REGULAR MEETING ~ CITY COUNCIL

PRINCETON, MERCER COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA

November 12, 2019

A Regular Meeting of the Common Council for the City of Princeton, Mercer County, West Virginia was held in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building, 800 Bee Street, on Tuesday, November 12, 2019, at 6:30 p.m. In attendance were Mayor David Graham; Vice Mayor Tim Ealy; Council Members Marshall Lytton, Dewey Russell, Jacqueline Rucker, James Harvey and James Hill; 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 Marshall Lytton invoked divine guidance for the conduct of the meeting. Vice Mayor Tim Ealy 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.    PRESENTATIONS

1. Presentation by the American Red Cross to the Fire Department

This presentation was delayed until later in the meeting pending the arrival of Fire Department personnel who were out on a call.

1. Presentation by Police Chief T. Gray to Detective Sean Severt as Officer of the Year – Police Chief Tim Gray began his presentation for the

Department’s Officer of the Year by explaining that he had watched the recipient grow up from a young man to recently become a member of the U. S. Marshal’s Task Force, in addition to his duties as a detective for the Princeton Police Department. The Chief called Detective Severt forward and, as the Chief described his dedication to duty and diligence in carrying out the duties of his position for the Princeton Police

Department, presented Officer Sean Severt with a plaque memorializing the award.

1. Mayor Graham: Appointment to Policemen’s Civil Service

Commission – Mayor David Graham appointed Mr. Bill Seaver, of 210 Hale Avenue Princeton, WV, to the Policemen’s Civil Service Commission to complete an unexpired term ending on December 31, 2022.

 

IV.    PUBLIC INPUT – None.

1. CONSENT AGENDA

With corrections to pages 3 and 7 duly noted by the Clerk, Mayor Graham committed the Consent Agenda to the record, as follows:

 

 

Minutes of the October 15, 2019, Regular Meeting of City Council

 

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

Chairperson Jacqueline Rucker reported the Public Works and Recreation Committee of Princeton City Council met on Wednesday, November 6, 2019, with the following to report out to Council for action or as information:

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

Snow Preparations – Public Works Director Jackie Phillips reported that the Public Works Department is involved in preparations for the coming winter by inspecting the snow plows and trucks to assure their readiness for snow removal duties.

 

Chairperson Jacqueline Rucker continued by presenting the Public Works’ report as submitted to the Public Works and Recreation Committee, as follows:

 

Update on the New Public Works Facility – Assistant Public Works Director Eric Gatchell had reported the new Public Works facility at 800 Bee Street now has

functioning lights and heat, the office area’s walls were being framed up and the sprinkler repair work scheduled. Also, Mr. Gatchell had explained that crews would take advantage of any cold weather to perform as much work as possible on the interior of the new facility to prepare it for occupancy.

Eric Gatchell also had reported to the Committee that he was attempting to arrange a meeting with Lee Lewis of the Vo-Tech Center to determine if students there can help install electrical services in the new garage in a timely manner. However, he had advised that he also would be soliciting proposals from local electricians to see if it would be best to hire the work out for a more expedient result.

Welcome Sign Lighting – Eric Gatchell further reported that he would be meeting with an AEP technician to assess the City’s best options for welcome sign lighting, as well as the possibility of installing street lights at the Knob Street and Oliver Avenue Parks.

Activity Report – Public Works Director Jackie Phillips had reported to the Committee that crews continued working on storm drain and grate improvements, with several more sites yet to service. Also, during the month of October, Public Works’ crews had responded to 20 service requests and the fall leaf collection campaign was well underway.

PARK AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT

Mrs. Rucker next reviewed Recreation Director Amanda McCabe’s report to the Public Works and Recreation Committee, as follows:

 

 

Boy’s Little League Basketball/Girl’s Cheerleading – The Department continues registration for its largest program of the year. It is anticipated that 200-250 children will participate in the program. Practice sessions will begin in December with league play to follow in January and February.

