City Council

May 13, 2025 The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Fairmont was held at 7:00 p.m. on the 13th day of May, 2025, at the Public Safety Building located at 500 Quincy Street in Fairmont, West Virginia. Mayor Bolyard called the meeting to order. Roll call of members was taken by David Kirk. Councilmembers present were: First District Joshua D. Rice Second District Anne E. Bolyard Third District Rebecca Moran Fourth District Anthony T. Horton Fifth District Charles “Chuck” Warner Sixth District Daniel “Dan” Weber Seventh District Julia “Julie” Sole Eighth District Bruce McDaniel Absent: Ninth District Kandice “Kandi” Nuzum Also present were: City Manager Travis L. Blosser Chief of Police Steve Shine Communications Manager David A. Kirk (filling in for City Clerk) Finance Director Priscilla A. Hamilton Absent: City Clerk Janet L. Keller IN RE: COUNCILMEMBER NUZUM EXCUSED Mayor Bolyard made a motion to excuse Councilmember Nuzum from tonight’s meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Sole. The Mayor declared Councilmember Nuzum excused by voice vote of Council. IN RE: OPENING CEREMONIES Jennifer Soltys gave the invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag led 1 by Councilmember Weber. IN RE: PROCLAMATION PRESENTED FOR EMS WEEK Mayor Bolyard presented a proclamation to members of the Marion County Rescue Squad, recognizing their efforts as part of EMS Week. Assistant Chief to the rescue squad, Donna Wade, thanked Council for the recognition. She thanked City Staff, Fairmont Fire Department and Fairmont Police department for their collaborative efforts that make her job and the jobs of the other EMS workers in Marion County smooth and less stressful. IN RE: PROCLAMATION PRESENTED NATIONAL POLICE WEEK Mayor Bolyard presented a proclamation members of the Fairmont Police Department as part of National Police Week, recognizing the efforts of the entire department and how its staff go above and beyond to ensure the safety of all Fairmont residents. Police Chief Steve Shine turned to Council after the presentation and thanked them for their support of him and his department. He said how much easier it makes his job knowing Council and the City Manager have his back. He also thanked the Mayor for the recognition. APPROVAL OF MINUTES IN RE: MINUTES FOR THE APRIL 22, 2025 MEETING Mayor Bolyard noted that each member of Council had received a copy of the minutes from the Regular Meeting held on April 22, 2025 . She asked if there were any corrections, deletions, or amendments. Councilmember McDaniel moved to approve the April 22, 2025 Regular Meeting minutes as submitted. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Weber. The Mayor declared the minutes approved as submitted by voice vote of Council. PUBLIC HEARING S IN RE: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE RENEWAL OF A CERTAIN LETTER OF CREDIT, NO 2001-525, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $750,000.00, ISSUED BY WESBANCO BANK TO THE CITY OF FAIRMONT FOR PURPOSES OF SATISFYING A PORTION OF THE SELF-INSURED SECURITY AND INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS OF THE WEST VIRGINIA WORKERS' COMPENSATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025- 2026. 2 Pursuant to a notice duly published in the Times-West Virginian on April 25, 2025, a public hearing was convened to obtain citizen input on an ordinance to authorize a letter of credit needed as part of the City’s Workers’ Compensation coverage. The Mayor asked if anyone present desired to speak to the proposed ordinance. There being no one to speak either for or against the ordinance, the public hearing was called to a close at 7:09 p.m. ANNOUNCEMENTS IN RE: FAIRMONT STATE SELLING TICKETS FOR UPCOMING MUSICAL Councilmember Moran reminded the public that Fairmont State has opened ticket sales for its upcoming productions of “Mamma Mia!” and “Mary Poppins Jr.” She encouraged residents to attend and support the arts. IN RE: BLOCK PARTY AT COMPASSION CENTRAL Councilmember Moran announced that Compassion Central on Walnut Avenue will be hosting a block party on May 17th. Festivities include food trucks, games, and activities and there is no fee for admittance. IN RE: CITY PARKS ARE LOOKING GOOD Councilmember Moran thanked City Staff for their work in making the parks and public land look