Rupert Town Council August Meeting Minutes

The Rupert Town Council met on August 12 at 6:03 p.m.

Present were Mayor Steve Baldwin, Recorder Barbara Nickell, Council David McAfee, Council Jeff Morrison, Council Chris Forren and Council Cheryl Walkup. Citizen present was Clyde Swartz.

Minutes from the July 15, 2021 meeting were read and approved by a motion by Jeff Morrison, seconded by Cheryl Walkup. Motion passed.

Financial statements: General Fund – Beginning balance $5,278.27, revenue $41,238.38, expenses $29,817.17 leaving a balance of $16,699.48. Water Fund – Beginning balance $1,564.76, revenue $23,724.52, expenses $16,871.76, leaving a balance of $8,417.52. A motion was made by Cheryl Walkup to approve the financials, seconded by Chris Forren. Motion passed.

Bills for the general fund were $29,817.17 and the water fund was $16,871.76. A motion to approve the bills was made by David McAfee, seconded by Jeff Morrison. Motion passed.

The July Citation Report shows a total of $15,033.00 with $7,628.00 being collected. A motion to approve was made by Cheryl Walkup, seconded by David McAfee. Motion passed.

A list of FY 21-22 renewal of business licenses was approved except for Tim’s Auto Repair. Council to confirm state and municipal sales tax is being collected and reported prior to approval due to past history. A motion to approve business license renewals with the exception of Tim’s Auto Repair was made by David McAfee, seconded by Jeff Morrison. Motion passed.

No changes in Slum/Blight Project, Mr. Canfield’s is still in appeal. There are no new developments on the Sidewalk Phase 3, we are still waiting on state.

Mayor Baldwin reported the first payment from the American Rescue Plan Act of $116,977.13 was received. It will be deposited into an interest-bearing checking account. All payments must be documented. Possible projects will be submitted to the WV Auditor’s Office for review prior to any funds being spent.

Clyde Swartz, citizen, proposed checking on the possible purchase of the lot where the gas station was at the entrance of Anjean Road making it easier to navigate the turn. Council will investigate and report at the next meeting.

Mayor Baldwin reported there is a rotten tree at Emmett Kirbv’s. He will check and see where the property line is and make arrangements for removal if the tree is on Town property.

Fireworks ordinance discussion. Due to the continuance complaints of fireworks being set off all hours of the night throughout Town, Council will have Clerk Currence draw up an ordinance for review at the next meeting based upon discussion.

Personal Update: Mayor Baldwin reported one water employee was terminated and another individual was hired. Also, the office vacancy was filled with an employee hired part-time—four, seven-hour shifts. Motion to approve was made by David McAfee, seconded by Chris Forren. Motion passed.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:32 PM on motion by Jeff Morrison, seconded by David McAfee. Motion passed.

Respectfully submitted by Barbara Nickell, Recorder.