WHAT HAPPENED THERE? ARE WE MISSING
[00:00:01]
SOMEBODY? I MEAN, I GUESS[1. Call to Order]
PLEASE TURN ON YOUR MICS.TO THE CITY OF MARTINSBURG CITY COUNCIL MEETING FOR JULY 10TH.
UH, I CALL THIS MEETING TO ORDER.
COUNCILMAN BAKER, CAN YOU LEAD US IN THE SLATE TO THE FLAG? YES, SIR.
I PLEDGE TO LEAD TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES MAYOR AMERICA.
AND TO THE REPUBLIC PUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS.
ONE NATION UNDER GOD, INDIVISIBLE, LIBERTY FOR ALL.
ALL PLEASE, YOU REMAIN STANDING.
IN FACT, FOR CONGREGATION, I JUST NEED SOMETHING TO PREP THIS UP.
ON
WE PRAY FOR LOVE TO ENCOMPASS US FOR NO OTHER REASON.
SAVE THAT WE ARE HUMAN FOR LOVE, THROUGH WHICH WE MAY ALL BLOSSOM INTO PERSONS WHO HAVE GAINED POWER OVER OUR OWN LIVES.
WE SUFFERERS, WE PRAY TO BREAK THE BONDS THAT KEEP US FROM THE WORLD OF BEAUTY.
WE PRAY FOR OPENED EYES, WE WHO ARE BLIND TO OUR OWN AUTHENTIC SELVES.
WE PRAY THAT WE MAY WALK IN THE GARDEN OF A PURPOSEFUL LIFE, OUR OWN POWERS AND TOUCH WITH THE POWER OF THE WORLD.
PRAISED BE THE GOD WHOSE GIFT IS LIFE, WHOSE CLEANSING, RAINS LIT, PARCHMEN AND WOMEN FLOWER TOWARDS THE SUN.
NOW, BEFORE I DO THE PRIESTLY BENEDICTION OUT OF THE BOOK OF NUMBERS, I JUST WANT TO ASK EVERYBODY HERE A FAVOR.
WE ARE ALL REALLY FORTUNATE AND BLESSED TODAY BECAUSE WE CAN BE HERE.
WE ARE ABLE, AND, YOU KNOW, PHYSICALLY, EMOTIONALLY, WHATEVER, TO BE HERE.
THERE ARE TOO MANY IN OUR COMMUNITIES, WHETHER IT BE THE CIVIC COMMUNITY, AND YOU ARE TO BE COMPLIMENTED FOR BEING HERE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE LIFE OF YOUR COMMUNITY OR OUR COMMUNITIES OF FAITH, SCHOOL, FAMILY, WHATEVER.
TOO MANY PEOPLE WHO WOULD LIKE TO BE INVOLVED WOULD LIKE TO PARTICIPATE BUT CAN'T FOR PHYSICAL OR EMOTIONAL REASONS.
TAKE A MINUTE SOMETIME THIS EVENING TO THINK OF THEM AND, YOU KNOW, OFFER A LITTLE PRAYER FOR THEIR QUICK AND FULL HEALING.
AND EVEN BETTER THAN THAT, IF YOU CAN REACH OUT TO THEM, LET 'EM KNOW THAT THEY'RE NOT ALONE AND NOT FORGOTTEN.
OKAY? AND I'M GONNA DO THIS IN BOTH THE HEBREW AND THE ENGLISH.
SO MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU.
MAY GOD'S LIGHT SHINE UPON YOU AND MAY GOD BE GRACIOUS TO YOU.
MAY YOU FEEL GOD'S PRESENCE WITHIN YOU ALWAYS.
[5. Approval of Minutes]
LIKE TO APPROVE JUNE 12TH, 2025.DO I HAVE ANY QUESTIONS? ALL IN FAVOR? AYE.
THOSE OPPOSED APPROVE ADMINISTRATIVE AND FINANCIAL REPORT.
[7. Presentations]
PRESENTATIONS.UH, ANYBODY HERE FOR, UH, MARTINSBURG GOLDS PURPLE? PLEASE COME UP TO THE SIDE.
THANK YOU FOR ALL THE WORK YOU DO.
I DO APPRECIATE THE CITY LISTED PROCLAMATION.
MARTINSBURG GO'S PURPLE SEPTEMBER, 2025.
WHEREAS NATIONAL RECOVERY MONTH IS HELD EVERY SEPTEMBER TO INCREASE AWARENESS AND UNDERSTANDING OF MENTAL AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS TO CELEBRATE THOSE IN RECOVERY WITH THEIR STRENGTH AND PERSEVERANCE.
AND WHEREAS THE COLOR PURPLE HAS BEEN USED TO SYMBOLIZE THE STRUGGLE TAKING PLACE IN COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE COUNTRY AS
[00:05:01]
INDIVIDUALS, FAMILIES, HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS, AND LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES FACED A GROWING CRISIS OF THE OPIOID ABUSE.AND WHEREAS THE MARTINSBURG GHOST PURPLE MOVEMENT WAS FOUNDED BY TARA MASON, FOUNDER OF THE EXECUTIVE, FOUNDER OF THE EXECUTIVE, DIRECTOR OF THE HOPE DEALER PROJECT TO RAISE AWARENESS AND TO SUPPORT, INSPIRE AND EMPOWER THOSE AFFECTED BY SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER.
AND WHEREAS MARTINSBURG GOES PURPLE IS AN AWARENESS CAMPAIGN FOCUSED ON PREVENTION, TREATMENT, AND RECOVERY RESOURCES AVAILABLE IN THE COMMUNITY.
AND WE'LL EMPHASIZE THE ROLE OF LOCAL AGENCIES PLAY IN COMBATING THE THIS EPIDEMIC.
