Hurricane City Council Minutes August 1, 2016 6:30 PM 3255 Teays Valley Road Hurricane, WV 25526 Mayor: Recorder: Council: Scott Edwards Linda Gibson Reggie Billups Brian Ellis Marshall Ginn Steve Goff Gerry Spears Call to Order Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Edwards Mayor Edwards spoke of the June 23 rd Flood Disaster in the State of West Virginia. He mentioned the good job of our response team led by Ronnie Woodall, Utility Superintendent, and how quickly things got done. He also brought up that Ben had gone to present the donations check in the amount of $32,250 raised by sale of t-shirts for the 4 th of July celebration as well as just monetary donations from businesses and residents in the area. Ben spoke with the Mayor of Richwood letting him know that he would be available to help him with FEMA and also give him information of how to apply for grants to aid their town. Motion was made by Reggie Billups and seconded by Gerry Spears to proclaim Richwood as our Sister City. Motion carried. The HHS Girls Softball Team attended to receive certificates from the City for earning the State Championship. Their team had four seniors and had won three in the last four years this this year being a back to back win. They were very excited. HMS Baseball Team--MVAC Champions were not in attendance.
Cpl Payne and Ptlm Duran were asked to attend the meeting to report on the Dallas Trip to honor the fallen policemen that were killed in the line of duty due to a sniper attack July 7 th. Corporal Payne stated when driving into the city, the interstates and city streets were lined with supporters. That was very encouraging. Patrolman Duran stated that they visited the precinct that Sgt. Smith worked out of and fellow officers were all very appreciative that they had come that far to pay respects. He reported they were allowed to participate in the procession which was very humbling. General Business Motion was made by Gerry Spears and seconded by Reggie Billups to approve the agenda of the August 1, 2016 regular session. Motion carried. minutes of the July 11, 2016 Special session. Motion carried Motion was made by Steve Goff and seconded by Gerry Spears to approve the minutes of the July 5, 2016 regular session. Motion carried Motion was made by Brian Ellis and seconded by Reggie Billups to approve the bills to be paid from the General Fund. Motion carried. Motion was made by Brian Ellis and seconded by Steve Goff to approve the bills to be paid from the Coal Severance. Motion carried. General Fund budget revision. Motion carried. Hurricane Fire Department Report was given by Chief Rob Savage. He reported there were 83 calls answered, 22 assists with EMS, seven actual EMS responded to, ten MVA s, one serious on Rt 60/Sycamore Road. They had 17 dispatched but cancelled, five assistance calls. They continued collecting flood donations of food and supplies. They had a 53 ft box trailer full and a 15 ft box trailer full that was taken to Richwood. Two weeks ago the City experienced flooding in several areas including the fire department building, trailer park on Second Street and maybe 15 20 houses that they also assisted. Councilman Ginn asked about how the sign at the Main Street fire department was coming along. Rob stated they have the light and the steel is coming from Trinity Bar. He stated the fireworks that were supposed to be shown at the 4 th of July celebration will be put off at the new park location September 3 rd at 9:30 p.m.
