Leslie Gray Baker

Key discussions during this session included public comments regarding the installation of a speed bump on Larew Avenue. Council members provided brief updates on community events and acknowledged community service awards. The primary legislative actions involved the second reading and unanimous adoption of an ordinance creating a Land Reuse Agency (Chapter 15, Article III, Section 401-413) of the City's Codified Ordinances, following a public hearing where no comments were received. A resolution authorizing the open burning of vegetation was also unanimously approved. Under new business, the City Manager recommended and Council approved the combination of Fire Marshal duties and Code Enforcement under one supervisor, appointing Captain Chris Graham to the role of Fire Marshal/Chief Building Code Official. Additionally, Marilyn Timbers was appointed to the Beckley Housing Authority. Proclamations were presented honoring Pastor Debra McCray, the late Pastor David Allen, and Bishop Ernest Stewart.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the minutes from the February 17, 2026 council meeting. Public comments focused heavily on traffic safety, specifically excessive speeding on Laroo and the need for traffic calming measures to prevent accidents. An update was provided regarding the operations and positive outcomes of the Beckley Day Center, which has served over 290 individuals experiencing substantial barriers, assisting with critical needs such as retrieval of personal identification, outpatient treatment referrals, and housing assistance. City manager comments acknowledged birthday celebrations, receipt of the certificate of formulation, and progress on the Beckley post office location. Council members discussed pothole repairs following inclement weather, the status of the Black Knight Golf Course opening (tentatively April 1st), and the encouragement of local patronage downtown. Old business addressed the discussion of panhandling signage, with staff working with the state highway division to obtain necessary approvals for placement on state-maintained roads.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the minutes from the previous regular council meeting. Following this, the public comments segment featured residents addressing concerns regarding speeding vehicles, specifically mentioning the need for police presence and addressing speed humps or other traffic calming measures on certain streets. A representative from AWAY (advocating a way for adults and youth) provided an overview of their organization, which offers emergency crisis shelter and advocacy services to victims of domestic and sexual violence across several counties, noting their current shelter capacity. Council members offered brief comments thanking various city departments for their work, referencing holiday decorations downtown and snow removal efforts. The new business focused on the selection of two city council members to serve on the City of Beckley Land Reuse Agency (LRA). Discussions revolved around the optimal size of the LRA board (proposing two council members out of a possible five to eleven total members) and the process for selecting these two representatives fairly, while noting that four members had already expressed interest, which could necessitate public meeting protocol if four were appointed.

The meeting commenced with administrative notes and included public comments regarding concerns about speeding vehicles and inquiries about the asphalt plant opening date. Key actions included the approval of the previous minutes. The Council enacted an ordinance creating the Land Reuse Agency (LRA) to promote productive use of available properties for conservation, housing, and commercial use, following a public hearing where no comments were offered in opposition. Additionally, a resolution was adopted to permit the open burning of vegetation between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. during March through May 2026, requiring notification to the Fire Department beforehand. In new business, the Council approved the consolidation of the Fire Marshal and Building Code Official roles into a single position, appointing Captain Chris Graham. The appointment of Marilyn Timbers to the Beckley Housing Authority Board was also approved. Finally, proclamations recognizing several community members, including Pastor Deborah McCrae, were presented.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the minutes from the January 20th, 2026 regular council meeting. Public comments addressed the need for public and administration collaboration to rebuild the system and advocated for action at the state level. A council member highlighted the prompt cleanup of illegal dumping in Ward 3 and requested council consideration regarding city ordinances, specifically concerning parking violations and vehicle alignment with traffic flow, suggesting a need for public awareness campaigns. Council members expressed appreciation for Public Works staff handling snow removal and other issues, and welcomed the new event coordinator, Trish Morgan, while bidding farewell to Jill Morfield. Key business involved the first reading of an ordinance creating the Land Reuse Agency (LRA) to manage vacant, abandoned, and tax-delinquent properties, which will proceed to a second reading and public hearing. Additionally, the council approved a resolution authorizing the NRGDA to apply for certification of a Build West Virginia district to facilitate tax incentives for housing and commercial construction projects, following a completed housing study. Finally, a resolution was adopted to approve an annual intergovernmental agreement with the Raleigh County Commission and the Raleigh County Solid Waste Authority regarding the disposal of demolition waste from abandoned buildings. New business began with a discussion on approving two-hour free parking in the South Fay Streets McCra Street parking lot.