REGULAR MEETING ~ CITY COUNCIL PRINCETON, MERCER COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA May 10, 2021
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, Princeton, WV, but with public access via teleconference due to Covid-19, on Monday, May 10, 2021, at 6:30 p.m. In attendance were Mayor David Graham; Vice Mayor James Harvey; Council Members Marshall Lytton, James Hill, Jacqueline Rucker, Dewey Russell and Joseph Allen; City Manager Michael Webb, City Attorney Paul Cassell and City Clerk Kenneth Clay. A quorum was constituted thereby.
I. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Council Member James Hill offered a prayer of thanksgiving for the subsiding Covid-19 Pandemic and for intervening to guide the efforts of scientists in the development of effective vaccines; prayed for all first responders and those who worked on the front lines during the pandemic, including the City’s Police, Fire and Public Works’ employees, as well as the Princeton Rescue Squad. Citing a passage from the Book of Psalms, Mr. Hill invoked divine guidance for the conduct of the evening’s City Council meeting.
Council Member Marshal Lytton led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.
II. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor David Graham called the meeting to order.
III. PROCLAMATIONS ~ PRESENTATIONS
Presentation of Captain Keith Gunnoe’s Helmet upon His Retirement – Fire Chief Chad Bailey presented Captain Keith Gunnoe with his fire service helmet and congratulated him for over twenty-six years, four months and 26 days of dedicated service to the City of Princeton and the Princeton Fire Department. Chief Bailey further commented that retirement is the ultimate goal of every firefighter in light of the dangerous nature of the job.
Captain Gunnoe commented that he had beat Council Member Dewey Russell in retiring out of the City and continued by describing his 26 plus “extremely good years” while serving on the Princeton Fire Department. He also thanked City Council for their support over the years which had made his job easier and the Fire Department a success during the tenure on the Department, as well as all the City departments and employees.
Mayor David Graham nest read a letter and a Certificate of Appreciation from Governor Jim Justice extending congratulations and thanking Captain Gunnoe in recognition of 26 years of dedicated and outstanding service to the citizens of Princeton and State of West Virginia.
IV. PUBLIC INPUT – None.
- CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Graham presented, severally and in order, the following minutes for City Council’s consideration:
- Minutes of the March 10, 2021, Special City Council
Without correction, Mayor Graham committed the minutes of the Special City Council Meeting of March 10, 2021, to the record.
- Minutes of the April 12, 2021, Regular, Recessed City Council
Without correction, Mayor Graham committed the minutes of the meeting of the Regular, Recessed City Council Meeting of April 12, 2021, to the record.
- Minutes of the April 20, 2021, Recessed City Council
Without correction, Mayor Graham committed the minutes of the meeting of the April 20, 2021, Recessed City Council meeting to the record.
- POLICY AGENDA
- COMMITTEE REPORTS
- PUBLIC WORKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE
- COMMITTEE REPORTS
Chairperson Jacqueline Rucker reported the Public Works and Recreation Committee met on Wednesday, May 5, 2021, with the following items to report out to Council for action or as information:
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
Public Works Monthly Report for April – Assistant Public Works Director Eric Gatchell had presented the following report to the Committee:
Mr. Gatchell commended Public Works’ employees Charlie Grubb and Mark Basham for their excellent work on April 15, 2021, together with Animal Control Officer Melissa Meachum, in saving a dog from a drainage ditch along Morrison Drive.
Public Works crews also continued their regular duties of keeping storm drains and inlets cleaned, picking up and returning shopping carts, miscellaneous trash and debris removal, and upkeep of city road signage. Crews also performed 26 Service Requests in the month of April.
Capital Paving Jobs – The Assistant Director also had reported the following, planned paving jobs:
- Mill and pave Westview
- Mill and pave Karnes
- Mill and pave the steep side of Lilly (try to put slip resistant surface back down) and repair the large “hump” in Park Avenue at the base of Lilly St.
- Mill and pave Fink
- Mill and pave easternmost section of Christie and Cove
- Pave Beam Street
- Self perform paving on the Bacardi Loop
Also, Public Works is planning to start the needed asphalt patchwork and ditching repairs on the Upper Bell Street area and Grape Street in the near future.
