City of Buckhannon

The session included two public hearings concerning the submission of FEMA grant applications: one for the Taylor Street Storm Sewer Collection System Project Phase II and another for the E-911 Addressing Project. Public comment was received regarding the E-911 project, with concerns raised about resident inconvenience, although the City Engineer clarified this was only the initial application step. Key agenda items included the approval of the renewal for Volunteer Firemen's Insurance Services (VFIS) policy and the call for the 2026 General Election procedures. The Public Works Director reported on ongoing sidewalk projects, sewer upgrades, and work toward the new water treatment plant, noting that the Charles W. Gibson Library roof replacement bid package is nearing completion. The City Attorney sought and received authorization for property acquisition for the new Water Treatment Plant site, including potential condemnation proceedings. New business involved appointing representatives to the Upshur County Recreation Board and filling two vacant seats on the Planning Commission. Council members commended the Fire Department's growth in the regional mental wellness program and discussed community holiday events.

Key discussions during the meeting included financial matters, public works, fire department reports, and new business. The Council addressed funding requests, appropriating $1,500.00 to the Buckhannon Community Band for their festival. Approval was granted for General Fund Budget Revision #3, involving numerous adjustments to revenues and expenditures across various departments, and for reinvesting Municipal Stabilization Fund Certificates of Deposit. Building and Wiring Permits were approved. The Fire Department report detailed an expansion of swift water rescue team services and presented standards of coverage metrics. City Attorney Tom O'Neill presented the first reading of Ordinance No. 477, which proposes increasing the municipal purchasing threshold from $25,000 to $50,000. New business included the appointment of Jarod Ramsey to the Buckhannon Upshur Airport Authority and Stephanie Rockwell to the Planning Commission vacancy, along with approving Christmas Eve 2026 as an observed City holiday. Appalachian Impact presented on their organization and received a Letter of Support for a T-Mobile Hometown Grant application.

The meeting commenced with the Mayor's State of the City Address, highlighting accomplishments from 2025 and future plans for 2026, including a $50,000 sponsorship for the West Virginia Strawberry Festival. Key agenda items included the approval of bill payments and Building and Wiring Permits. Public Works reported on sidewalk projects, equipment removal, and ongoing sewer and water system maintenance, as well as updates on the Charles W. Gibson Library roof replacement project and the Colonial Arts Center improvements. The City Attorney provided an update on the eminent domain proceeding for the Water Treatment Plant project and the ongoing codification project with American Legal Publishing. The council accepted the resignations of Theresa Black from the Upshur County Board of Health and Paula McGrew from the Planning Commission. The meeting concluded with an Executive Session to discuss personnel matters.

Key discussions during the meeting included the Fire Department Pinning of Probationary Firefighter Joshua Bowers and a presentation from the Upshur County Tobacco Prevention Coalition, which resulted in referring a request to implement a vape/smoke shop ordinance to the Planning Commission for evaluation. Financial matters involved approving bill payments, appropriating $8,000.00 to the Upshur County Senior Center for operations/maintenance, and approving a $50,000.00 appropriation to the WV Strawberry Festival Association for its 2026 event. Public Works reported on various ongoing projects, including sidewalk construction and sewer upgrades, and Building and Wiring Permits were approved. The Council also approved the donation of discontinued BPD Tasers to the Upshur County Sheriff's Office and authorized the execution of agreements for the Charles W. Gibson Library Addition Project. New business included approving the recommendation not to proceed with the Gateway North Sidewalk & Lighting Design Phase and submitting an intent to apply for the Route 20 South Sidewalk & Lighting Project. An Executive Session was held to discuss property matters.

Key discussions during the meeting included the financial report presentation and the department report from the SYCC Director, which detailed ongoing activities such as the After-School Program, basketball season preparations, and various classes, while noting issues with limited gym time and non-functional security cameras following a blown fuse. New business centered on the approval of the Verkada Surveillance/Security Camera System upgrade, with a quoted cost of $56,701.07 for 15 cameras with a 10-year license. A building rental request for the Almost Heaven BBQ Bash in June 2026 was tabled. Board members also discussed the proposed development of a STEM Center in Upshur County, including preliminary planning materials and potential partnerships, and encouraged participation in the Weyerhaeuser Community Survey to influence local funding allocations.