Public Meetings - Charleston, West Virginia

The Charleston City Council held its regular meeting on Monday, January 5, 2026, at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers at City Hall. All 27 council members were present, and Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin presided. The meeting included the appointment of a new City Solicitor, the Mayor's State of the City Address, approval of multiple vehicle and equipment purchases, introduction of a new levy continuation bill, and remarks from council members. Appointment of City Attorney - Mayor Goodwin appointed Joseph Baldwin as City Solicitor, who was sworn into office following the roll call. State of the City Address - Mayor Goodwin delivered her 2026 State of the City Address, highlighting progress and future plans. Key points included: - Over 700 structures demolished since she took office, with vacant lots being turned into homes via the Charleston Land Reuse Agency. - Tens of millions invested in parks, ADA-accessible playgrounds, LED streetlights, bike lanes, and public art. - Plans for a $20 million Public Safety Center, $5 million in EMS/fire station renovations, $25 million Capital Connector along the riverfront, and $5 million in citywide road repairs (a $2 million increase). - Over $315 million in private construction investment over the past three years, including Poca Valley Bank's new headquarters, TC Energy's $60 million building, and $22 million in housing by Woda Cooper. - The City is in discussions with The Hull Group to acquire the Charleston Town Center Mall, calling it the largest economic development project in 40 years. - Other community initiatives: Hearts of the Neighborhood grants (picnic table by Girl Scouts, chess tables by Richard Doneghey), the Ascend relocation program (Charleston selected as 6th location), and a partnership with Charleston Urban Works in Kanawha City. Public Comments & Claims - No public speakers registered. - A claim from Dominic Jones alleging vehicle damage was referred to the City Solicitor. Reports of Committees – Finance - Nine resolutions were presented by Councilmember Jenkins (Finance Chair) and approved unanimously. All purchases are budgeted and sourced through competitively bid statewide contracts (except Resolution 26-008, which is a competitively sourced contract). - Resolution 26-001: Purchase of one Ford F-150 crew cab pickup for Engineering ($44,700) from Thornhill Ford. - Resolution 26-002: Purchase of one Ford F-150 extended cab pickup for General Services ($42,396) from Thornhill Ford. - Resolution 26-003: Purchase of one Ford F-150 extended cab pickup for Parks and Recreation ($42,396) from Thornhill Ford. - Resolution 26-004: Purchase of one Ford F-150 regular cab pickup for the Street Department ($37,968) from Thornhill Ford. - Resolution 26-005: Purchase of two Jeep Compass Trailhawk 4x4 vehicles for Development Services ($66,258) from Stephens Auto Center. - Resolution 26-006: Purchase of three Jeep Compass Trailhawk 4x4 vehicles for Parking Systems ($99,387) from Stephens Auto Center. - Resolution 26-007: Purchase of one Chevy Express 15-passenger van for Parks and Recreation ($45,549) from Stephens Auto Center. - Resolution 26-008: Purchase of a SimMan ALS manikin with tablet, accessories, and technical coverage for the Fire Department ($51,133.95) from Laerdal Medical Corporation. - Resolution 26-009: Purchase of one Chevy Express 2500 cargo van for the Police Department ($38,747) from Mid-State Auto. - During discussion on Resolution 26-005, Councilmember Snodgrass asked whether vehicles are assigned to individuals for take-home use. City Manager Ben Mishoe responded that the majority are not take-home vehicles; take-home assignments are limited to positions requiring after-hours call-out. New Bills - Bill No. 8066 was introduced by Councilmember Jenkins, proposing a continuation of additional levies for fiscal years 2027–2030 for general governmental expenses. The question will be submitted to voters at the primary election on May 12, 2026. The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. Remarks by Council Members - Councilmember Snodgrass expressed concern about low police officer staffing, noting the budgeted strength of 174 officers but actual numbers dropping to 153, with further losses from the academy. She urged the administration to boost police salaries to remain competitive and avert a crisis. - Councilmember Faegre praised the Mayor and administration for their extraordinary work, highlighted the effectiveness of the CARES team, and thanked public safety personnel. - Councilmember Pharr announced the annual MLK event on January 19th at the MLK Center (11 AM) and expressed pride in voting for economic development projects like Slack Plaza, which now features chess tables and has become a positive community space. Key Outcomes - All nine resolutions (26-001 through 26-009) were adopted unanimously. - Bill No. 8066 was introduced and referred to the Finance Committee. - The claim of Dominic Jones was referred to the City Solicitor. - The next regular council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 7:00 PM. The meeting adjourned at 8:07 PM.

