[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6180707,"mediaKeyId","5116867-82793093a11c29e91dc5ac04b9f583df","parentId",5116867,"title","Human Rights Commission asks council to enforce DEI reporting, ADA and anti-bullying policies and improve communications","audioSeconds",193,"startMs",1582000,"endMs",1775000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5116867-82793093a11c29e91dc5ac04b9f583df&start=1582&end=1775","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5116867-82793093a11c29e91dc5ac04b9f583df/thumbnail_1582000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6180707/Morgantown/Monongalia-County/West-Virginia/Human-Rights-Commission-asks-council-to-enforce-DEI-reporting-ADA-and-anti-bullying-policies-and-improve-communications","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6180707-6a53b80ef7d7d886f7c31eef11e77bfb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771197842&Signature=byoqMTBRA7VTJD3jjNBTPcXtDsZOCZCq8gj5NMgf5gaUnpe84LVE~ZZSgaIxLZls9QaRmEeptdfcqwV3Sro9taXJ7yJxMd9M6cQ9hGOXNyqL2IePOi3PLCGpcsTSVTshYPDfwfDSQ2YkLIWCegjTN-Nm71F6ULwGg3NumbwW2r5tmKZ8lMFbrFSmjLIseoH7Ep8jLGr1683CFL8oPRhnTc~2Bx0chbYwNN6MSrDAwoo4FxyJEE3KkRaCvWKrOQECcFA5KEUDkv-7G9yQhngdLCZC0gSVtejzUIPkVo57MXXmOfMRcw1oQgeS~OCcXgENKdBZf7nDxI~wcCqLwVcnug__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Morgantown, WV","date","2025-07-02T12:42:55.167Z","article","MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — At the July 1 Morgantown City Council meeting, Annie Cronen York, speaking for the Human Rights Commission, urged the council to restore enforcement and reporting for several long‑standing local policies, including a diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) plan and ADA compliance measures.

Cronen York said the commission is charged with meeting with the city manager on DEI and that a DEI plan passed in 2019–2020 has not had reports filed since 2020, leaving the commission without recent material to guide its work. She also said the commission is having difficulty getting city staff to enforce ADA code provisions tied to a 2015 resolution and requested better enforcement.

Cronen York raised additional compliance issues, saying the city’s anti‑bullying plan (adopted in 2019–2020) required Beau (presumably Beau Park) and the city library to submit plans showing how they would enforce the policy; she said those plans have not been produced to the Human Rights Commission despite multiple requests. She asked for copies if they exist or for the city to produce them.

She also said an anti‑discrimination addendum tied to LCID contracts (language-contract/incentive document referenced) exists but commission members have had trouble getting responses from staff about enforcement or access to the addendum. Additionally Cronen York reported a service complaint — she said Republic (recycling contractor) refused to pick up recycling at 520 Pocahontas (her address) and asked the council to help resolve pickup and communication failures.

Cronen York closed by asking the council to improve lines of communication with the commission so the Human Rights Commission can perform its duties and said she would welcome staff contact to provide the missing materials the commission needs.

(Ending) Councilors acknowledged the requests; no formal action was taken at the meeting but the comments were asked to be shared with city staff for follow-up and better communication with the Human Rights Commission.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Morgantown City Council - July 1, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Annie Cronen York, representing the Human Rights Commission, told council the commission lacks required DEI reports since 2020, has trouble enforcing ADA compliance and is seeking better communication with city staff; she asked the council to act on outstanding policy enforcement and document requests.","taxTitle","Morgantown, Monongalia County, West Virginia","taxId",2635,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6180712,"Residents urge more drinking water fountains and public restrooms on rail trails and green spaces",157,2177000,2334000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5116867-82793093a11c29e91dc5ac04b9f583df&start=2177&end=2334","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5116867-82793093a11c29e91dc5ac04b9f583df/thumbnail_2177000.jpg","/articles/6180712/Morgantown/Monongalia-County/West-Virginia/Residents-urge-more-drinking-water-fountains-and-public-restrooms-on-rail-trails-and-green-spaces","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6180712-2a412e6ee5167a422006173eb120ff15/orig.mp4?Expires=1771197843&Signature=orAXlreZAsP0A-0tMRcK7KVa7IT-t9Om3bZ2UHWec9NZxTemxvYIegx3d-yuhBXbKofp-p60fcR3RmJsEZMMa00Feh4xR~-HZyZELnaauToDOx3SPmIjHDU0XmUwgzwq3w4gm1PASQtHeoBKtGsjF5UMVlbO-eOi1Br~aVWUVWLY5pXIEdhzdE44E3R2D8K4vHqkPTj~7X7YTkPvvKYKxLBvWFoSn~6z8bRAo5lewwvWaWBgpa5h~hD9lk51dOeGjPI8g6fRFEkxUZhAhvlCJwEb2qAClwbsZvuDIE2F6mDZDkrAHSBXZrhq2ddnbOQL9S0czJkrxKBePfcxy-zeXA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Public commenters at the July 1 council meeting urged Morgantown to increase drinking water access and public restroom availability on the city’s rail trails, green spaces and in downtown.

