Charleston City Council Regular Meeting - April 6, 2026

The Charleston City Council met on April 6, 2026, at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting included public comments, proclamations, appointments, and approval of several financial resolutions. Council also recognized the George Washington High School boys' basketball team for their state championship.

Public Comments & Testimony

• An unidentified speaker expressed personal gratitude for the city's treatment over the past five years, stating they are happy with the City of Charleston and how they have been treated.
• Shamika Robinson spoke on behalf of the community, questioning the status of the "Reset" program (Restoring Ruptured Relationships, Establishing Connections, Strengthening Alliances, Empowering Leadership, Transforming our Community) and the subsequent "C Corps" (Charleston's Council for Outreach and Empowerment). She noted that according to community feedback, these groups are not active and asked for clarification on their current status.
• Anish criticized the administration, referring to the mayor as a "Faithless Actress" and alleging that Councilmember Steelhammer voted to raise insurance deductibles and increase police spending. He expressed frustration with officials "passing the buck."
• Lisa Odie, a candidate for the Kanawha County Board of Education, introduced herself and outlined her platform of transparency, teamwork, and support for teachers. She urged council members to remember her name and vote for her on May 12th.
• Quentin Ellis praised the city's rapid response (4 minutes) to a blockage at his newly purchased home. He questioned the "term limit circus," arguing that the ballot box is the proper term limit and that removing experience limits choices. He also urged the council to restore the rifleman plaque, claiming its removal during COVID-19 was political and lacked proper council process.

Proclamations & Recognitions

• Proclamation recognizing April 13–19, 2026 as Architecture Week in Charleston.
• Proclamation recognizing April 2026 as Parkinson's Awareness Month, with Councilmember Jones presenting to affected community members.
• Proclamation recognizing April 11–17, 2026 as Week of the Young Child, presented to representatives from early childhood programs.
• Certificate of Recognition presented to the George Washington High School boys' basketball team for winning the WVSSAC Class AAAA state championship in double overtime. Coach Green praised the team's character and leadership potential.

Appointments

• Dennis Strawn reappointed to the Green Team (filling a vacant seat). Approved unanimously.
• James Young appointed to the Municipal Planning Commission (term expiring July 1, 2029). Approved unanimously.
• Eric Arnold appointed to the Board of Zoning Appeals (term expiring January 1, 2029). Approved unanimously.

Discussion Items

• Resolution 26-038: Authorizing purchase of one 2026 Chevy Express cargo van for the Police Department from Mid-State Auto for $38,747. Finance Committee recommended approval. Adopted.
• Resolution 26-039: Authorizing a 3-year contract extension with Motorola Solutions for 180 body-worn cameras for the Police Department, not to exceed $383,040 over three years. Police Chief confirmed cameras are issued to officers from Lieutenant rank and below, and to higher ranks during special details. Adopted.
• Resolution 26-040: Authorizing purchase of two 2027 International HV607 dump trucks for the Street Department from Worldwide Equipment of WV Inc. for $367,514. Adopted.
• Resolution 26-041: Authorizing Amendment No. 7 of the FY 2025-2026 General Fund Budget. Councilmember Jenkins explained the amendment includes the summer youth jobs program, Urban Works Canal City Liaison, special demolition fund ($750,000 for public safety building internal demolition), GoMart Ballpark enhancements, and grant matches. Councilmember Nuller asked about the $2.6 million increase to unassigned fund balance; it was clarified as the rollover balance from FY2025. Councilmember Solomon asked about city service fee capital projects funds; they were explained as an additional $1 million for paving. Vote: 25 yes, 1 abstention (Councilmember Farr). Adopted.
• Resolution 26-042: Authorizing purchase of seven trucks and upfitting for Street Department, Public Grounds, Parks and Rec, and Spring Hill Cemetery from Mid-State Chevrolet and Mid-State Ford for $578,791. Adopted.
• New Bill No. 8076: Introduced by Councilmembers Jenkins and Cook to amend city code regarding fees, rates, and charges for use of city-owned parks and recreational facilities. Referred to Parks, Recreation, and Finance Committee.

Key Outcomes

• All five resolutions (26-038 through 26-042) were adopted. Resolution 26-041 passed 25-0 with one abstention; others passed by voice vote.
• All three appointments were confirmed.
• The next regular council meeting is scheduled for April 20, 2026 at 7:00 PM. A special meeting to lay the levy will be held on April 21, 2026 at 5:30 PM.

Councilmember Remarks

• Mayor Goodwin highlighted the pre-bid meeting for the public safety center (six contractors attended), swearing in of six new police officers, renovations at Firehouse 4, and the youth art exhibit (160 submissions). She announced a partnership between Family Care Health Centers and the Charleston Health Department, and reminded of cleanup events on April 18 and May 2.
• Councilmember Gardner thanked volunteers serving on boards and committees, noting the importance of the BZA.
• Councilmember Fagry praised the CARES team (specifically Kevin Johnson) for quick response to a lost individual at Shoney's. She requested street cleaning schedules for the west side, deer crossing signs on Edgewood Drive, and addressed speeding concerns. She also congratulated Patrick Jones II for being named Kanawha Valley Coach of the Year.
• Councilmember Farr noted a successful Wiz-themed gala fundraising for the skate park, announced a maternal health fair on April 11 at 108 Washington Street West, and shared a tragic story of a 32-year-old pregnant woman who died in childbirth, emphasizing the need for maternal health resources. She also thanked the community and the partnership with the health department.