MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Morgantown City Council will move forward with changes to the regulations of the City Police Civil Service Commission and a new addition to the Ruby Amphitheater.
Changes to rules and regulations for the commission that focused on the hiring process for Morgantown police officers were approved unanimously. This includes changes to the examination process for applicants and an update of veteran qualifications in accordance with state code. The changes are aimed at improving staffing levels at the Morgantown Police Department and avoiding losing applicants because the time out of the process.
“The commission does propose a change to the oral examination so that it can be simply used by the appointing officer (City Manager Kim Haws) in making a decision on who to select,” said Morgantown City Attorney Ryan Simonton. “A veteran qualification is included for certification exams during the probationary period, which is an update required by state law,” he said.
Applicants for the Morgantown Police Department will see adjustments to the oral and physical examination aspects of the hiring process. Instead of a simple pass or fail rating originally part of the oral exam, results will be taken into account by the Police Civil Service Commission ahead of an official hire. The basic physical examination did not change, but no annual requirement to retake the test was included in the rules passed by the council. Veterans can qualify for immediate examinations depending on their certifications as part of changes adjusted to state law. Polygraphs will be taken at the discretion of the commission.
“The commission may conduct a polygraph examination or direct that one be conducted, and they will determine whether the applicants pass,” said Simonton on the polygraph provision.
The council also suggested that the Police Civil Service Commission should look into more opportunities to help improve staffing shortages at the Morgantown Police Department, which is still down over twenty officers. Members of the council discussed potential adjustments to the background check examination process with city officials included in the hiring process. Though the proposal was not included in the passed changes, Councilor Danielle Trumble hopes the Morgantown Police Chief can be included more in the process.
“My concern is losing applicants over a very minor infraction that was ten years ago,” said Trumble. “It seems to me like that should be at least partially decided by the city, the city manager, or the police chief,” she said.
A bid by Commercial Builders to construct two accessible viewing areas at the Ruby Amphitheater was also approved unanimously. The project bid was approved for $69,900 and will consist of the construction of one platform on the western side of the amphitheater and one on the eastern side. Construction will be paid for through the Hazel Ruby McQuain Charitable Trust and is expected to be completed in time for the 2024 Ruby Summer Concert Series.
“They’re going to have to do it before the freeze comes, but I think that by late spring of next year it’ll be completed and ready to be used,” said Morgantown City Manager Kim Haws on the timeline for the project.
The ordinance adopting the 2023 City of Morgantown Comprehensive Plan was approved unanimously by the council. Considerations for environmental efforts were included in the plan via amendment, which was approved unanimously.