AND WHEREAS MARTINSBURG GOES PURPLE STRIVES TO PROMOTE CON CONVERSATIONS AROUND THE DANGERS OF SUBSTANCE MISUSE AND ABUSE, AND ENCOURAGES THE COMMUNITY TO TAKE A STAND AGAINST IT.
NOW, THEREFORE, I KEVIN KNOWLES, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF MARTINSBURG IN THE STATE OF WEST VIRGINIA, WHO HEREBY PROCLAIM A MONTH OF SEPTEMBER, 2025 TO TO BE MARTINSBURG GOLD, PURPLE AND THE CITY OF MARTINSBURG, AND CALL UPON THE PEOPLE OF MARTINSBURG TO OBSERVE THIS MONTH WITH APPROPRIATE PROGRAMS, ACTIVITIES, AND CEREMONIES.
THE CITY OF MARTINSBURG ENCOURAGES THE COMMUNITY TO WEAR PURPLE, LIGHT UP THEIR HOMES OR BUSINESSES WITH PURPLE LIGHTS, TIE A PURPLE RIBBON AROUND THEIR TREE FENCE OR DOOR, MAKE A PURPLE HEART DISPLAY, OR GET CREATIVE AND DISPLAY PURPLE ANY, ANY OTHER WAY IN WI IN WITNESS WHEREOF.
I, KEVIN KNOWLES, MAYOR OF MARTINSBURG, HAVE HERE UNTO AFFIXED MY HAND AND CAUSED THE SEAL OF THE CITY OF MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA TO BE AFFIXED THE 10TH DAY OF JULY, 2025.
TARA, BEYOND THAT, I, I WANNA PERSONALLY THANK YOU AND YOUR ORGANIZATION FOR THE YEARS OF EFFORTS AND EVERYBODY THAT'S SITTING IN THE AUDIENCE THAT SUPPORT YOU AND PLEASE CONTINUE TO WORK FORWARD AND ANYTHING I CAN DO TO HELP, JUST LET ME KNOW.
[8. Public Hearings]
HEARINGS, PUBLIC HEARING TO SOLICIT COMMENTS ON ORDINANCE 2025 DASH OH FIVE, SETTING FORTH WATER RATES, MINIMUM CHARGE RECONNECTION, CHARGE SERVICE CONNECTION CHARGE, DELAYED PAYMENT PENALTY, AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FEES FOR THE CITY OF MARTINSBURG.WE NEED A MOTION TO OPEN THE PUBLIC.
YES, BUT WE PROBABLY SHOULD JUST DO IT BOTH AT THE SAME TIME.
DOES THAT SAY PEOPLE WANNA SPEAK ON THE ISSUES TOGETHER? EIGHT B PUBLIC HEARING FOR SOLICIT COMMENT ON ORDINANCE 20 25 0 6, SETTING FORTH SEWER RATES, MINIMUM CHARGE RECONNECTION, CHARGE SERVICE, CONNECTION CHARGE, DEVELOP DELAYED PAYMENT PENALTY, AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FEES FOR THE CITY OF MARTINSBURG.
I'LL NEED A MOTION TO OPEN UP THE PUBLIC HEARING.
I MOVE TO MO OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR BOTH THE WATER RATES AND THE SEWER RATES.
IS THAT ALL I NEED? AND A SECOND.
UH, BEFORE THE PUBLIC BEGINS, I DO HAVE ONE COMMENT THAT WAS EMAILED TO ME.
UM, I WILL SEND IT TO YOU IN ITS ENTIRETY.
UH, IT WAS FROM A MEL, MELANIE K CLIMAS.
AND, UM, THE GENERAL TONE IS THAT SHE IS NOT IN FAVOR OF THE INCREASES.
IF ANYBODY HAS ANYTHING THEY WANT TO SPEAK, JUST COME UP AND LINE UP BEHIND THE PODIUM.
AND WHEN YOU GIVE YOUR, PLEASE GIVE YOUR NAME AND YOUR ADDRESS BEFORE YOU SPEAK.
NO, THERE'S NO TWO MINUTE REQUIREMENT.
I KNOW THERE'S ALREADY BEEN SOME DISCUSSION THAT'S BEEN, OH, I'M SORRY.
I'M WHOOP GOT A, WE HAD A SEAL.
UM, THERE'S ALREADY BEEN SOME ANALYTICAL AND METHODICAL QUESTIONING ON THIS ORDINANCE.
I JUST WANNA ADD SOMETHING FROM THE HEART THAT WHEN I BOUGHT MY HOUSE, MY WATER AND SEWER BILL WAS $45.
[00:10:01]
MONTHS, THE LIFE RESIDENTS HERE IN THIS TOWN KNOW THAT IS A TRUE FACT ACT.SO YES, I AM 150% DISGRUNTLED OVER THIS INCREASE WHEN IT WAS RAISED TO 87 96 EVERY TWO MONTHS, WHICH IS ABOUT A 400% INCREASE.
NO MORE INCREASES, IT'S CAPPED, BLAH, BLAH, BLAH.
WELL THEN WHY ARE WE HERE? WHY ARE WE HERE? WHY IS IT GOING UP AGAIN? THAT LASTED JUST A FEW YEARS.
FRANKLY, Y'ALL REALLY SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELVES FOR DOING THIS TO THE PEOPLE THAT PUT EVERY ONE OF YOU IN THOSE SEATS.
IF FUNDS ARE NEEDED THAT BADLY, TAKE IT OUT OF THE STORM WATER FEE, THE RESIDENTS ARE PAYING THAT MULTI-MILLIONS OF DOLLARS A YEAR THAT WE AS THE RESIDENTS THAT ARE PAYING THOSE BILLS, SEE NOTHING FOR IT.
WE SEE NOTHING FOR THE STORM WATER FEE.
ALL WE SEE ARE NEW VEHICLES THAT ALL THE EMPLOYEES ARE DRIVING AROUND IN.
