Public Meetings - Beckley, West Virginia

The Beckley City Council and Parking Commission met on October 23, 2026. The meeting included approval of prior meeting minutes, public comments, a public hearing and second reading for a real estate purchase, adoption of formal rules of decorum, discussion on a new litter control officer and e-bikes, and a parking commission session detailing the management of new Neville Street parking lots. Consent Calendar - Minutes: The council unanimously approved the minutes from the October 6, 2026 regular council meeting and the October 13, 2026 workshop. Public Comments & Testimony - Mary West expressed concerns about trash accumulation on Metal Street, overgrown grass on Lincoln Street and at a former car wash on LaRue Avenue, and what she described as unequal code enforcement. She also urged the city to install street cameras to catch speeders. - Tom Mosley thanked council and suggested implementing a safe streets program with police department signage to draw attention to road safety. - Andrew Penny (Athletic Director, Woodrow Wilson High School): Invited the council to the West Virginia SSAC State Soccer Tournament (November 4-7), which has been hosted in Beckley for over 25 years. He noted the tournament brings approximately 7,000 attendees, requires 25 hotel rooms per team, and provides significant economic benefit to Beckley hotels and restaurants. He also thanked Chief Bailey and the police for their support and stated the city and school are working together on financial and security arrangements for the event. Discussion Items - Council & City Manager Comments: - Councilwoman noted a Trunk-or-Treat event (Oct 31, 5:30-7:30 PM) and funding from Delegate Eric Brooks for smoke alarms for senior and disabled residents. - Councilman raised concerns about e-bike safety on trails and streets, noting they can reach speeds up to 30 mph and pose fire risks. Chief Bailey agreed to investigate existing regulations. - Councilman expressed support for the soccer tournament and praised a recent joint town hall meeting with the county on vagrancy, panhandling, and safety. - Councilwoman thanked city employees and clarified that Crescent Road is a state-maintained street, not a city maintenance responsibility. - City Manager Gerald thanked his staff and noted the soccer tournament is one of only four state tournaments not held in Charleston, making it a valuable asset. - Ordinance – Real Estate Purchase: A public hearing was held on the second reading of an ordinance authorizing the city to purchase two tracts of real estate on Neville Street for parking. No public comments were made, and the council unanimously approved the ordinance. - Rules of Decorum: City Attorney Fowle presented proposed rules of decorum and public participation policy. The rules formalize existing practices regarding respectful behavior, public comment procedures, prohibited interruptions, signage, and weapons. A change was announced: doors will now open 15 minutes before the meeting instead of 30. The council unanimously approved the rules. - October 13 Workshop Follow-Up: - City Manager Gerald confirmed he and Mike Hennings are working on the job description for a new Litter Control Officer, modeled on the county's position. This officer will have police credentials, including the ability to carry a firearm and badge, and will work in tandem with the Litter Rehabilitation Act. - A discussion on Code Enforcement staffing revealed that a previous lieutenant position was never filled following a retirement, as the department is currently short-staffed in operations. - Executive Session: The council voted to enter executive session for approximately 10-15 minutes to discuss personnel matters. Key Outcomes - Minutes Approved: Minutes from October 6 and October 13, 2026 were approved as presented. - Real Estate Purchase Approved: The council approved the purchase of two tracts of land on Neville Street for downtown parking. - Rules of Decorum Adopted: The formal rules of decorum and public participation policy were adopted. Doors will now open 15 minutes prior to meetings. - Litter Control Officer: The city is actively moving forward with posting the position for a dedicated Litter Control Officer to address blight and enforcement. - Parking Commission Decision: The commission authorized temporary development of the newly acquired Neville Street lots. The lot will provide approximately 25 spaces using crushed asphalt and bumper guards. Parking will be set to two-hour free parking for customers, with no overnight parking. Violators will be subject to towing. The City Manager was authorized to procure signs with appropriate language. (Motion carried unanimously). - November Schedule: The November 3 meeting was canceled due to Election Day. The next council meeting will be later in November. - Community Events: Halloween trick-or-treat is scheduled for October 31, 6-8 PM. The state soccer tournament runs November 4-7.

