Ordinance and Rules Committee — Charleston, WV
Date: 2023-12-18
Time: 17:00

CITY OF CHARLESTON
 WEST VIRGINIA

 Council Member – Ward 20

Chad Robinson Ordinance and Rules Committee, Chair
793 Lower Donnally Rd. Parks and Recreation Committee
Charleston, WV 25304 Finance Committee
304- 389-7373 Parking Facilities Committee
chad.robinson@cityofcharleston.
org



A meeting of the Council Committee on Ordinance & Rules will be held on Monday, December 18,
 2023 at 5:00 PM. To be held in person
 AV ROOM #308, CITY HALL

 Agenda

APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES

 1. 10-2-2023

RESOLUTIONS

 1. Resolution No. 911-23 - Declaring that the City of Charleston, City Administration,
 its City Council, its various Boards and Commissions, and the citizens and businesses
 of the City of Charleston will strive to utilize native plant species, minimize pesticide
 usage, operate bird-safe buildings, and seek opportunities to protect the habitats of
 species of the greatest conservation need as designated by the West Virginia
 Division of Natural Resources.

BILLS

 1. Bill No. 7991 Committee Substitute - A BILL to amend sections of the Municipal
 Code relating to city agencies and boards adopting wellbeing and conservation goals
 for the city.

ADJOURN




CR/ns
*Meetings may be recorded and broadcast via internet https://charlestonwv.civicclerk.com

CITY OF CHARLESTON
 WEST VIRGINIA

 Council Member – Ward 20

Chad Robinson Ordinance and Rules Committee, Chair
793 Lower Donnally Rd. Parks and Recreation Committee
Charleston, WV 25304 Finance Committee
304- 389-7373 Parking Facilities Committee
chad.robinson@cityofcharleston.
org



A meeting of the Council Committee on Ordinance & Rules will be held on Monday, December 18,
 2023 at 5:00 PM. To be held in person
 AV ROOM #308, CITY HALL

 Agenda

APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES

 1. 10-2-2023

RESOLUTIONS

 1. Resolution No. 911-23 - Declaring that the City of Charleston, City Administration,
 its City Council, its various Boards and Commissions, and the citizens and businesses
 of the City of Charleston will strive to utilize native plant species, minimize pesticide
 usage, operate bird-safe buildings, and seek opportunities to protect the habitats of
 species of the greatest conservation need as designated by the West Virginia
 Division of Natural Resources.

BILLS

 1. Bill No. 7991 Committee Substitute - A BILL to amend sections of the Municipal
 Code relating to city agencies and boards adopting wellbeing and conservation goals
 for the city.

ADJOURN




CR/ns
*Meetings may be recorded and broadcast via internet https://charlestonwv.civicclerk.com




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Page | 2 of
 MINUTES
 ORDINANCE AND RULES COMMITTEE MEETING

 5:00 P. M., OCTOBER 2, 2023

THE MEETING WAS HELD IN PERSON IN THE AV ROOM #308 IN CITY HALL.

Chad Robinson, Chairperson, called the meeting of the Charleston City Council
Committee on Ordinance and Rules to order at 5:00 p.m., October 2, 2023.

Committee Members Present:
Chad Robinson, Chair
Patrick Salango, Vice Chair
Frank Annie
Becky Ceperley
Joseph Jenkins
Sam Minardi
Emmett Pepper (arrived at 5:18, after vote to approve minutes)

Absent:



Councilmembers also Present:
Jennifer Pharr
Caitlin Cook
Chelsea Steelhammer
Mary Beth Hoover
Jeanine Faegre
Joe Solomon
Beth Kerns
Bruce King
Pat Jones




 1. Approval of Previous Minutes –

Councilmember Minardi motioned to approve the previous minutes from 9-21-2023.
Councilmember Ceperley seconded the motion. From the audience, Councilmember
Kerns requested that her statement concerning the recyclability of the plastic cups be
corrected. With those being present having voted unanimously in the affirmative, the
Chair declared the minutes as approved as amended.