Grant Award – The Recreation Department already has purchased the new soccer and volleyball equipment and been reimbursed by the Community Foundation of the Virginias. Assistant Director Malinda Edwards has been working with a Territorial Manager from BSN Sports and was able to decrease the original quote by nearly $950. This allowed the Department to upgrade some of the volleyball equipment to a more commercial grade quality, as well as purchase some additional items for the programs.

 

Indoor Soccer Leagues – The Department is finishing registration for its newest program, Middle School and High School Indoor Soccer. Currently, there are not enough high school teams registered to have the high school league. We are hoping to have more participants sign up by the end of the week, but it doesn’t look very promising.

 

However, there are enough middle school teams registered to conduct the Middle School League. Currently, there are six middle school teams signed up from Princeton, Pike View and Bluefield, VA. We hope to have a few more register by the end of the week. Games will commence around the middle of November for this first-year program. This is a really great start. New programs always need time to develop and we believe this program has a lot of potential for future growth.

Special Events – On Friday, December 6th, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Lifeline Screening will be holding a community health screening event in the gymnasium at the Recreation Center.

Also, on Friday, December 6th, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., the Friends Unlimited organization will be hosting another holiday dance in the Recreation Center gymnasium for adults in our area with mental disabilities.

 

On Sunday, December 8th, Appalachian Championship Wrestling will host another wrestling event in the Recreation Center Gymnasium from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.

 

RAILROAD MUSEUM

Railroad Museum Director Pat Smith had reported that the Railroad Museum welcomed 372 visitors during the month of October.

 

Arts and Crafts Show – The Railroad Museum will host an Arts and Crafts Show on Saturday, December 7th with several local businesses and artisans participating.

 

2.     PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE

Chairman Tim Ealy reported the Public Safety Committee of Princeton City Council met

 

 

on Wednesday, November 6, 2019, with the following to report to Council for action or as information and called upon Code Enforcement Deputy Director Ty Smith to present his Department’s report.

 

October Monthly Report – Deputy Director Ty Smith presented the following report for the month of October 2019:

 

Property Maintenance Summary

Initial Complaints                              236

Cumulative Complaints to Date 37,107

 

Area Patrol Summary (ZONES PATROLLED DURING THIS MONTH)

Director – Zone 6                                  Rental Compliance Officer – Zone 8 Building Inspector – Zone 7                                 Property Inspector – Zone 9

Animal Control Officer – Zone 10

 

Demolition/Renovation Programs Status

Condemnations/Unsafe in Process                                 26

Demolitions in Process                                                   26

Renovations in Process                                                     0

Demolitions (Notice to Proceed)                                       5

114 Lincoln Street, 402 Highland Avenue, 538-604-606 Mercer Street

 

Animal Control Complaints
Complaints this Month	51
Impounded (dogs 8; cats 17; Other 2)	27
Adopted	7
Euthanized	10
Reclaimed	2
Rescued	2
Building Inspection Total Building Permits (Res. 31; Com. 16)	47
Total Inspections	33

Total Project Costs                          $1,193,517.76 Permit Fees                                                                 $4,813.00

 

Flood Plain Management

Floodplain Determinations               47

Floodplain Permits Issued                 0

Zoning Official

Certificate of Occupancy Applications    3

Zoning Board of Appeals Cases             0

 

 

Rental Compliance

Revenue for October $100; Total to Date $11,406

Registered Units October: Houses 7; Apts. 3; Other 0; Total 10

Cumulative Total 16 months: Houses 276; Apts. 479; Other 35; Total 790

 

Vacant Buildings

Registered Vacant Buildings Oct. 0; Total 11

FIRE DEPARTMENT

October Activity Report – Fire Chief Chad Bailey reported that during the month of October the Fire Department responded to 76 EMS calls and 47 Fire Calls; conducted 10 fire inspections, issued one certificate of occupancy and 11 fire lane citations.

