Charleston City Council Regular Meeting – January 20, 2026
Charleston City Council Regular Meeting – January 20, 2026
The Charleston City Council held a regular meeting on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers at City Hall, with Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin presiding and 26 members present. The session included public comments, recognition of youth sports teams and community organizations, approval of multiple financial resolutions, and passage of a bill to place a special levy continuation on the May 12, 2026 primary ballot.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Susan L. Parsons read a passage from the Bible.
- Patricia Smith, a native Charlestonian who recently returned, advocated for the protection of mature trees in Charleston. She noted that over 90% of the city's trees are on private property, that the city had planted 400 trees the previous year, but that many large old-growth trees (e.g., a 53-inch stump) have been lost. She argued that trees are critical for stormwater management and infrastructure protection.
Discussion Items
- Resolution No. 26-010 – Authorized a one-year agreement with SHI for computer and server security platform (virus protection and response) at $33,133.56. Councilmember Jenkins noted this renews existing services. Passed unanimously.
- Resolution No. 26-011 – Authorized purchase of a John Deere 5075E Cab Utility Tractor with 17-foot side fold boom for the Public Grounds Department at $133,948.98 (budgeted replacement). Passed unanimously.
- Resolution No. 26-012 – Authorized an intergovernmental agreement with the West Virginia State Treasurer's Office for lockbox services for Fire Department ambulance billing payments, at no cost to the city. Passed unanimously.
- Resolution No. 26-013 – Authorized transfer of $1,000,000 from the Sinking Fund (Fund 3100) to the Other Federal Grants Fund (Fund 2083) for the required grant match for Cato Park swimming pool repairs, and transfer of the remaining balance ($1,360,820.75 plus interest) for the non-federal share of the Capitol Connector RAISE Construction Grant. Passed unanimously.
- Resolution No. 26-014 – Authorized submission of a grant application up to $2,000,000 (with a $1,000,000 city match) for improvements to the Cato Park swimming pool or other city-owned pools. Councilmember Jenkins stated the total estimated cost for the Cato Park pool is $2 million, and all four city pools require approximately $8.2 million in repairs. Councilmember Faegre questioned the cost. Passed unanimously.
- Resolution No. 26-015 – Authorized a grant agreement with the Federal Highway Administration for construction of the Capitol Connector project, with the city providing up to $1,360,820.75 in non-federal funding. Councilmember Jenkins noted the total project estimate is $26 million with a federal grant cap of $25 million. Passed unanimously.
- Bill No. 8066 – A bill ordering the continuance of additional levies (excess levy) for fiscal years beginning July 1, 2027, 2028, 2029, and 2030, to be submitted to voters at the primary election on May 12, 2026. The levy would raise approximately $5,488,871 annually (totaling $20,328,584 over four years) evenly allocated to the Police, Fire, and Parks & Recreation departments. The tax rates would be 5.03 cents/$100 (Class I), 10.06 cents/$100 (Class II), and 20.12 cents/$100 (Class IV), with no rate increase. Passed unanimously (26 yeas, 0 nays, with Councilmember Burton absent).
Key Outcomes
- All six financial resolutions and Bill No. 8066 were approved unanimously. Councilmember Burton was absent for the roll call on Bill No. 8066.
- The special levy continuation will go before Charleston voters on May 12, 2026.
- Several officers' reports were received, including the Municipal Court Report, City Treasurer's Report, General Fund financial statements, and Coliseum & Convention Center and Parking financial statements (all for periods ending December 2025 or May 2025).
- Councilmember Snodgrass requested a status update on the new public safety building (police station), noting the city has invested approximately $4 million and demolition has not started. She also highlighted that police officer pay starts below $24/hour and trails surrounding agencies, urging salary adjustments during budget season.
- Councilmember Steelhammer reported on the success of warming centers this winter, now expanded to the old gym at Breanna, serving people for multiple nights.
- Councilmember Pharr reported the MLK event drew nearly 500 attendees, distributed over 200 books, and offered mobile mammograms (16 participants).
- The next regular council meeting is scheduled for February 2, 2026 at 7:00 PM.
Meeting Transcript
Good evening, everyone. Council will please come to order. Members will please rise while Councilwoman Kearns leads us in prayer this evening, the one who shapes us in your image and called us to walk together in love. We lift our hearts to you, dreaming of a world where no one is judged by the shade of their skin, but cherished for the beauty of their soul, a world where justice flows like a mighty river, and peace stands tall like an unshakable mountain. Give us the courage to speak truth when silence feels safer, to stand with the oppressed when the cost is high, and to sow seeds of kindness where hatred has taken root. Until every child can walk in dignity, and every neighbor can live without fear. Thank you so much. Okay. I'm just gonna leave. Reading from Psalms 24. The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof, the world and they that dwell therein. For he has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the floods. Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who shall stand in his holy place? He that has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted up his soul unto vanity nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the Lord and righteousness from the God of his salvation. This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob, say law. Lift up your heads, O you gates, and be ye lifted up, you everlasting doors, and the king of glory shall come in. Who is this king of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O you gates, even lift them up, you everlasting doors, and the king of glory shall come in. Who is this king of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory, say law. Matthew 11, 25. At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast had these things, hid these things from the wise and prudent, and has revealed them unto babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in thy sight. All things are delivered unto me of my father, and no man knoweth the son but the father, neither knoweth any man the father, save the son, and he to whomsoever the son will reveal him. Come unto me, all you that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and you shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. God bless you guys. Thank you so much. Our last public speaker, Patricia Smith. Patricia. Thank you for the opportunity to speak before you this evening. Thank you all for being here tonight and serving the city of Charleston. I do appreciate the city council members and the time and talents that they share with the city of Charleston. My name is Patricia Smith. I am a native Charlestonian that has returned to the city after being away for 27 years. A little bit about me. I'm proud to say that two of my degrees are from West Virginia institutions of higher learning. And I enjoy being in nature. One of the things that I have accomplished since I've been here is I've walked a lot. I've walked through the streets of Kanawha City, I've walked in the East End, I've walked through downtown Charleston, South Hills, and along the riverbank. And here is my observation, Charleston. Your old growth trees are disappearing. First of all, you're doing a lot of things right. You have an arborist. I met with him today. You have someone who is focusing on helping you with your tree strategy.
openpublica.com