1 00:07:23,120 --> 00:07:27,120 Okay. Like to welcome everyone this evening. Uh those that are viewing 2 00:07:25,919 --> 00:07:30,240 online and those that are here in person. Uh we're going to start with our 3 00:07:28,960 --> 00:07:34,240 invitation which will be followed by the pledge of allegiance. If you would 4 00:07:31,919 --> 00:07:37,039 please bow your heads. Heavenly Father, we thank you for this 5 00:07:35,599 --> 00:07:40,080 day and all the blessings you've given us. We thank you for the opportunity to 6 00:07:38,400 --> 00:07:44,240 serve the citizens development. We ask that you help us open minds, civil 7 00:07:42,319 --> 00:07:47,280 tongues, and warm hearts as we work to help our community grow. We also ask 8 00:07:46,080 --> 00:07:52,160 that you watch over and guide our country's leaders. In Jesus name I pray. 9 00:07:49,199 --> 00:07:57,199 Amen. >> I pledge algiance to the flag of the 10 00:07:54,879 --> 00:08:02,879 United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation 11 00:08:00,160 --> 00:08:07,980 under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. I would not call this 12 00:08:04,720 --> 00:08:10,160 meeting order and ask to take role. [clears throat] Councelor Ross Friggera 13 00:08:09,759 --> 00:08:13,599 here. >> Councelor Carol here. Councelor Chennawa 14 00:08:12,400 --> 00:08:17,840 here. Councelor Henchman >> here. Councelor Kern. 15 00:08:15,280 --> 00:08:19,039 » Councelor Louder is absent. Councelor Pushka 16 00:08:18,560 --> 00:08:20,639 » here. >> Councelor Severino 17 00:08:20,080 --> 00:08:24,400 » here. >> Councelor Thompson is absent. And 18 00:08:23,440 --> 00:08:26,960 councelor Woods >> here. 19 00:08:25,440 --> 00:08:30,240 » Eight present. You have a four. Thank you. No one has signed up for public 20 00:08:28,960 --> 00:08:34,000 comments and we'll move down to a minutes portion. And I will entertain a 21 00:08:31,919 --> 00:08:36,800 motion to accept the minutes as presented for the July 23rd, 2026 22 00:08:36,159 --> 00:08:39,440 meeting. >> So moved. 23 00:08:37,599 --> 00:08:42,399 » We have a motion. Any questions or comments? 24 00:08:40,560 --> 00:08:46,560 » If not, all in favor say I. >> I. Those opposed nay. Motion carries. As 25 00:08:45,360 --> 00:08:50,160 you can see in your correspondence, we've been busy with event requests, 26 00:08:48,480 --> 00:08:53,920 which is a good thing. And you also have your building officers reporting. 27 00:08:52,800 --> 00:08:58,640 » We will start now with the council reports and go to the council general. 28 00:08:55,920 --> 00:09:02,720 » Uh finance committee met on Monday. We discussed several things, but the only 29 00:09:00,560 --> 00:09:06,560 thing we recommended to council at this meeting was um spending money from the 30 00:09:04,800 --> 00:09:11,600 opioid settlement fund to help fund the game changers program, which is a drug 31 00:09:09,600 --> 00:09:14,959 prevention program uh in the Elton Middle School and opens high school. 32 00:09:12,880 --> 00:09:18,720 That's on the agenda tonight. Other than that, that's my report. 33 00:09:16,399 --> 00:09:24,560 » Thank you, sir. public session to meet on August the 3 34 00:09:21,839 --> 00:09:32,320 and main thing we went over was the property on Main Street and we look for 35 00:09:27,600 --> 00:09:34,959 funding to go ahead and raise it and >> thank you. 36 00:09:34,160 --> 00:09:39,680 » No report. >> Thank you, Counc. 37 00:09:36,880 --> 00:09:45,120 » Um I just have a a few things to report with my Forest Town since I'm the 38 00:09:43,040 --> 00:09:51,120 liaison between the city and that organization. We had a quarterly meeting 39 00:09:48,560 --> 00:09:59,200 uh last month and some of the highlights of that was um the Mont Forest Town 40 00:09:55,040 --> 00:10:06,959 Partnership has a um really substantial grant uh working with West Virginia 41 00:10:01,680 --> 00:10:11,519 Tourism and um just this last period they had over 6.3 42 00:10:09,680 --> 00:10:17,120 million [clears throat] social media views of their site. They're really 43 00:10:13,920 --> 00:10:21,920 pushing outdoor recreation and of course we're part of this group and so anytime 44 00:10:19,680 --> 00:10:28,000 you have anybody visit that page they're also looking at all 11 of our towns and 45 00:10:25,440 --> 00:10:34,320 they [snorts] are putting together a uh 32page uh regional guide that will 46 00:10:31,200 --> 00:10:40,160 feature all 11 towns again. So, this is all wonderful icing on the cake for all 47 00:10:37,600 --> 00:10:45,200 the other projects that are um that we're working on that one of which we'll 48 00:10:42,560 --> 00:10:51,440 be talking about tonight. And um one thing you may have noticed right in our 49 00:10:47,680 --> 00:10:57,200 downtown um uh visitors bureau are tear off maps where it has the top cool 50 00:10:55,120 --> 00:11:03,440 things that you can do in Elkins where where um where the best trail is some 51 00:11:00,959 --> 00:11:11,200 other substantial things. So, this is really um really an organization that's 52 00:11:07,120 --> 00:11:16,160 doing stuff. It's it's um it's a very powerful group and it was fun at the 53 00:11:13,519 --> 00:11:20,640 municipal league to to run into several of those mayors and council members from 54 00:11:19,680 --> 00:11:23,600 that group. So, >> and they can say I'm disappointed that 55 00:11:22,000 --> 00:11:26,000 attending a city council meeting didn't make that list. I'm just going to be 56 00:11:25,120 --> 00:11:28,399 honest. So, >> what [laughter] 57 00:11:26,880 --> 00:11:31,680 » I'm disappointed that attending a city council meeting didn't make that top 10 58 00:11:29,920 --> 00:11:35,279 list. Oh yes 59 00:11:34,640 --> 00:11:40,800 mouth. >> Yeah but and and in in a related manner 60 00:11:38,079 --> 00:11:46,320 I I would really like to extend my appreciation for the opportunity to 61 00:11:43,040 --> 00:11:50,959 attend the uh last conference. It was really fantastic and inspirational to 62 00:11:48,720 --> 00:11:55,839 hear what other cities are doing and it was um really kind of nice to hear that 63 00:11:53,839 --> 00:12:02,320 we're ahead of the game on some of the things that with the foyer requests and 64 00:11:58,880 --> 00:12:07,120 um just hearing I think I I this was only the second one I've been at but 65 00:12:04,320 --> 00:12:13,440 having it more open where there was much more u questions and answers about what 66 00:12:11,360 --> 00:12:18,399 works, what doesn't work, what's your biggest challenge, how did to uh answer 67 00:12:15,760 --> 00:12:22,880 that challenge was very informative. So um thank you very much for that 68 00:12:20,639 --> 00:12:25,360 opportunity. That's it. 69 00:12:24,000 --> 00:12:26,720 » Thank [clears throat] you, Councelor Woods. 70 00:12:25,839 --> 00:12:31,519 » No report. >> Thank you, Councelor Kern. 71 00:12:28,480 --> 00:12:37,839 » Uh I'm other Cody tonight. Personnel met August 3rd. We discussed longevity pay 72 00:12:34,079 --> 00:12:41,200 options. Resolution 1941, planning for interviews for the chief of police 73 00:12:39,040 --> 00:12:44,959 position. And our next meeting is September 8th at 1 minute. Thank you, 74 00:12:44,000 --> 00:12:47,279 Council Sanino. >> There is. 75 00:12:45,760 --> 00:12:51,600 » Thank you, Council Carol. >> The planning commission met last week 76 00:12:49,600 --> 00:12:56,000 and Commissioner Coulson will be presenting the comprehensive plan to us 77 00:12:53,920 --> 00:13:00,240 tonight. So, it's exciting that many, many with about a year and a half, two 78 00:12:58,639 --> 00:13:04,240 years of conversation. Now, we have a final product to share and continue 79 00:13:02,639 --> 00:13:07,519 with. >> Thank you. 80 00:13:06,000 --> 00:13:10,320 » Okay, moving down to the officer reports. We will start with our city 81 00:13:09,040 --> 00:13:14,480 treasur, Miss Jean. >> Good evening. Um early on in this budget 82 00:13:12,720 --> 00:13:18,720 year, all funds remain in the black, which is good. Um I want to call 83 00:13:16,800 --> 00:13:24,639 attention to the general fund revenue detail. Uh that shows our first um 84 00:13:22,720 --> 00:13:29,000 quarterly deposit for the municipal sales tax in the amount of $449,9746. 