Second grade students from West Teays Elementary turned out in number to attend the Hurricane City Council meeting on Monday, February 6, to watch government in action. They witnessed a meeting which included a little bit of everything.
The meeting opened with a presentation of a plaque to former Street Department head Lee Campbell who recently retired with 22 year’s service.
The students next witnessed reports from the Police Department, Fire Department, City Manager, and Director of City Marketing and Development.
The Police Department reported 28 arrests in response to State charges and 6 City arrests during the month of January. Two of the City arrests involved possession of Meth. The CIU (Criminal Investigation Unit) seized 17 pounds of marijuana and $5,667 in cash in addition to the 10.5 grams of Meth.
Fire Chief Michael Hoffman informed council that he expects the new fire station to open on April 1st. The $6 million facility will allow the City to establish training programs which will benefit both Hurricane and nearby fire departments.
City Manager Andy Skidmore announced that electrical work at the new fire station would be completed by February 10. Skidmore said that the weather has caused delay in getting the sand and soil mixed for the football field at Bridge Park. When improvements are completed at Bridge Park, the section near First Baptist Church will be the home to four all-weather, lighted baseball/softball fields.
Marketing Director Amanda Ramey announced that Food Truck Fridays will be replaced Food Truck Mondays. Ramey said that the Monday date will allow Food Truck vendors to make offerings available on a day that many restaurants are closed.
In the regular business session, the West Teays visitors saw Council establish new boundaries for the Hurricane TIF district, approve policy changes relating to the appointment and termination of City Managers, and approve changes in permitted uses in residential zoned areas.
Mayor Scott Edwards announced that City offices will be closed on Monday, February 20, in observance of President’s Day. The next regular Hurricane Council Meeting will be Monday, March 6, at 6:30 p.m.