Storm Water Work:
Accomplished:
- Cleaning of ditch lines and drainage improvements at City Park
- Cleaning of all main drains has been maintained
- Completed repair of storm drain piping at the entrance to Aarons-Roses parking
Sidewalk Work Needed:
- Public Works will be seeking some cost information from a specialty company, Precision Safe Sidewalks, to possibly remediate several areas where trip hazards
Tree Work:
- In the process of having 13 hazardous trees removed from the southwest border of the City Park along houses on Napoleon Lane. Three trees remain.
Miscellaneous Tasks Needed:
- Caboose repairs and The metal has been received and we are working on acquiring the paint;
- Install bus stop at Memorial Building – a concrete base pad is formed and awaiting placement of the concrete;
- Clean, seal and prime the wall at 200 Mercer Street for the CIC Committee;
- Drag and seed side lot at City Hall; and
- Public Works organized TIMS (Traffic Incident Management) training for our Street Department, along with four of our Police Officers and four Public Works employees from the Town of Athens.
Resolution in re: Thorn Street Sidewalk Project Agreement – Chairperson Jacqueline Rucker continued by reporting the Public Works and Recreation Committee approved and recommended the following resolution to City Council authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement with the WVDOT, Division of Highways, for the construction of a sidewalk along Thorn Street and to administer the grant related thereto of behalf of City Council, and she so moved.
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, the City of Princeton, West Virginia has applied to the West Virginia Department of Transportation, Division of Highways, for a Transportation Enhancement Grant to construct a sidewalk along Thorn Street in the City; and
WHEREAS, the West Virginia Department of Transportation has tentatively approved the grant contingent upon the City of Princeton’s execution of the Agreement hereto attached and made a part of this Resolution; and
WHEREAS, the Princeton City Council is of the opinion that it is in the best interest of the citizens of the community for the Thorn Street Sidewalk Project to proceed and the Agreement executed.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED:
That the Common Council of the City of Princeton, this the 10th day of May 2021, authorizes Michael Webb, as City Manager, to execute the Agreement hereto attached and to administer the grant on behalf of the City Council and citizens of Princeton.
David E. Graham, Mayor James Hill duly seconded the motion.
In discussion, Mr. Hill asked the City Manager which side of Thorn Street would the new sidewalk be constructed.
City Manager Mike Webb responded that the sidewalk on the south side of Thorn Street, from Wickham Avenue to Young Street, would be constructed with the grant funds. Mr. Webb remarked that the sidewalk was sorely needed and well worth the cost to the City.
On voting, the motion carried unanimously.
PARK AND RECREATON DEPARTMENT
Mrs. Rucker continued by reporting that Park and Recreation Director Amanda McCabe had submitted the following report to the Committee:
Refunds – Almost all of the spring 2020 basketball league refunds have been issued. There are only seven individuals that have not been refunded due to not being able to reach them by phone to confirm their mailing address.
Recreation Center – The Recreation Center opened on May 3rd and will be open six days a week, but will be closed on Sundays for the month of May.
Registration for the Mini Minor basketball leagues also began on May 3rd. The Center has received a lot of interest in the program already in just a few days. Therefore, hopefully participation numbers will remain the same as previous years, averaging 100- 125 kids.
Registration also began for the Summer Day Camp program. Unfortunately, registration for this program seems to be taking off much slower that the Mini Minor. Currently, there are nine kids pre-registered, but that number hopefully will also increase during May. In 2019, there were 36 kids pre-registered for the camp.
All seasonal job openings have been posted and applications are due next week. Unfortunately, applications are trickling in slowly compared to past years. Hopefully enough lifeguards will apply to be able to operate the City Pool seven days a week.
The volume of patrons coming into the building, as well as phone calls, seems to be increasing every day. In addition, we have booked 15 rentals within the last week for May and June. We anticipate getting started back up slowly at first, but hopefully increasing throughout the summer and fall.
City Pool – The City Pool is scheduled to open Saturday, June 5th. The bathhouse is getting very close to being completed. As mentioned throughout the past two years, there are a lot of issues with the RecDeck and concrete underneath the pool. Also, a rather large hole was discovered in the pool liner that is troublesome. Public Works Director Jackie Phillips and Assistant Director Eric Gatchell are working with our maintenance personnel to resolve these issues.