85 00:13:29,600 --> 00:13:35,279 We received that the end of July. Um 86 00:13:33,200 --> 00:13:39,760 » how does that compare last year, Tracy? >> It's up a little bit. Good. Thank you. 87 00:13:36,880 --> 00:13:43,279 » Up a little bit. We every year we see an increase. So, let's hope it continues 88 00:13:41,440 --> 00:13:49,519 that way. >> Um, also in your packet, I've uh put the 89 00:13:46,720 --> 00:13:55,519 sewer sewer and water bond and USDA loan information, what the balances are as of 90 00:13:51,680 --> 00:14:02,440 June 30th for all the sewer bonds um that we have currently. The principal 91 00:13:57,839 --> 00:14:02,440 outstanding balance was 7,695,54139. 92 00:14:03,760 --> 00:14:13,519 There are um $1,38 38,000, excuse me, $32,328 93 00:14:11,360 --> 00:14:18,800 payments made annually out of the sewer fund. For the water bond accounts, um 94 00:14:16,639 --> 00:14:22,199 there's a principal outstanding balance of 12,573,65267. 95 00:14:23,920 --> 00:14:31,720 In the US uh DA loans, that balance outstanding balance is 18,1094284. 96 00:14:32,000 --> 00:14:37,639 And annually the water fund has 1,486,66596 97 00:14:38,720 --> 00:14:42,920 payments that come out of that fund. 98 00:14:45,360 --> 00:14:50,800 » Tracy, one question. Are all these bonds like uh the same year? Are these 99 00:14:49,600 --> 00:14:56,000 multiple years on >> No. So if you look at like this the 100 00:14:52,959 --> 00:15:01,920 sewer bond where it has 06 was done in 2006, 2009, 101 00:14:58,959 --> 00:15:07,360 » 2015 and and 2020. And the the reserve bonds um are 102 00:15:04,959 --> 00:15:11,920 payments for the first 10 years of that. There's a minimum um balance that has to 103 00:15:10,320 --> 00:15:14,959 be kept. And then once that balance is there, 104 00:15:12,880 --> 00:15:17,760 » it stays there, continues to draw interest. Why? Then you're paying on the 105 00:15:16,880 --> 00:15:20,800 revenue bond. >> Okay. 106 00:15:18,160 --> 00:15:25,279 » And what um every spring usually the uh bond 107 00:15:23,519 --> 00:15:30,079 commission looks at that and if they can take uh something and pay another bond 108 00:15:28,079 --> 00:15:34,320 off, they will do that and move money around. So, um, yeah. 109 00:15:32,399 --> 00:15:38,240 » And then are the USDA water loans, are those from 01023 or is that not follow 110 00:15:36,880 --> 00:15:43,839 that same naming convention? >> Um, they are. So, that's kind of a 111 00:15:41,920 --> 00:15:48,880 little different than um the bond payments, but those are three different 112 00:15:45,600 --> 00:15:51,040 types of um USDA loans that we had for the water plant. 113 00:15:49,680 --> 00:15:55,360 » Oh, okay. Good. And they're all from the water plant construction. 114 00:15:52,480 --> 00:16:00,000 » The USDA ones are Yes. >> Any other questions for Tracy? 115 00:15:58,000 --> 00:16:03,040 » Thank you. Our operations manager, Mr. Jessica, 116 00:16:01,040 --> 00:16:06,720 » good evening. So, I'm going to have to wing this because technology isn't 117 00:16:05,120 --> 00:16:11,199 working for me. So, I'll be scrolling through emails for my reports. Start 118 00:16:09,279 --> 00:16:14,240 with the street department. Uh, obviously the street department's been 119 00:16:12,560 --> 00:16:19,680 very busy with the amount of rain and storms we've had recently. Um, they have 120 00:16:17,279 --> 00:16:24,560 put down 17 tons of black top since the last meeting. Um, patching some roads, 121 00:16:22,560 --> 00:16:28,720 uh, cot holes, things of that nature. They repaired roads from the previous 122 00:16:26,800 --> 00:16:33,680 storms, Kirk Street, Slaughterhouse Road, Thorn Avenue, Hill Lane, Lower 123 00:16:31,279 --> 00:16:38,560 Lincoln, and Whisperwood Drive. Uh installed signage on Bruce Street for 124 00:16:36,160 --> 00:16:40,079 children at play and the 25 mile per hour signs. 125 00:16:39,519 --> 00:16:44,079 » Thank you. >> And they repainted the crosswalk at the 126 00:16:42,000 --> 00:16:47,839 middle school. Um they're currently still working on cleaning catch basins, 127 00:16:46,079 --> 00:16:54,000 things of that nature, doing some storm water work as well. So they've been 128 00:16:49,920 --> 00:16:59,040 extremely busy. um sanitation department doing their thing, doing a great job. Um 129 00:16:56,639 --> 00:17:01,839 keeping up with things very well. I commend those guys. You know, even when 130 00:17:00,639 --> 00:17:05,919 they're getting storms, they're out there in it. I have, you know, we have 131 00:17:03,600 --> 00:17:09,919 had some safety talks about, you know, lightning and things of that nature. If 132 00:17:07,439 --> 00:17:12,480 we have to shut down operations until a storm passes through, that's what we 133 00:17:11,360 --> 00:17:17,439 have to do. We have to keep our employees safe. So, they continue to do 134 00:17:14,880 --> 00:17:20,000 a great job. Um I don't know if anyone could see when they pulled in, they're 135 00:17:18,720 --> 00:17:24,720 working on the roof of this building. So, we finally got that project going. 136 00:17:21,760 --> 00:17:30,400 It'll be done soon and I have an update from our code enforcement officer. Um, 137 00:17:28,160 --> 00:17:37,760 the this round of grant funding is complete. Eight structures, 1091 138 00:17:33,840 --> 00:17:45,760 Harrison Avenue, 1303 Taylor, 129 Diamond, 414 Harpertown, 418 Harpertown, 139 00:17:41,120 --> 00:17:53,919 12 Paul, 911 Street, 94 Ward are all complete. and um funding for $99,216.82 140 00:17:51,600 --> 00:17:58,880 will be taken care of by the grant. So, tremendous job by our code enforcement 141 00:17:55,679 --> 00:18:04,000 officer, by Miss Roberts, uh who we lean on heavily when it comes to working with 142 00:18:01,280 --> 00:18:09,520 with D and making sure we we dot all the eyes and cross all the tees. So, that uh 143 00:18:07,200 --> 00:18:14,320 that that's a successful program. I want to remind everyone, please, if you know 144 00:18:11,200 --> 00:18:18,480 of any properties in your mind, send it to Jesse and us. And I know I think 145 00:18:16,000 --> 00:18:22,080 Nancy you have um but anybody else, please send us send us recommendations. 146 00:18:20,320 --> 00:18:25,520 We'll see where they fall and they may be on the list we already have. So, but 147 00:18:24,000 --> 00:18:29,039 if they're not, we can add it to it and then evaluate priorities from there. Um 148 00:18:28,559 --> 00:18:31,760 the rest >> I was very happy to sign the closeout 149 00:18:30,799 --> 00:18:35,840 document yesterday. >> Yes. It's great. It's great news. Yes, 150 00:18:33,600 --> 00:18:41,520 it was. and and and again, you know, you know, we've talked about 151 00:18:38,080 --> 00:18:44,799 we do such a good job with this that we we know when the next funding comes 152 00:18:43,280 --> 00:18:47,679 becomes available, we'll be able to jump back in and get more funding and 153 00:18:46,240 --> 00:18:55,520 continue in the program. So, that's a good feeling. Um, the rest of the 154 00:18:50,559 --> 00:18:59,039 update, I I'll start with the good news. The carpet on the second floor is 155 00:18:57,280 --> 00:19:03,840 completely installed with everything but council chambers. Looks phenomenal. They 156 00:19:01,679 --> 00:19:09,520 started on the third floor carpet looks phenomenal. Um the back of the building 157 00:19:07,360 --> 00:19:14,559 where the ADA compliance ramp, the stairs where they're putting the brick 158 00:19:12,320 --> 00:19:20,640 pavers in to marry that up and blend that all in looks amazing and they're 159 00:19:17,600 --> 00:19:28,720 doing a great job on it. All the trim work on every floor is done and it looks 160 00:19:23,760 --> 00:19:32,960 sharp. Looks really good. Um >> that's the good news. 161 00:19:30,720 --> 00:19:39,039 the bad news. I hope everyone saw the email I sent out yesterday. So, 162 00:19:35,440 --> 00:19:43,520 yesterday morning I uh received a text message about did you 163 00:19:42,000 --> 00:19:46,273 see what happened to the front of city hall? [clears throat] 164 00:19:46,400 --> 00:19:53,520 » Oh my gosh, [laughter] >> I felt sickness in my stomach. So, we 165 00:19:50,720 --> 00:19:57,679 had a uh a hydraulic lift that they were using on the front of the building to do 166 00:19:55,520 --> 00:20:00,799 the stone work and to do work on the roof as far as cleaning and things of 167 00:19:59,039 --> 00:20:06,400 that nature. The lift malfunctioned. When it malfunctioned, it caught part of 168 00:20:03,200 --> 00:20:10,799 the [snorts] concrete barrier uh rail, for lack of better words, on the top of 169 00:20:08,080 --> 00:20:13,200 city hall and pulled it off into Davis Avenue. 