Public Meetings - Fairmont, West Virginia

The Fairmont City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 7:00 PM. Mayor Bolliard presided, and all council members were present: Rice, Morien (also referred to as Moran), Horton, Wade, Weber, Sol, McDaniel, and Newsom. The meeting opened with prayer by Reverend Isaac Harmon and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Councilmember Sol. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The council unanimously approved the minutes from the May 26, 2026 regular meeting with no corrections. Announcements - Councilmember Moran announced that "Come From Away" will open at Fairmont State and tickets are on sale, describing it as a hopeful show about humanity after 9/11. - Councilmember Wade announced that the 304 softball league is playing at Wimmell Park, with T-ball and lower divisions games daily between 5 and 6 PM, encouraging public attendance. - Councilmember Sol thanked Councilmember Wade for the softball league and noted positive feedback, also mentioning Fairmont Little League teams wrapping up seasons and preparing for district tournaments. - Councilmember Newsom reported attending a ribbon cutting for pickleball courts at McPark and seeing a new wave machine at the Wave Tech pool, commending McPark as a remarkable partner. City Manager's Report - The City Manager reported on ongoing infrastructure planning, particularly around wastewater treatment, water, and stormwater projects. He noted experiencing "PTSD every time it rains" and highlighted specific projects on Locust Avenue, Colrun Hollow watershed, and the east side in Hickman Run. Grant applications are being submitted to address these issues, and conversations with private developers are ongoing. - The Morgantown Avenue Stormwater Project has received bids from three contractors, currently under review, with potential scope expansion. - The City Manager praised the ribbon cutting for Parkside Coffee on Merchant Street, commending Jeff Mayerfield and partners for their investment. - He also commended community members involved in the Fairmont Farmers Market, noting its success despite some rain, and the city's partnership with trash collection. Key Outcomes - Ordinance First Reading and Public Hearing: The council introduced an ordinance to correct the name of the transit authority from "Fairmont Marion Transit Authority" to "Fairmont Marion County Transit Authority." A public hearing was set for June 23, 2026, approved unanimously. - Reappointment to Housing Authority: The council approved the reappointment of Jay Rogers to the Fairmont Morgantown Housing Authority for a five-year term ending June 30, 2031, via a roll call vote with all members in favor. - Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned with a unanimous vote.

The Fairmont City Council met on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 7:00 PM (presumed) for a regular meeting. The meeting included citizen comments, a city manager's report, and several resolutions and appointments. Key topics included a resolution of intent to issue up to $20 million in tax increment financing (TIF) bonds for the Momentum Adventure Park and West Fork River Trail extension, and a resolution authorizing the submission of grant applications for fiscal year 2026-2027. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The council unanimously approved the minutes from the May 13, 2026 meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - Reverend Wesley Dobbs (Carolina, WV) provided an update on the Dunbar Foundation. He stated that he will not let the foundation or the historic building go, and that grass has been cut and no trespassing signs have been posted at the request of city staff to enable police enforcement. He asked how a leak in the utility building affects the city. Mayor Bolyard responded that the building is important and suggested finding volunteers for repairs if the foundation cannot address it. Reverend Dobbs affirmed they are pursuing the leak fix and a historic designation, and have an active board of directors. City Manager Blosser offered to have the city team sit down with him to work through issues. Council thanked him for the update. Discussion Items - City Manager's Report: Travis Blosser reported that business license renewal mailings are underway with a fee reduction to a standard $10 rate for most businesses (alcohol licenses unchanged). He highlighted two major grant applications: a BRIC grant for storm drainage repairs on Park Drive (estimated $1.0–1.2 million) and a grant for full construction documents for drainage issues in Cole Run Hollow/Locust Avenue corridor. He also discussed the Build America 250 Act and its $3.7 billion for Safe Streets for All grants with rural set-asides, and noted coordination with West Virginia's congressional delegation (Senator Capito and Congressman Moore) on a $10 million request for sewer system improvements. - TIF Resolution (Resolution of Intent to Reimburse Expenditures): The council considered a resolution declaring intent to reimburse eligible expenditures from proceeds of TIF bonds (up to $20 million) for projects in the City of Fairmont