SO AS IT IS RIGHT NOW, ALL OF YOU ALL ARE THE RUINATION OF THIS CITY.
WE'RE BEING RUN OUT OF TOWN BY ALL OF YOU BECAUSE WE CAN'T AFFORD TO STAY.
PEOPLE LIKE ME, RETIRED, LIMITED INCOMES, SO FORTH AND SO ON.
THIS IS AN, THIS, THIS IS JUST ATROCIOUS TO US.
OKAY? MY INCOME DOESN'T GO UP THE WAY THAT THESE BILLS ARE GOING UP, OKAY? YOU'RE GONNA RUN EVERYBODY OUT, THEN THERE'S GONNA BE NO CITY TO RUN.
THAT WOULD BE, THAT WOULD BE REAL SPECIAL.
YOU CAN'T BE PAYING WHAT WE DO AS CITIZENS.
YOU CANNOT BE DOING, OR YOU WOULDN'T BE SUCH A FIRED UP HURRY TO RAISE IT.
SO I THINK MAYBE JUST MAYBE AN FOI IS NEEDED HERE ON WHAT EVERY ONE OF YOU WILL PAY, LIKE WHAT WE PAY, OKAY? PERHAPS THE OUSTING PETITION THAT CHARLESTON DISCUSSED WITH ME BY PHONE IS WHAT WE NEED.
NAME AND ADDRESS, PLEASE, SIR.
I LIVE, UH, TENNESSEE AVENUE, MARTINSBURG, UH, BEEN A LIFELONG RESIDENT OF BERKELEY COUNTY OR MARTINSBURG.
YOU RAISED THE, UH, WATER RATES, SEWER RATES 33% OVER THREE YEARS.
OCTOBER, 2021, MARTINSBURG CITY COUNCIL HAD ADOPTED AN ORDINANCE TO ESTABLISH A MARTINSBURG STORM ORDER UTILITY.
I'M KINDA LIKE HER AND THAT, UH, I SEE ALL THESE TRUCKS RIDING AROUND TOWN THAT HAVE STORM WATER ON THEM.
CAN YOU TELL ME WHAT THEY'RE DOING? BECAUSE WE HAVE A WATER SEWER DEPARTMENT THAT TAKES CARE OF THE WATER, SEWER LINES AND WHATEVER.
SO I DON'T KNOW WHY YOU NEED TRUCKS TO SAY STORM WATER ON THEM, STOP BUYING TRUCKS.
THAT WOULD BE ONE THING TO, YOU KNOW, THE OTHER THING IS, I LOST MY PIECE OF PAPER ABOUT WHAT THIS INCREASE IS GOING TO BE OVER THE NEXT THREE YEARS, BUT THAT GIVES THE PEOPLE TIME TO FORGET WHAT YOU'RE NOW PROPOSING TO DO.
SO IN THREE YEARS, I'LL BET IT WON'T BE MAYBE FOUR OR FIVE YEARS, YOU'LL COME BACK AND DO IT AGAIN.
MOST OF THE PEOPLE IN THE CITY OF MARTINSBURG ARE OLDER PEOPLE.
I TAKE CARE OF A LADY'S FINANCES THAT LIVES AROUND THE CORNER FROM ME.
SHE GETS $807 A MONTH SOCIAL SECURITY.
SHE GETS, SHE HAS A TRUST FUND THAT'S SET UP FOR HER WHERE SHE GETS $250 A MONTH.
TRY LIVING ON THAT AND THEN PUT UP WITH THE INCREASES THAT THE CITY OF MARTINSBURG SEEMS TO DO WILLY-NILLY.
AND THEN YOU HAVE THE FIRE FEE AND THE GARBAGE FEES THAT YOU, FOR SOME REASON OR ANOTHER, CAN'T BREAK THAT UP IN 12 MONTHS AND SEND OUT BILLS FOR IT.
DON'T UNDERSTAND THAT SOMEBODY LIKE THAT'S ONLY GETTING, WHAT WAS THAT? $1,050 A MONTH HAS TO PAY THAT BILL ALL AT ONE TIME.
[00:15:01]
SHE HAS ME TO TAKE CARE OF HER FINANCES, SO I'M SETTING MONEY ASIDE FOR THAT AND TRYING TO MANAGE WHAT SHE GETS.YOU'RE NOT THINKING ABOUT THE ELDERLY OF BUR, UH, OF THE CITY OF MARTINSBURG.
AND I WISH YOU'D START THINKING ABOUT IT BECAUSE WHAT YOU'RE DOING IS ONLY HURTING THE RESIDENTS OF THIS CITY.
HELLO? UM, MY NAME IS STEVEN BUSHY.
UH, MY, MY QUESTION THOUGH, REALLY IS WITH THE RATE INCREASES IS ABOUT, UM, YOU KNOW, I ASSUME IT'S LABOR COSTS OR PART OF THAT, BUT I WAS INTERESTED IF THERE ARE ANY, YOU KNOW, CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLANS TO THE WATER TREATMENT PLANT.
UM, YOU KNOW, I'M, I'M, I'M YOUNGER.
I HAVEN'T BEEN IN MARTINSBURG THAT LONG.
UM, YOU KNOW, I'VE HEARD FROM LIFELONG RESIDENTS THAT, YOU KNOW, THE HARD WATER HAS ALWAYS BEEN A PROBLEM.
UM, BUT, YOU KNOW, BEING HERE A COUPLE YEARS, IT, YOU KNOW, IT'S SHOCKING HOW MUCH, UH, DAMAGE IT CAN DO TO, YOU KNOW, PERSONAL OWNED APPLIANCES, UM, IN A HOUSE.
AND I WAS JUST CURIOUS IF, YOU KNOW, PART OF THIS RATE INCREASE WOULD BE TO ADDRESS SOME OF THAT HARD WATER, UM, IN THE MUNICIPAL, UH, POTABLE, UH, WATER TREATMENT.
