MORGANTOWN — University Police Chief W.P. Chedester said the university remains opposed to passage of a law by Morgantown City Council that would create a separate municipal penalty — a $15 fine in municipal court — for possessing less than 15 grams of cannabis.
That law is up for adoption during tonight’s regular session of council. It passed unanimously upon first reading Feb. 5.
The issue was first raised during the November committee of the whole meeting, during which correspondence from WVU Vice President for Strategic Initiatives Rob Alsop said the university had “significant concerns” and was adamantly opposed to the effort.
The university’s primary concern is the potential confusion the law could cause. The new municipal law would only apply to Morgantown Police, and only if they choose to use it. University Police, the West Virginia State Police and the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department will still use state code.
“Nothing has changed since the letter that was originally put out. The university has concerns about the confusion that might come out of this,” Chedester said. “Nothing will change on our end because we’re dictated under state code and we enforce state code.”
Should the law be adopted, Chedester said his department will work to educate the university community. He said anyone with questions is free to contact the University Police.
Under state code, possession of marijuana is a misdemeanor punishable by not less than 90 days, nor more than six months in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000. Penalties double for a second offense.
Morgantown City Council will also talk paving when it convenes this evening.
The 2020 paving plan is included on the agenda as a part of City Manager Paul Brake’s report.
The plan, which is expected to address about five miles of city streets at a cost of $1.8 million. Those funds are generated by the city’s $3 user fee.
The 2020 paving list includes all or part of the following streets: Cobun Avenue, Dayton Avenue, Eastern Avenue, Fenwick Street, Greendale Street, Madigan Avenue, Maple Avenue, McLane Avenue, Oakland Street, Park Street, Prairie Avenue, Prospect Street, South Hills Drive, White Avenue, Wilson Avenue and Woodland Drive.
A number of the paving projects will also include pedestrian/cyclist improvements, utility upgrades and/or traffic calming.
Morgantown Communications Manager Andrew Stacy said the city maintains 106 miles of streets and alleyways. He said the city has paved more than 30 miles of streets and installed more than 450 ADA improvements to city sidewalks since the user fee was implemented in 2016.
