Fairmont City Council Regular Meeting – August 25, 2026

The Fairmont City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at the council chamber. Mayor Annie Bolyard presided, and the city clerk conducted roll call, with all members present. The meeting opened with a prayer by Reverend Sheldon Nickerson and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Councilmember Newsom.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The council unanimously approved the minutes from the regular meeting of August 11, 2026.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Katie Musgrave (49 Soccer Road, Fairmont) commended several city employees for their support of three “dinner church on the green” outreach events. She thanked Mayor Bolyard, City Manager Travis Blosser, Alex Petri of Main Street Fairmont, and Aaron Parker of Fairmont facilities for their assistance.
• Sarah Ott (17 June Drive, Fairmont) expressed strong opposition to the installation of Flock Condor pan‑tilt‑zoom cameras in city parks. She argued that the cameras automatically zoom in on faces and turn children’s play areas into surveillance zones. She cited security researcher reports that 60 Condor cameras were left unprotected on the open internet, exposing live feeds of children. She urged the city to adopt human‑centered safety measures like upgraded lighting and increased park staff presence, and to choose traditional CCTV cameras if vandalism prevention is needed.
• Treasure (144 Rosewood Avenue, Fairmont) thanked Councilmembers Wade and Moran for responding to her emails. She opposed the Flock cameras, called for their removal, and urged the council to establish clear policies and accountability measures for their use. She noted the $30,000 cost for a two‑year contract and questioned whether the council was fully informed before approving the purchase.
• Aaron Hamler (outside city limits, Grant Town) continued his opposition to Flock. He cited a Washington Post article about a New Bedford officer lacking formal training, and the Institute for Justice’s ALPR abuse database documenting at least ten officer arrests for misuse of Flock systems. He reported that in August 2026 alone there were roughly 40 documented abuses, averaging three every two days. He criticized Flock’s CEO for calling privacy advocates “terroristic” and accused the company of lying. He also questioned the future funding source for the contract and challenged City Manager Blosser’s responsiveness to constituents.
• Nick Scott (St. Louis) expressed concern about data security and the lack of transparency regarding what happens to Flock data while on the network. He noted two data breaches in California and Georgia.
• J.R. Farley (1215 Morgantown Avenue) opposed the Flock cameras, arguing that the “nothing to hide” argument is undermined by the lack of transparency from communities using the technology. He called for a transparency portal and noted that election season is approaching, with six council seats on the ballot in November.

Discussion Items

• City Manager’s Report (Travis Blosser):

  • Windmill Park: A pre‑construction meeting was held for the concession stand replacement project. The contractor, CK Services, will install a prefabricated concession stand and restroom building, patio, lighting, landscaping, and a walkway to the lower parking lot. The project will be the largest investment in the park to date.
  • Antero Resources donated an ATV for park field maintenance.
  • Street Signage: The traffic division is installing new street signs that meet current reflectivity standards; a long‑term replacement plan is being developed.
  • Rotary Club Mini Park (Morgantown Avenue): Final work is underway, and the park is expected to open next month. A ribbon‑cutting event with East Park Elementary students is planned.
  • Stormwater Projects: The Park Drive drainage project, including a rain garden and outdoor classroom, is being coordinated with the Marion County Board of Education. The Morgantown Avenue stormwater project will begin with fiber‑optic line work, followed by significant roadway closures at the intersection of East Park Avenue and Morgantown Avenue.
  • Pension Funds: The police pension fund grew from $14,296,837.30 to $15,609,177.58 (ending fair market value as of June 30, 2026). The fire pension fund grew from $10,644,192.00 to $12,926,760.98. City Manager Blosser thanked Finance Director Priscilla Hamilton for her work.

• New Business – Ordinances (First Reading & Public Hearing Set for September 8, 2026):

  • Fire DROP Plan: An ordinance authorizing the Fairmont Fire Department to participate in the deferred retirement option plan (DROP) revised 2026, approved by the West Virginia Pension Oversight Board on June 18, 2026. The motion to set the public hearing passed 8‑0‑1 (Mayor Bolyard abstained).
  • Surplus Property Auction: An ordinance authorizing the public auction of surplus personal property as listed in the City of Fairmont Inventory Declared Surplus Property dated August 18, 2026. The public hearing was set for September 8, 2026, by unanimous vote.
  • 30‑Foot Buffer for First Responders: An ordinance adding Section 501.08 to the City Code to require bystanders to remain at least 30 feet from first responders engaged in lawful duties. Violation would be a misdemeanor with a fine of $50 to $500. Councilmember Weber opposed the measure, arguing it violates the First Amendment and is a politicization of the police. Councilmember Moran and Councilmember Wade supported it, stating it creates a safe environment and does not restrict constitutionally protected speech. The motion to set the public hearing passed unanimously (all ayes, no nos).

• Resolution – Coal Severance Budget Amendment: A resolution providing for the first revision of the FY2026‑2027 annual budget for the coal severance fund. Approved unanimously by roll call vote (9‑0).

• Reappointments:

  • Fairmont Planning Commission: Frank Yan (term ending September 17, 2029) – approved unanimously.
  • Fairmont Planning Commission: Chris Yost (term ending September 17, 2029) – approved unanimously.
  • Fairmont Parking Authority: Dan Swagger (term ending September 30, 2029) – approved unanimously.
  • Fairmont Parking Authority: Alex Petrie (term ending September 30, 2029) – approved unanimously.

• Executive Session: The council entered executive session at 7:53 p.m. pursuant to West Virginia Code 6‑9A‑4(b)(2)(A) and City Charter 2.11(A)(1)(a) to discuss the appointment of the Fairmont Airport Authority. After reconvening, the council approved the appointment of Bob Schmidt to the Airport Authority for an expired term ending October 1, 2028, by unanimous roll call vote.

Key Outcomes

• Public Hearings Set: All three ordinances (Fire DROP, surplus property auction, 30‑foot first‑responder buffer) were advanced to a public hearing on September 8, 2026.
• Budget Resolution Adopted: The coal severance budget amendment was approved unanimously.
• Appointments Approved: All reappointments to the Planning Commission, Parking Authority, and Airport Authority were approved unanimously.
• Flock Camera Concerns: Multiple citizens spoke against the Flock cameras; no immediate council action or vote was taken on the issue.
• Meeting Adjourned: The meeting adjourned after the vote on the Airport Authority appointment.