MORGANTOWN — A law that raises permit fees for the city’s designated parking districts and creates a template for the creation of future parking districts was adopted during Morgantown City Council’s most recent regular session.
With the exception of any district with higher fees already in place, the ordinance sets annual permits fees for all existing parking districts at $20 for resident permits (currently $5), $20 for visitor permits (currently $10) and $50 for nonresident permits (currently $5).
The law also stipulates that the yearly visitor’s pass available to residents of the city’s parking districts can only be used for three consecutive days, while one-time temporary passes can be used for five consecutive days.
Morgantown Parking Authority Executive Director Dana McKenzie said that of the city’s nine designated, or blue-curb, parking districts, only Sunnyside will not be impacted by the changes.
Aside from details surrounding the permits, the law will serve more as a template for the creation of future parking districts than a shakeup for existing districts. Because existing districts were each formed by individual ordinances in an attempt to address the challenges of the specific neighborhoods, those specific ordinances would need amended to implement changes.
Prior to adoption, a suggested amendment from Councilor Rachel Fetty seeking a 30-day delay in enforcement of the new law failed.
In other city news, council gave City Manager Paul Brake the green light to enter into an agreement with the West Virginia Department of Transportation for future improvements along Pleasant Street.
According to the language in the resolution, the project will result in a sidewalk along Pleasant meeting the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Details of the project were sparse, though Brake explained work could still be years away.
“I don’t believe it will be in the upcoming construction season. Nevertheless, when these dollars become available we have to show contract compliance by entering into these agreements,” Brake said.
Council also backed an effort to secure $7,500 in grant funding from the AARP to purchase and install park-style benches in the downtown.
The grant would fund nine benches and does not come with a matching requirement, though Brake said the city would need to provide the labor for installation and site preparation.
The city will know by July if its application has been accepted. Brake said the benches will be placed along the bump-out areas along High Street.
