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.
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?