The Charleston City Council held its regular meeting on December 15, 2025 at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers at City Hall, adjourning at 7:26 PM. The meeting featured public comments, unanimous approval of a zoning amendment for digital signs, two service contracts, and closing remarks from council members. Public Comments & Testimony - Jeff Joseph (owner of Pigley Wiggly on Spring Street) spoke in support of updating the city's digital sign regulations, stating the new sign would be a plus for the West Side and improve communication. Note: The official minutes record Mr. Joseph as speaking in favor of Resolution No. 25-115 (cemetery mowing contract), but the transcript indicates his comments were about Bill No. 8065 (digital sign amendments). This discrepancy is noted. - Tara Raymo read a passage from the Bible (John 1:1–18) as a Christmas message. - Claims: Two claims were filed against the city (Samuel McCray for vehicle damage; David Miller for property damage). They were referred to the city solicitor. Discussion Items - Bill No. 8065 – Digital Display Sign Regulations: Councilmember Hoover, chair of the Planning, Streets and Traffic Committee, presented the bill. The amendment removes the previous restriction limiting digital freestanding signs to an area of 12 square feet or less. Digital signs must still comply with all other regulations: a minimum 15-minute static display, brightness limits (5,000 nits daytime, 250 nits nighttime), and prohibition in the Central Business District and East End Overlay District. The Planning Commission and committee both unanimously recommended passage. Councilmember Robinson confirmed the change is "more business friendly," and Councilmember Kerns supported it as an asset. The bill passed unanimously (25 yeas, 0 nays, 2 absent: Burka and Snodgrass). - Resolution No. 25-115 – Mowing and Leaf Blowing Services for Spring Hill Cemetery: Councilmember Jenkins explained the resolution authorizes a contract with VBM Buildings and Grounds for 2026, with two optional renewal years. The contract is priced per service ($18,000 per mowing, $3,000 per leaf blowing), awarded through competitive bidding. The frequency is determined by the Cemetery Director. The resolution passed unanimously. - Resolution No. 25-116 – Purchase of Dump Trucks for Street Department: Councilmember Jenkins noted the purchase of three International and one Kenworth dump trucks from Worldwide Equipment, totaling $727,376, is part of the normal replacement cycle and budgeted for the current fiscal year. The resolution passed unanimously. - Reports of Officers: The City Treasurer’s Report and Municipal Court Report for November 2025 were received and filed. Councilmember Remarks - Mayor Goodwin thanked city employees for winter weather response, announced the departure of Assistant City Manager Jessica Wintz‑Adams, and reminded the public about holiday warming centers and food donations. - Councilmember Kerns acknowledged the passing of Councilmember Burka’s mother. - Councilmember Robinson thanked all members for their service in 2025 and noted the upcoming filing deadline for council seats (January 31, 2026). - Councilmember Solomon announced a free public training on how to run for office, to be held Thursday, December 18 at 5:30 PM at the main library (room 311A). - Councilmember Faegre reported several major break‑ins in Ward 5 and thanked the Charleston Police Department for their response. - Councilmember Annie thanked the Public Works Department and highlighted the success of the incentive policy that has led to 40% of Charleston firefighters becoming paramedics, improving life‑saving capabilities. Key Outcomes - Bill No. 8065 (digital sign regulations) passed unanimously (25–0–2). - Resolution No. 25-115 (cemetery mowing contract) passed unanimously. - Resolution No. 25-116 (dump truck purchase) passed unanimously. - The next regular meeting is scheduled for January 5, 2026 at 7:00 PM.

