Nov. 25, 2008
Council Saves Charter Battles Until Next Administration
Sewer Adjustment Tabled
By Tony Rutherford
Huntingtonnews.net Reporter
Huntington, WV (HNN) -- Prior to the Monday night, Nov. 24, 2008 meeting of Huntington City Council, city activist Tom McCalister made a prophesy, which came true. In the hallway of City Hall, he stated that all of the agenda should be left to the new administration and council that takes its seat in January 2009.
McCallister’s words of advice came as he injected that he would be the “one” person to challenge the two City Charter change proposals --- one extending residency to mean 50 miles and another allowing the Public Works Director to not possess an engineering degree.
Once, Paul Farrell, council vice chairman substituting for an ill Mary Neely, called the meeting to order, a wave of additional tabling and postponements spread from the items which at the Friday work session had mutually been agreed to delay --- The Big Sandy Superstore Arena contract extension.
Immediately upon placing the two charter amendments on the floor, council members James Insco and Scott Caserta moved to table the proposals. Council unanimously in favor of tabling the proposals. At the work session, council had obtained advice from their attorney that even the dissent of one person at a public hearing would trigger state rule forcing a special municipal election within six months of the hearing.
[Tom McCallister told HNN prior to the council meeting , he would challenge both amendments, forcing a vote by the people. In 1992, voters approved the current residency requirement by about 60%, he said.]
Originally, the Felinton administration and council supporters did not want to pass amendments that would force the added expense of a special municipal election. It’s thus unclear if and/or when these proposals would resurface.
The second reading of a storm sewer runoff ordinance which would have added a fee per square foot of roof or lot running directly into the sanitary sewer, not the storm sewer, was also tabled. However, outgoing at-large councilman Darrell Black voted against tabling the ordinance.
Council, did, however, agree to the five year lease/purchase of a new three wheel street sweeper, which thanks to adjustments by Brandi Jacobs-Jones, director of Finance and Administration, would require that those employees driving the machine sign on and off with a supervisor inspecting for damage. The current sweeper has been improperly operated with the brushes down during trips under the viaducts which has partially impacted its effectiveness.
A joint project adding new signage directing drivers to various downtown Huntington locations such as Marshall University, Pullman Square, and Heritage Village obtained council’s approval. Previously, the Wayfinders Project had raised questions about bidding by sign companies for the $18,000 city portion of the project. In addition, the item came to council minus a budget revision.
Councilman James Insco indicated that the project, which contains participation from the Huntington/Ironton Empowerment Zone, the Department of Highways, the United Way and a private donor, had been placed in the 08-09 budget under an economic development line item.
The project will also include additional lighting for the Hal Greer 16th Street viaduct and fencing subject to CSX approvals.
A last minute agenda item --- the updating of the Hazardous Mitigation Plan --- was postponed in order to give Councilman Dr. Calvin Kent time to read it and determine what charges are made from the one currently in existence.
Finally, council voted to honor Denise Cricket Hudson for her years of work in providing a Christmas Party for unfortunate West End children.
Mayor David Felinton praised her for “starting with hot dog sales in the summer” and continuing with fundraising until the party. Councilman Insco lauded her as “one of the toughest gals I’ve met ,” adding that “your reward is in another lifetime.”
“Cricket” Hudson told council and those assembled that the party will be December 21 from 2-5 p.m. at Jefferson School. “Keep the toys, food and donations coming,” she said.
Cabell County legislative delegate Dale Stevens will for the 17th year play Santa Claus at the party.
Ms. Hudson’s work has gone virtually unrecognized by some organizations due to her ownership of the Cricket’s nightspot-bar.
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Council Saves Charter Battles Until Next Administration
Sewer Adjustment Tabled
By Tony Rutherford
Huntingtonnews.net Reporter
Huntington, WV (HNN) -- Prior to the Monday night, Nov. 24, 2008 meeting of Huntington City Council, city activist Tom McCalister made a prophesy, which came true. In the hallway of City Hall, he stated that all of the agenda should be left to the new administration and council that takes its seat in January 2009.
McCallister’s words of advice came as he injected that he would be the “one” person to challenge the two City Charter change proposals --- one extending residency to mean 50 miles and another allowing the Public Works Director to not possess an engineering degree.
Once, Paul Farrell, council vice chairman substituting for an ill Mary Neely, called the meeting to order, a wave of additional tabling and postponements spread from the items which at the Friday work session had mutually been agreed to delay --- The Big Sandy Superstore Arena contract extension.
Immediately upon placing the two charter amendments on the floor, council members James Insco and Scott Caserta moved to table the proposals. Council unanimously in favor of tabling the proposals. At the work session, council had obtained advice from their attorney that even the dissent of one person at a public hearing would trigger state rule forcing a special municipal election within six months of the hearing.
[Tom McCallister told HNN prior to the council meeting , he would challenge both amendments, forcing a vote by the people. In 1992, voters approved the current residency requirement by about 60%, he said.]
Originally, the Felinton administration and council supporters did not want to pass amendments that would force the added expense of a special municipal election. It’s thus unclear if and/or when these proposals would resurface.
The second reading of a storm sewer runoff ordinance which would have added a fee per square foot of roof or lot running directly into the sanitary sewer, not the storm sewer, was also tabled. However, outgoing at-large councilman Darrell Black voted against tabling the ordinance.
Council, did, however, agree to the five year lease/purchase of a new three wheel street sweeper, which thanks to adjustments by Brandi Jacobs-Jones, director of Finance and Administration, would require that those employees driving the machine sign on and off with a supervisor inspecting for damage. The current sweeper has been improperly operated with the brushes down during trips under the viaducts which has partially impacted its effectiveness.
A joint project adding new signage directing drivers to various downtown Huntington locations such as Marshall University, Pullman Square, and Heritage Village obtained council’s approval. Previously, the Wayfinders Project had raised questions about bidding by sign companies for the $18,000 city portion of the project. In addition, the item came to council minus a budget revision.
Councilman James Insco indicated that the project, which contains participation from the Huntington/Ironton Empowerment Zone, the Department of Highways, the United Way and a private donor, had been placed in the 08-09 budget under an economic development line item.
The project will also include additional lighting for the Hal Greer 16th Street viaduct and fencing subject to CSX approvals.
A last minute agenda item --- the updating of the Hazardous Mitigation Plan --- was postponed in order to give Councilman Dr. Calvin Kent time to read it and determine what charges are made from the one currently in existence.
Finally, council voted to honor Denise Cricket Hudson for her years of work in providing a Christmas Party for unfortunate West End children.
Mayor David Felinton praised her for “starting with hot dog sales in the summer” and continuing with fundraising until the party. Councilman Insco lauded her as “one of the toughest gals I’ve met ,” adding that “your reward is in another lifetime.”
“Cricket” Hudson told council and those assembled that the party will be December 21 from 2-5 p.m. at Jefferson School. “Keep the toys, food and donations coming,” she said.
Cabell County legislative delegate Dale Stevens will for the 17th year play Santa Claus at the party.
Ms. Hudson’s work has gone virtually unrecognized by some organizations due to her ownership of the Cricket’s nightspot-bar.
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