provided by Fredeking-Stafford Construction which reflects a start date of late March or April, weather permitting.
- FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
Chairman Marshall Lytton reported the Finance and Administration Committee of Princeton City Council met on Wednesday, March 9, 2022, immediately following the Public Safety Committee, with the following to report out to Council:
FINANCE DEPARTMENT
February 2022, Financial Report – Finance Director Brian Conner reported that as of the end of February, the eighth month of FY2022, the actual revenues collected stood at 70.94% of the budgeted amount, while actual appropriations were expended at a rate of 66.89%, as compared to the budget projections of 66.67% forecast for the end of February. Total funds available for City operations at the end of February were $3,151,941.
Mr. Conner reviewed the noteworthy expenditures for February, as follow:
PEIA Insurance – January. . . . . . . . . .$56,911
PEIA Insurance – February . . . . . . . . $60,240
Bosley Rental & Supply . . . . . . . . . .$20,400
Chairman Lytton further reported the Finance and Administration Committee approved and recommended the February 2022, Financial Statements to City Council, and he so moved.
James Hawkins duly seconded the motion.
The motion carried unanimously.
FY2022 General Fund Budget Revision #3 – Finance Director Brian Conner presented and recommended to City Council FY2022 General Fund Budget Revision #3 which he explained is required to appropriate additional, expected revenue to the General Fund. Furthermore, the additional monies need to be allocated to funds showing an actual deficit in the accounting records. This revision will increase the City’s estimated revenues by $280,600 and brings the FY2022 General Fund Budget to $8,583,291.
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Expenditure adjustments include the following:
- Increase in Economic Development Fund to better represent needed monies for the new department;
- Appropriate for additional legal expenses;
- Appropriate for additional other capital improvements;
- Appropriate for additional Police Department capital expenses (cruiser & radios);
- Appropriate for additional Fire Department capital expenses (defibrillator & supplies);
- Appropriate for additional Public Works expenses (snow removal, paving & sidewalks);
- Increase in Fairs & Festivals to allocate monies for the Christmas Parade;
- Increase in Museum for development of Agricultural;
- Appropriate for additional expenses for Beautification (decorations); and
- Appropriate for additional expenses for Dues & Subscriptions (multiple funds).
Total revision increase the General Fund Expenditures Budget by $280,600 bringing the total General Fund appropriations for FY2022 to $8,583,291, thereby creating a balanced budget.
Chairman Marshall Lytton continued by reporting the Finance and Administration Committee approved and recommended the FY2022 General Fund Budget Revision #3 to City Council, and he so moved.
James Hill duly seconded the motion.
The motion carried unanimously.
Opioid Settlement Memorandum of Understanding – City Attorney Paul Cassell explained that more than a year ago the City of Princeton joined in litigation against certain pharmaceutical companies that had funneled excessive amounts of opioids into states and cities, including Princeton and Mercer County which placed a heavy burden upon law enforcement and first responders. The litigation has progressed to the point whereby a Memorandum of Understanding regarding the Court’s oversight and has been referred to all the participating litigants, including the City of Princeton.
Mr. Cassell continued by advising this MOU assures that the citizens of Princeton will receive funds as a party to the litigation. However, the terms stipulate that the distribution of any funds resulting from the litigation will be strictly managed and meet strict criteria.
Mr. Cassell recommended approval of the MOU by City Council and authorize the City Manager to sign on behalf of the City Council. Doing so will enable Attorney Rusty Webb and the City Attorney to take the next steps in the litigation process.
MOTION: Joseph Allen moved City Council approve the Memorandum of Understanding in
reference to the national opioid litigation and authorize the City Manager to sign the MOU on
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behalf of the City Council.
James Hawkins duly seconded the motion.
The motion carried unanimously.
Cooperation Agreement with Mercer County – Mr. Lytton reported the Finance and Administration Committee approved and recommended to City Council entering into a Cooperation Agreement with Mercer County Board of Education on a joint effort on the development of the Dean Company Property located in the City of Princeton, and he so moved.
Dewey Russell duly seconded the motion.
The motion carried unanimously.
Fourth Amendment to the Management Services Agreement with WVU Hospitals – Mr. Lytton continued by reporting the Finance and Administration Committee approved and recommended to City Council, and he so moved, the fourth amendment to the Management Services Agreement with WVU Hospitals by which WVU Hospitals will provide Princeton Community Hospital with a Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) and Information Technology Services (IT) as a part of the ongoing transition to the WVU Hospitals System.
Dewey Russell duly seconded the motion.
City Attorney Paul Cassell explained this amendment positions WVU Hospital to supply to PCH with the ongoing support to complete the transition into the WVU Hospitals System.
On voting, the motion carried unanimously.
