Fairmont City Council Regular Meeting - September 22, 2026

The Fairmont City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at 7 p.m. The meeting opened with a prayer led by Marcella Yarmachuk, the Pledge of Allegiance by Deputy Mayor Rice, and a proclamation for Constitution Week (September 17–23) presented by Beth Nigemeyer of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Proclamation and Opening Ceremonies

• Proclamation for Constitution Week read by Mayor Ballard, recognizing the 239th anniversary of the U.S. Constitution.
• Beth Nigemeyer (DAR) highlighted the history of Constitution Week and invited council to participate in next year's Bells Across America celebration.

Approval of Minutes

• Minutes from the regular meeting of September 8, 2026, were approved unanimously by voice vote.

Public Hearings

• Postponement of a public hearing: A motion to postpone a public hearing on an unspecified ordinance indefinitely passed 8–1 (Councilmember Weber opposed).
• Ordinance to approve current replacement pages to the Fairmont City Code: No speakers; adopted unanimously by roll call (all yes).
• Ordinance approving interlocal agreement with Marion County Commission for 2025 Burn Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) award: No speakers; adopted unanimously by roll call.

Announcements & Reports

• Councilmember Moran (Unsheltered Task Force): Reported that since August 7, 2026, 28 individuals have been housed and 23 IDs paid for. A food pantry distribution was scheduled for the following day.
• Councilmember Soule: Noted a productive September, including ribbon cuttings at parks, business re-establishments, Team Fairmont mini grants, and comprehensive plan sessions.
• Councilmember McDaniel: Announced asphalt work beginning on the connector.
• City Manager Travis Blosser: Reported on the reopening of Key Bar America (manufacturing facility), Rotary Club Mini Park renovation, progress at Windmill Park, Sallyfield estates drainage improvements, downtown sidewalk project (expected completion before early voting Oct 21), and WVU Medicine Fairmont Medical Center's return of surgical services (a $27M investment, with a planned $70M hospital wing). He also noted ongoing work at Windmill Park with minor electrical issues and potential subsidence near field one.

Citizens' Petitions

• Shauna Santee (903 Sylvan Ave): Opposed the proposed Republic Services contract extension with an 11.2% rate increase (from $21.66 to $24.09 per unit). She argued the city had two years to negotiate a new contract but failed, placing residents at a disadvantage. She urged council to vote no on setting the public hearing and to absorb the cost increase instead of passing it to residents. She also noted that other communities offer discounts for seniors.
• Aaron Hamler (Granttown): Urged cancellation of the flock camera contract, citing 37 documented abuses nationwide (including stalking and felony charges). He called for a closed-circuit TV alternative and criticized the city manager's response as disrespectful. He also questioned the $800,000 expenditure on park amenities (concession stands, seating, lighting, ADA walkways) and suggested the funds could better serve the unhoused. He criticized a photo op with Congressman Riley Moore, accusing him of supporting genocide. The mayor interrupted, stating he was only signed up to speak about flock cameras.

Discussion Items

• Republic Services Contract Extension: The city clerk read the synopsis of the ordinance authorizing a first amendment to the contract, extending it to March 31, 2027, with a monthly charge of $24.09 per unit (an 11.2% increase from the current $21.66). City Manager Blosser explained that the extension was necessary to allow time for a new RFP/RFQ process, which would include substantive changes (e.g., allowing trash to go to out-of-state landfills, removing the requirement for a local office). He acknowledged the delay was his responsibility and that bringing sanitation in-house was not feasible due to equipment and personnel costs. Councilmember Weber expressed concern about the lack of competition and the burden on seniors on fixed incomes (noting the 3.8% COLA increase for Social Security). Councilmember Soule wished the RFP had been released sooner but supported the extension to seek competitive bids. A voice vote set the public hearing for October 13, 2026; nays were heard but the motion passed.
• Knights of Pythias Building Demolition: An ordinance to approve a right-of-entry and payment agreement with the Marion County Board of Education for demolition at 1573 Mary Lou Retton Drive was introduced. A public hearing was set for October 13, 2026, by unanimous voice vote.
• Feast of Seven Fishes Festival: A resolution endorsing the annual festival (December 11–12, 2026) sponsored by Main Street Fairmont was adopted unanimously by roll call.
• Reappointment to Building Commission: Jonathan France was reappointed to the Fairmont Building Commission for a five-year term ending October 31, 2031, approved unanimously by roll call.

Key Outcomes

• Public hearing postponed indefinitely (8–1 vote).
• Adopted current replacement pages to city code (unanimous).
• Adopted interlocal agreement with Marion County for JAG grant (unanimous).
• Set public hearing for Knights of Pythias demolition ordinance for October 13, 2026.
• Set public hearing for Republic Services contract extension with 11.2% rate increase for October 13, 2026; passed over opposition.
• Adopted resolution endorsing Feast of Seven Fishes Festival (unanimous).
• Approved reappointment of Jonathan France to Building Commission (unanimous).
• Meeting adjourned.