MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Morgantown City Council heard additional concerns from firefighters about proposed personnel policy changes and received an update on the effort to repair storm damages at the county’s central hub for social services.
For the second consecutive meeting, Mitchell Beall, President of Morgantown Firefighters International Association of Firefighters Local 313 brought a memo to the attention of council members that highlighted the changes, and he says that will have a negative effect on members of the Morgantown Fire Department. Those changes include eliminating sick time and reducing vacation accrual. Additionally, 14 paid 24-hour holidays that will now be paid as premium time with no option for time off. Under the new policy firefighters will be required to make tough choices in the event they did get sick or injured.
“I understand State Code does give that provision to the city to make that decision,” Bell said. ” However, I would implore you to say that our quality of life means something to us.”
The changes that are expected to take effect July 1, will be the first major update to the city’s personnel policies since 1993.
Beall insists the changes make being a firefighter less attractive and put Morgantown firefighters in a lesser class than other city employees.
“We’re going to be left with 10 days a year- that’s all we can work with, when other city employees get 30-days off a year,” Bell said. “So, we would like you to take a look at that.”
He told council members the city administration has been willing to meet with firefighters but only as individuals and will not recognize the union.
“This has always been a very pro-labor city. Past administrations have met with us,” Bell said. “We don’t have a contract with the city, but we do have a voice and we do have a large body of our membership voicing concerns.”
Deputy Mayor Danielle Trumble has met at least once with city workers and firefighters and has pledged to continue the dialog and report back to council members.
“I have asked them (firefighters) to follow up with me with additional information,” Trumble said. “So, I will be sure everyone stays up to date on any discussion I have with employees concerning this.”
Beall and his members are hoping the meeting with Trumble will lead to a meeting with the city administration, until that happens they plan to keep searching for solutions.
“We’re working with our chief to go through the proper channels to try to come up solutions to these issues we’re seeing that seem very concerning to us,” Beall said. “Obviously we want to stay employed here, we want to work with you and we do love Morgantown.”
Council also received an update on the repair work at Hazel’s House of Hope on Scott Avenue. According to Deputy Mayor Danielle Trumble, contractors were working to fix the roof and protect the building from the forecasted rain. Workers had enough roofing material on-site to get the work started. Damage assessments are still being completed.
Officials hope to return the about 30 Bartlett House clients to the Scott Avenue shelter as soon as repairs can be made. Reports indicate the cost of motel rooms for those 30 people is about $1,000-per day.
Council approved the first reading of an ordinance to establish a new lease for tenants at the historic downtown post office building. The building is under renovation and the new lease reflects pre and post-improvement rental rates.
The new prerenovation lease term with the city would be for $10-per square for 4,000-square feet for a term of 42 months, according to City manager Kim Haws. When improvements are completed the rental rate would climb to $15-per square foot.