Tiffany Reed, Recruiter-HVFD reported that they have recruited twelve since November of 2015, which is over the expectations. Their goal was five. They have 21 active runners now for the Hurricane Volunteer Fire Dept. She stated that she talked with Ben and they will be advertising on the water bills in the near future for more fire fighters. They will also be placing yard signs throughout the city to advertise their intent as well. Hurricane Police Department Report was given by Chief Mullins. He reported they had 544 calls, 28 arrests, and 16 EMR calls. The Mayor mentioned a special law enforcement appreciation being held at the Church of Christ on the hill (past the HMS) at 7:15 p.m. included in their Wednesday night service for all to attend. City Manager s Report was given by Ben Newhouse. He reported the City has had several rain events that presented problems on lower Virginia Avenue, Emerald Drive, Diamond Drive, Cardinal Lane, etc. due to the culverts being maxed with runoff from the interstate. Ronnie Woodall was also involved with these issues. He has applied for grant funds to possibly purchase the police simulator that will cost approximately $60,000. He is waiting on Walgreen s corporate office to get with him on the new lane for traffic attached to the King property on Lynn Street. He has met with the King family, their real estate broker and Senator Mike Hall which is wanting to help with this process as well. ADA compliance grant money has also been applied for pertaining to new sidewalks and lighting throughout several areas of Main Street, HMS, West Teays, Saturn Drive and Walmart. The Rt 19/Rt 34 crosswalks will also be included in this grant. The caboose restoration is still pending quotes. The Street department built three mini shelters at the splash park area with the roofing from the fire department. The REACH and WORKCAMP groups worked on approximately 125 homes in the area. There were 1,250 kids involved from different states as well as a few from our area. The food pick up from Walmart is yielding approximately 1,300 pounds per week. Last month the total was 9,000 pounds which was distributed to food banks, cupboards, etc. Ben mentioned that Marshall has been involved with this a long time and continues to help on a weekly basis. He also collected about $300 in donations as well. Events Coordinator report was given by Vanessa Ervin. She stated the directional signs that were requested are in proof stage. Lee Campbell will pick up when they finalize the job. The city wide yard sale is scheduled for Saturday August 13 th 7 a.m. 2 p.m. Food Truck Friday s are going well and will continue through end of August. The vendors have reported 200 250 eating in that time frame each Friday. The new signs on Main Street have been bragged on by several residents and businesses.
Harvest Festival will be held Saturday October 8 th. She has a lot of vendors already signed up. We are getting a new Community Guide and website by the end of the year. Persons from sign in sheet Ashley and Andrew Stewart, owners of Butter It Up, were in attendance requesting approval to serve gluten free alcohol. They will be serving two different types of beer, two ciders, two house cocktails, two red wines and two white wines. These will be changed up periodically. Their hours will be the same which is closing at 9 p.m. They will not have a bar but will be serving throughout the week at the request of customers as well as with their special dinner service that they offer on Saturdays. Councilman Ellis made the statement that we should offer them the same approval as Books and Brews with the same type of agreement/contract that it will be monitored by the police and it will not be transferable to another establishment if they should ever leave. Motion was made by Brian Ellis and seconded by Steve Goff to approve the sale of alcohol. Five in favor of and one opposed from Councilwoman Spears. Motion carried. Ben will draw up the agreement and forward to the Stewarts for signatures. Frank Wingo asked about the fireworks ordinance. The Mayor let him know that our attorney, Ron Flora, was working on the sale/igniting of such. Hopefully we will have the new ordinance for the September meeting. New Business Motion was made by Marshall Ginn and seconded by Reggie Billups to approve the First Reading Annexation of 5.63 acres additional territory located at Valley Park into corporate limits of the City of Hurricane. Motion carried. Motion was made by Steve Goff and seconded by Brian Ellis to approve the Second Reading Ordinance 145.13 Charitable Contributions-Acceptance and distribution of assets. Hurricane Development Authority is hereby authorized to accept donations from the public for charitable purposes under the direction of the Board Officers. Furthermore, all donations/assets will be distributed in accordance of the Hurricane Development Authority s policies and procedures. All policies/proceeds for the acceptance of donations in accordance with the Rules and Regulations of the Internal Revenue Service as the same pertains to 501 c 3 designations. Motion carried. Proclamation for Constitution Week as being the week of September 17 th through the 23 rd, 2016. Motion carried. This year will be the 229 th anniversary of the drafting of the Constitution.
Councilman Ginn noted that he wanted to thank the Mayor and Ben for all the time and effort that went into the Richwood flood as well as Ronnie and his flood disaster team. He wanted it noted that they all represented the City of Hurricane well. Announcements The September council meeting will be held Tuesday, September 6 th due to Labor Day holiday. Motion was made by Reggie Billups and seconded by Gerry Spears to adjourn. Motion carried. Submitted Approved Date Date