170 00:20:12,418 --> 00:20:16,480 [snorts] Ronnie, you said you could hear your 171 00:20:14,720 --> 00:20:19,120 office when it hit the ground. >> Oh my gosh. 172 00:20:17,440 --> 00:20:24,880 » Unfortunately, when it hit the ground, it hit the granite steps in front of the 173 00:20:21,440 --> 00:20:30,799 main entrance and damage those as well. The good news is comes to no expense of 174 00:20:28,080 --> 00:20:36,159 us because it was not our fault. The very good news is no one was hurt. 175 00:20:34,159 --> 00:20:41,760 » No injuries whatsoever. The guy in the lift wasn't hurt. No passers by were 176 00:20:38,799 --> 00:20:48,720 hurt. Everybody's fine. Bad news is 177 00:20:45,360 --> 00:20:53,679 to get this completely finished and make it look like it's supposed to 178 00:20:50,799 --> 00:20:57,200 look because the concrete is so old and we're going to have to special order 179 00:20:55,120 --> 00:21:02,640 things for it. 3 to four months to get that railing 180 00:20:59,600 --> 00:21:07,200 fixed. Now, what we are doing, we are meeting OSHA guidelines and installing a 181 00:21:05,039 --> 00:21:12,799 temporary railing around the entire top of city hall. And we are also going to 182 00:21:10,000 --> 00:21:16,880 have a concrete expert inspect the entire railing across city hall to make 183 00:21:14,799 --> 00:21:21,440 sure there was no further structural damage when it branched out. 184 00:21:19,440 --> 00:21:27,440 » Um probably going to delay the move in by 185 00:21:24,000 --> 00:21:30,320 10 to 14 days is all we're thinking. So I don't think that's horrible news. And 186 00:21:29,520 --> 00:21:34,480 the only [clears throat] reason why we're thinking it's going to delay it is 187 00:21:32,320 --> 00:21:38,559 with all the work being done on the top of the building. 188 00:21:36,960 --> 00:21:43,919 There are still pieces of concrete up there that are still very tedious. 189 00:21:41,679 --> 00:21:48,799 » We don't want anyone around the building when the company comes in and starts 190 00:21:45,360 --> 00:21:52,799 removing those off and the contractor uh doesn't want any any sort of liability 191 00:21:51,200 --> 00:21:55,679 whatsoever with people around the building. And we don't know to what 192 00:21:54,320 --> 00:22:00,159 extent they're going to have to set stuff around the building to remove this 193 00:21:57,440 --> 00:22:06,480 off. um in an email today, in a conversation today, we're thinking 194 00:22:04,720 --> 00:22:10,720 we should be able to move in by September 15th. We still feel very 195 00:22:08,480 --> 00:22:16,559 confident with that. So, the 3 to four month process, it'll just have to happen 196 00:22:13,039 --> 00:22:20,400 while we're in the building. Um but, um the one company that is going to inspect 197 00:22:18,559 --> 00:22:23,120 it and and try to move some of the stuff off. We're going to try to coordinate 198 00:22:21,760 --> 00:22:28,000 some of that work to be done on the weekends just 199 00:22:26,000 --> 00:22:33,039 to make it, you know, less inconvenient for for those of us that are around the 200 00:22:30,240 --> 00:22:36,480 building. I I apologize that I have to report that it was no fault of the 201 00:22:35,200 --> 00:22:40,320 cities. It was no fault of the contractor. It was a freak thing that 202 00:22:38,320 --> 00:22:44,880 happened. And as Tracy and I were talking before the meeting, one thing 203 00:22:42,400 --> 00:22:48,640 I'm very thankful for is that Mountain Valley Bank stepped up the way they did 204 00:22:46,559 --> 00:22:51,440 because had we been going through USDA, we would be in a complete pickle right 205 00:22:50,159 --> 00:22:54,080 now because we would have lost the deadline. We would have lost the funding 206 00:22:53,550 --> 00:22:57,919 [laughter] >> because we wouldn't have been able. 207 00:22:57,200 --> 00:23:01,840 » Yeah. >> So, Mountain Valley Bank has really been 208 00:22:59,679 --> 00:23:06,400 a a blessing in disguise for this. >> I didn't realize. I will gladly answer 209 00:23:04,400 --> 00:23:10,080 any questions anyone has from any of my report. Anything about city hall, please 210 00:23:08,480 --> 00:23:13,200 ask away and I'll answer anything you may have. 211 00:23:11,200 --> 00:23:16,531 » Mine's just a comments. I'm sorry you're stuck with me two more weeks. [laughter] 212 00:23:17,760 --> 00:23:21,760 So, you know, it's uh 213 00:23:21,716 --> 00:23:25,679 [clears throat] >> but it's it's ple the fib. 214 00:23:24,640 --> 00:23:29,280 » I was afraid [laughter] it was going to be far worse. I really was. 215 00:23:27,600 --> 00:23:33,919 » I was afraid in the meetings yesterday. I was I was really afraid they were 216 00:23:31,440 --> 00:23:37,919 looking, you know, but um there are a few fly in the ointments that the chief 217 00:23:35,440 --> 00:23:43,120 and I have to work through and I I know I can rely on him to to help with us as 218 00:23:40,400 --> 00:23:49,679 far as we we need help when it comes to different aspects as far as that goes. 219 00:23:45,440 --> 00:23:54,799 But uh but it thank God no one was hurt or killed. That is really thank god that 220 00:23:52,559 --> 00:23:58,799 did not happen cuz I mean it took those solid granite steps and just did that. 221 00:23:58,240 --> 00:24:02,559 Oh, >> is the repair on the stuff going to be 222 00:24:00,240 --> 00:24:07,840 pretty extensive or? >> Right now, we're thinking probably going 223 00:24:04,960 --> 00:24:12,159 to be well over $100,000 [snorts] worth of damage. 224 00:24:10,799 --> 00:24:16,320 » So, like those steps will probably come all the way off and new. Oh, 225 00:24:14,240 --> 00:24:18,320 » the company said that they can match it. >> Whoa. 226 00:24:16,720 --> 00:24:23,440 » Yeah, they can match it. So, >> I'm not sure we can replace that. That's 227 00:24:20,559 --> 00:24:27,679 just it. We have to. So there's going to be a lot of cutting, jigsaw puzzling 228 00:24:25,679 --> 00:24:30,799 going in, you know, because of the historic value of the building. We just 229 00:24:29,200 --> 00:24:35,279 can't dig it up, put new ones in. We have to and and you know, we feel 230 00:24:33,440 --> 00:24:40,159 confident that Keystone are the experts in this and they have told us, 231 00:24:37,760 --> 00:24:45,679 » give us time. We will make it work and and that's, you know, we're going to 232 00:24:42,640 --> 00:24:49,360 move forward. Again, no no money out of our pocket, no money out of our budget 233 00:24:47,440 --> 00:24:52,799 for this project. So that that's good as well. 234 00:24:50,960 --> 00:24:55,382 will make for a good story. >> Yeah, 235 00:24:53,039 --> 00:24:57,402 » it's like the cracked liberty now. [laughter] 236 00:24:58,159 --> 00:25:03,279 » Mike, >> thank you. 237 00:25:01,520 --> 00:25:08,080 » See pounds. Now that I've pressed you, you have a report for us tonight. 238 00:25:04,640 --> 00:25:14,559 » Yeah, just a brief one. Um here today, call volume, we're sitting at 401 as of 239 00:25:11,120 --> 00:25:19,600 today. Um, the application process for our 240 00:25:17,120 --> 00:25:24,400 entrylevel exam uh that's scheduled for September the 241 00:25:21,360 --> 00:25:29,760 12th has been open since last Monday. 