Kingwood Council approves business licenses for two eateries

Jan. 25—KINGWOOD — Members of Kingwood City Council approved two new business licenses. The first was for Jennifer Bracken, owner of Rt. 26 Dinner, LLC, located across from the courthouse on Price Street. The second was for Pepperonnies, a pizza shop owned by Ronald Shaver.

A third business license for a salon that was to be located in a residential area was denied. Mayor Jean Guillot said a business in a residential area brings in extra vehicles and foot traffic.

"If we allow one business to be in a residential area then we have to approve others, " he said. "It gives the business an unfair advantage over businesses located in business areas because the owner would be paying residential utilities, " he said.

Councilman Bill Robertson said the city's old ordinance allowed for a variance, but the variance option was written out of the current ordinances.

Council members also discussed Westpoint Park. Guillot said it is filled with litter and debris and asked council members if they thought it could be broken into parcels and sold to the residents.

Councilman Mike Livengood said he doesn't believe council has the authority to sell parcels of the property. He said the land would have to be sold by bid.

"Council doesn't want to spend the money to fence it in. I'd like to be rid of it, " Guillot said.

Livengood suggested the property could be parceled off and sold by bid.

Guillot said he will have the city attorney look into it. No further action was taken.

In other business, council:

— Approved the first reading of the cemetery ordinance.

— Received a Trenton Trust Grant for $10, 094.94. The money will be used to repair the tennis court.

— Approved park and recreation's request to increase rental prices by 10 % across the board.

Council went into executive session to discuss personnel.

The next meeting of the Kingwood City Council will be 6:30 p. m. Feb. 6.