The Charleston City Council met on Monday, December 1, 2025 at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers at City Hall. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin, followed by an invocation by Councilmember Kerns and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Councilmember Taylor. All 25 members present were recorded, with Councilmembers Burka and Rubio absent. The meeting lasted until 7:18 PM and was one of the shortest of the year. Public Comments & Testimony - Dural Miller spoke about Miss Ruby's Corner Market at 739 Central Avenue on the West Side. He noted that the market recently ranked 3 in grocery store rankings in the Charleston area and thanked the community for its support. He also mentioned the Miss Ruby's Garden in the back, which promotes agriculture and developing more farmers. Proclamations - Mayor Goodwin read a proclamation declaring December 2025 as Shop Local Month in Charleston, West Virginia. She recognized several local small business owners present in the audience, including Mara Boggs (Charleston Airlines), Todd Goldman (KRT system, small business owner), Andy and Ted Powell (Powell Howard), Kelly Dunlap (Tops Off), Scott Pettit (Pettit Jewelry Designs), Jeannie Stevenson (Echo Lit), Darrell Miller (Miss Ruby's Corner Market), and Dr. Alison Jarrett DDS. Discussion Items - Bill No. 8061 – Fireworks Prohibition in City Parks and City-Owned Property Councilmember Robinson, Chair of the Committee on Ordinance and Rules, presented the bill to amend Section 54-191 of the Municipal Code. The amendment clarifies that consumer fireworks are prohibited in any City park or on City-owned property without advanced written approval from the city. Existing regulations on fireworks use (age, distance from buildings, time restrictions, etc.) remain unchanged. Councilmember Robinson moved for approval, seconded by Councilmember Hoover. Key Outcomes - Bill No. 8061 passed unanimously (25 yeas, 0 nays, 0 abstentions). - The City Treasurer's Report and Municipal Court Report for the month ending October 2025 were received and filed. - Mayor Goodwin announced that West Virginia State Football Championships will return, games scheduled for Friday and Saturday at noon and 7 PM, and that the Holly Jolly Brawley event was a great success. She thanked public works, police, fire, and volunteers for their work. - Councilmember Cook thanked the Parks and Recreation Department for ensuring children had access to food during the Thanksgiving holiday week and for hosting holiday meals at several recreation centers. - Councilmember Moore thanked everyone who helped with the 19th Annual Earl Wilson Community Thanksgiving Dinner, noting Councilmembers Farr and Solomon assisted. - The next regular meeting is scheduled for December 15, 2025 at 7:00 PM.

The Charleston City Council held its regular meeting on November 17, 2025, at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting included public comments on police excessive force, discussion and votes on three finance resolutions, and announcements. Key actions included approval of a retiree health plan with a $200 out-of-pocket increase, purchase of 12 police vehicles, and cybersecurity equipment. Public Comments & Testimony - Rico Moore (attorney, lifelong resident) expressed concerns about a specific police unit (Special Enforcement Unit) and called for real accountability, stating he received multiple complaints from the community. - Olubumi Kusimo-Frazier (attorney, former Kanawha County prosecutor) described extrajudicial punishment, a culture of misconduct, and a lack of respect for authority, asking for oversight. - Geoffrey Cullop (attorney) asked for a full, comprehensive public investigation of unnecessary force by members of the SEU and warrants unit, citing videos and policies that show escalation rather than de-escalation. - Tara Raymo read passages from the Bible (Luke 15 and 1 Chronicles 16). Discussion Items - Resolution No. 25-112 – Retiree Health Plan: Authorized contracting with Amwins Group Benefits for Medicare-eligible retiree health coverage (Option 5) for plan year starting January 1, 2026. The plan has no premium increase for retirees but raises the annual out-of-pocket maximum from $300 to $500. Finance Director Andy Wood noted the plan affects 564 retirees. Councilmember Snodgrass proposed an amendment to switch to Option 4 (keeping out-of-pocket at $300), which