especially good this spring. She said that this is not only increasing public positivity, but is also bleeding over into private land owners sprucing up their properties more than usual this year. IN RE: TRAFFIC CONCERNS AT WALNUT AVENUE AND 7 TH STREET Councilmember Warner relayed a citizen's concern regarding the intersection of Walnut Avenue and 7th Street. Currently, there is a two-way stop sign for traffic on Walnut, but the viewsheds make it difficult to see oncoming traffic coming up or down the hill on 7th. He asked if City Staff could take a look at the possibility of a three-way stop sign or a mirror at the intersection. City Manager Blosser said that the traffic crew in Public Works is currently inspecting areas of concern along Walnut Avenue and that this intersection will be looked at as part of that project. IN RE: ONE YEAR ON THE JOB Councilmember Weber congratulated Mr. Blosser on his one-year anniversary with the City of Fairmont. He said that he hopes Mr. Blosser sticks around for many more. The sentiment was echoed by several council members. 3  CITIZENS PETITIONS There were no citizen's petitions. CITY MANAGER ’S REPORT IN RE: NEW CHAMBER PRESIDENT Mr. Blosser congratulated the newly hired Marion County Chamber of Commerce president, Dani DeVito. He said that she brings good energy to the organization and that she will continue the strong partnership that has been built by past presidents like Tina Shaw and Pat Snively. IN RE: FAIRMONT STATE PRESIDENT DAVIS CONTRACT RENEWAL The Manager also congratulated Fairmont State University President Mike Davis on his 5-year contract extension issued by the University’s Board of Governors. He said he has appreciated Dr. Davis’s collaborative spirit and he looks forward to a continued strong partnership. He also informed Council that he and several members of City Staff will be taking a trip to Harrisonburg, VA, alongside President Davis and members of his staff to view projects there that are collaborations between the local university and the municipal government. He hopes to model collaborative projects in Fairmont after these examples. IN RE: RECENT TRIP TO WASHINGTON, D.C. Mr. Blosser mentioned the trip that he and several members of City Staff took to Washington, D.C., to discuss the City’s pending Congressionally Directed Spending requests. He said he felt the trip was very beneficial and the congressmembers had positive things to say about the requests and presentations. IN RE: MORGANTOWN AVENUE MINI PARK Mr. Blosser announced that the Fairmont Rotary Club has officially committed $25,000 toward the improvements and renovations that will take place at Morgantown Avenue Mini Park. He predicts, in total, that the City will invest around $90,000 into this park facility to complete this overhaul. Due to the large sum contributed by the Rotary Club, he said he will bring a measure before Council to consider renaming the park to “Fairmont Rotary Mini Park.” A small groundbreaking ceremony for these upgrades is tentatively scheduled for June 2nd and will be attended by students from East Park Elementary. IN RE: NEW LAWNMOWERS 4 Mr. Blosser stated that Public Works will be purchasing two new lawnmowers to keep up with the increased workload their crews have received with now maintaining the Gateway Connector and its grass cutting. He reiterated that he has received many, many compliments from residents about the aesthetics of the connector this year, and Mr. Blosser fulling contributed that to the hard work of the City’s Public Works crews and their ownership of that work. In addition, he reported that, as promised last Council meeting, Cleveland Avenue has been cleaned and cut by City crews and that other areas that act as gateways into the city are being targeted. IN RE: EVEREST DRIVE BRIDGE REPLACEMENT The Manager was happy to report that the Everest Drive Bridge replacement is moving along, and the first set of plans has been received by the City. He reminded everyone that this project is being headed by the West Virginia Department of Highways and is 100% funded by the state. Aside from a few right-of-way issues that need to be sorted out, the project is coming along nicely, although there is no solid date yet. IN RE: DOWNTOWN STREET PAVING Mr. Blosser again announced that downtown street paving is still on track and scheduled for