I WOULD JUST HOPE THAT THAT'S COMMUNICATED, UM, BECAUSE, YOU KNOW, THAT COST THAT WE MIGHT BE PAYING, UM, TO TREAT THE WATER AT HOME.
YOU KNOW, I, I PERSONALLY, I WOULD RATHER THAT GO TO, YOU KNOW, THE SYSTEM IN AND OF ITSELF IF, YOU KNOW, I DIDN'T HAVE TO BUY EXPENSIVE, UM, YOU KNOW, UH, SOFTENERS OR, OR, YOU KNOW, REPLACE APPLIANCES AS THEY WEAR AND TEAR FROM THE HARD WATER DAMAGE.
SO I WOULD JUST LOVE TO SEE THE MONEY GO TO THAT OR, OR JUST COMMUNICATE WHAT THOSE PLANS ARE.
UH, CHRIS ANDERS, UH, 36 87 GOLF COURSE ROAD.
I'M A STATE DELEGATE AND I REPRESENT, UH, SOME OF THE PEOPLE THAT ARE HERE TONIGHT.
AND I'M COMING TO THE COUNCIL, NOT JUST AS A STATE DELEGATE, BUT AS A VOICE FOR THE PEOPLE WHO ARE TIRED OF BEING SQUEEZED BY GOVERNMENT AT EVERY LEVEL.
A WATER RATE HIKE IS A HIDDEN TAX AND WILL HURT THE VERY PEOPLE WHO ARE ALREADY STRUGGLING TO GET BY THOSE FROM FIXED INCOME, THE ELDERLY, THOSE WHO, YOU KNOW, THE BLUE COLLAR WORKERS WHO ARE JUST GETTING BY BECAUSE LET'S FACE IT, THE PRICE OF EVERYTHING IS GOING UP.
UH, YOU HAVE GROCERIES, GAS, ELECTRICITY, INSURANCE, RENT, TAXES, EVERYTHING JUST KEEPS GOING UP.
BUT YET THE PEOPLE'S SALARIES AREN'T GOING UP.
THE PEOPLE CAN'T AFFORD THIS SIZE OF GOVERNMENT AND ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.
MARTINSBURG FAMILIES ARE BEING FORCED TO STRETCH EVERY SINGLE DOLLAR.
THIS INCREASE IS NOT JUST BAD POLICY, IT'S CRUEL TO THEM.
BEFORE TAKING MORE, I'M ASKING YOU TO AUDIT EVERY SINGLE DIME, EVERY SINGLE PENNY THAT YOU GUYS USE TO SHOW TO THE PUBLIC THAT THIS IS ACTUALLY NEEDED.
AND ALSO, YOU KNOW, LET'S FACE IT, THIS IS A TAX HIKE AND THE PEOPLE WILL NOT BE PLEASED BY IT.
SO I'M URGING YOU TO VOTE NO ON IT.
RAFAEL ZUNIGA, UM, WINCHESTER AVENUE.
AND, UH, FIRST OF ALL, I JUST WANT TO THANK MY LORD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST, THAT I'M ABLE TO STAND IN FRONT OF YOU GUYS.
I THANK YOU GUYS FOR, FOR THE JOBS YOU GUYS DO.
I'M JUST HERE TO PUT A LITTLE EMPHASIS ON WHAT MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS HAD.
UM, WE'RE DEALING WITH A LOT OF WATER CONTAMINATION FROM WHAT I'M AWARE OF.
YOU KNOW, I'VE SEEN NEWS ARTICLES AND STUFF.
I HOPE THAT THEY, YOU KNOW, ABOUT CONCERN, YOU KNOW, BECAUSE I'M CONCERNED ABOUT THE WATER CONTAMINATION.
I WOULD LOVE TO DRINK MY OWN CITY WATER, BUT I DON'T BECAUSE OF WATER CONTAMINATIONS.
SO MY THING IS, I JUST WANNA BRING A CONCERN IF, LIKE MY BROTHER SAID, IF WE'RE INCREASING THE RATES, YOU KNOW, SHOULDN'T WE BE MORE CONCERNED ABOUT THE CONTAMINATION IN OUR WATER AND TAKE CARE OF THAT VERSUS INCREASING THE WEIGHT? AND IF WE'RE INCREASING THE WEIGHT, THAT'S FINE AND THANK YOU FOR TELLING US.
BUT, YOU KNOW, I FEEL LIKE WE'RE STILL TAKING FROM US, TAKING FROM THE PEOPLE BECAUSE WE'RE ALREADY DOING ENOUGH.
UM, THERE'S A LOT MORE THAT WE CAN PUT THAT MONEY TOWARDS INSTEAD OF TAKING FROM US.
SO I JUST WANT TO, YOU KNOW, CONCERN FOR THE WATER, YOU KNOW, 'CAUSE, UM, MY KIDS PLAYING IT, YOU KNOW, WE BATHING IT, YOU KNOW, AGAIN, I WOULD LIKE TO DRINK THE WATER, BUT I DON'T BECAUSE OF THE CONTAMINATION THAT I KNOW IT BRINGS.
ANYBODY ELSE? I, I'D JUST LIKE TO ADD A COUPLE THINGS.
I'VE GOT ANOTHER LETTER HERE DATED, UH, 11 20 24 ASKING ME ABOUT THE WATER PIPES IN MY HOME.
UH, THEY SENT ME TWO, THEY SENT ME TWO OF 'EM.
THEY SAID I DIDN'T ANSWER, WHICH I CERTAINLY
[00:20:01]
DID.BUT ANYWAY, I'VE GOT LEAD PIPES.
THE HOUSE WAS BUILT 1957, SOMETHING LIKE THAT.
UH, SO I'M WONDERING WHAT'S NEXT FOR ME.
