Philippi Planning Commission
Minutes for the Meeting of
November 9, 1999

Attendance:
Andrew Gast-Bray, Bob Wilkins, Charles Phillips, Carla Springer,
Bob Higgins, Dan Lewis and Craig Cobb (note: Andrew Trader's wife had
called to advise that he would not be at the meeting due to his being
hospitalized with kidney problems).

Minutes for the regular meeting of September 14, 1999 were
approved as
submitted. Minutes for the September 16, 1999, 7 PM Public Hearing, and
for the
special meeting, held immediately following the Public Hearing were also
approved.

Old Business

1) Making reference to the September 14 minutes, item 3 of Old
Business, several copies of the By-Laws were distributed. Some general
discussion followed.

2) The minutes of the September 21, 1999 special meeting to
consider the Petition for Change of Zoning Regulations, were approved.

3) There was further discussion about the trailer, sold by A-B
College, and placed on the Maxine Wiseman property in the Ann St./Cherry
Hill Rd. area. Apparently the trailer was purchased by Mrs. Wiseman's
son. He has obtained a building permit from the City to upgrade the
trailer, in-place. The property is designated as lots 400A, 400B, and
400C.

4) The Frey Street naming issue was discussed further. Bob
Wilkins advised that there was some discussion of the issue in the City
Manager's office, but the street name will remain Frey Street on both
sides of Cherry Hill Road. Bob anticipates some problems with house
numbering, when/if new homes are built in the future on Frey Street, on
both sides of Cherry Hill Road.

5) Andrew Gast-Bray still plans to write a note to the Barbour
County Commission regarding the Tucker County industrial/wildlife issue.
He hadn't been able to get that item taken care of since it was discussed
in September.

6) Andrew Gast-Bray reported that he had read the Thomas Point
report. A key point of interest was the four industries targeted by the
plan for economic development: Wood products, Plastics, Surgical and
Sports Equipment, and Service/Support for the above industries.

7) It was pointed out that the Planning Commission is required to
meet during the months of January, April, July and October each year,
according to The Philippi Planning Commission By-Laws; though we have
been meeting much more frequently in the past several years (i.e.: nearly
once per month or more often). The issue of how many of the nine members
of the Commission must have been residents for at least 10 years was also
discussed. The By-Laws require that 3/5ths of the membership (i.e.: or
5.4 persons) must have resided in the City for 10 years. After further
discussion, Bob Wilkins moved that the Commission recommend to City
Council that this requirement be revised to 5/9ths of the membership.
Motion seconded by Charlie Phillips, and approved unanimously. Andrew
Gast-Bray will write a request to the City Council in this regard.

8) With reference to the September 21, 1999 Petition for Change of
Zoning
Regulations, Andrew Gast-Bray commented that he would follow up with a
written
description regarding the "spirit of the recommendation" for further
consideration by the City Council.

9) Bob Wilkins pointed out that the map of Maple Brooke
subdivision had only one named street, and that several other road names
will be required. Andrew Gast-Bray again advised that he would write a
note to the residents to solicit possible road names, with the
stipulation that there can be no duplicate names, and the names submitted
must follow the guidelines established by the Commission. House
numbering will be coordinated with the City Engineer.

New Business

1) It was agreed that the Commission would tentatively plan to
meet on December 14, 1999, due to a request by the City Manager to meet
with us at that time. There was some speculation, however, that another
City function might preclude that meeting time.

2) Bob Wilkins presented a copy of the County Commission's
subdivision guidelines to Craig Cobb for review. The guidelines had been
revised as Proposed Subdivision Regulations. Mr. Cobb agreed to attempt
to review the proposed regulations, with the anticipation of commenting
on them at the next meeting. The hope it that the Proposed Regulations
can be formally adopted, and used in reviewing future development
proposals.

3) The issue of Bob Higgins continuing service on the Commission
was addressed, as his term is scheduled to expire at the end of December
1999. Bob agreed to serve another three-year term, if so requested by
the Commission and City Council. Carla Springer then moved that Bob's
membership be renewed for another term. Motion seconded by Dan Lewis,
and approved unanimously. This recommendation will be presented to the
City Council for final approval.

4) Andrew Gast-Bray suggested that the Commission plan to host
another "All Board and Committee" meeting in March 2000. This issue will
be discussed at a later date.

5) Chairman Gast-Bray then spoke to the Commission about Community
Visioning, with reference to the Comprehensive Plan, the Thomas Point
report, and the major items of Section VI of the Comprehensive Plan:
Economic Development; Housing; Transportation; Parks, Recreation & Public
Spaces; Community Services; Cultural and Historical; Working Together and
Youth. Mr. Gast-Bray encouraged each member of the Commission to assume
some responsibility for each of the Visions categories. If properly
executed, a continuous improvement and/or update of the vision, as well
as the timely realization of its goals, can be achieved.

6) The Commission secretary was asked to e-mail copies of the
approved minutes to City Hall for inclusion on the City's Web Page.
(This action has already been taken with the September 1999 minutes).

7) There was a general discussion about the Bridgeport bypass,
which when
completed, will connect with I-79, both north and south of the City of
Bridgeport, on an
easterly track around the city. Future upgrades of either Rt. 76 or Rt.
57 could provide
quicker access from Philippi to the I-79 corridor.

The meeting was adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for
December 14, 1999.
Craig Cobb, Secretary

___________________________________________________________________