OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Fairmont City Council Regular Meeting - April 14, 2026

City Council Meetings — Tuesday, April 14, 2026
BodyFairmont, West Virginia
SessionCity Council Meetings
DateTuesday, April 14, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 48:31

Transcript — Verbatim
4:59

Good evening.

5:00

I'd like to call the Fairmont City Council regular meeting to order.

5:03

Today is Tuesday, April 14th, 2026, and it's 7 p.m.

5:08

I will ask the city clerk for roll-called members, please.

5:11

Mayor Bowyard present.

5:12

Councilmember Rice.

5:14

Here.

5:14

Council Member Moran.

5:16

Here.

5:16

Councilmember Horton.

5:17

Yes.

5:18

Councilmember Wade.

5:19

Here.

5:19

Councilmember Weber.

5:20

Here.

5:21

Councilmember Sowell.

5:22

Here.

5:23

Councilmember McDaniel.

5:24

Here.

5:25

Councilmember Newsom.

5:27

Here.

5:28

Thank you.

5:29

First, we'll be led in prayer and meditation by Reverend Tony Jones from Morningstar Baptist Church.

5:34

And then the Pledge of Allegiance by Councilmember Wade.

5:38

Let us pray.

5:41

Most gracious Heavenly Father, we thank you for this day, for this is the day that the Lord has made.

5:45

So let us rejoice and be glad in it.

5:48

Father God, I just pray for those, Father God, who stand before me.

5:52

I pray for those, Father God, who my voice fall upon their ears, Father God.

5:57

And I ask that you give them the wisdom, the knowledge, and the leadership, Father God, to make the decisions that they need to make for the edification of this small community, Father God.

6:07

In Jesus' name we do pray.

6:09

Amen.

6:22

Indivisible.

6:28

Thank you, Reverend Jones.

6:29

Thank you, Councilmember Wade.

6:31

We have several proclamations this evening, so I'll call each group up.

6:35

And if you'll join me at the podium, and we'll get started with honoring each of those groups this evening.

6:59

So first, if there's anybody here to represent for child abuse prevention month, Mike Baker.

7:10

So this proclamation, whereas children are vital to our state's future success, prosperity, quality of life, as well as being our most vulnerable assets, whereas all children deserve to have safe, stable, nurturing homes, communities they need to foster their healthy growth and development, and whereas child abuse and neglect are community responsibility, affecting both the current and future quality of a community, whereas communities that provide parents with social support, knowledge of parenting and child development, and concrete resources, all children have the chance to reach their full potential and access the unlimited opportunities that our community has to offer.

7:52

Whereas effective child abuse prevention strategies succeed because of partnerships created among citizens, advocates, the Department of Health and Human Services, schools, faith communities, health care providers, civic organization, law enforcement agencies, and the business community.

8:08

And whereas everyone in the community should become more aware of child abuse prevention and consider helping parents raise their children in a safe nurturing environment.

8:17

Now, therefore, I emball your mayor of the city of Fairmont to hereby reclaim the month of April 2026 to be child abuse prevention month in the city of Fairmont and urge all citizens to work together to help reduce child abuse and neglect significantly in the years to come and increase the participation in our efforts to support families, thereby preventing child abuse and strengthening communities in which we live.

8:50

Thank you for the work that you do.

9:40

Thank you, Mike.

9:46

And the next proclamation is for sexual assault awareness month.

9:50

So those here, you join me at the podium, please.

10:03

Whereas April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and calls to attention the fact that sexual violence is widespread and impacts every person in Fairmont.

10:12

Whereas every day women, men, children across Fairmont and our nation suffer the pain and trauma of sexual assault upon survivors in our Fairmont community.

10:22

And as during National Sexual Assault Awareness Month, we recommit ourselves to lifting the veil of secrecy and shame, surviving the sexual violence, expanding support for victims, and strengthening our response.

10:36

And whereas as a community, we share the responsibility for protecting each other from sexual assault, supporting victims when it does occur, and bringing perpetrators to justice.

10:47

Whereas at every level, we must work to provide necessary resources to victims of every circumstance, including medical attention, law enforcement, prosecution, mental health services, relocation, and housing assistance, and advocacy.

11:02

And whereas the community in and around Fairmont can come together to increase awareness about sexual violence, decrease its frequency, hold offenders accountable, support victims, and more importantly, heal lives.

11:15

Therefore, I am ball your mayor of the city of Fairmont do here claim in the month of April 2026 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month and proclaimed now is the time to take action as leaders in our community to create safe environments for all Fairmont citizens, including our youth and our educational institutions.