UH, YOU'RE GOING AROUND ASKING PEOPLE WHAT PIPES THEY'VE GOT COMING INTO THEIR HOUSE, WHICH MEANS THERE, THERE'S SOMETHING ABOUT TO TAKE PLACE.
I HOPE IT'S THE, UH, JOE BIDEN INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN, AND THAT YOU'RE GONNA REPLACE THE WATER PIPES THAT ARE LED IN THIS CITY AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IT.
I DON'T KNOW WHETHER YOU'RE OR NOT, BUT I WANNA KNOW HOW THAT'S GONNA AFFECT ME AND WHAT'S INSIDE MY HOUSE.
UH, SO THAT'S ANOTHER THING THAT'S GONNA BE COMING DOWN THE PIKE OF, OF, OF, UH, CHARGES.
UH, I, I HAD SOMETHING ELSE HERE, BUT I'LL LEAVE IT WITH THAT.
I THINK YOU'RE GETTING THE POINT FROM ME.
ANYBODY ELSE? THIS WASN'T PLANNED.
SO, UM, I COME FROM A LITTLE BIT OF A DIFFERENT ADDRESS.
I ACTUALLY LIVE IN INWOOD, BUT MY HUSBAND AND I HAVE RENTAL PROPERTIES IN THE CITY OF MARTINSBURG.
AND, UM, WE ARE BUYING THESE PROPERTIES BECAUSE WE WANT TO HELP THE CRISIS, THE HOUSING CRISIS THAT WE ARE HAVING.
AND, UM, WE WANTED TO BE A PART OF THAT.
SOME OF THE FEES, INCLUDING WATER, HAVE GONE UP.
AND SO WE CONTRIBUTE TO THAT AMONG OTHER RENTAL FEES.
AND WITH HAVING MULTIPLE PROPERTIES WITHIN THE MARTINSBURG AREA.
SPECIFICALLY MARTINS THE TOWN OF MARTINSBURG, UM, THE CITY OF MARTINSBURG, I'M SORRY, THE FEES ADD UP.
ALL OF THESE FEES ADDED UP ARE OVER 2000 TO $3,000.
AND SO FOR LANDLORDS, GREAT LANDLORDS, UM, REASONABLE LANDLORDS, YOU KNOW, THESE ARE FEES I THINK FOR SOMEONE WHO IS, UM, OWNING PROPERTY AND CONTRIBUTING BACK TO THE CITY OF MARTINSBURG RATHER THAN RENTING BECAUSE YOU DON'T HAVE THESE FEES AS A RENTER TYPICALLY.
UM, YOU KNOW, THOSE THINGS ARE, WE WOULD LIKE TO BE CONSIDERED, UM, IN YOUR DECISIONS AS WELL.
ANYBODY ELSE? I'M FROM PORTER AVENUE.
I WAS HERE A COUPLE YEARS AGO.
YOUR NAME, SIR? HUH? YOUR NAME, SIR.
I WANT, I LIVE TWO 19 PORTER AVENUE.
I'M GONNA CHANGE IT UP A LITTLE BIT.
UH, I'M GONNA ASK YOU IF Y'ALL EVER PLAYED RUSSIAN ROULETTE.
THAT'S WHAT I HAVE TO PLAY EVERY DAY WHEN I COME HOME FROM WORK FOR A PARKING SPACE.
WE NEED TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT.
SOME OF 'EM ARE, SIR, THIS IS NOT THE, THIS IS NOT THE TIME.
THERE'S NO, HE CAN, THIS IS NOT THE TOPIC.
SO I HATE TO, I I HATE TO, UH, YOU CAN SAY THAT UNDER PETITIONS FROM CITIZENS, BUT THIS IS AN OPEN SPECIAL MEETING ON THE RATES OF SEWER AND WATER.
WELL, THAT, IF YOU WANNA SPEAK ON THAT, YOU CAN SPEAK ON THAT DURING PETITIONS FROM CITIZENS, WHICH IS COMING UP NEXT.
NEXT WHAT? NEXT MONTH? NO, IT'LL BE COMING UP ONCE WE GET THROUGH THE SPECIAL MEETING.
ANY, ANYBODY ELSE? WE'RE JUST TRYING TO FOLLOW THE GUIDELINES HERE.
ANYBODY ELSE HEARING NO ONE COMING UP? I'LL NEED A MOTION TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING.
ANY ANY QUESTIONS? ALL IN FAVOR? AYE.
[9. Petitions from Citizens]
ON TO PETITIONS FROM CITIZENS.SIR, FEEL FREE TO COME UP AND YOU HAVE TWO MINUTES.
ANYBODY ELSE THAT WANTS TO TAKE TWO MINUTES, PLEASE LINE UP BEHIND THEM AND GIVE YOU YOUR NAME AND YOUR ADDRESS.
WELL, LIKE I SAID, I'M PATRICK MAYNER.
WE HAVE PEOPLE THAT'S PARKING FROM THE APARTMENT BUILDING OVER NEXT DOOR.
THEY'RE TAKING UP, UH, AT LEAST TWO PARKING SPACES PER CAR.
UH, AND IT, IT IS LIMITING US.
I WORK EVERY DAY AND WHEN I COME HOME I HAVE TO PLAY LIKE RUSSIAN ROULETTE JUST TO HAVE FIND A PLACE TO PARK.
LAST TWO NIGHTS I'VE HAD TO PARK ANYWHERES FROM HALF A BLOCK TO TWO BLOCKS AWAY.
AND YOU KNOW, IT'S SOMETHING WE GOTTA DO WITH IT.
I KNOW THEY'VE GOT A PARKING GARAGE COMING UP, BUT HOW LONG IS IT GONNA BE? 'CAUSE IF IT DOESN'T CHANGE BY NEXT YEAR, I AM LIKE SOME OF THESE PEOPLE.
I'M MOVING OUTTA BERKELEY COUNTY BECAUSE THEY DON'T TAKE CARE OF THE CITIZENS THAT'S BEEN THERE FOR 40 SOME YEARS.
