City Council Learns About Special Purpose Vehicles
City Council listens to Mayor Phelps updates about Senate Bill 63. PHOTO | Lynn Bledsoe
Lynn Bledsoe
Jobe Reporter
July 10,2025 Morgantown City Council held its regular meeting.
In Tourism the Catfish Festival was a great success. Tourism made donations to the stage, the band and the tractor pull.
Planning and Zoning had no new business. They are in the process of reviewing residential codes.
The Fire Department reported the following: 1 gas leak in the county, structure fires- 1 in the county and 1in the city, vehicle accidents- 5 in the county and 2 in the city Medical Assistance- 1 in the county, Fire alarms- 1 in the city.
The Utilities Commission reported a couple of water leaks they had been working on. The annual leak survey conducted on the gas system was under way and going good. This is a regular scheduled check, not anything due to a problem with the gas.
Public Works reported they had mowed the parks, river grounds, dog park and right of ways. They installed 50 feet of drainage tile. They removed 20 loads of brush and helped with the festival.
Police report; 191 calls to dispatch, 7 motor vehicle accidents, 2 new criminal cases, 7 arrests, 47 traffic stops and wrote 21 citations with 17 courtesy notices, also worked several special details bringing total calls to service to in the month of June to 912.
The City Clerk reported they had closed Fiscal Year24/25. The Clerks office now has begun the opening of the new Fiscal Year, 25/26, they have been continuing work on the Tapp Grant.
Code Enforcement reported 23 active cases ,11 new cases, closed 5 cases, wrote 4 citations, and that they are working on in-house training to stay up to date on regulations.
MOGO Bus in June had 1620 riders and 1672 on meal deliveries.
Unfinished business -Ordinance 2025-05 amending ordinance 2017-01 updating adoption of 2012 to 2024 International Property Maintenance Code second reading was approved.
Mayor Phelps praises everyone for a successful Catfish Festival. PHOTO | Lynn Bledsoe
Mayor’s updates
Mayor Phelps was very proud of the groundbreaking for the new library. He had attended legislative updates and learned about the Senate Bill 63. He presented the plan for individuals to be able to install storm shelters, to the Board of Directors and Executive Board of Directors. This was well received with a vote of 100% support, senator Steve Meredith will present it in Jan or Feb.
The June 28 softball tournament saw 10 teams from the area compete. The opening and closing of Catfish Festival was very successful. Mayor Phelps was proud to point out the city had sponsored the impressive fireworks show.
Lifeskills has moved into the old Family Care Building. Full capacity was reached on a free swim day at the public pool. July 23 United Ways Day of Caring will hold paintings and other events at the park.
The fire department will go out to bid next week. AC units at Eva-Jack Hall needed to be replaced or repaired. Advanced Heating and Air got 3 out of 4 working, saving the city about $100,000.
New Business-
Street Legal Special Purpose vehicles- Mayor Phelps stated he had gotten some calls about these vehicles recently. Senate Bill 63 went into effect on July 1st. Mayor Phelps just wanted to make the City Council aware of the situation so they could think about it and decide what if anything the city would like to do concerning these vehicles.