 

Chief Bailey also reported that during Fire Prevention Week in October, the Fire Department visited three local schools and made fire prevention presentations to 1,400 students.

 

Presentation by the American Red Cross – Representatives of the American Red Cross, West Virginia Region, with Courtney Clark as the spokesperson, presented a plaque and certificate of appreciation to Fire Chief Chad Bailey and Lieutenant Charlie Croy, of the Princeton Fire Department, in recognition of the Department’s outstanding efforts, which were described as above and beyond the call to duty, in the installation of smoke alarms during October’s Fire Prevention Week.

 

In accepting the plaque, Lieutenant Charlie Croy explained that the Fire Department had installed 383 smoke alarms in the City during Fire Prevention Week, 78 in one day.

 

Chief Chad Bailey remarked that the Red Cross is easy to work with and always has been there to help the displaced in fire emergencies in the City, day or night. During the Princeton Towers incident, that required the evacuation of residents on five floors, these Red Cross personnel here tonight were quick to arrive on the scene and found temporary housing for the displaced residents.

POLICE DEPARTMENT

October Activity Report – Police Chief Tim Gray reported that during the month of October the Police Department responded to 612 calls for assistance, made 62 arrests and issued 124 citations. The Chief explained the numbers were down from the previous month due to weather and other factors.

Civil Service Tests – Chief Gray reported that the Policemen’s Civil Service Commission, together with the Police Department, would be conducting tests this coming Saturday to identify qualified candidates for the Department’s hiring list.

Report of Sgt. Faris to the Public Safety Committee – Chairman Tim Ealy reported

 

 

that Sergeant Justin Faris had addressed the Public Safety Committee to inform that he had rejoined the Princeton Police Department after serving in the Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force. However, prior to leaving, the Task Force had worked for over a year on the biggest undercover operation in the history of Princeton which resulted in 54 indictments being returned this term of the Grand Jury, with more expected by the end of November. Also, he advised that 22 of these 54 indictments were cases he had worked during the past year while on the Task Force.

Opioid Litigation – Mr. Ealy continued by reporting the Public Safety Committee approved and recommended to City Council, and he so moved, authorization for the City Manager to opt out of the Opioid Class Action Litigation in which the City currently is involved, if requested by the City Attorney.

Dewey Russell duly seconded the motion.

 

City Attorney Paul Cassell explained that Attorney Rusty Webb, who represents the City in reference to its Opioid Litigation pending in Federal Court, will provide further legal advice before the end the month and this motion will give the City Manager the authority to act upon that advice, if necessary.

 

On voting, the motion carried unanimously.

 

3.     FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE

Chairman Marshall Lytton reported the Finance and Administration Committee of Princeton City Council met on Wednesday, November 6, 2019, with the following items to report out to Council:

FINANCE DEPARTMENT

Water Line on Maple Street – Mr. Lytton reported the Finance and Administration Committee approved and recommended to City Council, and he so moved, the expenditure of $20,000 from the Rainy Day Fund, payable to West Virginia American Water Company, to extend a new water line along Maple Street to the City of Princeton’s property, with the Rainy Day Fund reimbursed within four months.

 

Jacqueline Rucker duly seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.

October 2019, Financial Report – Finance Director Brian Blankenship reported that as of the end of October, the fourth month of FY 2020, the actual revenues collected stood at 50.93% of the budgeted amount, while actual appropriations were expended at a rate of 45%, as compared to the budget projections of 33.32%forecast for the end of October.

Total funds available for City operations at the end of October were $1,539,062.

 

Mr. Blankenship next reviewed the noteworthy expenditures for October: PEIA   $53,542

Parks & Rec. Appropriations…………………. $25,417

Morgan Stanley Pension Funds……………… $30,573

 

MOTION: Mr. Lytton further reported that the Finance and Administration Committee approved and recommended the October 2019, Financial Report to City Council, and he so moved.

 

James Harvey duly seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.