I STILL WORK, BUT I'M, UH, RETIRED.
SO, YOU KNOW, I'M, I'M GONNA LEAVE MARTINSBURG, I'LL LEAVE BERKELEY COUNTY.
ISSUES FROM CITIZENS, PLEASE LINE UP IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING THAT YOU'RE GONNA SAY FOR TWO MINUTES.
[00:25:01]
WEST MARTIN STREET.UM, WE HAD A KID SEVEN MONTHS AGO, UM, WHICH HAS BEEN GREAT AND GENERALLY PRETTY, PRETTY HAPPY.
I'M, I'M NOT FROM THESE PARTS AS YOU CAN PROBABLY HEAR.
UM, MY WIFE IS HAVING A, WELL, SORRY, MY WIFE'S A TEACHER AND UM, I WORK AT THE MOMENT.
SHE'S ON SUMMER BREAK, SO SHE'S BEEN AT HOME WITH A KID.
AND WE ARE JUST WONDERING WHAT THE CITY IS DOING ABOUT CONNECTING YOUNG PARENTS AND MAYBE REOPENING THE LIBRARY.
THAT SEEMS TO HAVE BEEN SHUT BECAUSE AT THE MOMENT SHE'S TRAVELING TO LEESBURG, TO BRUNSWICK, SOMETIMES TO SHEPHERDSTOWN JUST TO FIND SOMETHING TO CONNECT WITH OTHER YOUNG PARENTS AND, AND OTHER BABIES.
WONDERING WHEN THAT MIGHT HAPPEN.
WELL, TYPICALLY WE DON'T RESPOND, BUT THE, THE LIBRARY SHOULD BE OPENING UP HERE BY THE END OF THE SUMMER OR BEGINNING OF, UH, FALL.
I LIVE AT 4 84 EAST STREET, UM, WHICH I'M PRETTY SURE SOME OF YOU ARE FAMILIAR WITH.
I DON'T KNOW IF THIS IS THE PROPER WAY TO GO ABOUT THIS OR NOT.
UM, I LIVE RIGHT NEXT TO GREENHILL CEMETERY AND, UM, WITH MY SISTER, IT'S MY SISTER'S PROPERTY.
UM, BUT I PAY BILLS AND I HAVE, YOU KNOW, ELECTRIC BILL THAT I PAY THERE.
UM, THEY HAVE PUT A GATE UP AND HAVE BLOCKED OUR ACCESS TO GET IN AND OUT.
UM, THE UTILITIES, UH, OUR ELECTRIC, LIKE THE ELECTRIC COMPANY CAN'T COME READ THE, UM, ELECTRIC METERS ANYMORE.
UM, IF WE WANNA GET OIL TO OUR HOUSE, WE CANNOT GET THAT DONE.
UM, IT HAS GOTTEN TO BE TO THE POINT ON BURKE STREET WHERE MY PARENTS LIVE ACROSS THE STREET AT 4 71 AND, UM, THEY ARE NOW HAVING CHEESE THROWN AT THEIR VEHICLES AND OIL POURED ON THEIR FRONT STEPS.
AND MY PARENTS ARE OLDER AND MY FATHER DID SUFFER A FALL.
CAN I PROVE ANYTHING? NO, BUT IT ALL KIND OF ADDS UP.
UM, WE HAVE MULTIPLE LETTERS THAT HE HAS WRITTEN IN HARASSMENT.
I WAS LOCKED IN THE GRAVEYARD THEN SENT, GIVEN A NEW TRESPASSING ORDER ONCE I WAS LOCKED IN THE GRAVEYARD.
UM, I'VE STILL YET TO FIGURE OUT HOW THAT'S A LEGAL THING, BUT, UM, I JUST WANTED YOU GUYS TO KNOW THAT THAT IS GOING ON.
UM, THERE'S A LOT OF OTHER WEIRD THINGS GOING ON IN THAT GRAVEYARD AND UM, WE WOULD APPRECIATE IF YOU GUYS COULD JUST TAKE SOME TIME AND LOOK INTO THAT.
YEAH, AND FEEL FREE TO CALL THE CHIEF POLICE ON ANYTHING LIKE THAT.
AND, UH, WE ARE, WE ARE AWARE OF IT AND WE'RE WORKING ON IT.
PETITIONS FROM CITIZENS, PETITIONS FROM CITIZENS.
MINUTES CORRESPONDING TO THE FILE FOLLOWING, THERE ARE NONE.
REPORT OF COUNCIL AS A WHOLE COMMITTEE.
[15. Unfinished Business]
BUSINESS.THIRD AND FILE READING OF ORDINANCE 2025 DASH OH FIVE.
SETTING FORTH WATER RATES, MINIMUM CHARGE RECONNECTION, CHARGE SERVICE CONNECTION CHARGE, DELAYED PAYMENT PENALTY AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FEES FOR THE CITY OF MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA.
SECOND, AN ORDINANCE SETTING FORTH WATER RATES, MINIMUM CHARGE RECONNECTION, CHARGE SERVICE, CONNECTION CHARGE, DELAYED PAYMENT PENALTY AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FEES FOR THE CITY OF MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA.
DO WE ADDRESS ANY OF THE ISSUES THAT SOME OF THE CITIZENS BROUGHT FORWARD IN, IN A DISCUSSION? LIKE AN EXPLANATION? IS THAT SOMETHING THAT CITY MANAGER MIGHT DO? SO AS WE DISCUSSED IN A PREVIOUS WORKSHOP IN THE FIRST AND SECOND READING, THERE'S A WHOLE LIST OF, UH, OF MAINTENANCE NEEDS THAT ARE REQUIRED IN THE SYSTEM THAT ARE IN, THAT'S IN THE PACKET.
