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Morgantown Riverfront Revitalization Task Force February 2022

Morgantown Riverfront Revitalization Task Force

Meeting Notes

February 17, 2022

  1. OLD BUSINESS:
  1. Kayak Rental Facility Update:  

Emily stated that the City received a grant in the amount of $120,000 to build the rental facility, and the City will fund the remainder of the cost.  Council approved the bid and construction should begin soon.  Shooting for May/June completion.

The City is looking for a 3rd party operator to run the facility.  There are already some good possibilities, and Mary Wimmer offered to assist by spreading word through her M.A.P. group.  The search will be informal unless that doesn’t yield good results, and then they can move to a formal search if necessary.

  1. Wayfinding Signage Update:

Emily reported that when she attended a Main Street Morgantown meeting yesterday, she learned about a former Wayfinding plan that was developed around the year 2004.  She will review it more extensively and see what elements can be used. Jessica will share the plan with the group. 

Ella updated the group on her sign and lighting grant, which was submitted about 4 years ago, and will fund signage near Foundry Street and lighting on the pedestrian bridge that crosses Deckers Creek.  It is currently awaiting federal highway administration approval; she is hopeful that construction can begin in 2022.

  1. NEW BUSINESS: 
  1. Repair of Kayak Dock:

The kayak dock that disengaged and floated downstream was retrieved and replacement parts have been received for the repair.  It will be repaired and ready for the spring/summer season.  The City may have to think about pulling it out during the winter months when there is flooding potential and harsh weather.

  1. Trash Wheel for Lock & Dam:

Clearwater Mills, LLC has performed a site assessment for the Trash Wheel technology to be used to collect debris from the lock and dam.  The City is working with the Army Corps to find a suitable placement.  Emily stated she should receive a preliminary design soon, which will be followed by a tailored cost estimate. Bill stated that the City looked into this same technology before but it proved cost prohibitive. Emily indicated that this is the type of project that funders can get behind, so the City may pursue sponsors to help pay if they are able to move forward.

  1. City’s Ambassador Program:

Positions are being advertised currently for these ARPA-funded positions.  The City hopes to have folks in place around April 1st, at which time they will begin going through extensive training.  There is 1 full-time position and several part-time positions available. Ambassadors will assist with everything from places to park, cleanliness issues, social service referrals, when necessary, and will be present at events at the Riverfront. They will be easily identifiable, with logo shirts/vests. Emily stated that this type of program exists in many other cities, which is what gave her the idea to start it here. 

  1. MRTC Arts Market in the Wharf:

Ella described the event, which will take place on Saturday, April 23rd in the Wharf with free kids activities, music, and art vendors.  A vendor can participate for a fee of $20 and must bring their own table and pop-up tent (highly recommended for weather reasons).  10% of sale proceeds will go to benefit MRTC.  She encouraged folks to share this event.

Meeting Adjourned at 10:00 a.m.

Next Meeting will be March 17, 2022


 
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