The Beckley City Council met in regular session on the evening of September 15, 2026. The council approved the minutes of the September 1, 2026 meeting, heard four public comments, conducted a first reading on a property purchase ordinance and a second reading on a vape shop ordinance, and approved an audit committee and an asset disposal auction. Members also discussed rescheduling the November 3, 2026 (Election Day) council meeting and organizing a moderated town hall. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes of the September 1, 2026 regular council meeting as presented, by voice vote, with no questions or comments. Public Comments & Testimony - Mary West (first of four scheduled speakers) announced an October 16, 2026 event in Charleston and urged the community to support Captain Liz, stating "that's what we all need to do is support each other." - West commented on traffic enforcement, asserting that police officers are out pulling people over, and agreed with "Tom" that a no-warning-ticket approach for speeders would be a good idea. - West also referenced a prior meeting, saying she left with the understanding that a structure "would be required to be revealed," but expressed doubt that it will happen. - The remaining public speakers' remarks are substantially garbled in the transcript; fragments reference unverified email details, children roughly between eight and eleven years old and "the thrill of riding," and an unintelligible question about a councilwoman. Council Member & City Manager Comments - A council member asked whether council members' historical badges included arrest powers. - A council member reported enjoying the parade and being dubbed one of the "Fantastic Four" by attorney Gavin Ward, riding in a red convertible Camaro with other women on council, and gave kudos to public works for keeping the streets clean. - A council member expressed gratitude for a West Virginia Tech event attended that day, noting that a graduate of West Virginia Tech made a significant gift to help children in Southern West Virginia. - A council member thanked Mayor Ryan Neal and Councilwoman Natalie Coots, who served as celebrity servers at a 9/11 remembrance, saying "we will never forget" and the city will always honor 9/11. - In response to a resident's inquiry, a council member explained tree-liability rules: if a neighbor's tree falls on your property, your insurance company typically covers it, and a property owner may cut branches hanging over their own property but cannot force the neighbor to cut the tree. - Election Day scheduling: Council noted that November 3, 2026 is Election Day and a council meeting is currently scheduled that night; members agreed to decide at the meeting immediately before whether to reschedule or cancel. - Town hall proposal: The mayor proposed a moderated town hall, possibly run in conjunction with Active Southern West Virginia, to provide accurate information on policing, code enforcement, and housing, with HUD housing included. The mayor reported that the police chief is eager to share statistics on people the department has rescued and helped. A council member agreed 100% with the mayor, recalling a campaign promise to hold town halls in each ward, and offered support. Staff were asked to coordinate invitees and identify a date and venue (possibly the armory). Discussion Items - First reading — Property purchase (105 Hartley Avenue): Ordinance authorizing the City of Beckley to purchase real property at 105 Hartley Avenue, Beckley, Raleigh County, West Virginia, for the benefit of the Beckley Sanitary Board. The Sanitary Board passed a supporting resolution on September 9, 2026. The purchase supports a project to improve the sanitary system and water drainage. A second reading and public hearing are scheduled for the next meeting in two weeks. - Second reading — Vape shop abandonment ordinance: Ordinance amending Beckley City Code Chapter 15, Section 38 (abandonment) to clarify language governing vape businesses. If a vape business owner ceases operations, a new owner must obtain proper zoning and city authorization before operating; existing shops are grandfathered only while ownership and the business name remain unchanged, and a name change constitutes abandonment. A public hearing was opened and closed with no comments from the audience. - Audit committee: The recommended committee comprises City Manager Philip Gerrell, the recorder/treasurer, the recommending council member (as lead contact for the audit firm), and one additional council member to be selected. Council member Nancy Dinkins/Dingis (name uncertain in transcript) was selected for the committee. - Ordinance and fee review: During discussion, a speaker noted that Beckley's building permit fee is 0.005 (half a percent), about a percentage or a percentage and a half off from every other city, and that the city's fee schedule has not been updated in several years. The review also pertains to the Land Reuse Agency (LRA), with properties to be listed in the city's computer system. Key Outcomes - Approved the September 1, 2026 meeting minutes (voice vote). - Approved on first reading the ordinance authorizing purchase of 105 Hartley Avenue for the Beckley Sanitary Board (voice vote; second reading and public hearing in two weeks). - Approved on second reading the ordinance amending the Beckley Vape Smoke Shop Ordinance / City Code Chapter 15, Section 38 (public hearing closed with no comments; voice vote). - Approved the audit committee as recommended, with Nancy Dinkins/Dingis as the council member (voice vote). - Approved proceeding with the asset disposal auction of surplus city assets on GovDeals, using the same process as the prior year. - Deferred the decision on rescheduling the November 3, 2026 (Election Day) council meeting until the preceding meeting. - Directed staff to plan a moderated town hall, including identifying invitees and securing a date and venue. Note: No agenda or minutes were available for cross-reference. The raw transcript contains significant transcription errors and garbled passages (e.g., names such as "Philip Gerrell," "Nancy Dinkins/Dingis," and portions of the tree-liability and public comment exchanges); this summary notes uncertainty where the audio was unclear rather than asserting a definitive reading.