Leslie Nash, a resident who uses the rail trail frequently, detailed where existing water fountains are located and said there are large stretches of trail and greenways without drinking water. Nash said fountains are available near the downtown pavilion, at Terra Café/Star City, at Mile Marker 4 and at a location near Mile Markers 10–11 toward Fairmont, but that Marilla Park’s fountain has been out of service during construction and there are long gaps between functioning fountains on the rail network. Nash called the scarcity of water “a shame” for a city that promotes outdoor recreation and requested that the city inventory, repair and add durable water stations on trails and greenways.

Other public commenters, including volunteers running a hydration‑station project, asked the council to approve an asbestos‑sampling bid (for parcel demolition in Greenmont) so their neighborhood initiative for green space can proceed — noting asbestos testing is a major step before demolition and land repurposing. Commenters and volunteers also recommended more public bathrooms downtown and suggested the council review a durable bathroom prototype some members have discussed.

Council members acknowledged the comments and said staff will consider water and restroom access during park and trail planning. No specific funding action was taken at the meeting.

(Ending) Residents asked the city to prioritize durable, year‑round water access and additional public restrooms as part of ongoing park, trail and downtown infrastructure planning.","Multiple public commenters asked the council to add water fountains, year‑round operation where feasible, and more public bathrooms and bike racks to support trail users, families and summer events.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6180715,"Public and council raise concerns about shelter capacity, camping ban enforcement and cooling shelter needs",2517,2508000,5025000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5116867-82793093a11c29e91dc5ac04b9f583df&start=2508&end=5025","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5116867-82793093a11c29e91dc5ac04b9f583df/thumbnail_2508000.jpg","/articles/6180715/Morgantown/Monongalia-County/West-Virginia/Public-and-council-raise-concerns-about-shelter-capacity-camping-ban-enforcement-and-cooling-shelter-needs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6180715-ab1d40e7d6b170679b9f3efeaa874a50/orig.mp4?Expires=1771197843&Signature=PLFlYI2VlN2gZ8HDrdjgOVn-xw1iVmTrGBXdahoXFXKfWynkjUmyIMaETBlnJm8PpZeYbt2mSmmsgH3it6Iz~VqQepedm1A2AgdXZJssAkrfvaLocpl63DO-KIAX2syDuxpDr935EECnJeFVwQ38wGJagqL6y9eN3wt2MItFvs1qiYSdDNxpNS0BG-FDI3bnyoFYYJsj1tIWmToCPmZqFlOhV9jK-FxPXHrYUPRvmY1PmpsnvQNY2EiumPKWC1owHiOrS50WPEO8VSd~y517vbhSOM6yzWs2e5B1KJeyd5334mXB83er0xjud2PXm7nXbK2v~RzMJMmODdMr9YaTew__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Public commenters and council members on July 1 pressed Morgantown leaders to address shelter capacity, the effects of the city’s camping ban and the lack of a dedicated cooling shelter for extreme heat.

Lindsey (no last name provided), a resident and small-business owner, told council volunteers are providing daily hydration stations for people on trails but said that ad hoc efforts are unsustainable. She urged more public restrooms, durable outdoor hydration infrastructure, bike racks and storage and a designated cooling shelter rather than relying on volunteers and private businesses. “I’m a for‑profit business and … I am not a public service provider,” she said, urging the city to plan shelter and cooling services proactively.

Council discussion and subsequent remarks by council members and service‑provider representatives expanded on those concerns. Councilors described gaps in shelter capacity and noted the implementation challenges of enforcing the camping ban without adequate housing alternatives. One councilor noted Catholic Charities’ Grace Shelter is planning to add 15 beds but needs funding; they also said Catholic Charities and partners are pursuing grants to build out additional transitional beds and that one H3 facility area remains uninhabitable because of roof damage from a recent microburst.

Council members and staff said outreach is underway with partners including Catholic Charities and the United Way; several councilors emphasized that enforcement of camping restrictions must be paired with practical shelter offers and funding to avoid displacing people without solutions. One councilor warned that some offers of shelter being reported were not accessible (for example, located out of town), which raises questions about whether those offers meet the city’s criteria for available shelter in practice.