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 2. Bill No. 8013 Committee Substitute as Amended - A BILL to amend the Municipal
 Code by adding a new Article to authorize Private Outdoor Designated Areas –

City Attorney, Kevin Baker, added that the bill and committee substitute removes
Section 6-91, because the ABCA thought it was confusing to include as PODAs are not
public spaces. There is a new reference in 6-152 concerning the open container law.
The applicant must have a valid Class A Private Club license. Section 6-157 gives some
general policy authority given to the City Manager’s Office related to the language of the
signs, container approval, the identification of participating and non-participating
businesses, etc. Councilmember Pepper requested that Section 6-158 notice be given
to City Council and the relevant interested parties when a PODA is suspended. There is
a new penalty section that has a penalty for an individual who violates a provision of the
PODA, and penalties for owners/operators/employees who violate it. The boundaries for
the various PODAs have been slightly adjusted. The hours of operation have been
changed to seven days a week (Monday through Friday 4pm-10pm and
Saturday/Sunday 10am-10pm). The committee substitute also has a few technical
corrections: the Bridge Road PODA was increased to include a business. Baker added
that businesses don’t have to operate within the full allowed hours of operation. A
fourth, Capitol Market, PODA has been added.

Councilmember Ceperley asked if the bill would allow for the drinking and serving of
alcohol during ArtWalk. Baker replied that it would, but the vendor would have to be
licensed. Councilmember Ceperley asked about the containers. Baker added that the
requirements in the bill state that the cup (not greater than 16oz) be approved by the
City Manager and the ABCA, therefore, the City Manger would have the discretion to
look into recyclable options for the cups as long as it is not glass.

Councilmember Annie asked for clarification about how the businesses would get the
cups. Baker replied that he believed the goal is to have a cup that is consistent for some
or all PODAs. The City will likely purchase the first round of cups to get started, then the
business owners would be responsible for replenish their stock of cups after that.
Councilmember Annie confirmed with Baker that it would not be a violation if a business
owner hired private security.

Councilmember Jenkins clarified the sidewalk boundaries of the City Center PODA.

From the audience, Councilmember Kerns that there was an email from a business
owner that wanted to be included in the PODA. She also found out from research that a
lot of PODAs are making more substantial cups (commemorative/reusable) to reduce
their carbon footprint.

Councilmember Minardi asked once a designated cup is established, could there be
multiple options for it (disposable and reusable options, for example). Baker replied that
there was nothing that would prohibit more than one design or style. Councilmember
Robinson added that there had been discussions about having different cups for
different types of alcohol.




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Councilmember Solomon confirmed with Councilmember Robinson that a business that
does not sell alcohol can identify that they do not allow PODA drinks in their
establishment.

Councilmember Ceperley moved to approve Bill No. 8013 Committee Substitute as
Amended, giving the City Attorney the discretion to make any necessary technical
corrections. With those being present having voted unanimously in the affirmative, the
Chair declared Bill No. 8013 Committee Substitute as Amended as approved.



 3. Resolution No. 885-23 - Amending the Rules of Council by adding thereto a new
 rule relating to privileges to the floor of council chambers during the meetings of
 city council –

Baker added that the Committee Substitute version will add two new rules to the Rule of
Council. It would limit the City Council Chambers floor to Councilmembers, staff present
for an official purpose and any member of the public invited by the Presiding Officer for
ten minutes before and after a Council meeting and while the meeting is in session. The
first row on the left side when facing the Presiding Officer is reserved for credentialed
members of the media. The resolution also sets forth various rules about decorum for
the media and requires members of the media to apply for media privileges.

Councilmember Annie asked what would happen if he wanted to bring a credentialed
member of the media onto the floor. Baker replied that only the Presiding Officer could
do that.

Councilmember Jenkins stated that the last line of the next to last paragraph “It is a
breach of decorum to move about the Chamber while Council is in session” is not
specifically limited to credentialed members, although that seems to be the intent. Baker
agreed. Councilmember Jenkins added that there is similar contradictory language in
the third bullet point on the last paragraph. He pointed out that this language could
prohibit Councilmembers from moving to speak with each other during meetings. Baker
added that the language could be easily clarified. Councilmember Ceperley added that
they should not be lobbying each other during discussion. Councilmember Minardi
added that it does happen at times.

Councilmember Jenkins asked if there was an appeal process for someone who was
denied a press credential. Baker replied that a rule could be suspended by a 2/3 vote,
but there is no appeals procedure stated in the resolution.

Councilmember Pepper confirmed that the “lobbying” language would pertain to
someone who was doing PR work on the side, not their full-time job. He asked if this
was similar language to what the State had, and Councilmember Robinson replied that
it was very similar language to that used by the House of Delegates.

From the audience, Councilmember Steelhammer asked what if a news organization




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was new/small and did not have paid/full-time staff. Baker replied that the resolution
would require them to be full-time, paid correspondents. They could also apply for
sponsorship from another publication that would qualify. He felt like a start-up would
meet the qualifications as listed in the resolution. They would also be required to be
credentialed by the Senate/House of Delegates. Councilmember Minardi asked if that
approval was intended. Councilmember Robison replied that if they are credentialed
there, then there would be no reason they couldn’t be for City Council as well.
Councilmember Jenkins asked would someone automatically lose their credentials with
the City if they lost their credentials with the State. Councilmember Robison replied that
the “applicant’s publication must have members of their staff currently credentialed by
the House of Delegates.” Councilmember Robinson added that would be up to
interpretation of the Presiding Officer or their representative.

From the audience, Councilmember Kerns clarified with Councilmember Robinson that
credentialed media would be allowed to sit in the front “left” side of the public seating.
As the resolution reads, there will be no “media table” on the floor.

From the audience, Councilmember Jones confirmed that the signup sheet for Public
Speakers would be moved from the Council floor to an area yet to be determined but
accessible to the public.

From the audience, Councilmember Solomon asked who would reinforce these rules.
Baker replied that the enforcement of the Rules falls to the Presiding Officer with
support from the City Clerk and Seargent at Arms. Councilmember Jenkins added that a
Councilmember could likely also claim a Point of Privilege.

Mayor Goodwin added that they have talked with members of the media. They have
made adjustments, such as a mult box, to make their time more efficient. They have
also adjusted Council desks to make them more visually accessible to the media and
public.

Councilmember Ceperley moved to approve Resolution No. 885-23 Committee
Substitute. Councilmember Salango seconded the motion.

Councilmember Jenkins motion to amend the resolution by deleting Rule 25 and
everything relating to credentialing media. Councilmember Annie seconded the motion.
Councilmember Jenkins added that the credentialing goes too far. Rule 24 solves the
need to move the media to the gallery and creates a section for them.

Councilmember Minardi added that he didn’t have a problem with Rule 25, but he did
think there were a lot of unanswered questions about it.

Councilmember Pepper agreed with Councilmember Minardi, adding the credentialing
could be revisited later.

Councilmember Ceperley added that she thought it was important to do some form of




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credentialing, adding that it addresses accountability.

Councilmember Minardi asked if it would strengthen the resolution to adopt the
amendment and then define credentialed media.

Councilmember Jenkins added that he did not think they should be the arbiters of what
“media” is as that is rapidly changing. This could cause more work and problems than
what the resolution sets out to solve.

With those being present having voted in the majority in the affirmative, with one
recognized Nay from Ceperley, the Chair declared the amendment to Resolution No.
885-23 Committee Substitute as approved.

With those being present having voted unanimously in the affirmative, the Chair
declared the amendment to Resolution No. 885-23 Committee Substitute as Amended
as approved.




Councilmember Minardi motioned to adjourn the meeting. Meeting adjourned.




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 Resolution No. 911-23

 Introduced in Council: Adopted by Council:

 December 18, 2023

 Introduced by: Referred to:

 Emmett Pepper Ordinance & Rules


 1 Resolution No. 911-23 - Declaring that the City of Charleston, City Administration, its City
 2 Council, its various Boards and Commissions, and the citizens and businesses of the City of
 3 Charleston will strive to utilize native plant species, minimize pesticide usage, operate bird-safe
 4 buildings, and seek opportunities to protect the habitats of species of the greatest conservation
 5 need as designated by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.
 6
 7 WHEREAS, access to parkland, open space, nature, and recreational facilities creates a sense of
 8 community through gathering spaces; and benefits the health, happiness, and lives of
 9 Charleston’s residents; and
10
11 WHEREAS, according to the Trust for Public Land, about half of the residents of the City of
12 Charleston are within a ten-minute walk or half mile of a park, while the national average is
13 55%; and
14
15 WHEREAS, according to the Living Planet Index by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and Zoological
16 Society of London (ZSL), animal species populations have dropped 20% since the first Earth Day
17 in 1970; and
18
19 WHEREAS, for example, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) recently listed
20 the migratory monarch butterfly as an endangered species, further justifying the need for city’s
21 monarch waystation in Spring Hill Cemetery Park and other future waystations; and
22
23 WHEREAS, the City’s own operations and the operations of the citizens and businesses of the City
24 can affect wildlife through actions such as utilizing native plant species in landscaping, reducing
25 pesticide and insecticide usage, and operating buildings in a bird-safe manner; and
26
27 WHEREAS, according to the United Nations Convention on Biodiversity, in order to protect
28 biodiversity and ecosystem functioning services, 30% of lands in the world need to be
29 protected; and
30
31 WHEREAS, the City of Charleston currently has approximately 550 of its 20,890 acres available as
32 public parkland, equal to approximately 3%; and
33




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 1 WHEREAS, the 50th Anniversary of the U.S. Endangered Species Act, the nation’s most prominent
 2 and historic biodiversity legislation, occurs later this month, on December 28, 2023; and
 3
 4 WHEREAS, increasingly, scientists believe that people’s mental and physical health benefit from
 5 access to natural ecosystems – for example, a 2019 study in the journal Nature found that 120
 6 minutes each week in nature was associated with good health and wellbeing; and
 7
 8 WHEREAS, the City will seek to reach the goals set forth in this resolution, but nothing in this
 9 resolution shall bind the City or require any action from the City.
10
11 Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Council of the City of Charleston, West Virginia:
12 That the City of Charleston seeks to increase access for its residents to public parks for
13 recreation, access to nature, and the ecosystem services that nature provides; and
14
15 Be it further resolved:
16 That the City of Charleston sets as a goal that 5% of the land in the City be reserved for public
17 parks, with at least 3% of land in the City be preserved as natural landscapes; and
18
19 Be it further resolved:
20 That the City of Charleston sets a goal that 75% of all residents have a park or recreation space
21 within a ten-minute walk or half mile of their homes; and
22
23 Be it further resolved:
24 That the City of Charleston strives to utilize native plant species when landscaping and planting,
25 minimize pesticide usage, and operate bird-safe buildings in the future as funds are dedicated
26 for such purposes, and encourages its citizens and businesses to strive for the same goals; and
27
28 Be it further resolved:
29 That the City of Charleston seeks opportunities to locate additional monarch butterfly
30 waystations and to otherwise protect the habitats of species of the greatest conservation need
31 (SGCN), as designated by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) that have
32 been found to live in the City; and
33
34 Be it further resolved:
35 That the City of Charleston encourages its citizens and businesses to join in these efforts to
36 protect animal species populations in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the U.S.
37 Endangered Species Act; and
38
39 Be it further resolved:
40 That no additional City parks shall be created without consideration of maintenance costs,
41 staffing, and the budget of the City’s Parks and Recreation Department.




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 Bill No. 7991 Ordinance & Rules Committee Substitute

 Introduced in Council: Adopted by Council:

 April 17, 2023

 Introduced by: Referred to:

 Emmett Pepper, Frank Annie , ____ Parks and Recreation and
 Becky Ceperley, Mary Beth Hoover, Ordinance and Rules
 Larry Moore, and Joe Solomon

 1 Bill No. 7991 Ordinance & Rules Committee Substitute - A BILL to amend and
 2 reenact sections 2-533, 50-172, 65-13, and 82-44, of the Municipal Code of the City of
 3 Charleston, as amended, all relating to city agencies and boards adopting wellbeing and
 4 conservation goals for the city.
 5
 6 WHEREAS, access to parkland, open space, nature, and recreational facilities creates a
 7 sense of community through gathering spaces; and benefits the health, happiness, and
 8 lives of Charleston’s residents; and
 9
10 WHEREAS, according to the Trust for Public Land, about half of the residents of the City
11 of Charleston are within a ten-minute walk (half mile) of a park, while the national
12 average is 55%; and
13
14 WHEREAS, according to the Living Planet Index by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and
15 Zoological Society of London (ZSL), animal species populations have dropped 20%
16 since the first Earth Day in 1970; and
17
18 WHEREAS, for example, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
19 recently listed the migratory monarch butterfly as an endangered species, further
20 justifying the need for city’s monarch waystation in Spring Hill Cemetery Park and other
21 future waystations; and
22
23 WHEREAS, the City’s own operations can affect wildlife through actions such as utilizing
24 native plant species in landscaping, reducing pesticide and insecticide usage, and
25 operating buildings in a bird-safe manner; and
26
27 WHEREAS, according to the United Nations Convention on Biodiversity, in order to
28 protect biodiversity and ecosystem functioning services, 30% of lands in the world need
29 to be protected; and
30
31 WHEREAS, the City of Charleston currently has approximately 550 of its 20,890 acres
32 available as public parkland, equal to approximately 3%; and
33
34 WHEREAS, the 50th Anniversary of the U.S. Endangered Species Act, the nation’s most




