City Council

JOURNAL of the PROCEEDINGS of the CITY COUNCIL CITY OF CHARLESTON, WEST VIRGINIA Regular Meeting – Monday, March 2, 2026 at 7:00 P.M. Council Chambers – City Hall – Charleston, West Virginia OFFICIAL RECORD Amy Shuler Goodwin Miles C. Cary II Mayor City Clerk Journal – City Council – Charleston, WV March 2nd – 1st CALL TO ORDER* The Council met at 7:00 P.M., for the first meeting in the month of March on the 2nd day, in the year 2026, and was called to order by the Honorable Mayor, Amy Shuler Goodwin. The invocation was delivered by Councilmember Overstreet, and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by invited guests. City Clerk, Miles C. Cary II, called the roll of members and it was found that there were present at the time: ANNIE BURKA BURTON CEPERLEY COOK FAEGRE FERRELL GARDNER GIANOLA HAAS HOOVER JENKINS JONES KERNS KING MOORE OVERSTREET PEPPER PHARR ROBINSON RUBIO SALANGO SNODGRASS SOLOMON STEELHAMMER TAYLOR MAYOR GOODWIN With twenty-three members being present, the Mayor declared a quorum present. ’s absence was excused by the City Clerk per Resolution No. 582-21. All absences were excused by the City Clerk per Resolution No. 582-21. Pending the reading of the Journal of the previous meeting, the reading thereof was dispensed with and the same duly approved. Journal – City Council – Charleston, WV March 2nd – 1st PUBLIC SPEAKERS 1. Emily West – Spoke in favor of term limits and staggered elections. 2. Derek Zelkowski - Spoke in favor of term limits and staggered elections. CLAIMS 1. A claim of G. Hanna, Charleston, WV; alleges damage to property. 2. A claim of Aimee Harris, Elkview, WV; alleges damage to vehicle. 3. A claim of Aaron Scarr, Charleston, WV; alleges damage to property. 4. A claim of Elizabeth Webb, Charleston, WV; alleges damage to vehicle. Refer to City Solicitor Journal – City Council – Charleston, WV March 2nd – 1st PROCLAMATIONS Journal – City Council – Charleston, WV March 2nd – 1st Journal – City Council – Charleston, WV March 2nd – 1st Journal – City Council – Charleston, WV March 2nd – 1st COMMUNICATIONS Councilmember Ceperley motioned to approve the appointments. Councilmember Hoover seconded. With members present recorded thereon as voting unanimously in the affirmative, the Mayor declared the appointments as approved. Journal – City Council – Charleston, WV March 2nd – 1st PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. After duly being published as required, the Mayor declared the floor open for a Public Hearing for Resolution No. 26-028 – Authorizing the Mayor or City Manager to execute the Stadium License, Lease and Service Agreement First Amendment between the City of Charleston and Charleston Professional Baseball Company, LLC. No person from the public spoke in reference to the Public Hearing. The Mayor declared the Public Hearing CLOSED. Journal – City Council – Charleston, WV March 2nd – 1st REPORTS OF COMMITTEES COMMITTEE ON FINANCE Councilmember Jenkins, Chair of the Council Committee on Finance, submitted the following reports: 1. Your committee on Finance has had under consideration the following resolution, and reports the same to Council with the recommendation that Resolution No. 26-024 be adopted. Resolution No. 26-024 - Authorizing the Mayor or City Manager to purchase a new Ford F250 Crew Cab for the Charleston Fire Department from Thornhill Auto Group in the amount of $49,335.00, to replace safety officer vehicle, pursuant to a competitively bid statewide contract. Be it Resolved by the Council of the City of Charleston, West Virginia: That the Mayor or City Manager is authorized to purchase a new Ford F250 Crew Cab for the Charleston Fire Department from Thornhill Auto Group in the amount of $49,335.00, to replace safety officer vehicle, pursuant to a competitively bid statewide contract. Councilmember Jenkins added that the purchase is for a planned replacement. Councilmember Jenkins moved to approve the resolution. Councilmember Ceperley seconded the motion. With members present recorded thereon as voting unanimously in the affirmative, the Mayor declared Resolution No. 26-024 adopted. Journal – City Council – Charleston, WV March 2nd – 1st 2. Your committee on Finance has had under consideration the following resolution, and reports the same to Council with the recommendation that Resolution No. 26-025 be adopted. Resolution No. 26-025 - Authorizing the Mayor or City Manager to purchase a total of sixteen GETAC S410 laptops for the Charleston Police Department Mobile Data Terminals from Brooks Network Services, LLC in the amount of $2,679.00 each, for a total price of $42,864.00, to furnish new fleet vehicles, where the price was determined