would have cost the city an additional $68,000 (total city increase of $184,000). The amendment failed. After debate, the resolution passed 21-3-1 (Councilmember Overstreet abstained as a plan participant). Councilmembers Kerns, Faegre, and Snodgrass voted no. - Resolution No. 25-113 – Police Vehicle Purchase: Authorized the purchase of twelve 2026 Ford Interceptors from Thornhill Group, Inc. at a total price of $806,450.36, including upfitting. The lowest bidder did not meet specifications. Passed unanimously. - Resolution No. 25-114 – Cybersecurity Equipment: Authorized an agreement with Advizex for $58,766.43 to purchase firewall and edge routers for Information Systems. Passed unanimously. - New Bill No. 8065 (introduced by Councilmember Mary Beth Hoover) – To amend the zoning ordinance regarding digital display sign sizes. Referred to Municipal Planning Commission and Planning, Streets and Traffic Committee. Key Outcomes - Resolution 25-112 adopted (21 yeas: Annie, Ceperley, Cook, Ferrell, Gardner, Gianola, Haas, Hoover, Jenkins, Jones, King, Moore, Pepper, Pharr, Robinson, Rubio, Salango, Solomon, Steelhammer, Taylor, Mayor Goodwin; 3 nays: Faegre, Kerns, Snodgrass; 1 abstain: Overstreet). - Resolution 25-113 adopted unanimously. - Resolution 25-114 adopted unanimously. - Remarks and Requests: Councilmember Solomon advocated for establishing a citizen or council review board for police accountability. Councilmember Snodgrass requested a total amount the city has paid in lawsuits against CPD. Councilmember Pepper thanked the Mayor and City Manager for support of the West Virginia International Film Festival. The next regular meeting is December 1, 2025.

The Charleston City Council met on November 3, 2025, at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers. The council approved zoning and traffic changes, holiday parking waivers, fuel and salt purchases, a basketball court acquisition, and a $70,000 budget amendment to address the SNAP benefits crisis. A public speaker requested community dialogue, a Veterans Day proclamation was read, and outgoing City Attorney Kevin Baker was honored. Public Comments & Testimony - Mark Tabbert asked the council to host public discussions on national issues, including immigration enforcement and political divisions. He expressed frustration with the lack of accessible dialogue and requested the city take a nonpartisan lead in facilitating civil conversations. Discussion Items - Bill No. 8063 – Rezoning of 1319 Bigley Avenue from I-2 Light Industrial to C-8 Village Commercial. Councilmember Hoover noted the property currently has a house and rezoning gives the owner more options. Passed unanimously. - Bill No. 8064 – Establishing a 20 MPH speed limit on Garvin Avenue from Washington Street West to Gilbert Drive. Councilmember Hoover stated Councilmember Overstreet worked with the community to curb speeding. Passed unanimously. - Resolution No. 25-106 – “Citizen Appreciation Parking” on six Saturdays (Nov 29, 2025 – Jan 3, 2026), waiving metered on-street parking fees with an estimated revenue loss of $2,300 per Saturday. Adopted. - Resolution No. 25-107 – Authorizing the Mayor or City Manager to enter fuel purchase agreements through KRT bids on November 19, 2025. Councilmember Gardner disclosed his wife is KRT CFO; no conflict. Adopted. - Resolution No. 25-108 – Purchase of a used portable basketball court and accessories for the Coliseum from Robbins Sports Surfaces for $208,560. Councilmember Jenkins noted the court replaces a 15-year-old used court. Adopted. - Resolution No. 25-109 – Contract with Morton Salt Inc. for road salt at $111.56 per ton, as-needed, fixed price for one year. Councilmember Jenkins explained the prior award to Mid-Atlantic Salt was voided due to a miscommunication; Morton Salt was the true lowest bidder. Adopted. - Resolution No. 25-110 – Amendment No. 5 to FY 2025-2026 General Fund Budget, shifting $70,000 from Contingency: $10,000 to Parks and Recreation for food at community centers, and $60,000 to the CARE Office for the Kanawha Valley Collective. Passed unanimously. - Resolution No. 25-111 – Memorandum of Understanding with Kanawha Valley Collective for a $60,000 grant for food distribution in November and December 2025. Councilmember Jenkins confirmed 100% goes to food purchase. Adopted. - Proclamation – Recognizing November 11, 2025 as Veterans Day in Charleston, presented to local Veterans