242 00:25:26,559 --> 00:25:35,760 Uh, last I looked was last evening or this morning. We have 11 applicants so 243 00:25:33,840 --> 00:25:41,159 far. That's [clears throat] about the norm 244 00:25:37,039 --> 00:25:41,159 for us. Um, 245 00:25:41,679 --> 00:25:51,600 I think the because of the uh displacement of all folks involved 246 00:25:48,400 --> 00:25:56,799 and kind of not having a I Sutton and I the civil service commission had this 247 00:25:53,120 --> 00:26:00,000 conversation great detail and the last thing we need to do is get somebody that 248 00:25:58,720 --> 00:26:07,600 would have brought a paper application to city hall that gets lost in the sauce 249 00:26:03,039 --> 00:26:13,039 somewhere and now our testing process is gone. compromised and that's the last 250 00:26:09,279 --> 00:26:17,679 thing we want. So, we we did electronic uh applications 251 00:26:14,960 --> 00:26:24,080 this time around and so far it seems to have worked out pretty good. 252 00:26:20,320 --> 00:26:30,480 Haven't had any complaints so far, but um it'll be it will close next Friday, 253 00:26:28,480 --> 00:26:37,440 the 21st with the test scheduled September the 12th. 254 00:26:32,799 --> 00:26:42,799 So other than that, um the state fire marshall's office does a small training 255 00:26:40,559 --> 00:26:52,240 and equipment grant every year and historically it has only been open to 256 00:26:47,440 --> 00:26:57,440 100% volunteer fire departments and uh for some reason within the last year and 257 00:26:55,440 --> 00:27:03,039 due to a code interpretation they are letting park pay departments apply. So, 258 00:27:01,200 --> 00:27:07,440 um, we're going to we're going to apply for some additional, uh, ice rescue 259 00:27:05,679 --> 00:27:13,440 suits on [clears throat] that grant. We have 260 00:27:09,919 --> 00:27:16,400 two now. And thought this would, you know, like I said, it's a it's a small 261 00:27:14,799 --> 00:27:21,679 grant. Usually $1,500 to $6,000. Because I've 262 00:27:19,279 --> 00:27:25,760 never applied, I don't know a whole lot about it. But, um, we're going to try to 263 00:27:24,000 --> 00:27:33,679 get some more of those ice rescue suits. They're they're a universal fit. They 264 00:27:28,559 --> 00:27:37,840 can obviously be used with water for um shoreline rocks and and things of 265 00:27:35,919 --> 00:27:42,720 that nature because they're legitimately a one sizefits-all. When you when you 266 00:27:40,480 --> 00:27:47,679 read the advertisement from the manufacturer 267 00:27:44,320 --> 00:27:52,240 says anywhere from 5' 11 to 7 feet, 110 to 330 lbs. It's pretty big range 268 00:27:50,720 --> 00:27:57,279 window. So [laughter] 269 00:27:53,520 --> 00:28:01,440 me and Ronnie can probably both get it. >> But u 270 00:27:58,000 --> 00:28:05,279 » I would hate to see that [laughter] >> he's 271 00:28:03,039 --> 00:28:10,240 we're shoot for that. Uh it's got a September deadline 272 00:28:07,760 --> 00:28:17,039 stuff that we were funded from the TC Energy Grant. That 273 00:28:12,559 --> 00:28:21,039 stuff's on the way and um there's more to come 274 00:28:18,799 --> 00:28:30,880 down the pike. volunteers are working on some things to improve and enhance the 275 00:28:25,520 --> 00:28:37,240 uh water side of our business based on historical events and I'm going to be 276 00:28:33,279 --> 00:28:37,240 bringing more some of that 277 00:28:37,279 --> 00:28:40,919 council in the future. 278 00:28:42,000 --> 00:28:47,039 That's >> all questions. 279 00:28:45,679 --> 00:28:53,039 » Thank you sir. Representing Elton please. Captain Bill. Uh the last few 280 00:28:49,520 --> 00:28:55,840 weeks we've had 816 calls for service. We're getting ready to move into course 281 00:28:54,320 --> 00:28:59,360 festival time. So we're getting everything prepped for that. 282 00:28:58,720 --> 00:29:02,159 » All we got >> and we will be testing in the future 283 00:29:00,880 --> 00:29:05,279 near future hope. So >> hopefully in the next month or so at 284 00:29:04,080 --> 00:29:09,039 least >> try to fill the piece spots that we 285 00:29:06,799 --> 00:29:12,960 have. >> Anything else? 286 00:29:10,320 --> 00:29:17,279 » Any questions for Ronnie? Yeah. Our city clerk, Mr. Stokes. 287 00:29:14,080 --> 00:29:22,159 » Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um well latest update uh on the streetscape and 288 00:29:19,360 --> 00:29:29,440 riverfront projects uh did submit two additional do grant applications 289 00:29:25,520 --> 00:29:34,240 um targeting transportation alternative side and the recreational trail project 290 00:29:31,360 --> 00:29:38,240 side. Um this year there's no local match required so 291 00:29:36,080 --> 00:29:44,480 » shoot the moon. Um I went ahead and put in for 250,000 for each. Um, we got 292 00:29:42,320 --> 00:29:48,960 150,000 a year ago on the transportation alternatives grant. Um, once again 293 00:29:46,799 --> 00:29:55,039 targeting engineering because I hear that's probably the better use for DOH. 294 00:29:51,039 --> 00:30:00,720 Um, avoiding some of the hoops they have to jump through for construction 295 00:29:56,320 --> 00:30:06,159 funding. Um, working on that. I did I was trying to think through, you know, 296 00:30:03,600 --> 00:30:09,440 this is just sort of another grant a year later, same project, same part of 297 00:30:08,320 --> 00:30:14,960 the funding. and I was trying to think of a way to articulate to do the 298 00:30:12,399 --> 00:30:20,960 um bigger picture. I came up with the project uh delivery strategy memo that's 299 00:30:18,159 --> 00:30:24,080 attached to the report. Um I was kind of thinking through that not having a ton 300 00:30:22,559 --> 00:30:28,880 of money all at once is sort of a feature, not a bug. Um these are 301 00:30:26,399 --> 00:30:32,880 multi-million dollar plans. Never get multi-million dollar grants. And 302 00:30:31,200 --> 00:30:36,880 instead, I think as we get an engineer on board later this fall, goal will be 303 00:30:35,279 --> 00:30:45,120 to kind of have this pipeline of construction ready components get 304 00:30:39,520 --> 00:30:50,559 different pieces of funding. Um, and anyway, you can review that memo. Uh, as 305 00:30:47,840 --> 00:30:55,919 an ongoing feature in the report, I'm going to keep this funding picture in 306 00:30:53,200 --> 00:31:00,960 one place because you hear this amount, that amount. It's hard to kind of um 307 00:30:58,159 --> 00:31:05,679 keep track of the stack. But basically, we have about $900,000. 308 00:31:03,679 --> 00:31:13,000 They're awarded uh or in hand through the um TIFF 309 00:31:08,559 --> 00:31:13,000 revenues. Um 310 00:31:13,120 --> 00:31:18,960 um and roughly 1 to two million in 311 00:31:17,039 --> 00:31:22,399 potential TIFF bonding capacity. It just depends how far off in the future we do 312 00:31:20,720 --> 00:31:27,520 our first bond as the revenue is building up. Um so basically between 313 00:31:25,679 --> 00:31:34,159 cash that we can say is either in hand or on the way. Um, and depending on the 314 00:31:31,279 --> 00:31:39,200 size of that bond, 2.9 to 3.9 million total for the next year could be in 315 00:31:37,360 --> 00:31:45,279 hand. Not to get ahead of, you know, some of these uh applications that are 316 00:31:41,440 --> 00:31:49,440 pending, but you know, that's um clearly not enough. You know, the best case 317 00:31:47,440 --> 00:31:53,360 scenario if we somehow got all of that. That's still not enough to do one of 318 00:31:51,200 --> 00:31:59,200 those projects at a maximal stage. But again, citizen components along the way 319 00:31:56,559 --> 00:32:02,960 um uh should should begin to look viable. 320 00:32:00,720 --> 00:32:07,200 Um still uh have the ward boundary adjustment in 321 00:32:05,440 --> 00:32:14,480 mind that we'll be meeting with Stacy McDaniel uh from region 7 late next 322 00:32:11,039 --> 00:32:17,679 week. Kind of go over a uh a GIS population analysis she did to start 323 00:32:16,399 --> 00:32:24,080 thinking about how those boundaries might might shift to get us a more equal 324 00:32:20,240 --> 00:32:29,919 population in each board. Um, I'll try and have some maps or diagrams to look 325 00:32:26,559 --> 00:32:34,559 at later this fall. Uh, police testing, fire testing already 326 00:32:32,480 --> 00:32:38,720 mentioned and then I also attended last week's municipal league conference. I 327 00:32:36,559 --> 00:32:42,960 put some notes on the report as well. Very interesting sessions on how 328 00:32:40,080 --> 00:32:47,279 governments are using AI, interesting ideas about housing and 329 00:32:44,880 --> 00:32:53,039 blight, community art, accessing federal funding, um, engagement and finance. Um, 330 00:32:51,440 --> 00:32:58,000 so [snorts] I did note some ideas on there that you might try to follow up on 331 00:32:54,960 --> 00:33:01,840 or research further. Great, great conference this year. I would call it 332 00:33:00,000 --> 00:33:05,519 even inspiring. It really 333 00:33:02,799 --> 00:33:10,399 » they really um took it past your standard conference of like, you know, 334 00:33:07,919 --> 00:33:14,480 maybe you've heard this topic before or this presentation's basically a vendor 335 00:33:12,240 --> 00:33:18,880 ad. And [snorts] I think they they wrote the same thought and passion into it. So 336 00:33:16,480 --> 00:33:24,080 really glad to see all that. I'll be happy to answer any questions. Any 337 00:33:21,600 --> 00:33:27,360 questions? Sorry. If not, we'll move down to the approval 338 00:33:25,600 --> 00:33:30,720 of the vendor invoice payments. I will entertain a motion to accept the invoice 339 00:33:29,039 --> 00:33:34,240 without submitted. So, >> we have a motion. Any questions or 340 00:33:32,240 --> 00:33:39,519 comments? All those in favor say I. Those 341 00:33:36,240 --> 00:33:44,320 » oppos. Motion carried. Now, we have a presentation by the planning commission 342 00:33:41,120 --> 00:33:48,159 of the May 2026 draft [snorts] comprehensive plan. I feel like I should 343 00:33:45,919 --> 00:33:54,679 say 2023 [clears throat] comprehensive plan to be honest. 