Charleston City Council Approves $166k CFD Equipment

“The city, and the regular people, are tired of hearing there is nothing we can do,” Martec Washington said at the start of Monday’s Charleston City Council meeting.

Washington was among the public speakers who addressed the council, urging members to use their social media platforms more actively to engage with residents and provide the community with more opportunities to be heard. Washington regularly uses his own social media platforms to engage with the community.

Washington also raised concerns about the lack of signage near the rivers. He suggests that notices more clearly warn residents that they swim at their own risk. In addition, Washington called for the city to find ways to better engage and look out for local youth, including the possibility of creating a challenge or initiative that encourages young people to make safer choices and stay away from gangs, violence and other dangerous activities.

Following the public comment period, the meeting moved into its scheduled agenda, with Mayor Amy Goodwin presenting several proclamations, the first of which addressed the ongoing issue of food insecurity.

“17.7% of residents, including 1 in 4 children, are experiencing food insecurity,” County Clerk Miles Cary stated.

The City of Charleston continues to work with local agencies to connect individuals and families with the support and resources they need. In recognition of the efforts of community organizations and advocates working to address food insecurity, Mayor Goodwin proclaimed September 2026 as “Hunger Action Month” in Charleston.

National Recovery Month is also recognized in September, highlighting those in recovery and the individuals, families, and communities supporting them. The month-long observance helps raise awareness of recovery resources and the impact of substance use disorder on individuals, families, and communities.

“West Virginia Goes Purple,” founded by Tara Mason, is a statewide effort to celebrate recovery, honor those who support individuals on their recovery journeys, and connect people with resources across all 55 counties. Mayor Goodwin proclaimed September 2026 as “West Virginia Goes Purple and National Recovery Month” in Charleston.

The next proclamation addressed the effects of overdose on communities and families. “The West Virginia Department of Health’s Bureau of Public Health has recorded 1,063 fatal overdoses in Kanawha County between 2020 and 2025,” Cary said.

The proclamation highlighted the impact of last year’s “Save a Life Day” event, during which the CARE team and organizers distributed 7,236 doses of Naloxone throughout Charleston and Kanawha County. The results of the event led Mayor Goodwin to recognize September 24, 2026, as “Save a Life Day” and encourage residents to support these lifesaving efforts, learn the signs of an overdose, and become familiar with how Naloxone can be used to help save a life.

Mayor Goodwin’s final proclamation of the evening emphasized the importance of cancer prevention and early detection across West Virginia. The proclamation encourages residents to become informed about screening and prevention techniques and raising awareness throughout the Charleston community.

This September 27 through October 4, 2026, will now be recognized as “Lights of Hope” Week in Charleston. The observance honors those affected by cancer, supports their families and loved ones. It will also recognize the efforts of organizations and institutions working to promote cancer prevention, early detection, and care for cancer patients.

The members of council were then prompted to nominate someone to fill the unexpired term of the Ward 18 city council seat. Jessica Hudson was nominated by Becky Ceperley. With no other nominations from the floor, council members approved Hudson as the Ward 18 representative. Hudson was then sworn in by County Clerk Miles Cary.

For the remainder of the meeting, council members moved on to vote on several bills and resolutions. The first motion was to approve a no-parking-anytime zone on the north side of Main Street, from a point at 151 feet east to 315 feet east of Florida Street. The motion passed. Another bill was presented to establish a 20 mph speed limit from Cantley Drive to the end of Cook Drive. The bill also passed.

The last motion of the meeting was a resolution authorizing Mayor Goodwin to purchase replacement equipment for the Charleston Fire Department, including two monitors/defibrillators, one cot, and four chest compression systems, along with the necessary accessories. The final resolution passed at a cost of $166,471.