Day coordinators. Remarks by Members - Mayor Goodwin thanked the IS Department and Clerk’s Office for the new AV and voting system, and announced City Attorney Kevin Baker is leaving after seven years, praising his service. - Councilmember Solomon expressed gratitude for the food assistance funding, noting SNAP benefits for West Virginia total $46 million per month, with Charleston missing about $1 million per month. Approximately 16% of West Virginians use SNAP, affecting about 7,300 Charleston residents, half of whom are children. - Councilmember Cook (works for a Feeding America food bank) emphasized the severity of the food crisis and that SNAP benefits may still be weeks away. She urged continued awareness for future SNAP changes in 2026. - Councilmember Kerns highlighted that SNAP purchases make up 30-40% of grocery store income, and reported 22 veteran suicides per day, advocating for suicide prevention efforts. She noted a free dinner program at First Baptist Church on Shrewsbury Street. - Councilmember Pharr announced a ribbon cutting for Vital Flow, a new IV hydration business housed at the Charleston Area Alliance, which supports 35 businesses in its incubator program. She also noted the Atlas Building has been fully leased for five years. - Councilmember Annie thanked Kevin Baker for his fairness and professionalism, wishing him well in his new role. Key Outcomes - Bill No. 8063 (zoning change) passed unanimously (22-0-2 absent). - Bill No. 8064 (speed limit) passed unanimously via previous roll call. - Resolution No. 25-106 (holiday parking) adopted by voice vote. - Resolution No. 25-107 (fuel purchase) adopted by voice vote. - Resolution No. 25-108 (basketball court) adopted by voice vote. - Resolution No. 25-109 (road salt) adopted by voice vote. - Resolution No. 25-110 (budget amendment) passed unanimously (22-0-2 absent). - Resolution No. 25-111 (food grant) adopted by voice vote. - Meeting adjourned at 7:47 PM; next regular meeting set for November 17, 2025 at 7:00 PM.

The Charleston City Council met on Monday, October 20, 2025, at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers at City Hall. The meeting included public comments, a proclamation for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, appointments to city commissions, and approval of six finance resolutions totaling over $800,000 for fire department equipment, budget amendments, road salt, software, and a property transfer. Councilmembers also made remarks on public safety, crosswalks, and mental health. The meeting adjourned at 7:33 PM. Public Comments & Testimony - Jennifer Bauman spoke in favor of expanding public comment time, noting the current limit of ten minutes for five speakers, and requested more time for the public to address council on important issues. - Tara Raymo read a passage from the Bible (Romans 3:10–20) without additional comment. Proclamations - Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin proclaimed October 2025 as Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Charleston. Patty from the West Virginia Breast Health Initiative spoke about the organization's services, including providing mammograms for uninsured individuals, transportation to treatment, and the importance of awareness. Appointments - Maria Belcher (term to February 7, 2029) and Sam Nygard (term to February 7, 2028) were appointed to the Public Arts Commission. Confirmed unanimously. - Julia Moran (term to April 6, 2029) was appointed to the Spring Hill Cemetery Park Commission. Confirmed unanimously. Finance Committee Resolutions - Resolution No. 25-100 – Authorized the purchase of two ambulance cots, one chest compression system, two monitors/defibrillators, and five stair chairs for the Charleston Fire Department from Stryker Medical in the amount of $202,424.53. Adopted unanimously. - Resolution No. 25-101 – Approved Amendment No. 4 of the FY 2025-2026 General Fund Budget, moving funds for fire truck repair (including an approximately $90,000 insurance reimbursement and a $50,000 deductible). Adopted by roll call: 24 yeas, 0 nays, 3 absent (Burton, Gianola, Snodgrass). - Resolution No. 25-102 – Authorized an agreement with Atlantic Emergency Solutions for repairs to Charleston Fire Department Fire Engine 455 in the estimated amount of $142,961.08. Adopted unanimously. - Resolution No. 25-103 – Authorized a one-year contract with Mid-Atlantic Salt, LLC for road salt at $85.00 