Joseph James Baldwin

The FY 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and FY 2025 Annual Action Plan for the City of Charleston, WV, outlines a strategic approach to address housing and community development needs. It prioritizes improving housing quality and affordability, supporting homeless populations and those with special needs, enhancing community facilities and infrastructure, fostering economic development, and ensuring effective administration and fair housing practices. The plan integrates community input and aligns with federal guidelines to allocate resources and achieve measurable outcomes.

The City Council meeting included public speakers addressing FestivAll 2019 and the YWCA. A claim regarding property damage was referred to the City Solicitor. Reports were received from the Charleston Area Tennis Association and various committees. The Planning Committee recommended the passage of Bill No. 7794 and Resolution No. 147-18, both of which were referred to the Finance Committee. The Finance Committee recommended the passage of Resolution No. 148-18 (Change Order #2 with Stantec Consulting Services), Resolution No. 149-18 (FY 2018-2019 General Fund Budget Amendment No. 5), and Resolution No. 150-18 (Subaward Recipient Agreement with Appalachia HIDTA). The Finance Committee also recommended the passage of Bill No. 7794 (property exchange with Kanawha County Public Library) and several committee reports regarding bids for various equipment purchases for the Refuse, Public Grounds, Equipment Maintenance, and Street Departments. A new bill (No. 7800) establishing a no-parking tow-away zone was introduced and referred to the Streets and Traffic Committee. Finally, reports from the Municipal Court and City Treasurer were received and filed.

The City Council meeting included several key actions. A public hearing was held for Bill No. 7783, with no public comment. The Parking Committee recommended approval of Resolution No. 060-18 for the FY 2018-2019 Parking System Budget and Bill No. 7783, which amends sections of the Municipal Code related to parking fines and purchasing authority. The Finance Committee approved Resolution No. 060-18, Resolution No. 061-18 (Change Order No. 3 with Wolf Creek Contracting Co. for Slack Plaza Improvements), Resolution No. 062-18 (one-year agreement extension with WasteZero), Resolution No. 063-18 (Annual Action Plan submission to HUD), Resolution No. 064-18 (Change Order No. 5 with Terradon Corporation), and Resolution No. 065-18 (three-year agreement with LUMOS Networks for Civic Center internet services). The Finance Committee also approved committee reports for public space furnishings and slant benches for the Civic Center Expansion and Renovation Project. Bill No. 7783 Amended was passed, amending sections of the Municipal Code related to parking fines and purchasing authority. New bills, No. 7784 and 7785, were introduced and referred to the Streets and Traffic Committee.

The council meeting included the nomination and approval of Rutha Chestnut for the Ward 7 seat. Key discussion points involved Bill No. 7723 Committee Substitute, concerning the closing and abandoning of a public right of way, and Resolution No. 845-17, authorizing an agreement with PAR Roofing Company for roof replacement at the Sign Shop. The meeting also included reports from the Planning and Finance Committees.

The council meeting addressed various topics, including public comments opposing Bill No. 7647 (alley closure), several claims for property and vehicle damage (referred to the City Solicitor), and communications regarding appointments to the Municipal Beautification Commission and the Kanawha-Charleston Board of Health. A resolution was adopted to certify the results of the March 7, 2015 Primary Election. The Committee on Planning recommended passage of Bill No. 7648 (alley closure and conveyance to the Charleston Urban Renewal Authority). The Committee on Finance recommended approval of Resolution No. 560-15 (Community Participation Program grants) and Resolution No. 561-15 (Safe Routes to School matching funds), and the purchase of Panasonic Toughbooks for the Charleston Police Department. New bills (Nos. 7649 and 7650) regarding parking zones were introduced and referred to the Streets and Traffic Committee.