Redevelopment District 1, specifically Momentum Adventure Park, the West Fork River Trail extension, and improvements to the Davis Electric Building. City Manager Blosser provided an extensive explanation, noting that this resolution is the first step in a multi-stage process and does not authorize bond issuance. He stated the bond team includes bond counsel Tom Amin (Steptoe & Johnson) and underwriters Crews & Associates. The resolution is necessary to allow reimbursement of legal and design costs incurred before bond issuance. The council voted 7-1 to adopt, with Councilmember Weber voting no. - Omnibus Grant Resolution: The council adopted a resolution authorizing the city manager or designee to submit grant applications for fiscal year 2026-2027 to various entities. The resolution passed unanimously (8-0). - Appointments to Boards and Commissions: The council unanimously approved: - Treasurer Wyckoff to the Arts and Humanities Commission (term expiring June 30, 2029) - Christian Cox to the Arts and Humanities Commission (term expiring June 30, 2029) - Chayla Olivito to the Arts and Humanities Commission (term expiring June 30, 2029) - Laura Candell to the Board of Zoning Appeals as alternative member (term ending June 25, 2029) - Dan Sweiger to the Board of Zoning Appeals (unexpired term ending January 1, 2028) - Chris Yost to the Fairmont Planning Commission (unexpired term ending September 17, 2026). City Manager Blosser recommended Mr. Yost, noting his involvement in the upcoming comprehensive plan process. Key Outcomes - TIF Resolution Adopted: The resolution of official intent for reimbursement was approved (7-1, Weber no). The city will proceed with TIF bond feasibility analysis; bond issuance will require future council action including a public hearing. - Omnibus Grant Resolution Adopted: Unanimous approval authorizing grant applications through June 30, 2027. - All proposed appointments confirmed unanimously. - City Manager directed to meet with Reverend Dobbs to address Dunbar Foundation issues. - Meeting adjourned following the last appointment.

The Fairmont City Council held a work session on May 26, 2026, to review the Housing Needs Assessment Study conducted by Bowen National Research, funded in part by a Cultivate Grant from the West Virginia Community Development Hub. The study provides a comprehensive analysis of housing demand, supply, and gaps within the city and Marion County. The presentation, led by Patrick Bowen, highlighted critical housing shortages, demographic trends, and recommendations for addressing affordability and blight. Council members discussed the implications for workforce retention, senior housing, and neighborhood revitalization, and accepted an offer for a follow-up employer survey. Key Outcomes - Motion to Excuse Deputy Mayor Rice: Approved with a second, allowing Deputy Mayor Rice to be excused from the work session. - Presentation Received: The council formally received the Housing Needs Assessment Study and committed to integrating its findings into the city's upcoming comprehensive plan. - Employer Survey Offer Accepted: Council accepted Patrick Bowen's offer to provide a sample employer survey to gauge workforce housing challenges and employer interest in solutions. - Next Steps: The city will explore forming a housing coalition or task force, continue blight mitigation efforts, and engage developers using the study's data on available sites and housing gaps. Discussion Items - Housing Needs Assessment Presentation: Patrick Bowen of Bowen National Research presented key findings. Fairmont has seen stagnant household growth but faces a net housing gap of approximately 1,200 units (643 rental, 551 for-sale). Rental vacancy is critically low (2% for non-conventional rentals; 98.7% occupancy in surveyed apartments). For-sale inventory is at 0.6% availability, well below the healthy 2-3% range. Median home prices rose $39,000 over four years, reaching $245,000. Over 8,300 workers commute into the city daily, many of whom would likely move to Fairmont if suitable housing existed. The study identified 17 potential development sites and noted 59 blighted structures remain. Recommendations include focusing on affordable workforce housing, senior housing (due to aging population), home repair programs, and proactive developer outreach. - Councilmember Comments and Q&A: Mayor Bullion highlighted that the study has already informed discussions on downtown upper-floor conversions and the transfer of Fairmont Community Development Partnership properties to Augusta Development. Councilmember Moran noted that the rental market is substandard and that employers like WVU Medicine and Fairmont State University struggle to attract workers due to lack of housing. Councilmember Wade raised concerns about middle-income homeowners who need repair assistance but do not qualify for income-restricted programs, and asked about successful blight remediation models. Patrick Bowen offered examples from Huntington, West Virginia, and suggested a revolving loan home repair program as a possible solution. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made during this work session.