11:34

We must work together to educate members of our community about sexual violence prevention, support survivors, and speak out against harmful attitudes and actions.

11:44

We join advocates in communities across the country in playing an active role to prevent sexual violence.

11:50

I yearn to have set my hand and cause the great seal of the city of Fairmont to be fixed to this 14th day of April 2026.

11:57

Thank you so much for watching.

12:07

So Hope Incorporated and our sexual assault response team are very grateful that you're helping us to wear to raise awareness because that will always lead to prevention.

12:19

And as you may be already know, domestic and sexual violence are traumatic events that are 100% preventable and prevention is key to helping us to prevent them.

12:29

And so we just thank you and supporting us in our endeavor to spread awareness and empower victims and maybe one day ideally eradicate all of the violence.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Engineering And Infrastructure████████████████████20%
Procedural█████████████████17%
Public Safety████████████12%
Youth Programs██████████10%
Public Engagement██████████10%
Parks and Recreation████████8%
Affordable Housing████████8%
Economic Development██████6%
Transportation Safety█████5%
Summary of Proceedings

Fairmont City Council Regular Meeting - April 14, 2026

The Fairmont City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall. Mayor Bowyard presided with all eight council members present (Rice, Moran, Horton, Wade, Weber, Sowell, McDaniel, Newsom). The meeting began with a prayer by Reverend Tony Jones and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Councilmember Wade. The council approved three proclamations, adopted two resolutions, heard citizen petitions, and received a detailed city manager's report.

Proclamations

  • Child Abuse Prevention Month – The Mayor read a proclamation declaring April 2026 as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Fairmont, urging community collaboration to reduce child abuse. Mike Baker accepted on behalf of the cause.
  • Sexual Assault Awareness Month – A proclamation recognizing April 2026 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, emphasizing prevention, support for survivors, and community action. A representative from HOPE Inc. thanked the council and noted that sexual violence is 100% preventable.
  • Week of the Young Child – Recognizing April 11–17, 2026, as the Week of the Young Child, highlighting early childhood education. A representative from Sunbeam Early Learning Center (the only NAEYC-accredited center in Marion County) spoke about the importance of early learning and brought staff and grandchildren.

Consent Calendar

  • Approval of Minutes – The minutes from the March 24, 2026, council meeting were approved unanimously with no corrections.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Marion County Transit Authority Update – Caitlin (address: 1078 Brookside Drive) reported 2025 data: over 20,000 community rides (including Fairmont State, Pierpont, daycares, field trips) and over 15,000 paratransit trips (dialysis, opioid response, medical). Veterans, Fairmont State students/staff, and Pierpont affiliates ride free. She noted that if 100–500 more residents used transit instead of private vehicles, the city could see up to a 33% reduction in emissions and personal savings of $3,000 per individual, keeping about $1 million in the local economy.
  • Fairmont Fitness Pool Closure Concern – Emma Lawson (308 Guffey Street) expressed concern about the pool at Fairmont Fitness (above Pizza Hut) closing. She noted that seniors, youth, and families are traveling to Bridgeport, and cited Clarksburg's city council taking over a closed YMCA. She urged the council to keep the pool open to retain families and seniors in Fairmont.

City Manager's Report

City Manager provided a comprehensive update:

  • Annexation: The city officially grew by 9.63 acres with the annexation of Carriage Drive. Map updates and billing cycle changes are underway; asphalt resurfacing for that road is included in the next paving contract.
  • Roadway Improvements:
    • Gateway Connector resurfacing: Bids received by West Virginia DOH; apparent low bid ~$1.5 million. Anticipated resurfacing in May.
    • East Side project: ADA ramp and sidewalk work ongoing on East Park Avenue, Merchant Street, Speedway. A $2.2 million grant application submitted for full sidewalk replacement along East Park Avenue (total project ~$2.7 million). City has matching funds.
    • Madison Street sidewalk work (near Veterans Plaza garage) will begin once addendum signed.
    • Final line striping for downtown paving project will occur this Friday, causing traffic delays.
  • Stormwater Repairs: Emergency repair of collapsing drainage between 6th and 7th Street on Bononi Avenue completed; asphalt resurfacing finished that day.
  • Parks:
    • Rotary Club Mini Park (Morgantown Avenue): Work mostly by city staff; asphalt paths will be contracted. Expected opening in May.
    • Windmill Park: Cornhole Pavilion replaced (insurance-covered). Concession stand project in final QA/QC; will go out to bid soon.
  • Other Projects:
    • Sally Fields Estate: Stormwater work and asphalt resurfacing design complete; going out to bid.
    • Bright Drive (west side): Surveying and discussions with Fairmont Medical Center for rerouting and raised crosswalk; will require planning commission and council action.
    • Momentum Adventure Park and Trail: ~90% design; Davis Electric property acquisition ongoing; discussions with TIF Council and bond counsel; West Virginia DEP funding of ~$1 million being pursued.
  • Audit: FY 2024-2025 audit complete with no findings; testimony provided on strong financial management.
  • Economic Development: Khybar America's acquisition of the Novellus facility in Fairmont celebrated as major news; the company has strong European presence and chose Fairmont.

