Charleston City Council Regular Meeting - January 5, 2026
Charleston City Council Regular Meeting - January 5, 2026
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.
Meeting Transcript
Thank you so much. Good evening. Council will please come to order. Members of council, please rise. Well, Council Member Over Street leads us in prayer this evening. So many did not make it through twenty twenty-five. Empower us with your wisdom that comes with a diversity of thoughts and experiences that you have blessed this city council with. Help us to continue to have the empathy and compassion in our decision making that will be needed for the difficult times ahead as policies set forth in other places affect our city. We pray that you would help us to come up with some unique solutions to homelessness, drug addiction, and mental health issues while also standing firm for the public safety of our community. We pray for the health and safety of each and every city employee and their families, and we're truly thankful for our mayor and administration. In Jesus' name we pray, amen. Amen. Thank you so much. I'd like to ask at this time the children of Treasurer Ben Adams, Hoy and Catherine, to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. And to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible with the justice for all. Thank you, Hoy. Thank you, Catherine. Amazing job. When he is prepared, the clerk will please prepare the machine for roll call. Every member of City Council, have you voted. All twenty-six. Thank you so much. The clerk will now please close the machine. Every single member of council is here this evening. The clerk will please read the journal. Madam President. Yes. There's a motion on the floor. We dispense with the reading of the journal hearing and seeing no objections. The reading of the journal is dispensed with. Having been duly appointed to the office of city solicitor. For the city of Charleston, West Virginia. For the city of Charleston, West Virginia. Do solemnly swear. Do solemnly swear. That I will support the Constitution of the United States and the state of West Virginia. That I will support the Constitution of the United States and the State of West Virginia. And that I will faithfully and impartially discharge. And that I will faithfully and impartially discharge. The duties of said office. The duties of said office. That I will not during my term of office. In any way or manner. In any way or manner. Become pecuniarily interested. Become pecuniarily interested. Directly or indirectly. Directly or indirectly. In any contract with the city.
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