pursuant to a competitively sourced Sourcewell contract. Be it Resolved by the Council of the City of Charleston, West Virginia: That the Mayor or City Manager is authorized to purchase a total of sixteen GETAC S410 laptops for the Charleston Police Department Mobile Data Terminals from Brooks Network Services, LLC in the amount of $2,679.00 each, for a total price of $42,864.00, to furnish new fleet vehicles, where the price was determined pursuant to a competitively sourced Sourcewell contract. Councilmember Jenkins added that the purchase are for the standard terminals that are installed in CPD vehicles. Councilmember Jenkins moved to approve the resolution. Councilmember Ceperley seconded the motion. With members present recorded thereon as voting unanimously in the affirmative, the Mayor declared Resolution No. 26-025 adopted. Journal – City Council – Charleston, WV March 2nd – 1st 3. Your committee on Finance has had under consideration the following resolution, and reports the same to Council with the recommendation that Resolution No. 26-026 be adopted. Resolution No. 26-026 - Authorizing the Mayor or City Manager, subject to final review by the City Attorney, to renew its contracts with the West Virginia Counties Group Self Insurance Risk Pool, Inc., DBA West Virginia Communities Risk Pool, at a price of $1,181,783 for the City’s Risk Management and Property, Casualty, and Cyber Insurance coverage and including all Third Party Administrator (TPA) Services for those lines of coverage for the period March 31, 2026 through March 31, 2027, in accordance with the costs and coverages in Exhibit A. Underinsured motorists coverage is specifically rejected. Uninsured motorists coverage with statutory minimum limits of $25,000/$50,000/$25,000 is accepted only. Be it Resolved by the Council of the City of Charleston, West Virginia: That the Mayor or City Manager is authorized, subject to final review by the City Attorney, to renew its contracts with the West Virginia Counties Group Self Insurance Risk Pool, Inc., DBA West Virginia Communities Risk Pool, at a price of $1,181,783 for the City’s Risk Management and Property, Casualty, and Cyber Insurance coverage and including all Third Party Administrator (TPA) Services for those lines of coverage for the period March 31, 2026 through March 31, 2027, in accordance with the costs and coverages in Exhibit A. Underinsured motorists coverage is specifically rejected. Uninsured motorists coverage with statutory minimum limits of $25,000/$50,000/$25,000 is accepted only. Councilmember Ceperley added that the Finance Committee reviewed and approved the proposed contracts. Councilmember Jenkins abstained from voting as he is on the Board for BRIM. Councilmember Burton abstained from voting as the agency he works for does business with WV Corp. Councilmember Snodgrass requested that this be put out to bid every three/four years. Councilmember Ceperley moved to approve the resolution. Councilmember Hoover seconded the motion. With members present recorded thereon as voting in the majority as affirmative, with 2 abstains and at least 1 Nay, the Mayor declared Resolution No. 26-026 adopted. Journal – City Council – Charleston, WV March 2nd – 1st 4. Your committee on Finance has had under consideration the following resolution, and reports the same to Council with the recommendation that Resolution No. 26-027 be adopted. Resolution No. 26-027 - Authorizing the Mayor or City Manager to renew its contract with Encova Insurance for workers’ compensation insurance coverage for a premium of $271,461, including surcharges, and with an additional claims handling charge of 10% of paid claims, as detailed in Exhibit A: Provided, That this contract does not include any commission to the City’s broker of record, USI Insurance Services LLC; Authorizing the Mayor or City Manager to renew its contract with USI Insurance Services LLC (“USI”) for insurance broker, risk management, and loss control services related to the City’s property, liability, and workers’ compensation insurance coverages for one year at a cost of $50,000 as detailed in Exhibit A; and Authorizing the Mayor or City Manager to renew its contract with the West Virginia Counties Group Self Insurance Risk Pool, Inc, D/B/A West Virginia Communities Risk Pool (“WVCorp”), for Third Party Administration (TPA) services related to legacy claims incurred while the City was self-insured for workers’ compensation at a fee not to exceed $15,000. This procurement is based on the results of a competitive insurance quote review process and the Memorandum of Understanding among the City, USI, and WVCorp entered into under Resolution No. 617-22. The