RAILROAD MUSEUM
The Railroad Museum will be reopening on July1st.
2. PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
Chairman James Hill reported the Public Safety Committee of the Princeton City Council met on May 5, 2021, after the Public Work and Recreation Committee with the following items to report out to Council and called on Code Enforcement Director Ty Smith.
CODE ENFORCEMENT DEPARTMENT
Code Enforcement Director presented the following report to City Council for the month of April:
COMPUTATION OF COMPLAINTS
Summary – Property Maintenance
Initial Complaints 271
Cumulative Complaints to Date – 40,306
Demolition/Renovation Programs Status
Condemnations/Unsafe in Process 17 (w/potential for 25) Demolitions in Process (out for bid) 0
Demolitions w/Notice to Proceed 0
Total Demolitions to Date 685
Animal Control & Property Maintenance
Complaints this Month 80
Animal Control Cases 29
Impounded (dogs 6; cats 15; other 0) 21
Adopted 0
Euthanized 0
Reclaimed 1
Rescued 0
Property Maintenance Cases 51
- Melissa Meachum currently studying for the B-1 Exam
Building Inspection (Zoning, PM, RC)
Building Permits (Res. 14; Com. 7) 21
Total Inspections 11
Total Project Costs $368,940.00 Permit Fees $1,622.00
Flood Plain Management & Property Maintenance
Flood Plain Determinations 45
Flood Plain Permits Issued 1
Case Total 121
Ty Smith reported that the new Flood Plain mapping from FEMA should arrive by 2023.
On inquiry by Chairman James Hill, Mr. Smith explained that the new maps from FEMA had been delayed by Covid. Ty Smith also explained that Ben Love was working with Keith Gunnoe, County Emergency Services Director, on flood plain issues.
Council Member Harvey remarked that he had visited the property maps website and asked if there was a way to call up one map at a time in an enlarged format.
Code Enforcement Director Ty Smith replied that he would call Mr. Harvey the following day to assist him with the website.
City Manager Mike Webb stated that he would obtain the mapping from Jason Roberts of Region One PDC, but it would take a little time.
Zoning Official
Certificate of Occupancy Applications: 2 Certificate of Occupancy Inspections: 1
Zoning Board Cases: 1
Rental Compliance
Revenue in April: $0; Total to Date: $14,123.50 Registered Units Apr.: Houses 0; Apts. 0; Total 0.
Cumulative Total: Houses 309; Apts. 506; Other 67; Total 882
Vacant Buildings
Registered Vacant Buildings – April 0; Total 15.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Fire Chief Chad Bailey presented the following report to City Council after first thanking the Rotary Club and the Vietnam Veterans of America for providing dinner to all first responders:
Personnel Update –The Fire Chief reported that the Fire Department would be completing the hiring process tomorrow with completion of a background check for new Firefighter Jonathan Franklin. Chief Bailey added that Firefighter Franklin will be a good fit at the Department with the skill set he brings to the job.
Hose Testing – Chief Bailey further reported the Fire Department had tested 13,000 feet of hose, losing 650 feet of defective hose in the process. However, he added that all but 50 feet can be repaired and put back in service.
Call Report – Chief Bailey reported that during the month of April, the Fire Department responded to 73 EMS calls and 39 fire calls, conducted three fire inspections and two Certificate of Occupancy inspections.
Chairman James Hill asked Chief Bailey if the Fire Department had enough fire hose.
Chief Bailey replied in the affirmative and added that he would be ordering 500-600 feet of new fire hose, as well as purchasing two, new air bottles for the Fire Department.
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Chief Gray also thanked the Rotary Club and the Vietnam Veterans for the First Responders’ dinner.
Chief Gray then commented that Fire Chief Chad Bailey looked like he had lost his best friend when Captain Gunnoe informed he was going to retire. Chief Gray added that the Fire and Police Departments have worked well together and consider ourselves friends and brothers. Chief Gray wished Keith Gunnoe well in his new responsibilities as the county’s Emergency Services Director.