The Beckley City Council met on September 2, 2026, at 2:51 PM for a business meeting. The meeting included recognition of police officers for lifesaving actions, public comments on streets and parking, council member updates, first reading of an ordinance amending the vape/smoke shop code, approval of grant resolutions and the open burning ordinance, and new business items including a library board appointment and road salt procurement. Police Department Lifesaving Awards Chief Bailey presented plaques to four officers for their actions in two incidents. On June 9, 2026, Sergeant Hudnell, Patrolman First Class Redden, Patrolman First Class Winnell, and Patrolman First Class Burgess responded to a welfare check on the Cranberry Creek Bridge involving a suicidal individual. The officers coordinated without verbal communication to pull the individual back over the guardrail and safely detain them after a struggle. On July 12, 2026, Patrolman First Class Redden and Patrolman First Class Winnell responded to roadway flooding at Robert Seabird Drive and Newton Avenue, rescuing occupants from a submerged vehicle. Additionally, Sergeant Hudnell was recognized for a separate August 16, 2026 incident at the same intersection where he rescued two elderly females from a submerged vehicle. The chief also announced the retirement of Deputy Chief David Albert and the swearing-in of Morgan Bragg as new deputy chief on September 3, 2026. Public Comments & Testimony - Mary West expressed frustration over the condition of city streets, urging the council to redo streets rather than patch them. She also noted ongoing issues with signs, garbage, and speeding on roads, and cited city code 17-19-1 regarding signage. She called for collective action and warned against treating her poorly. - A second speaker (name not given) raised concerns about the parking situation downtown, specifically the presidential parking lot where inoperable cars are taking up spaces. He reported that some cars have been parked in two-hour spots for hours, affecting businesses. He suggested making Neville Street, Main Street, and other uptown streets one-way with diagonal parking to increase spaces, and urged faster action than the planned parking lot construction months away. - A third speaker (name not given) commented on the city’s appearance, noting the need for cleanup of signs and garbage, and mentioned speeding issues on the hall. He also referenced the need for police presence. Discussion Items - Council members and city manager comments: Several council members thanked the police officers, congratulated Officer Bragg on his promotion, and provided updates. Councilman Williams mentioned a feasibility study for East Badley phone stops and asked about the MacArthur Street closure. Councilman Frank thanked the city manager and noted the ACT (Advanced Career Training) program at New River Community College, which can tailor training for new industries. He also highlighted a national study showing West Virginia leads in business survival rates for businesses opened in 2019. Councilwoman Nancy suggested holding a monthly police recognition event. Councilwoman Trish thanked the city manager for quick response to sign removal and encouraged cleanup. Councilman Cody discussed parking issues and supported the idea of changing parking configurations. The city manager reported meeting with a developer about two lots uptown for parking and mentioned starting the open burning season on October 1. - First reading of ordinance: Ordinance amending Beckley City Code Chapter 15 Section 38 regarding vape/smoke shop abandonment. The ordinance clarifies that a change of ownership is treated as abandonment, requiring any new owner to comply with the existing zoning ordinance, including the vape shop ordinance adopted in September 2025. The council approved the first reading unanimously. - Resolutions: Three resolutions were approved: 1. Resolution approving the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles Governor’s Highway Safety Program Grant Funds of $920 (amount unclear from transcript). 2. Resolution approving the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles Governor’s Highway Safety Program Grant Funds of $45,000. 3. Resolution for the open burning ordinance, effective October 1 through December 31, 2026, requiring property owners to notify the fire department before burning vegetation, and allowing the fire department to order cessation if burning affects health or safety. - New business: - Appointment of a new member (referred to as “rehab”) to the Raleigh County Library Board of Directors for a five-year term. Approved unanimously. - Fiscal year 2027 road salt procurement through the statewide contract with a single bidder. The price is $139 per ton with a minimum of 900 tons. The contract includes a flexible clause allowing up to 20% variance. Approved. - Discussion about scheduling a workshop to further discuss a code assessment or other items; possible next council meeting. Key Outcomes - Police recognition: Four officers were formally recognized for their lifesaving actions. No vote required. - First reading of ordinance: Approved unanimously. Second reading will occur at the next council meeting. - Resolution 1 (grant $920): Approved unanimously. - Resolution 2 (grant $45,000): Approved unanimously. - Resolution 3 (open burning): Approved unanimously. - Library board appointment: Approved unanimously. - Road salt procurement: Approved for fiscal year 2027 at $139/ton, minimum 900 tons.