ALSO, THERE'S A FINANCIAL ANALYSIS IN THE PACKET OVER THE LAST, ACTUALLY IT'S TWO AND A HALF YEARS.
YOUR FORMER FINANCE DIRECTOR HAS BEEN SAYING THAT THIS IS NEEDED THIS COMING YEAR.
THERE'S THE, THE BUDGET'S BEING BALANCED WITH ABOUT A $700,000 UNENCUMBERED FUND BALANCE.
THAT DOES NOT, THAT'S NOT GOING TO LAST.
UM, WITH REGARD TO HARD WATER, WE'RE DEFINITELY, SO ALL YOUR WATER COMES FROM THE GROUND, UM, OVER THE YEARS.
AND MR. KNIFE CAN TELL YOU THIS, IN ORDER TO SOLVE THAT PROBLEM WOULD BE MILLIONS UPON MILLIONS OF, OF DOLLARS AND IS JUST NOT FEASIBLE, UNFORTUNATELY.
BUT ANY, UH, SPECIFIC IMPROVEMENTS ARE, ARE, ARE IN THE REPORT.
[00:30:01]
IN THE PACKET.UM, WE HAD A THIRD PARTY ACCOUNTING FIRM, UH, DO THE RATE ANALYSIS AND THERE IS AN AUDIT AS THE COUNCIL KNOWS EVERY SINGLE YEAR THAT, UM, AND EVERY SINGLE YEAR, UH, IT'S A CLEAN AUDIT.
SO I THINK THE ANSWER TO YOUR QUESTION IS, UH, THE LAST COUPLE YEARS ACTUALLY WE HAVE PUT OFF PUTTING ANY INCREASE ON, YOU KNOW, SINCE, UH, 2020.
I THINK I I SAID THIS BEFORE, FOR BETTER OR WORSE OR INFLATION RATE HAS BEEN 24%.
AND SINCE THAT TIME, LABOR CHEMICALS, ELECTRIC UTILITIES, JUST LIKE EVERYBODY ELSE, INCLUDING ME, IS FEELING IT IN THEIR PERSONAL BILLS.
WELL, WHEN BILLS GO UP, SO DOES CITY BILLS.
AND SO THIS IS CAPTURING NOT ONLY THE, THE MAINTENANCE THAT NEEDS IN THE SYSTEM TO BE COMPLIANT WITH STATE AND FEDERAL MPDS PERMITS, BUT IT'S ALSO TAKING CONSIDERATION, UH, ONE OF THE HIGHEST INFLATIONARY PERIODS IN THE HISTORY OF THE COUNTRY FROM 20 TO 2020 TO 2025.
ANY OF THAT INFORMATION COULD BE FOUND ON OUR WEBSITE.
UH, JUST GO AND LOOK AT ANY AGENDA.
ALL THESE AGENDAS ARE ON PRIOR TO THIS MEETING.
SO IF ANYBODY THAT'S LISTENING OUT THERE AS WE'RE, UM, VIDEOTAPING THIS, UH, FEEL FREE TO VISIT OUR WEBSITE, PULL UP ALL THAT INFORMATION.
EVERY BIT OF INFORMATION AND EXPLANATION IS IN THAT PACKET AND IT'S IN THERE BEFORE WE HAVE ANY DECISIONS MADE AT THIS COUNCIL.
THIRD AND FINAL READING OF ORDINANCE 2025 DASH OH SIX.
SETTING FORTH SEWER RATES, MINIMUM CHARGE DISCONNECT, RECONNECT ADMINISTRATIVE CHARGES, SERVICE CONNECTION CHARGE, DELAYED PAYMENT PENALTY AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FEES FOR THE CITY OF MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA.
SECOND, AN ORDINANCE SETTING FOR SEWER RATES, MINIMUM CHARGE DISCONNECT, RECONNECT, ADMINISTRATIVE CHARGES, SERVICE CONNECTION, CHARGE DELAY, PAYMENT PENALTY AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FEES FOR THE CITY OF MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA.
ANY QUESTIONS? ALL IN FAVOR? AYE.
THIRD AND FINAL READING OF ORDINANCE 2025 DASH OH SEVEN OF THE CITY OF MARTINSBURG ADOPTING CHAPTER FIVE, ARTICLE 1 56, PRIVATE OUTDOOR DESIGNATED AREAS.
SECOND, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MARTINSBURG ADOPTING CHAPTER FIVE, ARTICLE 1 56.
PRIVATE OUTDOOR DESIGNATED AREA.
ANY QUESTIONS? ALL IN FAVOR? AYE.
[16. New Business]
BUSINESS PROVEN DENY RESOLUTION 2025 DASH 12 GENERAL FUND BUDGET REVISION NUMBER ONE, FISCAL YEAR 2025.ANY QUESTIONS? ALL IN FAVOR, AYE.
THOSE OPPOSED PROVEN TOYE RESOLUTION 2025 DASH 13 COLE SEVERANCE FUND REVISION NUMBER ONE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025.
ANY QUESTIONS? ALL IN FAVOR? AYE.
CDBG HOME ANNUAL ACTION PLAN FISCAL YEAR 2025 VIA RESOLUTION 2025 DASH 16 AND AUTHORIZED A FILING OF SET APPLICATION WITH HUD MOVE TO APPROVE CDBG HOME ANNUAL ACTION PLAN.
ANY QUESTIONS? ALL IN FAVOR, AYE.
C-C-D-B-G HOME FISCAL YEAR 2025.
BUDGET AND ACTIVITIES MOVE TO APPROVE.
ANY QUESTIONS? ALL IN FAVOR? AYE.
APPROVE AND DENY CONTRACT FOR COX HOLIDAY YOUNG FOR COMPLETE WATER SEWER FUND PSC REPORT.
ANY QUESTIONS? ALL IN FAVOR? AYE.
THOSE OPPOSED? WE DENY CONTRACT WITH COX HOLIDAY.