Tax Incentives – Chairman Lytton next reported that the Finance and Administration approved and recommended to City Council, and he so moved, the following businesses for receipt of the one-year, 100 percent, B. & O. Tax Incentive for new businesses in the City of Princeton:
- Beauty Nails – Nail Salon at 707 Rogers Street – Hieu Trung Nguyen, Owner;
- Jimmie’s Restaurant at 839 Mercer Street – Kevin & Jamie Hall, Owners;
- Trevor Lee Mullins Agency at 1045 Stafford Dr., Insurance Agency; and
That consideration of the following business for the tax incentive be tabled pending submission of additional, required information at line 13 of the application:
- Lock Tight Security & Electronics at 1202 Stafford Drive, #101, Joseph and Rebecca Lail, Owners.
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James Hawkins duly seconded the motion.
The motion carried unanimously.
Region I PDC Project Prioritization – The Finance and Administration Committee approved and recommended to City Council, and Mr. Lytton so moved, the following Annual Project Prioritization of the City of Princeton for submission to Region I Planning and Development Council, together with the associated, authorizing resolution.
Priority Ranking Project Names Estimated Cost Area Served
1 Stormwater Sewer Construction $200,000 Park Avenue
2 Stormwater Sewer Construction $200,000 West Main St.
3 Sidewalk Construction $250,000 High Street
4 Sidewalk Construction $250,000 N.8th & Straley
5 Lonnie Gunter Museum $450,000 Citywide
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, the Regional Council annually prioritizes projects for communities seeking funding for the coming year; and
WHEREAS, community projects must be on the Regional Prioritization List to qualify for funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), the Economic Development Administration (EDA) and the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG); and
WHEREAS, Region I Planning and Development Council (RPDC) has requested the Princeton City Council to complete the prioritization forms for the City of Princeton and submit them no later than March 18, 2022.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED:
That the Common Council of the City of Princeton approves the attached Category Priority Ranking and Community Priority Revisions for submission to Region I Planning and Development Council (RPDC) on this the 14th day of March, 2022.
David E. Graham, Mayor
Dewey Russell duly seconded the motion.
The motion carried unanimously.
FY2023 General Fund Budget – Mr. Lytton reported the Finance and Administration Committee approved and recommended to City Council, and he so moved, the City of
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Princeton’s FY2023 General Fund Budget for submission to the State in the amount of
$7,745,287.
James Hawkins duly seconded the motion.
The motion carried unanimously.
FY2023 Coal Severance Fund Budget – The Finance and Administration Committee approved and recommended to City Council, and Mr. Lytton so moved, the City of Princeton’s FY2023 Coal Severance Fund Budget for submission to the State in the amount of $15,004.
Joseph Allen duly seconded the motion.
The motion carried unanimously.
PRINCETON PUBLIC LIBRARY
Library Interim Director Laura Buchanan presented the following report for February 2022:
The Friends of the Library Book Sale will have a Saturday quarterly book sale on March 12th from 10 am to 2 pm. The monthly book sale will be held on March 14th and 15th from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Some of our upcoming programs are as follow:
Cinema Society will be discussing Robin Williams’ Birdcage on March 10th at 5:00 p.m. Please view the film before coming and be reading to take a look at what makes this movie standout.
Knitting 101 – This ongoing program will begin on March 15th at 5 pm. This program is being taught by Abigail Sinclair. This is a hands on tutorial class to teach the basics of knitting. All supplies will be provided for the Library. Registration is required, so if interested please call the Library or stop by the main circulation desk to sign up.
Lego Club – This will be held on March 21st and the challenge is to feature heroes and villains in the epic battle. This is a monthly program and all ages are welcome.
Life Lessons Book Club will be host to author Katherine P. Manley as she comes to discuss her book “Don’t Tell’em You’re Cold.” This program takes place on March 23rd at noon.
WVU Extension Services: Create Better Health will take place on March 28th at 5:00 p.m. after being rescheduled several times. We are excited to host this event as it is bound to prove both delicious and educational. Please call to register so that we can ensure enough material will be available.
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Indoor Plant Care – A professor from Concord University will be sharing is knowledge of how to care for your indoor plants. This informational lecture will be held on April 5th at 5:00 p.m.
April’s Adult Crafternoon will be held on Saturday, April 9th at noon. This month participants will be making a fluffy bunny in a flower pot spring decoration. This is a registration required program so please call or stop by the Library to sign up.
We Will Rock You! – We will be doing a bit of rock painting at the program to help spruce up your flower bed of gnome garden. The program will take place on April 11th at 5:00 p.m.
The Library continues to provide weekly in-person story times and craft programs that take place each Friday at 11:00 a.m.
Don’t forget the other monthly Library programs that include Dungeons & Dragons, Chess Club, 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.
COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT COMMISSION
Economic Development Specialist and CIC Chairman Sam Lusk, submitted the following report for the Community Improvement Commission:
- CIC reports that the body will have a preliminary map of where different Christmas lights will go for the 2022 season by its April meeting.
- CIC also reports that the board members have approached different folks in the community to serve in the vacant seats; two names should be finalized and put before Council for April.
PRINCETON LAND REUSE AGENCY
Mr. Lusk presented the following report:
- PLRA reports that the body met for its inaugural meeting on Monday, March 7th, 2022. Will Stafford was appointed Chair; John Hickman, Vice Chair; Mike Webb, Secretary, and Dewey Russell, Treasurer.
- PLRA reports that the body accepted the resignation of Tyler Myers. The body discussed a number of names to fill this open Civic-Resident seat. Someone should be finalized by our April or May meetings.
- PLRA will meet monthly for the time being until the board is full and plans are established on how to handle the 2022 November Tax Sale; Council reports will follow after every meeting.
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- CITY ATTORNEY
City Attorney Paul Cassell presented the following ordinance to City Council:
Second Reading and Public Hearing for AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER
1900, “PERSONNEL GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES,” OF THE CODIFIED
ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF PRINCETON, WEST VIRGINIA: MILITARY
LEAVE.
Mr. Cassell explained that this ordinance increases the amount of military leave from 30 to 45 days for those City employees serving in the National Guard and Reserves.
PUBLIC HEARING
Mayor Graham moved the Council meeting into public hearing at 7:46 p.m. and called for public comments regarding the ordinance.
There were no comments forthcoming and Mayor Graham closed the public hearing at 7:47 p.m.
MOTION: Joseph Allen moved City Council adopt the ordinance as presented.
Dewey Russell duly seconded the motion.
The motion carried unanimously.
- CITY MANAGER
City Manager Michael Webb presented the following updates on City’s projects and activities for the month of March, 2022:
Small Cell Towers – Under the guidance of Code Enforcement, twelve small 5G cell towers will be installed and functioning in the City by late March or April.
Disc Golf Tournament – A Disc Golf Tournament will take place in the City Park on Saturday, March 26th with 60 PDGA sanctioned players.
Bus Shelters – Two new bus shelters have been installed at Bee and Mercer Streets, as well as McKinley and Roundhouse, through a grant of $3,000 from the Community Foundation of the Virginias.
West Main Street Sidewalk – The work to replace the sidewalk on the north side of West Main Street is about to finish. This was a very good and timely job for the City.
Thorn Street Sidewalk – The resolution was approved tonight for the construction of a sidewalk on the south side of Thorn Street. The construction meeting will be convened this spring and work should begin in July.
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Dilapidated Structures Meeting – A meeting was convened in Bluefield last week regarding SB 552 which will provide funds to demolish dilapidated buildings in Mercer County. The City Manager reported on what Princeton has done under its Demolition Project over the years.
Rogers Street Storm Water Project – Easements have been finalized and the required permit received from the DOH for the Rogers Street Storm Water Project.
Fire Training Center – Three grants of $25,000 have been committed to refurbishing Princeton’s Fire Training Center and the City is awaiting a response from the County Commission on a contribution of the same amount. Work will proceed on the fire tower in April.
Library Patio – A new concrete patio is in construction at the side of the Princeton Library that will provide a new area for Library events.
Body Cameras – The Princeton Police and Code Enforcement Departments will receive 29 new body cameras at a cost of $8,000.
Wayfinding Signs – The Wayfinding signs have been fabricated and will be erected soon to direct travelers to the important points in the City.
High Street Bakery – A new business, the Daily Bread Bakery, has opened in the City at 403 High Street and is received rave revues.
Rogers Street Auto Sales – Another new business has opened in the City in the form of a new auto sales lot at the corner of Locust and Rogers Street.
Sidewalk Leveling Project – A project is being planned to remove the uneven surfaces of sidewalks in the City
Country Roads Mobile Homes – The owner of Country Roads Mobile Home Park has done an excellent job in removing the dilapidated trailers and replacing them with newer, code compliant
units.
City of Princeton Facebook Page – The City’s Facebook Page has been improved and now easier to access. Also, the City Manager is working on a new website for the City.
- CITY CLERK
The City Clerk had nothing to report.
- HUMAN RESOURCES
Human Resources Brian Blankenship had nothing further after introducing Boy Scout Troop 1
at the start of the meeting.
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VII. COUNCIL ROUNDTABLE
Citing the substantial amount of business completed by City Council during the evening, Mayor Graham dispensed with the Council Roundtable.
VIII. MEETING RECESSED
There being no further business, Mayor David Graham recessed the March 14, 2022, meeting of Princeton City Council at 7:58 p.m. to reconvene at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 19, 2022, to lay the levy for FY2023.