Morgan County Commission
77 Fairfax Street, Suite 101 Berkeley Springs, WV 25411 Telephone: (304) 258-8540 FAX: (304) 258-7305 |
Meeting was opened by: Debra Kesecker, County Clerk, at 4:04 p.m.
Members present: Thomas R. Swaim, Brenda J. Hutchinson, Stacy Dugan
On a Thomas Swaim/Stacy Dugan motion, the Commission approved the meeting minutes for January 22, 2009. This motion carried.
Bill Clark- Home Consortium- Public Hearing
The public hearing was opened at 4:35 p.m.
The purpose of the public hearing is to discuss the specific housing needs of Morgan County, WV. The Morgan County Commission is a member of the Eastern Panhandle Home Consortium of West Virginia. The Home Consortium is eligible to receive a HOME Investment Partnership Grant in FY 2009. Martinsburg City Community Service Director Pat McMillian, Nan Stevens with the West Virginia Housing Fund and Audrey Morris from Starting Points were representatives of the program and attended the hearing. Ms. McMillian explained the goal of the Home Consortium program is to help those who want to better their living situation and meeting the needs to make homeownership happen. County Administrator Bill Clark explained this hearing is an annual process of explaining the program to the community. This is the second year for the homebuyer and rental assistance program. The program has helped four rental families and has 1 pending rental family; five loans have closed which have enabled five families to buy a home. Commissioner Hutchinson expressed her support for the program and commended the representatives for a wonderful job. Commissioner Hutchinson also inquired about having the information for the program on the County Commission website to inform the public of the program.
The public hearing closed at 4:55 pm
Jim & Joe Michael- Eastern Panhandle Conservation District
Jim Michael presented a list of future projects for the Eastern Panhandle Conservation District. Jim Michael explained the function of the program is to inform Morgan County residents about how to protect the soil, water and land. Joe Michael informed the Commission of some of the current projects. The primary project is improving water quality in Morgan County. There is also funding to help residents with their defective septic systems. Jim and Joe Michael requested funds totaling $11,000.00 to help with improvements. Commissioner Hutchinson requested a detailed financial statement to show how the funds will be distributed. Jim Michael will follow up with the detailed financial statement and the Commission will review the request for funds.
Beth Raps- Extension to build skate park
Beth Raps and Matt Hovermale approached the Commission and requested a one year extension to the constructing of the BS2 (Berkeley Springs Bike and Skate Park.)
Matt Hovermale explained that Nate Wessel, a professional BMX biker and skate park contractor, has agreed to construct the park. Matt explained that Nate has been out of the country in the past year which has put the construction behind schedule. Matt expressed the importance of having Nate Wessel construct the skate park. He believes that with Nate Wessels name on it, it will attract many people. Matt explained the importance of the skate park giving kids a place to have fun while staying out of trouble. The Commission expressed their concern for the extension and would rather see the project completed. Ms. Raps will inquire about donations and fund raising. There is a public meeting with Nate Wessel at the Ice House at 6:00 pm on Wednesday, February 18, to discuss and see the actual plans for the skate park. Commissioners Hutchinson and Dugan plan to attend the public meeting. Commissioner Hutchinson offered to present a letter of support for the skate park. Commissioner Hutchinson requested that Ms. Raps meet with Mr. Wessel and present a timeline to the Commission explaining a completion date for the skate park. Ms. Raps agreed to do so.
Maxie Maggio- Internet (website)
Maxie Maggio, Jim Hoyt and Ken Dabkowski updated the Commission on the email and website recommendations they have been working on. Jim Hoyt suggests moving the county hosting to West Host. Maxie Maggio will have full control of the website to change or make any additions needed. The main website address will be morgancounty.gov but the current URL will still redirect to the main site. Mr. Hoyt explained that the credibility of the .gov domain will assure people they are at a government website. Morgancounty.gov will hold up to 250 email addresses so courthouse staff can have universal email addresses. Jim Hoyt also recommended the purchase of Adobe Dreamweaver and Adobe Photoshop Elements for website editing. On a Stacy Dugan/Thomas Swaim motion, the Commission agrees to move forward with the website and webhost recommendations and changes from Mr. Hoyt, Ms. Maggio and Mr. Dabkowski. Motion Carried.
Maxie Maggio- Courthouse Drawdown
Maxie Maggio appeared before the Commission to explain the Courthouse expenditure draw down process to pay Milestone Construction Services, Inc. On a Thomas Swaim/Stacy Dugan motion, the Commission approved the adoption of the resolution for payment of invoices relating to construction and other services for the proposed courthouse project and authorizing West Virginia Infrastructure & Jobs Development Council to pay the invoice from Milestone Construction Services, Inc. in the amount of $692,878.79. This motion carried.
Resolution of support for health care reform in WV
On a Thomas Swaim/Stacy Dugan motion, the Commission approved the resolution of support for health care reform in WV. Motion Carried.
Please see attached resolution.
Stephanie Rebant- Travel Berkeley Springs- Hotel/Motel Tax
Stephanie Rebant, president of Travel Berkeley Springs, approached the Commission and expressed her concern for the economy and the impact raising hotel/motel taxes could have on Morgan County. She explained lodging sales are down and raising the hotel/motel taxes could have a dramatic effect on the hotel/motel business. Representatives of Travel Berkeley Springs also voiced concern over the expense to change the prices on brochures and billing statements if there is an increase in taxes. Commissioner Swaim stated he is not in favor of raising hotel/motel taxes while the world is in an economic crisis. Commissioner Hutchinson agreed to further discuss the issue and informed the citizens that before a decision could be made, a public hearing would to be held per WV code.
Other Business
Certificate of Deposit
A Certificate of Deposit at CN matured and the Commission have decided to roll it into a current certificate of deposit at the rate of 4.11%. On a Thomas Swaim/Stacy Dugan motion, the County Commission will roll the certificate of deposit at the rate of 4.11%. Motion Carried.
Board of Equalization Application and Date List
On a Stacy Dugan/Thomas Swaim motion, the Commission agreed to post the Board of Equalization application and the Board of Equalization meeting dates on the website. Motion Carried.
Adjournment
On a Stacy Dugan/Thomas Swaim motion, the meeting was adjourned at 7:18 pm.
Motion Carried.
UPCOMING MEETINGS
February 10, 2009 @ 7:00 pm
Public Hearing- Morgan County Floodplain and Improvement Location Permit Ord.
Public Hearing on proposed changes
Morgan County Meeting Room
February 12, 2009 @9:30 am
Morgan County Commission and Board of Equalization Meeting
Morgan County Commission Meeting Room
February 18, 2009 @9:30 am- 12:00 noon
Board of Equalization Meeting
Morgan County Commission Meeting Room
February 18, 2009 @3:00 pm- 5:00 pm
Board of Equalization Meeting
Paw Paw Senior Center
Paw Paw, WV
February 24, 2009 @ 2:00 pm
Morgan County Commission and Board of Equalization Meeting
Morgan County Meeting Room
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