344 00:33:51,039 --> 00:33:54,679 And we have those goals. 345 00:33:56,880 --> 00:33:59,880 » Yes. 346 00:34:11,520 --> 00:34:14,159 » Brought clicker. 347 00:34:21,440 --> 00:34:24,679 Can you 348 00:34:34,560 --> 00:34:40,639 » My internet keeps going. >> Yeah, me too. 349 00:34:38,000 --> 00:34:44,480 » I just downloaded it. That was that was >> Well, mine's like clicking off and on. 350 00:34:42,480 --> 00:34:46,639 » Yeah, me too. >> Pardon me. 351 00:34:45,040 --> 00:34:51,399 » That's why this >> Yeah, mine isn't. That's why I'm on his 352 00:34:53,040 --> 00:34:59,159 » do that, but I stop sharing. 353 00:35:03,760 --> 00:35:12,960 Forget it at home. That way if something happened to worry about it. 354 00:35:10,000 --> 00:35:15,359 I had another meeting before this one. >> We tested this before so we wouldn't 355 00:35:14,640 --> 00:35:19,200 have >> I know. I know. 356 00:35:16,720 --> 00:35:24,280 » Well, all of our mine is not connected connecting. 357 00:35:30,960 --> 00:35:35,839 » Oh, it's back [clears throat] on again. >> Download it real quick. 358 00:35:35,040 --> 00:35:40,520 » It came back. >> Download it real quick. All righty. 359 00:35:42,160 --> 00:35:45,160 Okay. 360 00:35:46,000 --> 00:35:51,599 All right. So, good evening, um, mayor, members of city council, city staff, and 361 00:35:49,839 --> 00:35:55,040 members of the public, and those folks watching online. My name is Phip 362 00:35:53,359 --> 00:35:58,320 Coulson. I'm president of the Elkins Planning Commission. And joining me this 363 00:35:56,640 --> 00:36:01,119 evening is Andrew Carroll, uh, vice president of the Elkins Planning 364 00:35:59,280 --> 00:36:04,480 Commission. Um on behalf of the planning commission, we appreciate the 365 00:36:02,240 --> 00:36:08,320 opportunity to present the Elkins uh the city of Elkins comprehensive plan to 366 00:36:06,000 --> 00:36:11,520 council. Before we begin, I just want to take a moment to recognize the many 367 00:36:10,160 --> 00:36:15,920 people who have contributed to the process. This plan has been developed 368 00:36:13,920 --> 00:36:20,240 over an extended period of time and the membership of the planning commission 369 00:36:17,280 --> 00:36:23,040 has changed during that process. Um I'd first like to recognize the 370 00:36:21,520 --> 00:36:28,560 commissioners who were serving when this process began. Duke Talbbit, Councelor 371 00:36:25,839 --> 00:36:33,920 Girly Woods, uh Kate Summers, Mayor Jerry Marco, and Vance Jackson, as well 372 00:36:31,280 --> 00:36:38,640 as Andrew and myself. >> Um, and I would also like to recognize 373 00:36:36,960 --> 00:36:42,320 our current commissioners who have joined the commission during the 374 00:36:39,920 --> 00:36:46,160 process, which is Susan Evik, uh, Dustin Smith, and Eric Armstrong. And Eric has 375 00:36:44,160 --> 00:36:50,240 actually moved on as well. And finally, we owe owe a special thank 376 00:36:47,839 --> 00:36:54,079 you to Christy Booth from the Land Use and Sustainment Development Law Clinic, 377 00:36:52,000 --> 00:36:57,599 Sutton Stokes, Jerry Roberts for their time, expertise, guidance, and 378 00:36:55,599 --> 00:37:01,040 assistance throughout this process. This has truly been a collaborative effort, 379 00:36:59,599 --> 00:37:05,359 and I want to personally thank everyone who contributed uh their time and 380 00:37:03,359 --> 00:37:09,119 knowledge in developing this plan. With that, I'd like to give council a brief 381 00:37:06,880 --> 00:37:13,839 overview of the comprehensive plan and the priorities that have emerged from 382 00:37:11,359 --> 00:37:17,040 the plan. Before getting into the recommend 383 00:37:15,599 --> 00:37:21,520 recommendations, I think it's important to establish what adoption of a 384 00:37:18,960 --> 00:37:26,000 comprehensive plan actually means. At it at its core, this is a long range policy 385 00:37:24,240 --> 00:37:30,320 document. Uh it guides future development and 386 00:37:28,000 --> 00:37:34,640 investment and provides a policy framework for future decisions. One 387 00:37:33,119 --> 00:37:40,960 point is especially important for council. Adoption does not automatically 388 00:37:36,960 --> 00:37:45,200 fund or implement every recommendation. Individual ordinances, projects, 389 00:37:42,880 --> 00:37:50,200 expenditures, and policy changes will still follow their normal review and 390 00:37:46,800 --> 00:37:50,200 approval process. 391 00:37:50,400 --> 00:37:56,480 The plan was developed through an extended public process. The planning 392 00:37:54,000 --> 00:38:02,240 commission held 15 meetings open to the public. We received 166 online survey 393 00:37:59,839 --> 00:38:07,280 responses and we received survey input from 30 stakeholders. The process also 394 00:38:05,280 --> 00:38:12,160 included a community openhouse and a formal review. Tonight is therefore not 395 00:38:10,480 --> 00:38:20,320 the beginning of the planning process. It represents one of its final steps. 396 00:38:16,400 --> 00:38:25,920 Six broad areas consistently emerged. Those were public safety, 397 00:38:23,599 --> 00:38:32,320 housing, infrastructure, economic development, land use, and technology. 398 00:38:29,520 --> 00:38:36,160 These issues are interconnected. Housing affects the workforce and economic 399 00:38:34,079 --> 00:38:40,800 development. Infrastructure affects growth. Public safety affects quality of 400 00:38:38,480 --> 00:38:46,359 life. The plan looks at these issues together rather than treating them as 401 00:38:42,720 --> 00:38:46,359 isolated concerns. 402 00:38:46,480 --> 00:38:52,400 for public safety. The plan emphasizes ensuring the fire ensuring the fire 403 00:38:50,880 --> 00:38:56,960 department is fully equipped and supported, strengthening coordination 404 00:38:54,640 --> 00:39:02,720 with county with the county, uh considering future service needs as 405 00:38:59,359 --> 00:39:07,359 quarter H is completed, and continuing regional work on addiction, 406 00:39:04,320 --> 00:39:13,599 homelessness, and mental health. for housing. The plan focuses on dilapidated 407 00:39:09,760 --> 00:39:18,560 and unsafe structures, um accessible landlord requirements, 408 00:39:16,320 --> 00:39:22,079 um home ownership, property rehabilitation, 409 00:39:20,240 --> 00:39:26,200 and partnerships that can support quality and affordable housing. 410 00:39:26,560 --> 00:39:33,119 Infrastructure recommendations cover both utilities and transportation. The 411 00:39:31,599 --> 00:39:37,760 plan [snorts] calls for continued water and sewer improvements, service 412 00:39:35,040 --> 00:39:42,560 expansion where appropriate, consideration of storm water measures, 413 00:39:39,760 --> 00:39:46,960 and updated GIS mapping. It also recommends implementing the streetscape 414 00:39:45,119 --> 00:39:51,839 master plan, installing wayfinding signage, improving sidewalks and 415 00:39:49,280 --> 00:39:55,760 pedestrian safety, working with the West Virginia Department of Transportation, 416 00:39:53,599 --> 00:39:58,760 and continuing bicycle friendly improvements. 