Call Report – Chief Gray reported that during the month of April, the Police Department responded to 564 calls for assistance and/or offenses, made 37 arrests and issued 287 citations.
In-Service Training – Chief Gray reported that the Police Department is involved heavily with mandatory, in-service training that is taking officers away from their regular duties, as reflected in the call report, to attend the training sessions in Charleston and other locales in the State. Also, he explained that many of the classes are to make up training that was delayed because of the Covid-19.
Two Officers to the Police Academy – Chief Gray further reported that the two recently hired police officers will report to the State Police Academy on the 31st to test for entry into the next 10 week cadet class. The Chief explained that one of the two reported as an alternate, but he fully expects both to be accepted into the class.
The Chief also reported that he would delay hiring another new officer until after the beginning of the new fiscal year on July 1st.
Chairman Hill inquired as to the prospects of the Chief purchasing more digital speed signs. He added that the signs are very effective in limiting the amount of speeding where they are placed.
Chief Gray replied that he would like to purchase one or two more of the digital speed signs eventually.
Council Member James Harvey inquired about the possibility of using the speed bumps which the City had deployed in the past.
Assistant Director Eric Gatchell offered that Public Works has the speed bumps in storage.
Chief Gray replied that the City stopped using the speed bumps because they became more problematic as drivers attempted to avoid them. Also, the Chief reported that the remaining digital speed sign would be deployed this week on Bluefield Avenue in response to a request.
Mr. Hill recommended that public service announcements would be beneficial now that the school children will be out more and playing in the streets.
Chief Gray replied that he was willing to try anything that will keep people safe.
Council Member Harvey commended the Police Department’s program with the children and noted how his grandchildren enjoyed the programs presented by Lt. Halsey.
Chief Gray advised that Lt Halsey will continue to organize and lead the children’s programming.
Mayor Graham noted that the kids respond well to Lt. Halsey.
Chairman Hill referred to an incident on the McKinley Avenue playground involving a motor vehicle and remarked that bollards would prevent such occurrences.
Chief Gray offered that he had spoken with Eric Gatchell about that possibility a month ago.
Mr. Hill asked that Chief Gray pass on Council Members appreciation to the Rotary Club and the Vietnam Veterans of America for the first responders’ dinner and added that he had enjoyed it very much.
Council Member Dewey Russell explained that the Vietnam Veterans of America provide the building, set up the dining area and provide the food. The Rotary Club donates $600 toward the event. However, Mr. Russell reported that the annual First Responders’ dinner did not have the usual crowd because of Covid-19.
Mr. Hill noted that the Covid-19 protocols also had delayed the Rescue Squad’s work due to required cleaning and disinfecting of the ambulances after every call.
3. FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
Chairman Marshall Lytton reported the Finance and Administration Committee of Princeton City Council met on May 5, 2021, immediately following the Public Safety Committee, with the following to report out to City Council and called on Finance Director Danny Dillow to present his report:
FINANCE DEPARTMENT
April 2021, Financial Report – Finance Director Danny Dillow reported that as of the end of April, the tenth month of FY2021, the actual revenues collected stood at 89.05% of the budgeted amount, while actual appropriations were expended at a rate of 77.78% as compared to the budget projections of 83.33 % forecast for the end of April. Total funds available for City operations at the end of April were $2,425,484.
Mr. Dillow continued by city the noteworthy expenditures for the month of April, as follow:
Fredeking – Stafford Construction…………………….. $13,392
Library Quarterly Allocation…………………………….. $30,750
PEIA……………………………………………………………… $52,957
Mr. Lytton continued by reporting the Finance and Administration approved and recommend the April 2021, Financial Report to City Council, and he so moved.
Joseph Allen duly seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.
Economic Development Authority Board – Mr. Lytton next reported that, on the recommendation of the City Manager, the Finance and Administration Committee approved and recommended to City Council, and he so moved, the following individuals for appointment to the City’s Economic Development Authority Board:
1 YEAR TERM (INITIALLY)
Dewey Russell (local gov / finance) Leslie Wellman (purchasing / auditing) Sue Hardin (local business entrepreneur) Dave Cole (regional dev / agriculture)
2 YEAR TERM (INITIALLY)
Lee Ross (utilities) Joe Keatley (finance)
Frank Sinicrope (health care / accounting) Roger Griffith (higher education)
3 YEAR TERM
Will Stafford (legal / finance) Paula King (pharmacy / entrepreneur) Lee Lewis (entrepreneur / development)
Jack Fredeking (construction / development) Jacqueline Rucker duly seconded the motion.