per ton, with no minimum quantity and a fixed price. Adopted unanimously. - Resolution No. 25-104 – Authorized an agreement with Zones, LLC for VMWare software subscription services for Information Systems in the amount of $56,130.99. Adopted unanimously. - Resolution No. 25-105 – Authorized the transfer of the property known as City Park from Vista View Apartments LP to RP Vista View LLC, and approved a payoff to the City of $395,000 (representing a 7.7% discount on original $1.2 million loans from 2005) in exchange for release of two Deeds of Trust. The new owner will keep the property affordable at least through 2045. Adopted unanimously. Reports of Officers - The City Treasurer’s Report and Municipal Court Report for the month ending September 2025 were received and filed. Remarks by Members - Mayor Goodwin thanked first responders, highlighted the Filipino American Festival and a tree planting ceremony, and announced a press conference on October 21 at 1:30 PM for USA Cycling and a new competition in Charleston. - Councilmember Faegre announced a new crosswalk from Park Avenue to West Side Middle School and efforts for another at the intersection of Central Avenue and Park Avenue. She expressed concern about drug activity witnessed by children on the West Side. - Councilmember Moore thanked the CARE Team and Charleston Police Department for their response to an incident on Friday. - Councilmember Taylor highlighted a crisis in male adolescent mental health, urging council members to pay attention to the emotional well-being of boys and young men. Key Outcomes - All six finance resolutions were adopted (five unanimously, one on a roll call vote). - Appointments to the Public Arts Commission and Spring Hill Cemetery Park Commission were confirmed. - The proclamation for Breast Cancer Awareness Month was issued. - The meeting adjourned at 7:33 PM. The next regular meeting is scheduled for November 3, 2025, at 7:00 PM.

The Charleston City Council met on Monday, October 6, 2025, at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers at City Hall. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin, with 25 members present (two excused absences). The council observed a moment of silence for the late Kitty Dooley. The agenda included public comments, proclamations, appointments, multiple finance resolutions, a B&O tax exemption bill, new bills, and member remarks. Public Comments & Testimony - Archana Narasimhan (Charleston Can't Wait) invited attendees to Democracy Labs 2.0, a bipartisan public meeting on improving public input and government transparency, to be held Thursday at 5:30 PM at the library. She emphasized the need for constructive feedback and urged continued openness from council. - Stuart McMillan (President, City Center Business Improvement District – BID) reported on BID activities: new lighting along Summer Street (funded with federal, state, and city support), new trash cans, and a BID ambassador program. He invited council to a stakeholder meeting on October 28 at 4 PM at the Kanawha Valley Foundation to discuss the lighting project. Proclamations - Filipino American History Month – October 2025 was proclaimed to honor Filipino American heritage and contributions. A representative from the Filipino American Association of West Virginia accepted. - West Virginia Municipal Government Week – October 13–19, 2025, was proclaimed, celebrating local government employees. All city employees and council members were invited to the stage for a photo. Reports of Committees – Finance All resolutions were presented by Councilmember Jenkins, Chair of the Finance Committee. - Resolution 25-091 – Authorized purchase of annual renewal of Charleston Police Department’s record management software from TriTech Software Systems for $84,389.28. Passed unanimously. - Resolution 25-092 – Authorized purchase of two HI-WAY P-8 stainless steel salt spreader machines from WV Tractor Supply Company for $27,586. Passed unanimously. - Resolution 25-093 – Authorized settlement of a claim by Robley Lushbaugh ($37,550.50 to claimant, up to $5,000 for third-party expenses) after a city trash truck rear-ended and totaled a 2024 Honda CR-V. No personal injury. Passed (majority vote). - Resolution 25-094 – Authorized transfer of $800,000 from the Opioid Settlement Fund to the CARE Office Fund to continue operation of the Coordinated Addiction Response Effort (CARE) programs (Quick