Billy Smith

The committee meeting focused on the consideration and approval of Resolution No. 167-19, which authorizes the administration to receive and manage $15,000 in funding from the WV State Police Commission to support overtime DUI patrols and checkpoints. The meeting also included a scheduled segment for a mayoral and administrative update.

The committee reviewed a detailed report on recent repairs and operational updates at various city community centers, including facility improvements, staffing changes, and newly implemented programming. Key discussions included maintenance strategies for parks, potential turfing of baseball fields, and future tournament hosting at the Convention Center. Members explored upcoming grant opportunities for swimming and youth sports. Furthermore, the committee discussed city-wide initiatives such as park cleanup projects, improved safety registrations for facilities, and pending CDBG funding requests for various capital improvements at community centers.

The committee reviewed and approved Bill No. 7815, which amends the city code regarding parking regulations, including exemptions for specific parking buildings, updated terminology, and the clarification of authority for parking and traffic directors. Additionally, the committee received an update from the Mayor and the Parking Director regarding ongoing garage improvements, such as the implementation of private security patrols, LED lighting upgrades, the installation of security cameras, and enhanced safety measures.

The committee meeting covered Narcan training for councilmembers, an extensive update on the deployment and status of surplus security video cameras across various city locations, and a discussion regarding the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department's policies on suboxone administration. The committee also engaged in a general discussion regarding police department patrol staffing and vacancies, the success of recent community outreach meetings, potential updates to police department policies such as tattoo and beard regulations, and the status of recruitment initiatives.

The council addressed several items, including a request for a modern street car system feasibility study and concerns regarding water run-off. Various property damage claims were referred to the City Solicitor. Multiple resolutions were adopted, covering change orders for the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center, the transfer of City property to the Charleston Urban Renewal Authority, a contract for a Concrete Street Repair Project, the purchase of assault rifles for the police department, a grant application for recycling education and studies, and a contract for an indoor digital display screen. Additionally, new bills regarding low-speed vehicle street usage and illicit discharge detection were introduced.