The meeting was called to order by Mayor Brian L. Billings who led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
A Waiver of Notice is attached to this set of minutes. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss and take any necessary action with regards to:
1) DISCUSSION OF TREES IN DOWNTOWN POINT PLEASANT
Mayor Brian Billings advised Council that Councilman Robert Doeffinger asked to hold this meeting to discuss tree replacement in Downtown Point Pleasant. Council had previously voted to use funds received for the 14th Street railroad closure to replace several trees downtown. Billings also indicated that Council needs to keep in mind that the CSX funds could take several months, even a year to receive. City Clerk Amber Tatterson was asked to speak on behalf of Ms. Sang since she is absent from tonight’s meeting.
Tatterson stated that Ms. Sang had contacted her pertaining to the tree replacement and she recommended waiting until fall to replace trees to ensure better survival. Mr. Doeffinger said now is the time to replant since the trees are dormant, but you can also do it in the fall. Doeffinger said the trees at Gunn Park look terrible and perhaps the City could front the money now to purchase a few trees that are more suitable for the area. Councilman Sam Juniper said he supports using the CSX funds for tree replacement but the City should wait until those funds are received and available. Mayor Billings said Council could pick an area and a tree so he could research costs. Ms. Smith recommended a flowering tree that does not bear fruit, perhaps a weeping cherry tree. She also said that if trees were purchased from Bob’s Market they guarantee their product. Mayor Billings advised he would contact Bob’s for a price on the weeping cherry tree. Mr. Doeffinger asked for the Mayor to also price a Korean dogwood tree, it would be a good choice for Gunn Park. Councilman Gary Cotton said he would like to see a pine tree in Gunn Park so it could be decorated during holidays. Mr. Juniper again stated that the City should wait until the money is paid to the City and the window of opportunity to replant will likely be missed and need to wait until fall. Mr. Doeffinger asked for the Mayor to speak with the Tree Specialists to determine if it is too late to replant and to contact CSX to find out how long it would take to receive payment for the crossing closure. Mayor Billings agreed to make contact with those individuals, as well as, with various businesses to obtain prices on trees.
Mayor Billing concluded by telling Council the opportunity for the grant that Mr. Humphreys was trying to obtain was missed. The grant was to demolish and re-construct the rear of a building on Main Street. According to Mayor Billings, Kathy Elliott sent legal notices to the newspaper for two public hearings and those legal notices did not run. With the deadline of the grant, there was not enough time to run the legal notices.
Being no other business, Linda Smith made a motion to adjourn. Barbara Brown added the second and being unanimously approved, the meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m.
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Amber D. Tatterson, City Clerk
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Brian L. Billings, Mayor
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