City Manager Mike Webb explained that the ordinance authorizing the EDA had been passed by City Council already and these appointments represent putting meat to the bone so to speak. The members recommended for appointment constitute a strong group that are experienced and a good fit locally. Mr. Webb explained the EDA will work with the Land Bank to secure the future growth and development of the City of Princeton.
Council Member Dewey Russell commented that in the many years he has been in Princeton and on City Council this is the best board he has seen compiled. These EDA Board members care about the City and will do a great job. Mr. Russell then stated that he tips his hat to Mike Webb for compiling the EDA Board’s membership.
Council Member Hill thanked City Attorney Paul Cassell for his work in drafting the ordinance establishing the City’s Economic Development Authority.
On voting, the motion carried unanimously.
- & O. Tax Incentives – Mr. Lytton reported the Finance and Administration Committee approved and recommended to City Council, and he so moved, the approval of the following new businesses in the City for the one-year B. & O. Tax Incentive:
- Disruptive Investments, LLC – 860-862 Mercer – Rental – Barbara Wycoff, Owner;
- Appalachian Artistic Adventures – 850 Mercer – Pottery Shop/Retail – Anthony & Maxine Johnson, Owners;
- Salon 88 – 210 Thorn Street – Hair Stylist – Jill Hall,
Jacqueline Rucker duly seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.
Meeting Time for Election Canvass on June 7th – The Finance and Administration Committee approved and recommended to City Council, and Mr. Lytton so moved, that Council meet at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, June 7th, 2021, to conduct the canvass of the 2021 City Election.
Joseph Allen duly seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.
Appointment of Replacement Poll Workers – Mr. Lytton continued by reporting the Finance and Administration Committee approved and recommended to City Council, and he so moved, appointment of the following replacement poll workers for the 2021 City Election:
Ward II
Sandy Perdue (R) Poll Clerk 3740 New Hope Rd.
Princeton, WV 24740
Becky Kidwell (I) Commissioner
1015 Meador St.
Princeton, WV 24740
Ward III
Johnny Cobb (D) Poll Clerk 115 Cook St.
Princeton, WV 24740
Jacqueline Rucker duly seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.
PRINCETON PUBLIC LIBRARY
Councilman Marshall Lytton presented the following Princeton Library report on behalf of Director Sheena Johnson:
As of May 3, 2021, the Princeton Public Library is open Monday through Friday, 9:00
a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and still offering curbside service for patrons that do not want to venture inside the building during this time.
The Friends of the Library Book Sale is back up and last month’s sale was very successful. The FOL raised $268 last month. This month’s book sale is May 10th and 11th from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. in the coffee shop at the Princeton Public Library.
For May the Library is offering programs such as:
Mother’s Day Craft Pack, May 3rd – which consists of goodies to make your mother’s special day even better. This includes card making material, a paper flower, coupon book, and coloring page.
Interactive Story Time with Joelle May 29th – Join us for an interactive story hour at Dick Copeland Town Square to kick off our summer reading program. This event is for all ages so bring your blankets and chairs and settle in for an imaginative journey.
We are introducing Schedule a Story – The Library will be offering individual time slots on Wednesdays from 11 am until 1 pm. There will be six 15 minute slots available every Wednesday so you can schedule your family for a personal story time. These must be scheduled in advance and one household per reservation. These are available on a first come, first serve basis.
This Library also has monthly programs that repeat, such as:
Drop in Tech Time in person on May 4th and 18th at 2:00 p.m. for your techy needs.
CC005/10/21
Page 13
Library Tutoring is available in person on the 5th and the 19th from 4 – 5 pm (Library tutoring services must be reserved in advance.
D&D 5th Edition in now in person on May 18th from 3 pm to 5 pm in the small meeting room.
Cinema Society will be held on May 11th at 3 pm and the file that will be discussed is the “2011 Melancholia.” We ask that you watch the film in advance.