Discussion Items

  • Housing Needs Assessment Resolution – Resolution approving the January 2026 Fairmont Housing Needs Assessment by Bowen National Research. Councilmember discussion noted a public work session with Bowen on May 26, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. prior to the council meeting to present findings. The resolution was adopted unanimously (8-0).
  • Frankenstein Craft Beer & Hot Dog Festival Resolution – Resolution endorsing the festival, sponsored by Main Street Fairmont and the Marion County Chamber of Commerce, to be held Saturday, October 24, 2026, in the downtown historic district. The resolution includes a disclaimer that no relationship is created with the city. Adopted unanimously (8-0).

Key Outcomes

  • Votes: Both resolutions (housing needs assessment and festival endorsement) passed 8-0.
  • Postponement: A public hearing originally on the agenda was postponed to Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.
  • Next Meeting: Council will reconvene on April 21, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. for the laying of the levy (reconvened from a prior meeting), and the regular meeting adjourned.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening. I'd like to call the Fairmont City Council regular meeting to order. Today is Tuesday, April 14th, 2026, and it's 7 p.m. I will ask the city clerk for roll-called members, please. Mayor Bowyard present. Councilmember Rice. Here. Council Member Moran. Here. Councilmember Horton. Yes. Councilmember Wade. Here. Councilmember Weber. Here. Councilmember Sowell. Here. Councilmember McDaniel. Here. Councilmember Newsom. Here. Thank you. First, we'll be led in prayer and meditation by Reverend Tony Jones from Morningstar Baptist Church. And then the Pledge of Allegiance by Councilmember Wade. Let us pray. Most gracious Heavenly Father, we thank you for this day, for this is the day that the Lord has made. So let us rejoice and be glad in it. Father God, I just pray for those, Father God, who stand before me. I pray for those, Father God, who my voice fall upon their ears, Father God. And I ask that you give them the wisdom, the knowledge, and the leadership, Father God, to make the decisions that they need to make for the edification of this small community, Father God. In Jesus' name we do pray. Amen. Indivisible. Thank you, Reverend Jones. Thank you, Councilmember Wade. We have several proclamations this evening, so I'll call each group up. And if you'll join me at the podium, and we'll get started with honoring each of those groups this evening. So first, if there's anybody here to represent for child abuse prevention month, Mike Baker. So this proclamation, whereas children are vital to our state's future success, prosperity, quality of life, as well as being our most vulnerable assets, whereas all children deserve to have safe, stable, nurturing homes, communities they need to foster their healthy growth and development, and whereas child abuse and neglect are community responsibility, affecting both the current and future quality of a community, whereas communities that provide parents with social support, knowledge of parenting and child development, and concrete resources, all children have the chance to reach their full potential and access the unlimited opportunities that our community has to offer. Whereas effective child abuse prevention strategies succeed because of partnerships created among citizens, advocates, the Department of Health and Human Services, schools, faith communities, health care providers, civic organization, law enforcement agencies, and the business community. And whereas everyone in the community should become more aware of child abuse prevention and consider helping parents raise their children in a safe nurturing environment. Now, therefore, I emball your mayor of the city of Fairmont to hereby reclaim the month of April 2026 to be child abuse prevention month in the city of Fairmont and urge all citizens to work together to help reduce child abuse and neglect significantly in the years to come and increase the participation in our efforts to support families, thereby preventing child abuse and strengthening communities in which we live. Thank you for the work that you do. Thank you, Mike. And the next proclamation is for sexual assault awareness month. So those here, you join me at the podium, please. Whereas April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and calls to attention the fact that sexual violence is widespread and impacts every person in Fairmont. Whereas every day women, men, children across Fairmont and our nation suffer the pain and trauma of sexual assault upon survivors in our Fairmont community. And as during National Sexual Assault Awareness Month, we recommit ourselves to lifting the veil of secrecy and shame, surviving the sexual violence, expanding support for victims, and strengthening our response. And whereas as a community, we share the responsibility for protecting each other from sexual assault, supporting victims when it does occur, and bringing perpetrators to justice.

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