effective dates of the policies/contracts above will be from March 31, 2026 through March 31, 2027. Be it Resolved by the Council of the City of Charleston, West Virginia: That the Mayor or City Manager is authorized (1) to renew its contract with Encova Insurance for workers’ compensation insurance coverage for a premium of $271,461, including surcharges, and with an additional claims handling charge of 10% of paid claims, and authorizing leaving the WV self-insurance system, as detailed in Exhibit A: Provided, That this contract does not include any commission to the City’s broker of record, USI Insurance Services LLC; (2) to renew its contract with USI Insurance Services LLC for insurance broker, risk management, and loss control services related to the City’s property, liability, and workers’ compensation insurance coverages for one year at a cost of $50,000 as detailed in Exhibit A; and (3) to renew its contract with the West Virginia Counties Group Self Insurance Risk Pool, Inc, D/B/A West Virginia Communities Risk Pool, for Third Party Administration (TPA) services related to legacy claims incurred while the City was self-insured for workers’ compensation at a fee not to exceed $15,000, all to be effective from March 31, 2026 through March 31, 2027. Journal – City Council – Charleston, WV March 2nd – 1st Councilmember Ceperley added that the Finance Committee reviewed and approved the proposed contracts. Councilmember Ceperley added that the Finance Committee reviewed and approved the proposed contracts. Councilmember Jenkins abstained from voting as he is on the Board for BRIM. Councilmember Burton abstained from voting as the agency he works for does business with WV Corp. Councilmember Ceperley moved to approve the resolution. Councilmember Hoover seconded the motion. With members present recorded thereon as voting in the majority as affirmative, with 2 abstains, the Mayor declared Resolution No. 26-027 adopted. Journal – City Council – Charleston, WV March 2nd – 1st 5. Your committee on Finance has had under consideration the following resolution, and reports the same to Council with the recommendation that Resolution No. 26-028 be adopted. Resolution No. 26-028 - Authorizing the Mayor or City Manager to execute the Stadium License, Lease and Service Agreement First Amendment between the City of Charleston and Charleston Professional Baseball Company, LLC, as contained in the attached exhibit, relating to the lease of the baseball stadium located at 601 Morris Street. Be it Resolved by the Council of the City of Charleston, West Virginia: The Mayor or City Manager is authorized to execute the Stadium License, Lease and Service Agreement First Amendment between the City of Charleston and Charleston Professional Baseball Company, LLC, as contained in the attached exhibit, relating to the lease of the baseball stadium located at 601 Morris Street. Councilmember Jenkins added that the current contract will end May 2026. The amendment will extend the contract to the end of 2026 with an option to renew through the 2027 season. Councilmember Jenkins moved to approve the resolution. Councilmember Ceperley seconded the motion. With members present recorded thereon as voting unanimously in the affirmative, the Mayor declared Resolution No. 26-028 adopted. Journal – City Council – Charleston, WV March 2nd – 1st 6. Your committee on Finance has had under consideration the following resolution, and reports the same to Council with the recommendation that Resolution No. 26-029 be adopted. Resolution No. 26-029 - Authorizing the Mayor or City Manager to enter into one or more agreements with the Regional Intergovernmental Council (“RIC”) to administer various economic and engineering studies for improvements to the Patrick Street Corridor, and to administer the City’s Complete Streets Network study for city-wide bicycle planning and infrastructure improvements, wherein the City will agree to provide $100,000.00 in matching funds to the RIC to facilitate a total of $650,000.00 in the various projects as further outlined in the attached Exhibit. Be it Resolved by the Council of the City of Charleston, West Virginia: The Mayor or City Manager is authorized to enter into one or more agreements with the Regional Intergovernmental Council (“RIC”) to administer various economic and engineering studies for improvements to the Patrick Street Corridor, and to administer the City’s Complete Streets Network study for city-wide bicycle planning and infrastructure improvements, wherein the City will agree to provide $100,000.00 in matching funds to the RIC to facilitate a total of $650,000.00 in the various projects as further outlined in the