Appointment to the Community Improvement Commission – Chairman Lytton reported the Finance and Administration Committee approved and recommended to City Council, the appointment of Library Director Sheena Johnson to the City’s Community Improvement Commission to complete an unexpired term ending on August 11, 2022.

 

Dewey Russell duly seconded the motion.

 

On voting, Dewey Russell, Marshall Lytton, Jacqueline Rucker, Tim Ealy, James Harvey Mayor Graham voted in favor of the motion. James Hill voted against the motion. Th Therefore, the motion carried on a vote of six (6) in favor and one (1) opposed.

 

1. ​& O. Tax Incentive Application – The Finance and Administration Committee approved and recommended to City Council, and Mr. Lytton so moved, that the following business be approved for the one year, 100% & O. Tax Incentive for new businesses in the City of Princeton:

 

The Classy Closet, LLC -822 Mercer Street – Elizabeth Kosinar, Owner Dewey Russell duly seconded the motion.

On voting, Dewey Russell, Marshall Lytton, Tim Ealy, Jacqueline Rucker and Mayor David Graham voted in favor of the motion. James Hill and James Harvey voted against the motion. Therefore, the motion carried on a vote of five (5) in favor and two (2) opposed.

 

Ratification of Officers and Members of the Princeton Community Hospital Association Board of Directors – Mr. Lytton reported that the following request was received by a letter dated November 11, 2019, from Mr. Jeffrey Lilley, CEO of Princeton Community Hospital:

 

 

The by-laws of Princeton Community Hospital Association, Inc. state that the election of officers conducted by the Princeton Community Hospital Association, Inc. Board of Directors is to be ratified by the City Council.

At its Annual Board Meeting on October 29, 2019, the Board of Directors of Princeton Community Hospital Association, Inc. elected the following officers for the coming year: James Sarver III, President; David Stinson, Vice-President; Jeffrey Lilley, Secretary; and Frank Sinicrope, Treasurer.

 

Further, with the terms of Jerry Beasley and Tom Giffen expiring, the Board of Directors voted to elect Terry Graham and Joe Keatley as new board members.

 

MOTION: Mr. Lytton moved City Council ratify the officers and members of the Princeton Community Hospital Association, Inc. Board of Directors as requested by Princeton Community Hospital CEO, Jeffrey Lilley.

Dewey Russell duly seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.

PRINCETON PUBLIC LIBRARY

Finance and Administration Committee Chairman Marshall Lytton read a report submitted to Council by Library Director Sheena Johnson, as follows:

 

Attendance Statistics for October

October 12 – Costume Swap had 27 in attendance

October 17 – Lake Shawnee with Pat Smith had 73 in attendance October 24 – Spooky Story Time had 30 in attendance

October 31 – Halloween’s life size Candy Land game had 608 despite high wind and rain October 31 – Bone Pen Raffle for a five-pack of special bone pens had 51 participating

Upcoming Featured Programs for November

• Friends of the Library Veterans Day Book Sale, November 11th from 9 am to 5 pm at the Fred Gilbert Center
• At 6:00 pm on November 14th – Sacagawea Monologue in honor of Native American Heritage Month, will be performed by Mary Dailey fro History Alive!
• At 4:00 m. on November 19th – Foody Story Time with WIC Representative Diane Landy will teach children the importance of food, followed by a craft.
• At 6:00 m. November 21st – How the Railroad Built Princeton is rescheduled. This is a historical lecture that will discuss the Virginian Railroad’s influence on Princeton from 1890 to present.

 

• At 4:00 p.m. November 22nd – An Afternoon with Trax the We will join Officer Angle as he demonstrates tracking, SWAT gear, and a discussion on the police dog program. Participants will meet Trax and get a treat from the Princeton Police Department.

 

• Remember that Drop in Tech Time is the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of every month. And and remember to bring your tech questions to Jeremy during these times and he surely can answer your device and technical questions.