Speakers asked the council to prioritize funding, partnerships with the county and WVU, and rapid steps to increase shelter beds and cooling space ahead of summer heat. No formal council action was taken at the meeting; council members said staff and community partners are working on grant applications and capacity expansions and that they expect further briefing and requests for funding in coming weeks.

(Ending) Councilors requested updates from staff and partner agencies on specific shelter‑expansion grant opportunities and on how proposed bed additions would be funded and operated; members said they will continue follow-up with service providers and county partners.","Multiple speakers at the July 1 Morgantown council meeting urged more shelter capacity, flagged enforcement problems with the city’s camping ban and called for a cooling shelter; councilors and local service providers said capacity proposals are in progress but funding and operational gaps remain.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6180716,"Council accepts FAA planning grant for airport layout update, including runway safety study",269,3266000,3535000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5116867-82793093a11c29e91dc5ac04b9f583df&start=3266&end=3535","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5116867-82793093a11c29e91dc5ac04b9f583df/thumbnail_3266000.jpg","/articles/6180716/Morgantown/Monongalia-County/West-Virginia/Council-accepts-FAA-planning-grant-for-airport-layout-update-including-runway-safety-study","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6180716-2ac98a97e516bcf243f25bba631c9af6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771197843&Signature=oLbFJiY5qcPiZWOfcmXHwEwAQNqNaf3Wf-oxebXb1b-sC-3-n8Ezc2rhFSYbAFdYBK0LshcGZqwKy4xIv9oDmb9Q3jIjbn~rnvvj4yKnqUad~~~Ezlg6eECpHNYWqO41SVumIXc0XKg2FRXn5jXkfGJRlqf8ru~2miAY5dsIshnBlFi3DEDI3xuqtsILEE3x~f~ZnsEiVLwuROR6QvqH-4UNLkC36s38ntNDhXs-3yb8eM6Gca9f4EM7vCGTRd6m9VMAhAipLR5AsgkPknDiirKbLUO3jKmn9ywioyDIjIdC2IqFqipSqBb3VJ3URKZzy~XS9rcLCCzn0nW8UAViow__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown City Council authorized acceptance of an FAA planning grant to update the airport’s Airport Layout/Program (AOP), a step staff said will support runway safety work and future development approvals.

Director John Bray told council the FAA grant totals about $418,400 including the city’s local match; because of the most recent FAA reauthorization, the local match for this grant is 5 percent instead of the earlier standard 10 percent. Staff said the city’s cash contribution would come from airport capital funds and the local portion is roughly $20,000.

Bray said the AOP update will focus primarily on runway safety at the airport’s north end near Easton Hill, where the paved runway currently has a 200‑foot runway safety area compared with the more typical 1,000‑foot safety area at the south end. The update will evaluate options such as an engineered materials arresting system (EMAS) and other alternatives FAA staff prefer so the project can be classified as a safety enhancement and secure the highest level of FAA funding. The AOP will also integrate two recently constructed or under-construction hangars and identify other potential commercial development locations on airport property.

On timing, staff said planning projects typically take six months to a year but the grant allows up to four years; council discussion referenced a runway extension project timeline out to about Feb. 2030 for major construction and noted the AOP update will help position the runway work to attract FAA safety funding.

Council approved the grant authorization by voice vote. Staff said acceptance of the grant will allow the city to move forward with planning, incorporate recent and planned development items into the AOP, and pursue the runway safety improvements under FAA project designations.

(Ending) Staff will proceed with the AOP update under the FAA grant and return with project schedules and additional funding steps as plans develop.","Morgantown accepted a $418,400 FAA grant (including a roughly $20,000 local match) to update the Airport Layout Plan/Airport Layout Program (AOP), study runway safety options and incorporate recent development into planning documents.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6180717,"Council approves HUD CDBG action plan, awards demolition contract for Lower Greenmont parcels",702,2697000,3399000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5116867-82793093a11c29e91dc5ac04b9f583df&start=2697&end=3399","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5116867-82793093a11c29e91dc5ac04b9f583df/thumbnail_2697000.jpg","/articles/6180717/Morgantown/Monongalia-County/West-Virginia/Council-approves-HUD-CDBG-action-plan-awards-demolition-contract-for-Lower-Greenmont-parcels","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6180717-8ea97aefd1171ae12f6292ce18f819dd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771197843&Signature=jcLcMN4fx3gjnEFJSG4OkTsW7S2yfG6W7~Ax88BANt81pH5Y-aDjJep9lQ8Nf9F8tMV6gO6XKy0u9MSizuPUFsJxcPGZTbYkh78PAuZNEaUodgfnBeU3JxNUMHlaEJ5rwpabMDwwG01oq9~cuCMX-UZ9HA-rW6c-P6jHLTWnpn1mr2ffy4VVrYiTIwbtDGK-TV1MKmcnbPwcBE6HqrGyp4MJ9EP~KIjaL4Bru23xxjgBSUY92yPznnwbpNq9UZg9rLYA72gNo4D5t5PMN3V54EoKXkjYi3fckl~ZC-AFuuhqG1V6~MMlQdU80J194wOe0L-boyb-Yl5vEoyUEj8U9Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown City Council on July 1 approved the city’s fiscal year 2025 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Annual Action Plan and voted to award a separate demolition contract for three properties in the Lower Greenmont neighborhood.