HOLIDAY YOUNG TO COM COMPLETE.
ANY QUESTIONS? ALL IN FAVOR? AYE.
THOSE OPPOSED? APPROVE AND DENY HOPE DEALERS PROJECTS REQUEST TO HANG RIBBONS AND MEMORIAL PHOTOGRAPHS ON PARKING METERS, TREES AND UTILITY POLES IN DOWNTOWN MARTINSBURG IN RECOGNITION OF MARTINSBURG GOES PURPLE.
SEPTEMBER 1ST THROUGH THE 30TH, 2025.
THOSE OPPOSED PROVEN DENY REQUEST
[00:35:01]
BY DAVID BOB C**K TO CONSTRUCT AND INSTALL STAIRS IN THE CITY OF MARTINSBURG ALLEYWAY AT 1 0 2 BERRY STREET.NEED A MOTION? A MOTION TO APPROVE.
APPROVE AND DENY RENEWAL OF CITY OF MARCH.
CAN YOU REPEAT YOUR VOTES ON THAT MOTION? WHAT'S THAT? CAN WE REPEAT OUR VOTES? ALL IN FAVOR? AYE.
30 A I JUST DIDN'T HEAR HARDLY ANY VOTE.
DENYING RENEWAL OF CITY OF MARTINSBURG WORKMAN'S COMPENSATION INSURANCE WITHIN COVA $213 700 8760 $8.
MOVE TO APPROVE ANY, UH, SECOND.
ANY QUESTIONS? ALL IN FAVOR? AYE.
THOSE OPPOSED PROVE AND DENY ADMIT ADDENDUM TO, TO THE LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF MARTINSBURG AND THE STATE OF WEST VIRGINIA FOR THE LEASE OF CAPERTON STATION TRAIN STATION SUITES 1 0 2 AND 1 0 3 TO THE WEST VIRGINIA SECRETARY OF STATE EXTENDING THE TERM TO END JUNE 30TH, 2028 AT THE MONTHLY RATE OF 365.
THOSE OPPOSED RU DENIED PAY APPLICATION NUMBER 26 TO CALLUS CONS CONTRACTORS.
LLC FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS EXPANSION PROJECT $242 $414 AND 3 CENTS.
THAT WAS $242,414 AND 3 CENTS.
SECOND I GET A MOTION AND A SECOND.
ANY QUESTIONS? ALL IN FAVOR? A.
AYE IT'S WHEN I CATCH IT MYSELF, I USUALLY GET SLAPPED AT HER
TRUMAN, I QUOTE RECOMMENDATION FOR CHIPPER TRUCK SOURCE.
WELL CONTRACT ONE HUNDRED THIRTEEN THOUSAND SEVEN HUNDRED EIGHT THOUSAND SIXTY CENTS.
110,000 WAS PREVIOUSLY BUDGETED.
ANY QUESTIONS? ALL IN FAVOR? AYE.
THOSE OPPOSED, PROVE AND DENY EXPENDITURE OF APPROXIMATELY $2,800 FOR NATIONAL NIGHT OUT TUESDAY, AUGUST 5TH, 2025.
ANY QUESTIONS? ALL IN FAVOR? AYE.
CEC TASK ORDER FOR ASBESTOS SURVEYS FOR RESIDENTIAL UNITS SCHEDULED FOR DEMOLITION.
ANY QUESTIONS? ALL IN FAVOR? AYE.
PROVEN DENY RESOLUTION 2025 DASH 14 CONFIRMING THE INTENT OF THE CITY OF MARTINSBURG TO APPLY FOR FUNDING THROUGH THE FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY HAZARD MITIGATION GRANT PROGRAM.
$41,647 IS THE CITY SHARE APPROVAL TO INCLUDE AUTHORIZING SIGNAGE AND SUBMISSION OF MATCHING FUND'S.
ANY QUESTIONS? UH, BE BEFORE YOU VOTE.
UM, THIS ITEM DOES REQUIRE A PUBLIC HEARING.
UM, THERE WAS A LITTLE BIT OF AN ISSUE WITH ILLEGAL POSTING AND THEREFORE WE WERE ABLE TO GET PERMISSION FROM FEMA TO GO AHEAD IF YOU WISH TO PASS THE RESOLUTION, BUT THERE WILL BE A PUBLIC HEARING FOR THIS ON THE NEXT COUNCIL AGENDA.
UH, SHOULD WE HOLD OFF ON THIS THEN? I I IF WE CAN VOTE IT CONTINUE.
YOU WILL MISS THE DEADLINE IF YOU SO I WILL, I NEED A, A VOTE.
THOSE OPPOSED? AND BEFORE YOU ADJOURN, YOUR HONOR, UM, THIS YEAR HAS GOTTEN AWAY FROM ME AND WE NEED TO LET THE STATE OF WEST VIRGINIA KNOW BY AUGUST 1ST IF WE WANT TO HAVE AN URBAN DEER HUNT.
UM, SO IF I COULD GET A CONSENSUS TO, UH, GO AHEAD AND NOTIFY THEM OF THAT, UM, THEN WE CAN VOTE ON THAT IN, IN AUGUST.
CAN YOU GRAB A CONSENSUS, NOT BIDEN, THEN WE'LL HAVE A VOTE AUGUST CITY, BECAUSE IF WE DON'T, THEN WE WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE TO HAVE AN OPEN GEAR HUNT.
I'LL JUST HAVE TO GO HAT IN HAND AND BEG THEM TO FORGIVE ME AGAIN FOR BEING LATE.
IS THAT NO, WE'VE DONE IT IN THE PAST.
YOU HAVE THE CONSENSUS CONTINUATION OF
[00:40:01]
WHAT WE'VE BEEN DOING.UM, THERE IS NO NOTHING FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION, SO I'D LIKE A MOTION TO ADJOURN.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH EVERYBODY FOR YOUR HARD WORK.