Robert J. Baird

The meeting included the reading of a proclamation for National Public Schools week and the presentation of initial donations for the Unlimited Play Project. Key legislative actions involved the adoption of Ordinance No. 2026-9, authorizing the Sanitation Director to dispose of three sanitation trucks. A first reading was given for Ordinance No. 2026-10, authorizing the City Manager to execute agreements for the University Boulevard and Wellesley Avenue Sidewalk/Pedestrian Upgrades project. Committee reports included the introduction of an ordinance amending the Property Maintenance Code regarding demolition cost collection and a change to the Public Utilities Committee meeting date. Discussions with a vendor on a proposed mobile parking payment system covered pricing models, installation, and third-party enforcement options. The Council also voted to approve sending a request letter to the Governor regarding opportunity zones for both the north and south census tracts. Following these items, an executive session was held to consider the appointment of a new City Manager, after which a motion passed to approve the employment agreement with Michael R. Johnson for that role. Council members also introduced preliminary drafts for a code of conduct and ethics policy and solicited input on updating outdated ordinances, specifically mentioning the fence ordinance.

The Council meeting included several key agenda items. The Planning Committee discussed an ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute agreements for the University Boulevard and Wellesley Avenue sidewalk/pedestrian upgrades (City Project Number 2025-114). The Public Utilities Committee discussed an emergency ordinance to dispose of three sanitation trucks following a citation from the USEPA, leading to a broader discussion regarding the disposal of long-stored, non-operational city vehicles and dumpsters. The council also addressed the status of the Market Street Bridge replacement study being conducted by WVDOT, focusing on tractor trailer traffic accommodation and potential access points. A discussion was held regarding implementing a paid parking system via Parkmobile and the related enforcement mechanism. Furthermore, extensive time was dedicated to discussing the application for a Choice Neighborhoods grant, specifically the reduced funding amount of $26 million and the decision to proceed with a smaller development scope concentrated around existing public housing units, despite concerns raised that the revised plan did not adequately address broader neighborhood blight as initially intended. Executive sessions were held to consider the employment compensation and appointment of the new City Manager and the Parks and Recreation Director. Finally, a motion was passed to offer the City Manager position to Michael Johnson.

The meeting addressed several ordinances, including the acceptance of a new 6-inch waterline conveyance and easement dedication involving Franciscan University of Steubenville, and an ordinance authorizing the re-letting of bids for mineral leasing. A resolution proclaiming February 2026 as Black History Month was adopted. Committee reports sparked extensive discussion regarding snow removal efforts following a recent storm, with concerns raised about uncleared streets, alleys, and corners, and the current snow plowing route strategy. Further discussion focused on a potential $26 million grant for housing redevelopment, with Council expressing concern that the plan presented by JMHA did not adequately spread housing improvements throughout the North End as anticipated, leading to debates over whether to proceed with the current condensed plan or attempt to revise it by contacting numerous property owners before the March 9th deadline. Additionally, the Law Director provided an update on proposed ordinance changes regarding the collection of demolition costs, noting the necessity of revising the existing ordinance to include broader collection mechanisms. During the public forum, citizens commented on snow clearing issues and praised the Council's current efforts amid infrastructure challenges.

The Special Meeting of the City Council involved a motion to enter into executive session specifically to consider the appointment and employment compensation of a public employee, namely the new city manager. The executive session included scheduled interview times for multiple candidates for the city manager position. Following the executive session, a motion was made and approved to adjourn the council meeting.

The key discussion topic involved moving into executive session to consider the appointment and employment compensation of a public employee, specifically the appointment of the new city manager. Three candidates were scheduled for interviews during the executive session. The meeting concluded after the executive session without further actions in the open session.