The Beckley City Council held its regular meeting on August 19, 2026. The meeting included approval of the August 4 minutes, three public comments, updates from council members and the city manager, and public hearings on two ordinances. The council approved a property donation and a recreational trail lease agreement. Public Comments & Testimony - Mary West highlighted an 80-year-old neighbor’s nearly $10,000 electric bill and urged the city to help. She also criticized traffic signal timing and unsafe street conditions, and requested enforcement of speed limits on LaRue Avenue. - Tom Mosley (Ward 3 resident) advocated for traffic calming and safer streets, warning that an accident is inevitable. He stressed that safety is nonpartisan and called for concrete solutions. - Lorenzo Wood (lifelong Beckley resident and business owner) shared a personal history of hardship and asked officials to show more patience and kindness to citizens facing difficulties. He noted upcoming court dates that conflict with his work. Council and Staff Reports - Council Member Janine expressed hope for progress on MacArthur Street and the litter control ordinance. - Council Member Kip thanked Chris Graham and department heads. - Council Member Frank thanked police and code enforcement, praised unity, and noted efforts in East Park. - Council Member Nancy reported meeting with Chief Bailey and the city manager to address safety concerns. - Council Member Natalie delivered a lengthy tribute to Pastor Danny Lusk, who volunteers to clear brush on Pinewood Drive, and urged residents to follow his example of community service. - Mayor responded to public comments, highlighted proactive problem-solving by staff (Susan and Phil Gerald), congratulated Leslie Baker for a successful Honey Festival, and noted a record 350+ new students at WVU Tech. He announced the governor’s visit tomorrow to discuss water projects. - Council Member Sherry reported that code enforcement issued permits totaling $73,326, corresponding to building and renovation values of $14,658,264, indicating strong business investment in Beckley. She also recognized teacher Sam Urick. - City Manager Mr. Gerald thanked staff, announced a reorganization placing Mitch Lehman in outdoor economic development reporting to him, and noted that Leslie Baker’s mother is hospitalized. Ordinances and Public Hearings - Property Donation Ordinance (Second Reading): The council approved an ordinance authorizing the city to accept a 4.75‑acre gift of surface real estate in the Glen Morgan addition from Tim Buckland, which will benefit the sanitary board. No public comments were received. - Recreational Trail Lease Ordinance (Second Reading): The council approved an ordinance authorizing a lease with Beaver Coal Company for developing non‑motorized recreational trails (hiking, biking, horseback riding). Mitch Lehman noted that fewer than 15 U.S. municipalities have over 10 miles of trails within their jurisdiction, making this a significant step for the Beckley Outdoors Initiative. No public comments were received. Key Outcomes - Approved minutes from the August 4 regular council meeting (unanimous voice vote). - Approved Ordinance authorizing property donation from Tim Buckland (unanimous voice vote). - Approved Ordinance for recreational trail lease with Beaver Coal Company (unanimous voice vote). - Council directed staff to follow up on concerns raised by citizens, including the high electric bill, traffic safety, and speeding enforcement.