The CDBG resolution, presented by grant writer Robin Hess, authorizes the city to submit the HUD FY2025 Annual Action Plan and continues the city’s use of CDBG funds for low- and moderate-income neighborhood projects. The council then awarded bid call 2025-16 for asbestos sampling, demolition, and land restoration at 570 and 635 Pennsylvania Avenue and 637 Brockway Avenue to Reclaim Company LLC for $60,500, the lowest responsible bid, with staff saying the work is tentatively to be completed by Aug. 22.

The action matters because the CDBG and the demolition are linked to the city’s broader Lower Greenmont revitalization strategy. Hess said new nonprofit applicants received funding this year and named programs that will be funded from the plan, including Meals on Wheels, Legal Aid of West Virginia (rental legal assistance), and HealthRite (prescription assistance). She told council that CDBG administrative funds can reimburse limited city program costs such as an intern and consultant fees. Hess also warned that CDBG disbursements have been delayed in recent years and that federal funds are often not received until October despite being effective July 1.

During discussion, councilors asked how CDBG dollars would support Lower Greenmont. Hess said funds will support land-reuse efforts, property acquisition and demolition tied to prior congressional directed spending, sidewalk and green-space improvements, and tear-downs needed for a new entryway and park space. She said this CDBG round includes an allocation for sidewalks and “walkability” projects in low- and moderate-income areas; she cited roughly $83,000 in this year’s plan for that purpose. Councilors also connected these CDBG allocations to a previously secured congressional directed spending package of about $2,000,000, describing the awards as complementary phases of the Greenmont work.

On the demolition bid, Director Ricky Yeager told council staff received four qualified bids and recommended awarding the contract to Reclaim Company LLC for $60,500 as the lowest responsible bidder. Yeager said the bid packet sets a tentative completion date of Aug. 22. After brief questions from council, the motion to award passed on a roll call vote.

The CDBG resolution was approved by vote; one councilor announced an abstention before the roll call, citing a potential conflict (“my wife works at ASAP”) and the council record shows the abstention was entered prior to the vote. Council members approved the demolition bid in a separate vote.

City staff and councilors said further administrative steps remain: Hess noted that documents will need to reflect the newly seated mayor’s name on federal forms and that federal versus city signatory roles differ (Hud-funded forms often require city manager signatures). Staff also said they will coordinate with the city manager and grant consultants to finalize agreements and contract documents.

Council materials and staff comments tied the CDBG allocations directly to Lower Greenmont demolition and sidewalk work and indicated demolition and subsequent site work are intended to feed into a publicly accessible green space and entry improvements. The council did not adopt additional zoning or land-use regulations in the meeting; rather, it approved the funding plan and the demolition contract that will enable next steps.

Councilors and staff said they will provide copies of the CDBG plan to council members for reference and indicated follow-up reporting and administrative signatures will occur in the coming weeks.

(Ending) The approved CDBG Annual Action Plan and the demolition contract are scheduled to move forward administratively; council requested documents and timelines from staff and will receive further updates as implementation progresses.","Morgantown council approved the City’s FY2025 Community Development Block Grant Annual Action Plan and awarded a $60,500 contract to demolish three Lower Greenmont properties; funding and timeline details were discussed and one councilor abstained from the CDBG vote.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Human Rights Commission asks council to enforce DEI reporting, ADA and anti-bullying policies and improve communications

Residents urge more drinking water fountains and public restrooms on rail trails and green spaces

Public and council raise concerns about shelter capacity, camping ban enforcement and cooling shelter needs

Council accepts FAA planning grant for airport layout update, including runway safety study

Council approves HUD CDBG action plan, awards demolition contract for Lower Greenmont parcels