late summer, early fall. The state is finalizing the bid documents and contractual agreements for this project and City Staff are monitoring the state’s bid website for the most up-to-date information about the project. IN RE: CLEVELAND AVENUE PATCHING AND PAVING The Manager informed Council that the section of Cleveland Avenue between Jackson Street and Adams Street is much too severely deteriorated for City crews to patch with their current equipment. After conversations with the state, that stretch of road will be patched and paved while awaiting a full milling and paving later this summer with the rest of the downtown streets. IN RE: STAFF GIVE BACK DAY Mr. Blosser informed Council that Thursday, May 15th, City Staff will participate in a volunteer day at Windmill Park, which will consist of painting projects on curbs and the dugouts. He went on to update about the project progress at Windmill Park and said that the new cornhole pavilion is underway and the pickleball courts are nearly finished. Mr. Blosser committed to the public that these projects are just the start of the work City 5 Staff are doing to improve public park facilities across city limits. The end goal is that all parks under the City’s ownership look as nice as Norwood Park will when it opens later this summer. IN RE: ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY Mr. Blosser thanked Council for their congratulations on his one-year anniversary with the City, and he said that he is not going anywhere anytime soon, and that this is his dream job. He thanked Council for their collaboration with him and he thanked his staff across the City’s departments for their work, commitment, and support over the last year. CONSIDERATION OF COUNCIL BUSINESS IN RE: ADOPTION , AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE RENEWAL OF A CERTAIN LETTER OF CREDIT, NO 2001-525, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $750,000.00, ISSUED BY WESBANCO BANK TO THE CITY OF FAIRMONT FOR PURPOSES OF SATISFYING A PORTION OF THE SELF-INSURED SECURITY AND INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS OF THE WEST VIRGINIA WORKERS ’ COMPENSATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 On behalf of the City Clerk, David Kirk read the proposed ordinance by title. Mayor Bolyard entertained a motion for the adoption of an ordinance authorizing the renewal of the Letter of Credit for Workers Compensation. Motion: Councilmember Warner moved for the adoption of the proposed ordinance. Councilmember McDaniel seconded the motion. Roll call was taken by the Clerk. The Mayor declared the ordinance adopted by unanimous vote of Council and the ordinance designated as Ordinance No. 2073 was duly adopted. IN RE: INTRODUCTION, FIRST READING, SET PUBLIC HEARING, AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FAIRMONT AUTHORIZING AND REGULATING PRIVATE OUTDOOR DESIGNATED AREAS IN THE CITY OF FAIRMONT. Mr. Kirk read the proposed ordinance by synopsis for the first time. Mayor Bolyard entertained a motion for the introduction of an ordinance authorizing the establishment of a Private Outdoor Designated Area (PODA) within city limits. Motion: 6 Councilmember McDaniel moved for the introduction of the proposed ordinance. Councilmember Sole seconded the motion. The Mayor declared the public hearing set for May 27, 2025. IN RE: ADOPTION, A RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR AN AMENDMENT TO THE CITY OF FAIRMONT'S 2024-2025 ANNUAL BUDGET: GENERAL FUND. Mr. Kirk read the proposed resolution by synopsis for the first time. Mayor Bolyard entertained a motion for the adoption of a resolution providing for a General Fund Budget Revision. Motion: Councilmember Warner moved for the adoption of the proposed resolution. Councilmember Sole seconded the motion. Roll call was taken by the Clerk. The Mayor declared the resolution adopted by unanimous vote of Council. IN RE: ADOPTION, A RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR AN AMENDMENT TO THE CITY OF FAIRMONT'S 2024-2025 ANNUAL BUDGET: COAL SEVERANCE . Mr. Kirk read the proposed resolution by synopsis for the first time. Mayor Bolyard entertained a motion for the adoption of a resolution providing for a Coal Severance Budget Revision. Motion: Councilmember Sole moved for the adoption of the proposed resolution. Councilmember Moran seconded the motion. Roll call was taken by the Clerk. The Mayor declared the resolution adopted by unanimous vote of Council. IN RE: ADOPTION, A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FAIRMONT APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF FAIRMONT TO CONVERT THE METHOD OF FINANCING THE CITY OF FAIRMONT'S POLICE PENSION AND RELIEF FUND FROM THE CONSERVATION METHOD OF FINANCING ON A PAY-AS-YOU-GO BASIS AS PROVIDED BY WEST VIRGINIA CODE §8-22-20(F) TO THE OPTIONAL-II METHOD OF FINANCING AS PROVIDED BY WEST VIRGINIA CODE §8-22-20(G). 