The Beckley City Council met on August 4, 2026, for a regular meeting. The council approved the minutes from the July 21 meeting, heard public comments from five residents, discussed various community issues, and passed several ordinances and resolutions. All votes were unanimous. Approval of Minutes - The council approved the minutes of the July 21, 2026, regular meeting as presented by a voice vote (all ayes, no nays). Public Comments & Testimony - Mary West expressed frustration with street patching on LaRue Avenue, stating it "has more cracks than the people on crack" and requested full resurfacing and asphalt for the public parking lot. She also complained about unsupervised children with toy guns at a park and lifeguards allegedly encouraging fights, urging the city to address park safety. - Tom Mosley thanked Councilman Darrell for keeping Kanawha Street a two-way street. He reported illegal signage by roofing companies on Kanawha Street (citing state code 1719-1) and requested enforcement. He also thanked Mr. Bowling's crew for cleaning up an encampment behind a resident's house and pleaded for action on speeding citywide, noting police efforts but asking for more. - Christina Basin raised concerns about two aggressive dogs (a white pit bull and a brown-and-white dog) in the Bowling Addition neighborhood that had been killing cats. She criticized the animal control response, but the mayor and councilman Cody reported that the dogs were picked up on Sunday, August 2, and that the city had authorized purchase of three additional kennels due to shelter capacity. She offered to share ownership information. - Lisa Dowden complained about potholes, particularly near Walmart and on Queen Anne Street (noted to be outside city limits). She requested repair of the basketball court at East Park on Broadway Street (half the court is slanted and broken). She also thanked the Lily Lion Roaring initiative and the Linda Kipling Stadium event for distributing school supplies and showing a movie. - Lane Acred (of 421 Hall Street) pleaded for action on speeding on his street, which was recently reduced from 25 mph to 15 mph but remains hazardous. He reported vehicles leaving the road and entering his yard, and requested speed humps (as opposed to speed bumps) and expressed frustration with lack of response from his ward representative. Council and City Manager Comments - Council members thanked department heads, Chief Bailey, and the city manager for their work. They noted the soft opening of Jack's Cafe uptown, upcoming Appalachian Arts and Crafts Fair (over 200 vendors, expected 5,000+ attendees), and the 25th anniversary 9/11 memorial service. - Councilman Cody reported on dog issues, requested a turn signal study for Third and Fourth Avenues from Robert C. Byrd Drive, and praised Pastor Lusk for beautifying Maxwell Hill. - City Manager Gerald thanked his staff, mentioned paving projects (including Lincoln Street via community grant), and proposed a beautification award program for each ward, recalling a past practice of planting trees. - Councilwoman Barbera shared that her parents received a white dogwood tree from the city in 1982 for their lawn. Ordinances - First Readings - Property Transfer & Donation Agreement: The council approved a first reading of an ordinance authorizing acceptance of a 4.75-acre surface property in Glen Morgan Edition (tax map parcel ID 24-00440) donated by Tim Bucklin. The property is near the sewage treatment plant. Motion carried (all ayes). - Recreational Trail Lease Agreement: The council approved a first reading of an ordinance authorizing a lease with Beaver Coal Company for property to develop non-motorized recreational trails open to the public. Motion carried (all ayes). Ordinances - Second Reading & Public Hearing - Minnesota Avenue Transfer to WVDOT: The council held a public hearing (no public comments) and approved a second reading of an ordinance transferring Minnesota Avenue to the West Virginia Department of Transportation Division of Highways. The state will assume maintenance and snow removal. Councilman Reedy confirmed in writing that the state will not change the two-way traffic flow on South Kanawha Street. Motion carried (all ayes). Resolution - FY2026 Annual Action Plan for CDBG Funding: The council adopted a resolution approving the annual action plan for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) from HUD. Treasurer Evan Dewey explained the plan is required to draw down federal funds and will be used primarily for paving and road reconstruction. Motion carried (all ayes). Old Business - CDBG Consulting Services Award: The council awarded the bid for community development consulting services to Urban Design Ventures, which scored highest on qualifications, experience, and price. Motion by Councilwoman Sherry Hunter, seconded, and carried (all ayes). New Business - City Manager Contract Renewal: The council approved a one-year employment agreement renewal for City Manager Philip T. Gerald, effective immediately through June 30, 2027. The salary remains $110,000 with no increase. Motion carried (all ayes). Adjournment - The meeting adjourned by motion with no executive session.

