Fairmont City Council Regular Meeting - April 28, 2026
Fairmont City Council Regular Meeting - April 28, 2026
The Fairmont City Council met on April 28, 2026, at 10:55 p.m. UTC (presumably evening local time). The meeting included roll call, opening ceremonies with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, a proclamation, approval of minutes, a public hearing on a rezoning ordinance, announcements, citizen comments on water quality, a city manager's report on federal funding efforts, and votes on several ordinances and resolutions.
Consent Calendar
- Minutes of April 14 Regular Meeting: Approved unanimously.
- Minutes of April 21 Levy Meeting: Approved unanimously.
Proclamations
- Mayor read a proclamation declaring May 2026 as Foster Care Awareness Month in Fairmont, recognizing the National Youth Advocate Program (NYAP) and the importance of foster families, kinship givers, and child welfare professionals.
Public Hearings
- Rezoning Ordinance (Public Hearing): An ordinance to rezone parcels 12, 12.1, 14, 15, 48 (Tax Map 04-02) and parcel 98.2 (Tax Map 04-07) in the Grant Annex District from General Residential to Neighborhood Residential. Planning Director Shay Strait reported that the planning commission unanimously recommended the rezoning and that it aligns with the comprehensive plan. Keith Axon (Thrasher Engineering) spoke in favor on behalf of two private petitioners. An additional speaker praised the St. James Gate development as a major housing opportunity and commended the developers. No one spoke in opposition. Councilmember McDaniel noted that public hearings at the planning commission level also had no opposition and that the developer addressed all questions. The public hearing was closed.
Citizen's Position
- Dr. Don Belusky: Spoke about health risks from chlorine in the water supply, including the formation of carcinogenic trihalomethanes, microplastics, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). He suggested considering alternative disinfection methods (e.g., UV, reverse osmosis) and urged the city to explore funding through levies or grants to improve water quality. No questions were asked by council.
Announcements
- Councilmember Moran: Announced weatherization grants from North Central West Virginia Community Action for energy efficiency improvements.
- Councilmember Horton: Inquired about the status of demolition of the Sears property on Merchant Street; Mayor stated the matter is ongoing litigation and would follow up after the meeting.
- Councilmember Wade: Thanked the city for demolishing a condemned property at 115 View Avenue, noting it was completed in one day.
- Councilmember Newsom: Announced the National Day of Prayer event on May 6, 2026, at 6 p.m. at Palatine Park, which also marks the official park opening.
City Manager's Report
- City Manager reported on a recent trip to Washington, D.C., with utility staff. Key meetings included Senators Capito and Justice, and Congressman Moore. Highlights:
- $10 million congressionally directed spending request for Phase 1 of the $108 million sanitary sewer improvements.
- Resubmission of a $1.8 million brownfield grant for the Helmick site (previously high-scoring but not awarded; tweaks made).
- $500,000 brownfield assessment grant (follow-up to a successful existing grant).
- $1.55 million USDOT planning grant for Locust Avenue improvements (flooding and pedestrian safety), with potential future construction grant up to $25 million.
- Water system improvements at the technology park in Whitehall, in coordination with the West Virginia High Technology Foundation.
- Also noted that the Morgantown Avenue Stormwater Project is expected to go out for bid in May 2026, with substantial completion by late 2027 and final completion in 2028.
Discussion Items
- Pending Business: Rezoning Ordinance – Council discussed and then voted on the ordinance introduced earlier in the public hearing.
- New Business: Letter of Credit Renewal – Ordinance to renew a letter of credit (up to $750,000) with West Banco Bank for self-insured workers' compensation requirements. A public hearing was set for May 13, 2026.
- New Business: Flexible Benefit Plan Resolution – Adoption of the City of Fairmont's cafeteria plan for full-time employees, effective July 1, 2026. Approved.
- New Business: Purchasing Procedures Resolution – Approval of revised purchasing procedures effective July 1, 2026. Approved.
Key Outcomes
- Rezoning Ordinance: Passed unanimously (9-0) via roll call vote. Councilmembers voting yes: Wade, McDaniel, Moran, Rice, Newsom, Horton, Weber, Sowell, Mayor Bowyard.
- Resolution for Flexible Benefit Plan (Cafeteria Plan): Passed unanimously (9-0) via roll call vote.
- Resolution for Purchasing Procedures: Passed unanimously (9-0) via roll call vote.
- Public Hearing for Letter of Credit Renewal: Set for May 13, 2026.
- Meeting Adjourned: Motion passed unanimously.
Meeting Transcript
Good evening. I would like to call the Fairmont City Council. Regular meeting to order. The city clerk would do a roll call of members, please. Councilmember Rice. Councilmember Horton. Councilmember Wade? Here. Councilmember Weber. Here. Councilmember Sowell? Yeah. Councilmember McDaniel? Here. Councilmember Newsom. Here. Thank you. We'll start with our opening ceremonies. We'll be led in prayer and meditation by the Reverend Leo Riley and then the Pledge of Allegiance by Councilmember Wade. Good evening. Thank you for yet another opportunity to stand before these people today, Father, and lift up your most holy name. Lord, we ask today, Father that you'll bless everything that's going to be done here this day, Father, that you'll give them wisdom today, Father, concerning running the city today, Father. Give them insight today, Father. Touch each and every member of the day, Father, that everything that they do be for the benefit and uplifting of this city today, God, and we glorify your most holy name. Also cover them in this well as their families today, Father, keep them in perfect peace that their minds stayed on you. In the precious name of Jesus, we do pray. And they all said Amen and Amen. Amen. And to the Republic for which it stands one nation under God with liberty and justice for all. Thank you, Reverend Riley. You're welcome. Thank you, Councilmember Wade. Next, we have one proclamation this evening. Is there anyone present here from the NYAP? Seeing no one here, I'll go ahead and read the proclamation from this chair. Whereas children and youth are the most valuable resource of the state of West Virginia, and every child deserves a safe, stable, and nurturing home. And whereas during foster care awareness month, we recognize the resilience, strength, and potential of children and youth in foster care throughout West Virginia. And where are there are hundreds of children and youth in West Virginia who are in need of safe, loving, and supportive foster families? And whereas foster parents, kinship givers, and adoptive families play a vital role in providing stability, hope, and healing to children who've experienced trauma, neglect, and abuse. And whereas the National Youth Advocate Program works diligently across West Virginia to recruit, train, and support foster families while providing comprehensive services to children and families in need. And whereas NYAP is committed to strengthening families, preserving connections, and ensuring that youth have the resources, advocacy, and permanent permanency that they deserve. And whereas community awareness, partnership, engagement are essential to meeting the ongoing need for foster parents and ensuring positive outcomes for children and youth in foster care. Now therefore, I and Balliard, mayor of the City of Fairmont to hereby proclaim May 2026 as foster care awareness month and encourage all residents to recognize the importance of the role of foster parents, kinship givers, child welfare professionals, and community partners, such as the National Youth Advocate Program, play in improving the lives of children and families across our state. I hear of unto and set my hand and cause the great seal of the city of Fairmont to be fixed to this the 28th day of April 2026. Thank you. Next item on our agenda is the approval of minutes. Has everyone had the opportunity? We have two sets of minutes to approve this evening. First, has everyone had the opportunity to review the minutes from our April 14th meeting? If so, do I have a motion a second to approve those minutes?
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