Charleston City Council Regular Meeting – September 21, 2026

The Charleston City Council met in regular session on Monday, September 21, 2026, at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers at Charleston City Hall, with Mayor Amy Schuler Goodwin presiding. The meeting featured three public speakers, five claims against the city, four proclamations, the election and swearing-in of a new council member, passage of two traffic bills and a fire department equipment purchase resolution, introduction of three new bills, and several member announcements.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Zach, executive director of the festival organization, reported that the summer festival's first ten-day schedule in the organization's 20-plus-year history was "a resounding success" and credited city services and council support. He announced FestiFall, the 15th festival, kicking off September 30 with five days of music, dance, theater, and art, including a world-debut cabaret show by Charleston native and Hollywood actress Ann Magnuson, the Harvest Art Fair at Capitol Market featuring over 30 local and regional artisans, a Grateful Dead tribute at City Center on October 3, a first-ever dance bus with the West Virginia Dance Company, and a carriage trail leaf walk.
• Tara read selected verses from the Book of Revelation (chapters 1, 3, 15, and 22, circa A.D. 90–96).
• Martes Washington, a former mayoral candidate, thanked council members for their work behind the scenes and proposed a constituent services approach so residents do not "fall through the cracks," including more active city use of social media for weather, road closure, bridge, and water main updates. He expressed frustration that the city spent $100 million on the Civic Center yet is told "there's nothing we can do," pointed to South Charleston's flourishing as a visible contrast, and urged the city to use its capital city status to draw people through Charleston. He called for honest signage about river water quality and amenities such as showers for river users, and urged community action on youth violence following the murders of 17-year-old KJ and Denah, advocating a return to "village" engagement.

Claims Against the City

• The clerk read five claims: property damage claims by Philip Ely, Quentin Ellis, Loretta Lily Evans, and Deborah Elaine Holt, and a personal injury claim by Gil Lopez, all of Charleston. All claims were referred to the city solicitor.

Proclamations

• Hunger Action Month (September 2026): The proclamation cited that 17.7% of West Virginia residents, including one in four children, experience food insecurity, with nearly 35,000 individuals affected in Kanawha County, and that Mountaineer Food Bank distributed more than 3.7 million pounds of food in Kanawha County in 2025. Councilwoman Caitlin Cook and Mountaineer Food Bank representatives were recognized.
• West Virginia Goes Purple / National Recovery Month (September 2026): Recognizes individuals in recovery and works to reduce stigma, with purple ambassadors in all 55 West Virginia counties. A volunteer praised Mayor Goodwin as "one of the most exemplary mayors in this entire state" and invited attendees to the West Virginia Goes Purple Recovery Fest on Saturday.
• Save a Life Day (September 24, 2026): The proclamation cited 1,063 fatal overdoses recorded in Kanawha County between 2020 and 2025, and that last year's Save a Life Day distributed 7,236 doses of naloxone through nearly 20 events in Charleston and Kanawha County, the highest number distributed by any participating county nationwide. Councilmembers Sullivan and Steelhammer and the Charleston Care Team, especially Sarah, were recognized for their life-saving work.
• Lights of Hope Week (September 27 – October 4, 2026): More than 13,000 West Virginians are diagnosed with cancer each year; the proclamation recognized the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. Katie from the American Cancer Society and numerous families were honored.

Election of New Council Member

• The mayor called for nominations to fill the vacant council seat. Jessica Hudson was nominated, seconded, and elected by acclamation, then sworn into office. She has lived in Kanawha City for 20 years, is a graduate of West Virginia State, served on the Kanawha County and Charleston Health Department, and has professional experience in both health care and finance. Note: The agenda identifies the vacancy as Ward 18, while the mayor's remarks referenced Ward 8.

Discussion Items

• Bill No. 8089 (No Parking Anytime zone): Creates a no-parking zone on the northerly side of Main Street from a point 151 feet east of Florida Street to a point 315 feet east of Florida Street, amending the Traffic Control Map and Traffic Control File. Councilwoman Hoover explained that a business owner reported trucks parking at all hours and blocking the entrance to his building. The Planning, Streets and Traffic Committee recommended approval unanimously; the bill passed with the ayes in the majority.
• Bill No. 8090 (Cook Drive speed limit): Establishes a 20 MPH speed limit on Cook Drive from Cantley Drive to the end of Cook Drive. Councilwoman Hoover stated that speeding is widespread across the city and that the lower limit gives police officers "a little bit more teeth" in enforcement. The bill passed.
• Resolution No. 26-110 (Fire Department equipment): Authorizes the mayor or city manager to purchase two LifePak 35 monitors/defibrillators, one Power Pro cot, and one Lucas 3v3 chest compression system, all with accessories, from Stryker Medical for a total of $166,471. Councilmember Jenkins stated the items are a budgeted upgrade and replacement of existing equipment. The resolution passed. Note: The agenda listed "4 Chest Compression system," while the resolution and transcript specify one Lucas 3v3 system; Councilmember Jenkins noted that the resolution contains the corrected number.

Reports of Officers

• General fund, Coliseum and Convention Center, and Parking financial statements for the 11-month period ending May 31, 2026; the City of Charleston payroll variance analysis for August 2026; and the City Treasurer's report for the month ending August 2026 were received and filed.

New Bills

• Bill No. 8093 (Councilmember Hoover): Establishes a handicapped parking zone on the southerly side of Corrier Street east of Referner Avenue, amending the Traffic Control Map and Traffic Control File; referred to Planning, Streets and Traffic.
• Bill No. 8094 (Councilmember Salango): Establishes a stop intersection at Bridge Road and Walnut Road, giving the Bridge Road southerly approach the right-of-way, amending the Traffic Control Map and Traffic Control File; referred to Planning, Streets and Traffic.
• Bill No. 8095 (Councilmember Solomon): Amends Charleston City Charter Section 14 regarding the filling of council vacancies, establishing a transparent and particular procedure for council's existing authority to fill vacancies while preventing the temporary appointment process from conferring an electoral advantage on a person simultaneously seeking election to a vacant seat; referred to Ordinance and Rules.

Remarks by Members

• Councilwoman Cook thanked the council for supporting Hunger Action Month, noting that over 312,000 West Virginians face food insecurity. She highlighted Mountaineer Food Bank programs (senior boxes, mobile pantries, Veterans Table) and a produce market with Step by Step that served 671 total individuals, including 154 children and 214 seniors, and invited members to volunteer.
• Councilmember Jones apologized for remarks made the previous week, saying they were not "a good witness" and were not council-like, and apologized to anyone offended.
• Councilmember Solomon described his "How Can I Help" farewell tour, having completed six canvases across multiple wards with at least ten planned, and thanked city staff including Dan Brent, Chief Brett Webster, Director Hartline, and City Engineer Aaron Morris for troubleshooting issues; he invited colleagues to join upcoming walks.
• The mayor announced CLRA public input sessions beginning the week of October 1 at 5:30 PM at St. Anthony's School, the West Side Gateway Lighting Project, and progress on firehouse renovations, the Capitol Connector, the Public Safety Building, the Hearts of the Neighborhood projects, and the Eugene Carter Memorial Bridge.

Key Outcomes

• Jessica Hudson was elected by acclamation and sworn in to fill the vacant council seat.
• Bill No. 8089 and Bill No. 8090 were passed; Resolution No. 26-110 was passed.
• Five claims against the city were referred to the city solicitor; officer reports were received and filed.
• Bills 8093, 8094, and 8095 were introduced and referred to committees.
• The council adjourned until October 5, 2026, at 7:00 PM.