The Beckley City Council held its regular meeting on July 22, 2026, at 2:51 PM. The meeting included approval of previous minutes, public comments from residents, presentations by city officials, first reading of an ordinance to convey Minnesota Avenue to the West Virginia Department of Transportation, approval of vehicle purchases and a budget revision, and appointments to city commissions. Consent Calendar - Minutes: The minutes from the July 7, 2026 regular council meeting were approved unanimously without discussion. - Appointments to Commissions: All appointments were approved unanimously: - Beth Shoemaker to the Planning Commission for a three-year term (Councilwoman Nancy Bullock recused herself due to a family relationship). - Jill Moorefield, Andrew Wheeler, and Sarah Torres to the Beautification Commission for three-year terms each. Public Comments & Testimony - Mary West: Expressed frustration with loose dogs and lack of enforcement of leash laws, stating she broke a toe when a dog was turned out on her. She called for stricter enforcement and cleanup of pet waste. She also referenced existing laws for noise and animals, urging the council to act. - Tom Mosley: Opposed the proposed Minnesota Avenue ordinance (first reading) and asked council to consider its implications. He thanked police for addressing speeding in his area but noted the problem persists, particularly late Sunday evenings. - Douglas Terry (English professor at WVU Tech): Invited council members to participate in question-and-answer sessions for an upcoming honors English class designed to bridge students with the community. He provided his contact information and emphasized the small class size (20 students). - Thomas Parham: Raised three issues: (1) a hole left in his driveway and the highway by the water company after a winter repair, asking who is responsible; (2) code enforcement concerns at 509 Hunter Street, where tenants lack water and electricity and have accumulated debris; (3) a dirty bathroom at New River Park shelter 1 on June 26, 2026, for which he requested a refund of the deposit. City staff promised follow-up. - Joyce Parham (speaking after Thomas): Continued concerns about 509 Hunter Street, noting a lien on the property and rats seen on the property. She also paid $50 to have grass cut on a property owned by Oscar Enterprises and requested code enforcement action. - Regina Pennell (called forward by Councilwoman Janine): Complained about dogs running through her yard at F Street and about speeding cars. She said she had previously reported the issue two years ago without resolution. She also mentioned a large hole in the road that causes water runoff into her yard. Discussion Items - First Reading of Ordinance – Conveyance of Minnesota Avenue: City Attorney Mr. Fowell explained that WVU Tech and the West Virginia Division of Highways requested the city convey Minnesota Avenue (which is surrounded by the WVU Tech campus) to the state. The road would then be maintained by the Division of Highways, including improvements and snow removal. Mr. Fowell assured council that South Kanawha Street will remain a two-way street (not become one-way) and that the roundabout at Johnstown Road and Kanawha remains planned. The ordinance was approved on first reading; a public hearing and second reading will be held at the next council meeting. - Award of Bid for Police and Fire Vehicles: Councilman Cody Reedy presented that two bids were received for two 2027 Ford F-150 police responders for the fire department and seven Ford Police Interceptor cruisers for the police department. The lowest bidder, Stevens Auto Center, offered $416,412. The bid was approved unanimously. - FY 2026-2027 General Fund Budget Revision: Finance Director Evan presented a budget revision required by the state auditor’s office to update the beginning balance estimate. The revision increases the beginning balance by $2 million. The revision includes: - $1.1 million increase to contingencies, maxing out at 10% of the total budget (recommended as a flexible “rainy day” fund). - $200,000 increase to government capital outlay for one-time expenses, including HVAC replacement at city hall and other buildings, and asbestos removal in city-owned properties. - A placeholder for debt service on Fire Station 3 (a $3.8 million balloon payment due in 2029). The revision was approved unanimously. Key Outcomes - Minutes approved unanimously. - First reading of Minnesota Avenue conveyance ordinance approved (second reading to follow after public hearing). - Bid awarded to Stevens Auto Center for $416,412 for new vehicles. - FY 2026-2027 budget revision approved. - Appointments approved: Beth Shoemaker to Planning Commission; Jill Moorefield, Andrew Wheeler, and Sarah Torres to Beautification Commission. - Meeting adjourned after a motion and second, with no executive session held. Announcements and Recognitions - Council recognized two police officers who rescued people from a flooded car on Urd Avenue. - Councilwoman Janine honored Councilwoman Sherry Hunter for her retirement as director of education for the Raleigh County Solid Waste Authority, highlighting a newspaper feature that called her “the trash lady.” - Fire Chief reported a successful firefighter recruitment cycle: 74 completed applications, a 48% increase over the previous cycle, aided by open houses, social media, and a QR code for applications. - Upcoming events were announced, including National Night Out (August 1), Beckley Art Center exhibit (August 2), and various summer activities.