417 00:39:59,520 --> 00:40:05,760 One of the most significant recommendations is to evaluate strategic 418 00:40:03,119 --> 00:40:10,320 annexation opportunities. This is not annexation simply for the sake of 419 00:40:07,680 --> 00:40:15,599 becoming geographically larger. It's about evaluating the opportunities 420 00:40:13,680 --> 00:40:20,640 where expansion makes practical and economical sense. The plan also 421 00:40:17,920 --> 00:40:24,880 recommends strengthening economic development within the city limits, 422 00:40:22,880 --> 00:40:29,040 maximizing the impact of the tiff district, encouraging property 423 00:40:26,960 --> 00:40:34,359 investment, supporting local events, and increasing public understanding of local 424 00:40:31,359 --> 00:40:34,359 government. 425 00:40:34,480 --> 00:40:41,359 The land use goal is to enhance and protect the characteristics of Elkins 426 00:40:39,280 --> 00:40:46,160 through proactive planning. Recommendations include considering 427 00:40:43,119 --> 00:40:50,480 zoning revisions as needed um and as needs evolve, implementing the 428 00:40:48,320 --> 00:40:54,320 riverfront master plan, improving parks and recreation, 429 00:40:52,560 --> 00:40:58,000 collaborating with the historical landmarks commission, supporting 430 00:40:56,240 --> 00:41:01,920 recreational organizations, and continuing community cleanup 431 00:40:59,200 --> 00:41:07,880 partnerships. Growth and preservation do not have to compete. Good planning 432 00:41:03,839 --> 00:41:07,880 allows us to pursue both. 433 00:41:08,800 --> 00:41:15,359 technology. Technology in this plan is a tool for 434 00:41:13,040 --> 00:41:19,520 better government. Recommendations include improving the city website, 435 00:41:17,119 --> 00:41:24,240 which this was also in our last plan. And I think we we've checked this off 436 00:41:21,599 --> 00:41:28,240 our list, but I think as a website, it's a living a living item, so it's always 437 00:41:26,160 --> 00:41:32,000 going to be continuously improving. So certainly no uh no shade thrown at the 438 00:41:30,560 --> 00:41:38,079 city website. It's been improving wonderfully. um making public um 439 00:41:35,599 --> 00:41:43,200 processes more accessible, exploring appropriate smart city technology, and 440 00:41:40,640 --> 00:41:46,880 improving city data storage. And then the there at the bottom, the practical 441 00:41:44,800 --> 00:41:51,280 question um should always be whether a technology makes a city service better, 442 00:41:48,720 --> 00:41:54,280 more accessible, more reliable, or more efficient. 443 00:41:54,880 --> 00:42:00,960 The planning process identified eight priorities. Um, they include fully 444 00:41:59,599 --> 00:42:05,520 equipping and supporting the fire department, making landlord code 445 00:42:03,359 --> 00:42:10,160 requirements readily accessible, exploring home ownership support, 446 00:42:07,680 --> 00:42:14,640 considering a storm water ordinance, implementing the street state master 447 00:42:11,839 --> 00:42:18,000 plan, installing wayfinding signage, developing sustainable approaches to 448 00:42:16,319 --> 00:42:23,520 sidewalks, and evaluating strategic annexation opportunities. These 449 00:42:19,920 --> 00:42:26,160 priorities provide a starting point. They're not an immediate commitment to 450 00:42:24,960 --> 00:42:29,960 fund and there's not an immediate commitment to fund every item. 451 00:42:30,400 --> 00:42:36,560 The comprehensive plan provides direction. Implementation happens 452 00:42:34,160 --> 00:42:40,800 through future decisions. Council and staff can use the plan when prioritizing 453 00:42:38,640 --> 00:42:45,680 annual budgets, capital improvements, ordinances, grant applications, 454 00:42:42,800 --> 00:42:50,640 partnerships, and other initiatives. Individual actions still require the 455 00:42:48,400 --> 00:42:55,280 appropriate review, funding, and approval. In simple terms, the plan 456 00:42:52,880 --> 00:43:00,680 helps us decide where we want to go. Future actions determine how and when we 457 00:42:57,520 --> 00:43:00,680 get there. 458 00:43:01,119 --> 00:43:06,960 The planning commission has completed its review and is presenting the 459 00:43:05,119 --> 00:43:12,000 recommended comprehensive plan to city council. Council's role is to conduct 460 00:43:09,760 --> 00:43:17,200 the required public hearing, review the plan, and then determine the appropriate 461 00:43:14,160 --> 00:43:24,760 action under the process described in the plan. Council may adopt the plan, 462 00:43:19,359 --> 00:43:24,760 amend it, reject it, or defer action. 463 00:43:24,880 --> 00:43:30,400 And finally, I just want to close by thanking the planning commission, city 464 00:43:28,160 --> 00:43:33,920 staff, our consultants, stakeholders, and residents who participated. A 465 00:43:32,319 --> 00:43:38,079 comprehensive plan is about looking beyond the immediate issues in front of 466 00:43:36,160 --> 00:43:43,280 us and asking what kind of community we want Elitz to be in the years ahead. Its 467 00:43:40,960 --> 00:43:48,319 value will come from using it as a guide as as circumstances and opportunities 468 00:43:46,079 --> 00:43:52,000 change. M of the planning commission. I respectfully present the city of Elkins 469 00:43:50,160 --> 00:43:57,440 comprehensive plan to city council for its consideration. Thank you. 470 00:43:54,480 --> 00:44:04,640 » Any questions for folks? >> Uh I just you all all had numerous 471 00:44:01,680 --> 00:44:10,640 opportunities for public input and I I went to one of those um but I think you 472 00:44:07,599 --> 00:44:18,160 also had some other ones. Um, was there anything that that popped out that you 473 00:44:13,440 --> 00:44:23,599 did tweak after hearing um any public feedback on any issues? 474 00:44:22,160 --> 00:44:27,520 » I mean, I think and Andrew and I just talked about this a little bit, you 475 00:44:24,800 --> 00:44:31,359 know, we we were able to >> all of the all of the um feedback that 476 00:44:30,079 --> 00:44:34,395 we received, >> you know, it didn't just we didn't just 477 00:44:32,720 --> 00:44:37,760 look at it and say, "Okay, you know, we [laughter] looked at it. We we discussed 478 00:44:36,160 --> 00:44:41,280 it. we determined whether or not it was something that needed to be in the plan. 479 00:44:39,520 --> 00:44:45,920 Um, some of it was implemented in the plan. Some of it, you know, was not 480 00:44:43,760 --> 00:44:49,599 necessarily for this plan, but may maybe could have been, you know, deferred to a 481 00:44:47,760 --> 00:44:53,200 municipal properties issue or or to something else. 482 00:44:51,760 --> 00:44:59,200 » That's how I would characterize like the last set of public comment we got was 483 00:44:56,560 --> 00:45:02,079 great idea, just needed to go down some other channels. 484 00:45:00,079 --> 00:45:05,520 » Mhm. Um, >> but I think I just I'll just add a 485 00:45:03,680 --> 00:45:08,079 couple comments here is I think the the greatest thing about this plan and I 486 00:45:06,720 --> 00:45:12,400 think this goes for the the public too and I would encourage everybody to not 487 00:45:10,319 --> 00:45:16,560 only read like the body text of the plan but the tables and attachments at the 488 00:45:14,560 --> 00:45:21,680 end that kind of lay out how we've prioritized goals. I think it's really 489 00:45:19,760 --> 00:45:26,160 cool to look at because it allows us to be proactive and then it also allows us 490 00:45:23,839 --> 00:45:30,880 to actually take action. you know, there was a great plan and so now we just have 491 00:45:28,079 --> 00:45:33,760 to steward ideas forward and then the other thing I would call forward in the 492 00:45:32,000 --> 00:45:38,400 plan I think is really cool and I think if you look at you know Elkins strategic 493 00:45:36,000 --> 00:45:41,440 positioning as a community the best one of the well I think that the secret 494 00:45:39,599 --> 00:45:46,240 sauce of Elkins especially in making big project h projects happen is we've got a 495 00:45:43,839 --> 00:45:49,599 lot of organizations to collaborate with that punch above their weight and that 496 00:45:47,760 --> 00:45:53,760 do incredible work and so I think the plan calls forward lots of space to not 497 00:45:52,319 --> 00:45:57,119 just go it alone but to work with other people to make stuff happen for to 498 00:45:55,520 --> 00:46:01,359 enable the environment so other people can you know do what they need to do to 499 00:45:59,760 --> 00:46:05,200 start their business to to live a great life those kinds of things so there's 500 00:46:03,119 --> 00:46:10,240 some pretty excellent details to to look forward and it's uh I could encourage 501 