Life Lessons Book Club will be on May 26th at 11 am and the book they will be
discussing is “A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering the Appalachian Trail” by Bill Bryson.
Banned Book Club is on May 27th at 3:30 p.m. and they will be discussing “To Kill a Mocking Bird” by Harper Lee.
Our regularly scheduled story times are on Facebook Live on Fridays with the inclusion of a Friday craft every week, with a tutorial and materials provided for pick up at the Library.
As always, please visit the Library’s on-line calendar for more details on events and for available Zoom links. Also, please join the Library’s You Tube Videos and Facebook Live feeds online.
COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT COMMISSION
Chairman Marshall Lytton presented the following report on behalf of the CIC based on its May 3rd meeting:
- Fifteen large flower boxes will be placed throughout the City, including at the Athens Crossroads, on Rogers Street and at the Princeton Rescue Squad;
- CIC approved a Beautification Grant for Florida Mid-Atlantic Investments, LLC, owner of Stafford Plaza (Roses) in the amount of $1,900 for the removal of a collapsing sign tower and paving over the site;
- Work continues on drafting a Five-Year Christmas Plan for the City that, in the first year, will involve a splash on the light poles, while the second year will include crossovers and more lighting needs, with costs determined based on the sources; and
- The Renaissance Theater Project is back on track with Carin Prescott of Community Connections directing the work and renewing fundraising
B. CITY ATTORNEY
First Reading of Medical Marijuana Ordinance – City Attorney Paul Cassell introduced the following ordinance for a first reading by title:
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ARTICLE 1345, “DISTRICT USES,” AND 1345.01, “ZONING SCHEDULE OF USE CONTROLS,” OF THE CODIFIED ORDIANCES OF THE CITY OF PRINCETON, WEST VIRGINIA TO ADD MEDICAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARIES AS A PERMITTED USE IN THE COMMERCIAL (C-2) ZONE.
Mr. Cassell explained that in 2017 the WV Legislature authorized the establishment of Medical Marijuana Dispensaries in the State. Thereafter, in 2020, regulations were
passed by the State’s Cannabis Board. Also, the City of Princeton’s Planning Commission, after a public hearing approved the Commercial-2 Zoning District for the establishment medical marijuana dispensaries in Princeton, but with the restriction “that no such medical marijuana dispensary shall be located within 1,000 feet of he property line of a public, private or parochial school, or a daycare center.”
MOTION: James Hill moved the City Council accept the ordinance on first reading. Jacqueline Rucker duly seconded the motion.
The motion carried unanimously.
C. CITY MANAGER
City Manager Mike Webb thanked everyone for coming out to the meeting and acknowledged the City department heads for keeping things going throughout the pandemic and afterward. Mr. Webb thanked Captain Keith Gunnoe for his service to the City as a firefighter and Captain and wished him well in retirement. Lastly, he thanked the City Council and expressed appreciation for their work on behalf of our citizens and also acknowledged that the Council Members work well together.
D. CITY CLERK
City Clerk Kenneth Clay informed that Early Voting for the 2021 City Council Election would be held at City Hall from May 19th through May 29th, including the two Saturdays of May 22nd and May 29th.
E. HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT
Human Resources Director Brian Blankenship reported that the new hire for the Fire Department had been processed with the completion of a background check and now is on duty.
VII. COUNCIL ROUNDTABLE
Jacqueline Rucker – Mrs. Rucker expressed her appreciation for everyone who had attended the meeting and acknowledged Paula Powell-King who was present and had been appointed by Council to the City’s Economic Development Authority.
Mrs. Rucker continued by urging everyone not to become complacent about the Covid-19 virus and informed that Princeton Community Hospital had experienced an in the number of Covid-19 patients just this past week. She also commented that some of these patients had received the vaccine previously.
Lastly, Mrs. Rucker congratulated the Public Works employees and Assistant Public Works Director Eric Gatchell for doing a wonderful job, as well as all City employees.
James Hill – Mr. Hill expressed his appreciation for the evening’s meeting being in- person again after so many months of remote meetings. He added that it is time for people to get back to work, but businesses are finding it difficult to hire workers.