attached Exhibit. Councilmember Jenkins added that the City will work with the Regional Intergovernmental Council to leverage $100,000 of City funds for over $450,000 worth of engineering and economic development studies for the Patrick Street corridor. Councilmember Faegre added that this will be good for people needing to safely cross 7th Avenue and Partick Street. Councilmember Jenkins moved to approve the resolution. Councilmember Ceperley seconded the motion. With members present recorded thereon as voting unanimously in the affirmative, the Mayor declared Resolution No. 26-029 adopted. Journal – City Council – Charleston, WV March 2nd – 1st REPORTS OF OFFICERS 1. Report of the City of Charleston Payroll Variance Analysis; January 2026. 2. City Treasurer’s Report to City Council Month Ending January 2026. 3. City of Charleston Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the Fiscal Year Ending June 2025. 4. City of Charleston Audited Financial Statements for the Fiscal Year Ending June 2025. 5. City of Charleston Report to the Board for Fiscal Year Ending June 2025. Journal – City Council – Charleston, WV March 2nd – 1st NEW BILLS Introduced by Councilmember Jospeh Jenkins March 2, 2026: Bill No. 8069– A BILL to amend the Municipal Code relating to adding a definition for paramedic intercept and adding the paramedic intercept fee to the schedule of charges for ambulance services. Refer to Finance Committee, Please Introduced by Councilmember Shannon Snodgrass March 2, 2026: Bill No. 8070– Adding a new section to the Charter of the City of Charleston describing Term Limits for Members of City Council. Refer to Ordinance and Rules Committee, Please Introduced by Councilmember Shannon Snodgrass March 2, 2026: Bill No. 8071– Adding a new section to the Charter of the City of Charleston describing Term Limits for the Office of Municipal Judge. Refer to Ordinance and Rules Committee, Please Introduced by Councilmember Shannon Snodgrass March 2, 2026: Bill No. 8072– Adding a new section to the Charter of the City of Charleston describing Term Limits for the Office of Treasurer. Refer to Ordinance and Rules Committee, Please Introduced by Councilmember Shannon Snodgrass March 2, 2026: Bill No. 8073– Adding a new section to the Charter of the City of Charleston describing Term Limits for the Office of Mayor. Refer to Ordinance and Rules Committee, Please Journal – City Council – Charleston, WV March 2nd – 1st MISCELLANEOUS/UNFINISHED BUSINESS None REMARKS BY MEMBERS 1. Councilmember Robinson expressed concern over the ranking system for boys’ basketball in that it shows inequalities and punishes the kids. 2. Councilmember Moore agreed with Councilmember Robinson. 3. Councilmember Snodgrass spoke about the bills that were introduced. 4. Councilmember Annie invited members to CAMC’s Annual Research Day. Councilmember Annie agreed with Councilmember Robinson. 5. Councilmember Kerns thanked Planning Director Dan Vriendt and Police Chief Dempsey for helping with issues in her Ward. She added that City ordinances need to be strengthened regarding vacant houses, slumlords etc. 6. Councilmember Taylor agreed with Councilmember Robinson and Moore. He stated that there is a gambling epidemic for young people. 7. Councilmember Jones stated that he would never threaten a political opponent. 8. Councilmember Faegre spoke about utility companies properly fixing the streets that they damage, as well as the State repairing Washington Street West. Councilmember Faegre added that the water company will be color coding all hydrants related to water pressure, etc. 9. Mayor Goodwin thanked Finance Director Andy Wood for his hard work on the upcoming budget proposal. The Mayor stated that the City is in the best financial position it has been in for the past several decades. The Mayor recognized Council Journal – City Council – Charleston, WV March 2nd – 1st Preside Ceperley, who was recently featured on the Charleston Gazette as a dedicated public servant. Journal – City Council – Charleston, WV March 2nd – 1st ADJOURNMENT City Clerk, Miles C. Cary II, called the closing roll call: YEAS: Annie, Burton, Ceperley, Cook, Faegre, Ferrell, Gardner, Gianola, Haas, Hoover, Jenkins, Jones, Kerns, King, Moore, Overstreet, Robinson, Salango, Snodgrass, Solomon, Steelhammer, Taylor, Mayor Goodwin NAYS: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: Burka, Pepper, Pharr, Rubio At 8:27 p.m., by a motion from Councilmember Ceperley, Council adjourned until Monday, March 16, 2026, 7:00 p.m., in Council Chambers at City Hall. _______________________________ Amy Shuler Goodwin, Honorable Mayor _______________________________ Miles C. Cary II, City Clerk