The Fairmont City Council held its regular meeting on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 7:00 PM. The meeting began with a prayer led by Reverend Carl Radcliffe and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Councilmember Weber. Two proclamations were presented: Community Action Month and National Police Week. The council approved previous minutes, heard a public hearing with no speakers, received a citizen's petition, listened to the city manager's report, and voted on a pending ordinance and a new budget resolution. Public Comments & Testimony - Citizen's Petition: Mike Eastep (700 1/2 Morgantown Avenue) spoke on behalf of the Fairmont Council of Churches. He invited council members and city leaders to a hot dog event on May 30, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Pavilion 2 at East Marion Park. He explained that member churches are writing a prayer for the city, collecting gratitudes, challenges, and hopes, and requested that council members participate and be part of the prayer. The event coincides with Fairmont Senior's graduation but is expected to be brief. Discussion Items - City Manager's Report: - Morgantown Avenue Stormwater Project: The project is out for bids, with a mandatory pre-bid meeting held on May 12. Bids are due by June 4, 2026, at 2:00 PM at the Fairmont Wastewater Treatment Plant. The project will completely reconstruct Morgantown Avenue from East Park Avenue to Hammond Street, including new water, sewer, stormwater, gas, electric, and fiber utilities, as well as a new roadway, sidewalks, and additional parking. The city will work to maintain access to active businesses during construction. - Congressionally Directed Spending Request: Senator Capito has submitted a $10 million request for the Phase 1 sanitary sewer project (estimated total cost: $108 million) to the committee. This is an initial step, and continued support will be needed to secure funding in the FY27 budget. - Gateway Connector Asphalt Resurfacing: A contract has been signed for a $1.5 million project to resurface the Gateway Connector. Work is expected to begin soon. Additionally, several dead trees along the Gateway Connector (notably near Fairmont Federal Credit Union) are being evaluated for removal and replacement in coordination with the resurfacing. - Street Light Conversion: Mon Power has replaced approximately 50 street lights on Speedway Avenue with LEDs as part of a service call-driven program. The city is in discussions with Mon Power about a comprehensive three-year citywide LED conversion plan. - Public Works: Crews are cleaning and sprucing up the city for upcoming community events, including repainting curbs in response to council requests. - Upcoming Work Session: A work session on May 26, 2026, at 5:30 PM will feature a presentation on the housing needs assessment. - Two-Year Anniversary: The city manager noted that May 13, 2026, marks two years since he signed his contract with the city, thanking council and staff for their support. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The council unanimously approved the minutes from the April 28, 2026 meeting as presented. - Public Hearing: A public hearing was held for an ordinance authorizing the renewal of a letter of credit (No. 2001-525) from West Banco Bank in an amount not to exceed $750,000 for the city's self-insured workers' compensation requirements for fiscal year 2026-2027. No one spoke for or against the ordinance, and the hearing was closed. Key Outcomes - Ordinance – Letter of Credit Renewal: The council voted unanimously (8-0) to adopt an ordinance authorizing the renewal of the letter of credit from West Banco Bank in an amount not to exceed $750,000 for workers' compensation self-insurance requirements for FY2026-2027. - Resolution – Budget Revision: The council voted unanimously (8-0) to adopt a resolution providing for the fourth and final amendment to the City of Fairmont's 2025-2026 annual budget (general fund). This revision incorporates year-end cleanup and adjustments. - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned following the vote on the resolution.

The Fairmont City Council met on April 28, 2026, at 10:55 p.m. UTC (presumably evening local time). The meeting included roll call, opening ceremonies with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, a proclamation, approval of minutes, a public hearing on a rezoning ordinance, announcements, citizen comments on water quality, a city manager's report on federal funding efforts, and votes on several ordinances and resolutions. Consent Calendar - Minutes of April 14 Regular Meeting: Approved unanimously. - Minutes of April 21 Levy Meeting: Approved unanimously. Proclamations - Mayor read a proclamation declaring May 2026 as Foster Care Awareness Month in Fairmont, recognizing the National Youth Advocate Program (NYAP) and the importance of foster families, kinship givers, and child welfare professionals. Public Hearings - Rezoning Ordinance (Public Hearing): An ordinance to rezone parcels 12, 12.1, 14, 15, 48 (Tax Map 04-02) and parcel 98.2 (Tax Map 04-07) in the Grant Annex District from General Residential to Neighborhood Residential. Planning Director Shay Strait reported that the planning commission unanimously recommended the rezoning and that it aligns with the comprehensive plan. Keith Axon (Thrasher Engineering) spoke in favor on behalf of two private petitioners. An additional speaker praised the St. James Gate development as a major housing opportunity and commended the developers. No one spoke in opposition. Councilmember McDaniel noted that public hearings at the planning commission level also had no opposition and that the developer addressed all questions. The public hearing was closed. Citizen's Position - Dr. Don Belusky: Spoke about health risks from chlorine in the water supply, including the formation of carcinogenic trihalomethanes, microplastics, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). He suggested considering alternative disinfection methods (e.g., UV, reverse osmosis) and urged the city to explore funding through levies or grants to improve water quality. No questions were asked by council. Announcements - Councilmember Moran: Announced weatherization grants from North Central West Virginia Community Action for energy efficiency improvements. - Councilmember Horton: Inquired about the status of demolition of the Sears property on Merchant Street; Mayor stated the matter is ongoing litigation and would follow up after the meeting. - Councilmember Wade: Thanked the city for demolishing a condemned property at 115 View Avenue, noting it was completed in one day. - Councilmember Newsom: Announced the National Day of Prayer event on May 6, 2026, at 6 p.m. at Palatine Park, which also marks the official park opening. City Manager's Report - City Manager reported on a recent trip to Washington, D.C., with utility staff. Key meetings included Senators Capito and Justice, and Congressman Moore. Highlights: - $10 million congressionally directed spending request for Phase 1 of the $108 million sanitary sewer improvements. - Resubmission of a $1.8 million brownfield grant for the Helmick site (previously high-scoring but not awarded; tweaks made). - $500,000 brownfield assessment grant (follow-up to a successful existing grant). - $1.55 million USDOT planning grant for Locust Avenue improvements (flooding and pedestrian safety), with potential future construction grant up to $25 million. - Water system improvements at the technology park in Whitehall, in coordination with the West Virginia High Technology Foundation. - Also noted that the Morgantown Avenue Stormwater Project is expected to go out for bid in May 2026, with substantial completion by late 2027 and final completion in 2028. Discussion Items - Pending Business: Rezoning Ordinance – Council discussed and then voted on the ordinance introduced earlier in the public hearing. - New Business: Letter of Credit Renewal – Ordinance to renew a letter of credit (up to $750,000) with West Banco Bank for self-insured workers' compensation requirements. A public hearing was set for May 13, 2026. - New Business: Flexible Benefit Plan Resolution – Adoption of the City of Fairmont's cafeteria plan for full-time employees, effective July 1, 2026. Approved. - New Business: Purchasing Procedures Resolution – Approval of revised purchasing procedures effective July 1, 2026. Approved. Key Outcomes - Rezoning Ordinance: Passed unanimously (9-0) via roll call vote. Councilmembers voting yes: Wade, McDaniel, Moran, Rice, Newsom, Horton, Weber, Sowell, Mayor Bowyard. - Resolution for Flexible Benefit Plan (Cafeteria Plan): Passed unanimously (9-0) via roll call vote. - Resolution for Purchasing Procedures: Passed unanimously (9-0) via roll call vote. - Public Hearing for Letter of Credit Renewal: Set for May 13, 2026. - Meeting Adjourned: Motion passed unanimously.

The Fairmont City Council met on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at approximately 20:26 UTC, with Mayor Bollyard presiding. All council members were present (Rice, Moran, Horton, Wade, Weber, Sowell, McDaniel, Newsom). The primary agenda item was a public hearing and adoption of a resolution setting the city's levy (property tax) rates for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026 (FY27). After a brief discussion, the resolution was approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Mayor Bollyard opened the public hearing on the proposed levy rates. No members of the public spoke in favor of the resolution. One councilmember (unidentified in the transcript) then raised questions during the council discussion segment, effectively serving as the only substantive input. Discussion Items - Levy Rate Resolution: Mayor Bollyard described the resolution as the final step in months of budget work, setting the levy rates for abnormal taxes and finalizing the FY27 budget. - Councilmember Questions: One councilmember inquired about two line items: (1) the animal control tax, noting that the city contributes approximately $61,800 (listed as "dog warden and humane society") while the county provides the same amount; the member expressed concern that animal control services are sometimes unresponsive. (2) An $11,000 allocation for arts and humanities, which the member had not recalled discussing. The mayor and/or city staff responded that the animal control funding is partly mandated by state law and based on a contractual relationship with the county (comparing it favorably to Weirton's higher costs), and that the $11,000 for arts and humanities (with $10,000 being a recurring grant) has been in the general fund for several fiscal years. - The councilmember requested a detailed breakdown of animal control expenditures. Mayor Bollyard agreed to discuss it offline, noting the levy hearing itself focused on property tax rates. Key Outcomes - Adoption of Levy Resolution: After the public hearing was closed, a motion to adopt the resolution was made and seconded. Council voted by roll call: all eight members and the mayor voted "yes." The resolution passed unanimously. - Adjournment: A motion to adjourn was made, seconded, and carried by voice vote.

The Fairmont City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall. Mayor Bowyard presided with all eight council members present (Rice, Moran, Horton, Wade, Weber, Sowell, McDaniel, Newsom). The meeting began with a prayer by Reverend Tony Jones and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Councilmember Wade. The council approved three proclamations, adopted two resolutions, heard citizen petitions, and received a detailed city manager's report. Proclamations - Child Abuse Prevention Month – The Mayor read a proclamation declaring April 2026 as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Fairmont, urging community collaboration to reduce child abuse. Mike Baker accepted on behalf of the cause. - Sexual Assault Awareness Month – A proclamation recognizing April 2026 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, emphasizing prevention, support for survivors, and community action. A representative from HOPE Inc. thanked the council and noted that sexual violence is 100% preventable. - Week of the Young Child – Recognizing April 11–17, 2026, as the Week of the Young Child, highlighting early childhood education. A representative from Sunbeam Early Learning Center (the only NAEYC-accredited center in Marion County) spoke about the importance of early learning and brought staff and grandchildren. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes – The minutes from the March 24, 2026, council meeting were approved unanimously with no corrections. Public Comments & Testimony - Marion County Transit Authority Update – Caitlin (address: 1078 Brookside Drive) reported 2025 data: over 20,000 community rides (including Fairmont State, Pierpont, daycares, field trips) and over 15,000 paratransit trips (dialysis, opioid response, medical). Veterans, Fairmont State students/staff, and Pierpont affiliates ride free. She noted that if 100–500 more residents used transit instead of private vehicles, the city could see up to a 33% reduction in emissions and personal savings of $3,000 per individual, keeping about $1 million in the local economy. - Fairmont Fitness Pool Closure Concern – Emma Lawson (308 Guffey Street) expressed concern about the pool at Fairmont Fitness (above Pizza Hut) closing. She noted that seniors, youth, and families are traveling to Bridgeport, and cited Clarksburg's city council taking over a closed YMCA. She urged the council to keep the pool open to retain families and seniors in Fairmont. City Manager's Report City Manager provided a comprehensive update: - Annexation: The city officially grew by 9.63 acres with the annexation of Carriage Drive. Map updates and billing cycle changes are underway; asphalt resurfacing for that road is included in the next paving contract. - Roadway Improvements: - Gateway Connector resurfacing: Bids received by West Virginia DOH; apparent low bid $1.5 million. Anticipated resurfacing in May. - East Side project: ADA ramp and sidewalk work ongoing on East Park Avenue, Merchant Street, Speedway. A $2.2 million grant application submitted for full sidewalk replacement along East Park Avenue (total project $2.7 million). City has matching funds. - Madison Street sidewalk work (near Veterans Plaza garage) will begin once addendum signed. - Final line striping for downtown paving project will occur this Friday, causing traffic delays. - Stormwater Repairs: Emergency repair of collapsing drainage between 6th and 7th Street on Bononi Avenue completed; asphalt resurfacing finished that day. - Parks: - Rotary Club Mini Park (Morgantown Avenue): Work mostly by city staff; asphalt paths will be contracted. Expected opening in May. - Windmill Park: Cornhole Pavilion replaced (insurance-covered). Concession stand project in final QA/QC; will go out to bid soon. - Other Projects: - Sally Fields Estate: Stormwater work and asphalt resurfacing design complete; going out to bid. - Bright Drive (west side): Surveying and discussions with Fairmont Medical Center for rerouting and raised crosswalk; will require planning commission and council action. - Momentum Adventure Park and Trail: 90% design; Davis Electric property acquisition ongoing; discussions with TIF Council and bond counsel; West Virginia DEP funding of $1 million being pursued. - Audit: FY 2024-2025 audit complete with no findings; testimony provided on strong financial management. - Economic Development: Khybar America's acquisition of the Novellus facility in Fairmont celebrated as major news; the company has strong European presence and chose Fairmont. Discussion Items - Housing Needs Assessment Resolution – Resolution approving the January 2026 Fairmont Housing Needs Assessment by Bowen National Research. Councilmember discussion noted a public work session with Bowen on May 26, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. prior to the council meeting to present findings. The resolution was adopted unanimously (8-0). - Frankenstein Craft Beer & Hot Dog Festival Resolution – Resolution endorsing the festival, sponsored by Main Street Fairmont and the Marion County Chamber of Commerce, to be held Saturday, October 24, 2026, in the downtown historic district. The resolution includes a disclaimer that no relationship is created with the city. Adopted unanimously (8-0). Key Outcomes - Votes: Both resolutions (housing needs assessment and festival endorsement) passed 8-0. - Postponement: A public hearing originally on the agenda was postponed to Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. - Next Meeting: Council will reconvene on April 21, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. for the laying of the levy (reconvened from a prior meeting), and the regular meeting adjourned.