 "Photo: Chelsi Baker/The Daily Athenaeum")
Students at West Virginia University need to establish a closer relationship to the Morgantown community, said Student Government Association President Chris Lewallen.
Lewallen and other SGA members delivered the first State of the Student Body Address on Tuesday to Morgantown City Council and Mayor Bill Byrne.
Lewallen spoke about the relationship between SGA and City Council as well as the community service that students had devoted over past years, with a promise to devote more.
"Two years ago, former Student Body President Jason Parsons pledged $100,000 of service hours to the city of Morgantown and Sunnyside Up," Lewallen said. "We are nearing the $90,000 mark, and we plan on pledging that once again."
Nelson France, SGA liaison to City Council, spoke first about the newly announced Community Relations Team.
The members of the Community Relations Team will attend various city board, commission and committee meetings, France said.
"This week, members will be writing the CR Team into the bylaws of SGA," he said.
He also said he wanted City Council members to regularly attend SGA meetings.
"If each member on the Council can agree to attend one meeting per semester, we would be very appreciative," he said.
France listed goals that SGA plans to accomplish within the city which include:
- Continuing support of Sunnyside Up.
- Improving transportation options for students and residents.
- Promoting better fan behavior and improving student conduct.
- Conducting a comprehensive study of parking and traffic in Morgantown.
- Striving to better coordinate WVU's master plan with the city's strategic plan.
- Developing better signage throughout the city.
- Building a lasting relationship between SGA and City Council.
"Couch fires, celebrations after events like football or basketball games, have also been on our agenda," said SGA Vice President Ron Cheng. "SGA is looking at proactive ways of celebration."
Students will take a stance on being proactive with community development, such as snow removal during winter months, Cheng said.
Byrne welcomed SGA members and students to future meetings and said he would encourage members of the Council to attend SGA meetings.
All of the councilors thanked the members of SGA for the presentation, and many welcomed them to get involved in their neighborhoods.
Councilor John Gaddis said they provided great information to the Council, and Councilor Jenny Selin said she accepted the commitment of coming to one of the SGA meetings.
Nancy Ganz, president of the Suncrest Neighborhood Association, said she welcomes SGA to work with them.
Having a "shared respect" among the students and community is needed, Ganz said.
She also suggested that the community have a representative on the WVU Board of Governors so the relationship works both ways.
"The University truly is a benefit not only for the city, but also the state," said Wes Nugent, president of the Wiles Hill-Highland Park Neighborhood Association.
The community appreciates the pledges from SGA, Nugent said, adding that action is now needed from both parties.
Ken Gray, director of Student Affairs, said the speech went very well, and he was very supportive of a relationship between SGA and the city.
Committee members and chairpersons from various businesses from Morgantown, as well as University officials, were in attendance in an audience of nearly 40.
Samantha Cossick contributed to this report.