The Beckley City Council met on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at 7:42 PM. The meeting included approval of minutes, public comments from three residents, second reading and approval of a property purchase ordinance, receipt of vehicle bids, approval of an updated coal severance fund estimate, receipt of proposals for community development consulting, and a brief executive session. Council members also provided updates on city events and department achievements. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the June 16, 2026, regular council meeting were approved as presented by a voice vote with no opposition. Public Comments & Testimony - Mary West raised several concerns: she requested the Board of Public Works clean up rubbish left in the alley after she paid to have the lot cleaned; she urged the city to hire more personnel for Public Works and to fix the asphalt at New River Park, where she nearly had an accident; she also requested additional speed bumps on LaRue Avenue. She expressed support for increased funding for Public Works. - Don Hernandez spoke about the partial closure of Archer Street behind the Black Knight Pension Club. He submitted a petition, maps, and photos showing that the street is no longer passable due to overgrowth and trees. He requested the city close the street entirely so that property owners can add the right-of-way to their deeds. Council members noted they have previously discussed similar alleyway issues and will follow up. - Tom Mosley addressed ongoing speeding problems on Hall Street. He thanked council members who visited the area but noted the speeding has worsened. He reported that a neighbor was threatened after asking a driver to slow down. Mosley requested speed bumps or other physical deterrents, stated that signs are ineffective, and offered to meet with council to find a solution. Council members assured him the issue is taken seriously. Discussion Items - Second Reading and Public Hearing – Purchase of 703 Hartley Avenue: City Attorney Fowle presented the ordinance authorizing the city to purchase the property for $75,000 on behalf of the Beckwood Sanitary Board, covering the property and any flood damage claims. No public comments were received. The council voted unanimously to approve the ordinance. - Receipt of Bids for Police and Fire Department Vehicles: Two sealed bids were opened for two 2027 Ford F-150 Police Responders for the Fire Department and seven 2027 Ford Police Interceptor Cruisers for the Police Department. Mid-State Ford LLC bid $417,160; Stevens Auto Center bid $416,412. The bids will be reviewed by the police and fire chiefs, recorder-treasurer, and council at large for possible award at a future meeting. - Coal Severance Fund Approval of Updated Estimate: Evan reminded the council that this is an annual administrative process to update the beginning cash balance of the coal severance fund to $105,570. A resolution was required; the council unanimously approved the update. - Receipt of Proposals for Community Development Consulting Services: Four proposals were received from Hatfield Architects PLLC, Erman Design Ventures LLC, Burton Planning Services, and Laura Cox Planning and Design. Council members noted the need to select the most qualified firm (not necessarily the lowest cost) and discussed the importance of reviewing the citizen participation plan, neighborhood revitalization strategy, and the city’s comprehensive plan. The proposals will be reviewed by the recorder-treasurer, city manager, and council members Sherry Hunter and Cody Reedy. - Council and City Manager Updates: Council members gave brief reports: - Councilwoman Janine thanked department heads and congratulated Councilwoman Sherry Hunter on her retirement after 25 years of service. - Councilman Frank encouraged public participation and collaboration to solve city problems. - Councilwoman Nancy acknowledged the concerns of Tom Mosley and Don Hernandez and promised to work on solutions. - Councilwoman Natalie reported that two local Special Olympians won gold medals, announced a mental health facility event at the VA hospital on Thursday at 1 PM, and thanked Public Works for keeping trails clean. - Mayor Neal thanked all staff, noted the successful Bill Withers Festival and July 4th celebration, and announced upcoming events including the Appalachian Festival and Hometown Hall of Fame banner unveiling on August 1. - Councilwoman Sherry Hunter recognized local students who passed the AP U.S. History exam and commended Mayor Neal for preserving the Mountain State Golf Classic, which set a record with 160 golfers. - Councilwoman Cody had no comments. - City Manager Gerald thanked his staff, congratulated code enforcement officer Jeannie Campbell for securing an additional $17,000 demolition grant, and announced the completion of fiber optic and telephone upgrades for city buildings. He also thanked police for handling fireworks-related calls. Key Outcomes - Minutes approved (unanimous voice vote). - Ordinance authorizing purchase of 703 Hartley Avenue approved (unanimous voice vote). - Bids for police and fire vehicles received; will be reviewed for future award. - Coal severance fund update approved (unanimous). - Community development consulting proposals received; will be evaluated by a committee. - Executive Session: Council entered executive session for a brief period; upon return, it was stated that no decisions or votes were taken. - Meeting adjourned by unanimous motion.