Mr. Hill remarked that it is time to do something about the City residents who are setting their garbage out at the curb overnight in plastic bags. Dogs and other animals tear into the garbage bags and scatter trash everywhere, he offered.
Code Enforcement Officer Ty Smith remarked that it’s against the City Code to set garbage out in bags.
On another matter, Mr. Hill stated there are grocery shopping carts everywhere in the City requiring the Public Works Department to recover them every week.
Continuing, Mr. Hill noted that the Recreation Department also needs young people to come forward and apply for jobs to work this summer and beyond.
Councilman Joe Allen, who also serves of the Park and Recreation Board, advised that he had met with Recreation Director Amanda McCabe who informed him that she is advertising heavily for lifeguards. However, the fact that several of her staff took other jobs during the pandemic further complicates the matter. Mr. Allen followed by remarking that Mrs. McCabe will get the job done and added that she is advertising Recreation Center and City Pool positions in schools and colleges in an effort to find people to work.
Dewey Russell – Mr. Russell explained that when Keith Gunnoe was hired by the Fire Department he met with the Rotary Club where he made an excellent and lasting impression. Captain Gunnoe worked with us on many projects Mr. Russell explained, is a good man and will do well in his new position with Mercer County.
Joe Allen – Mr. Allen extended congratulations to Captain Keith Gunnoe upon his retirement from the Fire Department and described him as a fine gentlemen who will do a fine job in his new position. Mr. Allen continued by congratulating all City department heads and all City employees for doing an excellent job throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.
Lastly, he remarked that the City’s Economic Development Authority will take the City to another level and described as a “great job’ accomplished by the City in selecting the EDA Board’s membership.
James Harvey – Mr. Harvey thanked all City workers for their diligent efforts and asserted that they make the City Manager’s job easier. He added that the City has come a long way and will continue to do so in the future with the new EDA in place and fulfillment of plans for expansion.
Marshall Lytton – Mr. Lytton congratulated retiring Captain Keith Gunnoe and acknowledged his excellent job in a long career with the Princeton Fire Department. He also congratulated the City’s department heads and workers for an excellent job during the Covid-19 pandemic. Mr. Lytton continued by recognizing City Attorney Paul Cassell for his work in preparing the EDA ordinance and the Medical Marijuana Ordinance.
Mr. Lytton cautioned that the pandemic is not over yet, citing 100 new cases in the State, including 12 in Mercer County, and urged all people to take the vaccine.
Lastly, Mr. Lytton proposed and moved Council adopt a resolution going on record
against the WV American Water Company’s requested 27.6% rate increase which would create a hardship for all people on a fixed income, including senior citizens and retirees.
James Harvey duly seconded the motion.
James Hill commented that with seniors and the rising drug costs, this proposed rate increase by the Water Company would be a disaster. Mr. Hill then expressed his support for the resolution.
City Attorney Paul Cassell advised that, since this resolution is not on the meeting’s agenda, it would be more appropriate for Council to authorize a letter addressed to the Public Service Commission expressing opposition to the rate increase.
On voting, an amended motion for the issuance of a letter by City officials to the WV Public Service Commission was approved unanimously.
Mayor David Graham – Mayor Graham thanked everyone for attending and participating in the Council meeting in person. He added that it had been a long time in coming and how good it is to return to normalcy after the long pandemic.
The Mayor acknowledged that Council had engaged in fruitful discussions this evening.
He followed by thanking the City’s businesses for enduring throughout the pandemic to remain in the City of Princeton. He urged all City residents to make it a priority to patronize the businesses located in the City.
The Mayor next acknowledged and thanked all health care workers for their excellent efforts to protect the citizenry throughout the pandemic.
Lastly, Mayor Graham congratulated Captain Keith Gunnoe on his retirement from the Fire Department and wished him well in his new position with Mercer County; thanked the Princeton Planning Commission for its work in assigning a zoning designation for the operation of medical marijuana dispensaries in the City and welcomed new EDA Board Member and candidate in the Ward III election, Mrs. Paula King, to the Council meeting.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Graham adjourned the May 10, 2021, Regular Meeting of Princeton City Council at 7:45 p.m.