7 Mr. Kirk read the proposed resolution by synopsis for the first time. Mayor Bolyard entertained a motion for the adoption of a resolution authorizing the change to the police pension and relief fund. Motion: Councilmember McDaniel moved for the adoption of the proposed resolution. Councilmember Rice seconded the motion. Discussion: Councilmember Weber asked if these changes will benefit the retirees. City Manager Blosser said that this will not change any payouts, as those are set by statute. There being no more discussion, the Mayor called for a vote. Roll call was taken by the Clerk. The Mayor declared the resolution adopted by unanimous vote of Council. IN RE: ADOPTION, A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FAIRMONT APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF FAIRMONT TO CONVERT THE METHOD OF FINANCING THE CITY OF FAIRMONT'S FIRE PENSION AND RELIEF FUND FROM THE CONSERVATION METHOD OF FINANCING ON A PAY-AS-YOU-GO BASIS AS PROVIDED BY WEST VIRGINIA CODE §8-22-20(F) TO THE OPTIONAL-II METHOD OF FINANCING AS PROVIDED BY WEST VIRGINIA CODE §8-22-20(G). Mr. Kirk read the proposed resolution by synopsis for the first time. Mayor Bolyard entertained a motion for the adoption of a resolution authorizing the change to the fire pension and relief fund. Motion: Councilmember Sole moved for the adoption of the proposed resolution. Councilmember Moran seconded the motion. Roll call was taken by the Clerk. The Mayor declared the resolution adopted by unanimous vote of Council. IN RE: ADOPTION, A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FAIRMONT AUTHORIZING THE EXPENDITURE OF THE PFIZER AND RANBAXY 8 ATORVASTATIN (LIPITOR) SETTLEMENT FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $25,000.00 FOR PUBLIC RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES AND EQUIPMENT. Mr. Kirk read the proposed resolution by synopsis for the first time. Mayor Bolyard entertained a motion for the adoption of a resolution approving the expenditure of the settlement funds. Motion: Councilmember McDaniel moved for the adoption of the proposed resolution. Councilmember Moran seconded the motion. Roll call was taken by the Clerk. The Mayor declared the resolution adopted by unanimous vote of Council. IN RE: ONE APPOINTMENT, MARION COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY TRUSTEE BOARD, FIVE-YEAR TERM ENDING JUNE 30, 2030. Mayor Bolyard entertained a motion for one appointment to the Marion County Public Library Trustee Board for a five-year term ending June 30, 2030. Motion: Councilmember Sole moved to appoint Adrin Fisher to the Marion County Public Library Trustee Board for a five-year term ending June 30, 2030. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Moran. Roll call was taken by the Clerk. The Mayor declared Adrin Fisher appointed to the Marion County Public Library Trustee Board for a five-year term ending June 30, 2030 by unanimous vote of Council. IN RE: EXECUTIVE SESSION Mayor Bolyard entertained a motion to adjourn to Executive Session as per WV Code §6-9A-4(b)(2)(A) and City Charter 2.11 (a)(1)A – to consider matters arising from the appointment, employment, retirement, promotion, transfer, demotion, disciplining, resignation, discharge, dismissal, or compensation of a City Officer. Motion: Councilmember McDaniel moved to adjourn to Executive Session. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Sole. The Mayor declared the meeting adjourned to Executive Session at 7:38 p.m. 9 IN RE: MEETING RECONVENED The Mayor declared the meeting reconvened at 7:59 p.m. ADJOURNMENT The Mayor entertained a motion for adjournment. Motion: Councilmember Horton moved to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilmember McDaniel. The Mayor declared the meeting adjourned by voice vote of Council at 7:59 p.m. 10