 

Mayor – Point of Personal Privilege – Mayor David Graham thanked Mr. Stacey Hicks, CEO of the Princeton Rescue Squad, for his proposal regarding the water line on Maple Street, and its extension to City property, that will serve the City’s future recreational complex. The Mayor acknowledged that Council’s confirmation by the approval of the water line this evening will save a lot of money in the long run and be a credit to the City.

 

A.           CITY ATTORNEY

1. Second Reading for Beekeeping Ordinance – City Attorney Paul Cassell presented for a second reading, by title, and a public hearing AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AND ADDING ARTICLE 505.50, “BEEKEEPING,” TO THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF PRINCETON, WEST VIRGINIA.

 

Public Hearing

At 7:08 p.m. Mayor Graham moved City Council into a public hearing for the aforesaid ordinance and called for public comments.

There were no public comments forthcoming and at 7:08 p.m. Mayor Graham declared the public hearing closed and reconvened the Regular Council Meeting.

 

MOTION: Dewey Russell moved City Council adopt the Beekeeping ordinance. Jacqueline Rucker duly seconded the motion.

The motion carried unanimously.

 

2. Second Reading for Rezoning Ordinance – City Attorney Paul Cassell presented for a second reading, by title, and a public hearing AN ORDIANCE AMENDING ARTICLE 1341, “ZONING DISTRICTS AND MAP ESTABLISHED,” OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF PRINCETON, WEST VIRGINIA.

 

The City Attorney explained this ordinance rezones a parcel belonging to Mr. Ron Satterfield which is zoned residential, but abuts other property he owns behind his Dairy Queen on South Walker Street that is zoned commercial. Mr. Satterfield desires the rezoning of this parcel to add conformity to this lot and the other properties zoned commercial abutting it.

 

 

Public Hearing

At 7:10 p.m. Mayor Graham moved City Council into a public hearing and called for public comments.

 

There were no comments forthcoming and at 7:10 p.m. Mayor Graham declared the public hearing closed and called the Regular City Council meeting to order once again.

 

MOTION: James Hill moved City Council adopt the ordinance. Dewey Russell duly seconded the motion.

The motion carried unanimously.

C. CITY MANAGER

City Manager Mike Webb thanked those who had attended the meeting for coming out. He thanked Chief Gray and the Princeton Police Department for their diligent work and congratulated Detective Severt on being named Officer of the Year.

Mr. Webb continued by congratulating Fire Chief Chad Bailey and the Princeton Fire Department for being recognized by the American Red Cross for their efforts installing smoke alarms during Fire Prevention Week.

Mr. Webb acknowledged the City is in the midst of a very busy time and thanked all the City departments and employees for the excellent job they are doing.

D. CITY CLERK

The City Clerk had nothing to report to City Council.

 

E.     HUMAN RESOURCES

Human Resources Director Wanda Donahue reported a notification had been received from the WV Development Office that a grant in the amount of $2,160 had been approved for the 2020 Cruise In. The grant will be use for the promotions in the media and the production of flyers promoting the event. Also, Mrs. Donahue advised that the Mayor had signed the necessary paper work and returned it to the Cruising Committee.

VII.    COUNCIL ROUNDTABLE

Mayor Graham dispensed with the Council Roundtable for a special Veteran’s Day presentation by Council Member Marshall Lytton.

 

Program by Marshall Lytton for Veterans Day – Council Member Marshall Lytton introduced his program honoring veterans by having the veterans present stand and be recognized for their service to our Country.

 

 

Mr. Lytton’s program included the following order of service:

 

• Moment of Silence Honoring Veterans
• Prayer
• History of Veterans Day (101st Anniversary)
• History of the Tomb of the Unknowns and the guards who maintain a constant vigil at the tomb and their training and preparation
• Placing of the Wreath at the front of the Council Chambers
• Playing of the theme songs of the five military branches
• The Story of Taps
• Playing of taps
• Closing Prayer

VIII.    ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, the November 12, 2019, meeting of City Council adjourned, at 7:38 p.m.