00:46:08,079 --> 00:46:15,119 everyone the public like sit down and read all of it there's a lot there a lot 502 00:46:12,319 --> 00:46:21,920 of time attention went into it um and this is this is a a great summary uh the 503 00:46:19,839 --> 00:46:24,160 this is only the cliff notes of it so this just barely scratches the surface 504 00:46:23,359 --> 00:46:27,359 of what's there >> presentation that was presented to the 505 00:46:25,520 --> 00:46:31,520 public was was double the the number of slides and a lot more text. Um, but I I 506 00:46:29,839 --> 00:46:34,160 didn't want to I didn't want to re, you know, reinvent the wheel with that. I 507 00:46:33,119 --> 00:46:38,560 wanted to kind of give you the high points. The other thing that is and I 508 00:46:36,400 --> 00:46:41,520 think this was in one of the the drafts of the plan. I think it's still in 509 00:46:39,839 --> 00:46:46,400 there, but at the beginning of the plan, it kind of does a comparison of what we 510 00:46:43,680 --> 00:46:50,480 did from the last comprehensive plan and those action items and which ones we've 511 00:46:48,480 --> 00:46:55,280 actually completed. And you know, we've done a lot in the last 10 is it 10 512 00:46:52,640 --> 00:46:58,160 years? The last 10 years. um to check off a lot of those boxes. So, I think, 513 00:46:56,880 --> 00:47:03,599 you know, we are to be commended, the city's to be commended for that as well. 514 00:47:01,359 --> 00:47:10,560 » One one interesting side note is that you can if you're thinking about moving 515 00:47:06,560 --> 00:47:17,280 to a community, it's significant to look at what that community's vision is and 516 00:47:14,079 --> 00:47:22,720 and make a decision that says, "This looks like a place that's really has the 517 00:47:20,079 --> 00:47:28,880 same sort of uh priorities that I do." So I it was a great document. Super. 518 00:47:26,720 --> 00:47:34,079 » And I will say this was not as fun as the uh planning document that uh we 519 00:47:31,040 --> 00:47:36,640 worked on. [laughter] >> You mean the zoning 520 00:47:35,119 --> 00:47:39,599 » zoning? The zoning. Yes. Yeah. The zoning document. Yes. The zoning 521 00:47:38,079 --> 00:47:42,800 document we worked on. Ordinance document. But um but yes, there was a 522 00:47:41,520 --> 00:47:47,599 lot of a lot of thought and consideration went into this plan and um 523 00:47:45,280 --> 00:47:52,200 that's it. So >> in your hands now. 524 00:47:49,040 --> 00:47:52,200 » Thank you. 525 00:47:57,448 --> 00:47:59,468 » [clears throat] 526 00:48:00,160 --> 00:48:07,599 » signed. >> Okay, moving down to new business. 527 00:48:05,200 --> 00:48:12,319 We'll start with ordinance 5 or sorry 352, an ordinance of the common council 528 00:48:10,400 --> 00:48:16,079 of the city of Elkins, Washington, approving the formation of a joint 529 00:48:13,920 --> 00:48:20,000 development entity, the Randolph County Development Authority to be known as 530 00:48:17,920 --> 00:48:24,319 Elkins Development LLC. Yeah. >> Approving the articles of organization 531 00:48:21,760 --> 00:48:28,880 of Elkins Development LLC, approving the operating agreement for the Elkins 532 00:48:26,240 --> 00:48:33,599 Development LLC and providing for other matters and the connect connection 533 00:48:31,119 --> 00:48:35,280 therewith. This is the second and final reading. Thank 534 00:48:34,128 --> 00:48:39,200 [clears throat and snorts] goodness. I will entertain the motion. 535 00:48:37,599 --> 00:48:45,520 » We have a motion. Any questions or comments? If not, all those in favor say 536 00:48:41,920 --> 00:48:49,760 I. I those opposed name. Motion carries. Resolution 1941 establishing a new 537 00:48:47,920 --> 00:48:54,079 compensation level for the fire chief effective July 5th, 2026. I will 538 00:48:52,079 --> 00:48:55,839 entertain a motion to accept. Please move. 539 00:48:54,559 --> 00:48:59,680 » We have a motion. Any questions or comments? 540 00:48:57,520 --> 00:49:04,880 » If none, all those in favor say I. >> Those opposed, nay. Motion carries. 541 00:49:02,160 --> 00:49:08,559 Resolution 1942 acknowledging the receipt of the planning commission's 542 00:49:06,480 --> 00:49:14,720 draft comprehensive plan and setting the date for public forum hearing thereon. I 543 00:49:11,839 --> 00:49:19,440 will entertain a motion. So moved. >> Are we setting a date though? 544 00:49:16,319 --> 00:49:23,440 » Are we resolution uh directs that the hearing will be at the next well at the 545 00:49:21,599 --> 00:49:29,359 September 3rd council meeting which allows time for the 15-day period which 546 00:49:26,400 --> 00:49:34,559 will be noticed um by legal ad Saturday which is already pending. Um and that's 547 00:49:33,040 --> 00:49:38,000 what that's what needs to happen at this point. See it and separates the process 548 00:49:37,280 --> 00:49:41,760 of your motion. >> So councelor Wood is that your motion? 549 00:49:39,760 --> 00:49:45,520 » That is my motion. Are there any other questions or 550 00:49:42,880 --> 00:49:46,880 comments? If not, all those in favor say I. 551 00:49:46,240 --> 00:49:53,440 » I. >> Post nay. Motion carries. Resolution 552 00:49:50,160 --> 00:49:58,240 1943, addendum to smart contract adding YouTube archiving. I will entertain a 553 00:49:55,760 --> 00:50:00,640 motion to accept, please. >> We have a motion. Any questions or 554 00:49:59,760 --> 00:50:05,920 comments? >> Uh, can we get a little bit? [laughter] 555 00:50:03,040 --> 00:50:09,920 » I left YouTube off. Uh, as you know, the SMARS archiving solution captures all of 556 00:50:08,319 --> 00:50:13,520 our social media channels, which is public records we're supposed to retain 557 00:50:11,440 --> 00:50:16,960 along with other things. Frankly, when we when I first started talking to 558 00:50:14,880 --> 00:50:22,000 Smarsh in December, we had kind of fallen off from using YouTube. We 559 00:50:18,640 --> 00:50:25,440 weren't doing the um sending our stream out to two different channels. We were 560 00:50:23,599 --> 00:50:29,119 only doing Facebook at the time. Wasn't part of the initial conversation, so it 561 00:50:27,040 --> 00:50:32,880 wasn't in the proposal that eventually came to council. So, it's oversight on 562 00:50:30,800 --> 00:50:36,720 my part. It's basically going to add after a with the addition of an 563 00:50:35,040 --> 00:50:43,520 onboarding fee this year, it'll add about $400 to the um $12,000 annual cost 564 00:50:41,839 --> 00:50:46,400 of >> Are we um so we're live streaming to 565 00:50:45,280 --> 00:50:50,319 YouTube now, too? >> Yep. 566 00:50:47,359 --> 00:50:55,280 » We send out to two channels and could do more if we had them, I guess. But 567 00:50:54,079 --> 00:50:57,760 » that's nice that someone can watch it and not have to log into 568 00:50:56,960 --> 00:50:59,040 » Facebook. >> Yeah. 569 00:50:58,319 --> 00:51:01,680 » Yeah. >> Cool. for those of us that don't do 570 00:51:00,880 --> 00:51:05,839 Facebook today. >> That's right. Yeah. 571 00:51:03,200 --> 00:51:08,000 » Any other questions or comments? If none, all those in favor say I. 572 00:51:07,520 --> 00:51:14,480 » I. >> Those opposed, nay. Motion carries. 573 00:51:10,960 --> 00:51:18,160 Resolution 1944, authoriz authorization to expend opioid settlement funds to 574 00:51:16,640 --> 00:51:22,240 implement the game changanger substance misuse prevention program at the Elkins 575 00:51:20,240 --> 00:51:24,559 Middle School for a second year. I will entertain a motion to accept, please. 576 00:51:23,760 --> 00:51:27,440 » So moved. >> We have a motion. Any questions or 577 00:51:26,000 --> 00:51:32,960 comments? >> If none, all those in favor say I. I 578 00:51:29,839 --> 00:51:36,800 oppose nay. Motion carries. Resolution 1945 appointing Daniel Fischer to the 579 00:51:35,119 --> 00:51:41,920 Elkins Building Commission for an unexpired term ending August 31st, 2029. 580 00:51:40,319 --> 00:51:44,079 I would entertain a motion to accept, please. 