Response Team, Mental Health Coordinator, Crisis Intervention Team) through FY 2027, due to expiration of federal grants. Passed (majority vote). - Resolution 25-095 – Approved Amendment No. 3 of the FY 2025-2026 General Fund Budget, recognizing approximately $29,000 in unclaimed property from the West Virginia Treasurer to repave outdoor basketball courts. Roll call: 24 yeas, 0 nays, 2 absent (Rubio, Snodgrass). Passed. - Resolution 25-096 – Authorized a contract with Lakecrest Construction for a new storm sewer system on Chesterfield Avenue near Glenridge Road for $579,755, funded largely through a congressional directed grant from Senator Capito with a 25% city match. Passed unanimously. - Resolution 25-097 – Authorized an agreement with Insight Pipe Contracting, LLC for rehabilitation of storm sewer pipes at approximately 45 locations across the city for $365,530. Passed unanimously. - Resolution 25-098 – Authorized a one-year pilot agreement with Dynamic Graphics (South Charleston, WV) for an online uniform voucher portal for city employees. Discussion: Councilmember Kerns asked about in-city vendors; City Manager Ben Mishoe explained prior vendors went out of business and other in-city options could not provide required customization. Councilmember Faegre noted Drug Emporium and Charleston Department Store are no longer in business. Passed unanimously. - Resolution 25-099 – Authorized an agreement with the West Virginia Department of Transportation, Division of Highways, for administering and funding the Capital Connector Construction Project on roads owned by both city and state. Required by federal grant. Passed (voice vote, mayor declared adoption). - Bill No. 8058 – Amended Municipal Code Section 110-63 to exempt from business and occupation tax: (1) any business with less than $2,500 in annual gross income, and (2) sale of new automobiles. Effective July 1, 2025, to comply with state law. Councilmember Jenkins noted administration opposed the auto exemption. Councilmember Faegre stated the $2,500 rule would cost the city approximately $3,000 annually. Councilmember Solomon spoke against the bill and voted no. Roll call: 23 yeas, 1 nay (Solomon), 2 absent. Passed. Reports of Officers - City Treasurer’s Report for month ending August 2025. - Municipal Court Report for month ending August 2025. - City Center Business Improvement District FY 2024 Annual Report. All received and filed. New Bills - Bill No. 8063 (Introduced by Councilmember Kerns) – To rezone 1319 Bigley Avenue to C-8 Village Commercial District. Referred to Planning, Streets & Traffic Committee. - Bill No. 8064 (Introduced by Councilmember Overstreet) – To establish a 20 mph speed limit on Garvin Avenue from Washington Street West to Gilbert Drive. Referred to Planning, Streets & Traffic Committee. Appointments - Appointments to Spring Hill Cemetery Park Commission: Bill Harvett (term to April 6, 2030), Mary Jean Davis (term to April 6, 2031), Tom Tolliver and Nina Payton (reappointed, terms to April 6, 2029), Bobby Reichmann (reappointed, term to April 6, 2031). Confirmed by voice vote. Remarks by Members - Mayor Goodwin – Thanked city employees and council for participating in Charleston Walks; announced a public input session for the Charleston Land Reuse Agency; noted new AV equipment improving transparency. - Councilmember Pepper – Thanked Parking Director Terri Allen for coordinating with the West Virginia International Film Festival (November 13–16, 2025), which will reopen part of the former Park Place Cinemas. - Councilmember Ferrell – Thanked Charleston Fire Department and Public Works for their professionalism following the death of his cousin, Scott Schrader; reported that the cousin’s house was broken into multiple times after his death, with firearms and medications stolen. Urged better protections for citizens in life and death. - Councilmember Pharr – Honored the memory of Kitty Dooley, recalling their collaboration on the honorary street renaming and her ability to listen and bring people together. Key Outcomes - All resolutions (25-091 through 25-099) and Bill No. 8058 were adopted as described. - Two new bills were introduced and referred to committee. - Appointments to the Spring Hill Cemetery Park Commission were confirmed. - The meeting adjourned at 8:04 PM. The next regular meeting is scheduled for October 20, 2025, at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers.