Beckley City Council Meeting - July 22, 2026

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.