581 00:51:43,359 --> 00:51:47,280 » So moved. >> We have a motion. Any questions or 582 00:51:45,680 --> 00:51:51,280 comments? If not, all those in favor say I. 583 00:51:49,280 --> 00:51:58,800 » I. Those oppose nay. >> Motion carries. Resolution 1946, 584 00:51:54,079 --> 00:52:03,200 proposal to extend $6,600 in city code 31-07 585 00:52:01,040 --> 00:52:07,520 funds for cooperative advertising campaign and Tyson's Courtney through 586 00:52:04,800 --> 00:52:10,960 collaboration with the city of Banan. I will note before I ask for a motion, the 587 00:52:09,119 --> 00:52:15,839 city of Banan had a special call meeting today and voted to pass this as well. So 588 00:52:14,240 --> 00:52:17,119 now I'll entertain a motion to accept this. 589 00:52:16,240 --> 00:52:21,200 » Moved. >> We have a motion. 590 00:52:19,280 --> 00:52:23,680 Now we did hear from our attorney. Correct, Tracy? 591 00:52:22,319 --> 00:52:27,359 » Yes. And um >> she had a recommendation. 592 00:52:24,880 --> 00:52:33,839 » She had a recommendation of $7,000 and I will say I had budgeted 6,900. I believe 593 00:52:30,000 --> 00:52:37,440 it was $34. Um and I I believe you said Buchanan approved $7,000. 594 00:52:36,000 --> 00:52:39,599 » Uh they did six, which is what they did last year. Okay. 595 00:52:38,400 --> 00:52:44,400 » They did six, which is what they did last year. So 596 00:52:41,040 --> 00:52:47,200 » I mean that's what our recommendation is from Jerry. So I guess I need to know if 597 00:52:46,160 --> 00:52:50,240 that's >> the amended motion then. 598 00:52:48,640 --> 00:52:54,240 » Yes. I guess why? >> Why? Oh, I would 599 00:52:52,400 --> 00:52:57,119 » have a higher amount >> 34 39. 600 00:52:55,599 --> 00:53:02,280 » She just said match what we did last year is what she said to be consistent 601 00:52:58,400 --> 00:53:02,280 with it is what she had recommended. 602 00:53:03,920 --> 00:53:10,000 » Okay. >> Or I guess what's the wait I guess I 603 00:53:07,200 --> 00:53:13,119 have three questions. Um one this this budget line is the one that is has to be 604 00:53:11,760 --> 00:53:16,000 used for the advertising, right? That was like a percent. 605 00:53:14,480 --> 00:53:21,280 » It's civic promotions. >> Okay. And then um I guess I would be 606 00:53:19,760 --> 00:53:25,760 curious. Yeah. What is the difference between 607 00:53:22,960 --> 00:53:29,119 the amount on the item or 7,000? Like if >> they match this dollar for Walmart. 608 00:53:27,440 --> 00:53:31,520 » Oh, the state. The states match the state. Okay. 609 00:53:30,000 --> 00:53:34,640 » State will match whatever you put in. >> Okay. I was thinking 610 00:53:32,559 --> 00:53:37,359 » I was just like what's the service like the match whatever the two cities put 611 00:53:36,880 --> 00:53:38,640 in. >> Okay. 612 00:53:37,760 --> 00:53:40,079 » Okay. >> Gotcha. 613 00:53:39,119 --> 00:53:44,960 » So then at the end of the day, we'll just have like a longer ad buy at the 614 00:53:43,280 --> 00:53:48,640 » $300. >> Well, actually, she had already budgeted 615 00:53:46,319 --> 00:53:51,839 for 69 based on what your calculations were. Correct. That's correct. 616 00:53:49,760 --> 00:53:59,280 » So, do we need to amend the >> 69 or the I when I did the budget? 617 00:53:56,480 --> 00:54:02,880 » Yeah, I look and see what the population is since it's a dollar per head and 618 00:54:01,280 --> 00:54:05,359 that's that's where I came up with my number. 619 00:54:03,440 --> 00:54:09,640 » Oh, >> so can we spend more than that or 620 00:54:10,640 --> 00:54:15,520 » she can confirm that. So, if you want to make the motion that we'll hit that 621 00:54:13,839 --> 00:54:19,119 unless Jerry comes back and says no, we can't. That would be my recommendation. 622 00:54:17,520 --> 00:54:23,280 And then we lower it back down at that point. 623 00:54:22,079 --> 00:54:27,280 » Easier just to do what? >> Yeah. Just do what the what we're 624 00:54:25,440 --> 00:54:31,839 allowed to do. >> The budget 625 00:54:30,000 --> 00:54:32,880 6900. >> Okay. 626 00:54:32,559 --> 00:54:36,240 » Yeah. >> So, 627 00:54:34,480 --> 00:54:39,200 okay. Entertain a motion for the amendment. Please don't amend. 628 00:54:37,520 --> 00:54:41,839 » I think you just say without objection whatever the new 629 00:54:40,640 --> 00:54:43,599 » What is it? >> 69. 630 00:54:42,400 --> 00:54:51,200 » 6934. >> 6934 I believe. without 6934. 631 00:54:49,280 --> 00:54:53,839 » Okay, so we have a motion. All those in favor say I. Those oppos. 632 00:54:52,740 --> 00:54:57,599 [clears throat] >> Motion carries. 633 00:54:55,599 --> 00:55:01,599 » Eight. Proposal of Mountain Valley Banks lease office based in city hall pending 634 00:54:59,760 --> 00:55:04,160 review by municipal properties committee on August 12th. I will entertain a 635 00:55:03,359 --> 00:55:07,440 motion to >> I just I left this on as a placeholder 636 00:55:06,000 --> 00:55:10,880 from for the municipal properties meeting. I wasn't sure if an action was 637 00:55:08,960 --> 00:55:14,079 needed at this point, but it's there if you need it. I mean, I know Jerry was 638 00:55:12,720 --> 00:55:18,640 going to work on the terms of the lease, so there's no to 639 00:55:16,960 --> 00:55:21,280 » really there is no action at this point in time, right? 640 00:55:19,520 --> 00:55:26,559 » So, it's probably for more for nothing else. 641 00:55:23,440 --> 00:55:31,440 » Okay. Um, so we're doing the German before. 642 00:55:30,058 --> 00:55:37,400 [laughter] >> I had a double that's rearranging 643 00:55:33,440 --> 00:55:37,400 things, trying to fit the presentation. 644 00:55:39,760 --> 00:55:44,720 » Good job. >> [laughter] 645 00:55:42,800 --> 00:55:48,240 » Uh want to point [snorts] out that our college students David Davis and these 646 00:55:46,640 --> 00:55:52,319 college students are coming back. We have freshman metriculation tomorrow. So 647 00:55:50,240 --> 00:55:55,920 very excited about that. Uh next Wednesday the 19th we are doing our 648 00:55:54,400 --> 00:55:59,520 athletes student athletes community cleanup. So please do me a favor. If you 649 00:55:57,920 --> 00:56:02,559 see the athletes out there, thank them because they come down and it's a red 650 00:56:00,960 --> 00:56:06,400 wave going through our community and it's a pretty awesome site to see. Uh 651 00:56:04,720 --> 00:56:11,040 when they're in session, our population goes up around 10%. So please make them 652 00:56:09,280 --> 00:56:14,640 feel welcome. this is their home away from home when they're here. So, we want 653 00:56:12,559 --> 00:56:18,640 them to understand we do welcome, we appreciate you coming here and you 654 00:56:15,839 --> 00:56:25,359 selected Elkins as your home further your education. I also was at the 655 00:56:20,960 --> 00:56:31,119 municipal conference last um and it was a very emotional time for me um being 656 00:56:28,960 --> 00:56:34,880 sworn in as municipal president. It's I take great pride in that because I get 657 00:56:32,799 --> 00:56:38,640 to share that with you guys because we're a team and I can't take all the 658 00:56:37,040 --> 00:56:41,280 credit of the accolades for that because without your guys support without our 659 00:56:40,160 --> 00:56:45,839 community partners without the volunteers without the workers that we 660 00:56:43,359 --> 00:56:49,040 have here none of this happens. I mean all the feedback I received about the 661 00:56:47,440 --> 00:56:53,040 city of Elkins last week is nothing but possible. I mean, people are so excited 662 00:56:51,280 --> 00:56:58,000 about where we're going and what we're doing. And comment typically is I love 663 00:56:55,680 --> 00:57:01,839 Elks because and it's still in the blank and it's usually something different 664 00:56:59,280 --> 00:57:04,640 every time. I mean, Nancy, you said the same thing when we were talking on the 665 00:57:02,799 --> 00:57:07,599 street one evening. People have such a good impression of us right now and 666 00:57:06,559 --> 00:57:11,440 we're definitely heading in the right direction and it's kind of affirmation 667 00:57:09,440 --> 00:57:14,559 that we have people kind of growing in the same direction. We're doing things 668 00:57:12,640 --> 00:57:19,280 the right way and we are ahead of other cities with what we're doing right now. 669 00:57:16,640 --> 00:57:25,040 Um, so thanks to you as well. Uh it's an honor to represent this council in this 670 00:57:22,400 --> 00:57:27,920 city and as the president. So I take honor in that. So thank you for your 671 00:57:26,559 --> 00:57:35,160 support with that and for the people that has reaching out to me. Thank you 672 00:57:30,079 --> 00:57:35,160 for that as well. With that we adjourn.