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35 prominent and historic biodiversity legislation, occurs later this year, on December 28,
36 2023; and
37
38 WHEREAS, increasingly, scientists believe that people’s mental and physical health
39 benefit from access to natural ecosystems – for example, a 2019 study in the journal
40 Nature found that 120 minutes each week in nature was associated with good health
41 and wellbeing; and
42
43 WHEREAS, having clear direction to all applicable agencies, the City of Charleston will
44 benefit its residents by having goals for ensuring access to public spaces, including
45 natural spaces; and
46
47 WHEREAS, on this Earth Day 2023, the City of Charleston commits to increasing access
48 for its residents to public parks for recreation, access to nature, and the ecosystem
49 services that nature provides through the declarations in this bill, the changes to City
50 code made by this bill, and future actions of the City Council; and
51
52 WHEREAS, the City of Charleston hereby sets as a goal that 5% of the land in the City be
53 reserved for public parks, with at least 3% of land in the City be preserved as natural
54 landscapes; and
55
56 WHEREAS, the City of Charleston hereby sets a goal that 75% of all residents have a
57 public park within a ten-minute (half mile) walk of their homes; and
58
59 WHEREAS, the City of Charleston commits to utilizing native plant species when
60 landscaping and planting, minimize pesticide usage, and operate bird-safe buildings, to
61 the extent pecuniarily practicable; and
62
63 WHEREAS, the City of Charleston seeks opportunities to locate additional monarch
64 butterfly waystations and to otherwise protect the habitats of species of the greatest
65 conservation need (SGCN), as designated by the West Virginia Division of Natural
66 Resources (WVDNR) ), and species on the International Union for Conservation of
67 Nature (IUCN) Red List, that have been found to live in the City; and
68
69 WHEREAS, in furtherance of these goals and objectives, the City Council hereby adopts
70 this ordinance.
71
72 Now, therefore, be it ordained by the Council of the City of Charleston:
73
74 That Sections 2-533, 50-172, 65-13, 82-44, and 90-33 of the Municipal Code of the City
75 of Charleston, as amended, are hereby amended and reenacted, all to read as follows:
76
77 CHAPTER 2 - ADMINISTRATION
78 ARTICLE VII. - BOARDS, COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS
79 DIVISION 2. - BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION
80 Sec. 2-533. Duties.




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 81 (a) It shall be the duty of the beautification commission to advise and
 82 recommend to the mayor or the city council such programs or projects as would, in the
 83 opinion of the commission, improve the beauty and general welfare of the city, and
 84 conform in a manner consistent with the development and conservation goals contained
 85 in the city's comprehensive plan.
 86 (b) The mayor or the council may request the advice or cooperation of the
 87 commission for any project or program connected with the beautification, cleanliness or
 88 general welfare of the city.
 89 (c) The commission shall submit an annual report to the mayor, generally
 90 outlining its program and progress during the previous year.
 91 (d) It shall be the duty of the commission to recommend maintenance and
 92 rules of Davis Park, Shanklin Park, Elk River Park and Ruffner.
 93 (e) The commission shall approve recommendations for expenditures from
 94 the municipal beautification project fund.
 95 (f) The commission shall, upon recommendation of the department head,
 96 approve the citywide consulting horticulturalist and make this recommendation to the
 97 finance committee and the city council.
 98 (g) The commission shall serve as the tree board for the city.
 99
100
101 CHAPTER 50 - ENVIRONMENT
102 ARTICLE V. - TREES
103 Sec. 50-172. Purpose.
104
105 It is the purpose of this article to promote and protect the public health and general
106 welfare in furtherance of the development and conservation goals contained in the city’s
107 comprehensive plan, by providing for the regulations of the planting, maintenance,
108 preservation and removal of trees within the city.
109
110
111 CHAPTER 65 - LAND REUSE AGENCY
112 ARTICLE II. - POWERS AND DUTIES.
113
114 Sec. 65-12. - Redevelopment division.
115 The CLRA redevelopment division shall focus on properties in residential and
116 commercial areas of the city that the CLRA owns or could own with the goal of
117 rehabilitating the neighborhood and general area, in support of policies adopted by the
118 City of Charleston, including the development and conservation goals contained in the
119 comprehensive plan. The redevelopment division may recommend to the board that the
120 CLRA acquire property, convey or lease property owned by the CLRA, create land
121 lease agreements for property owned by the CLRA, work with developers to create new
122 redevelopment on CLRA owned property, or make any other recommendation regarding
123 the acquisition, disposal, or development of property. The CLRA redevelopment division
124 shall work with the Charleston Urban Renewal Authority (CURA) to assist in the
125 planning and development of relevant property owned by CURA.
126




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127 Sec. 65-13. Conservation division.
128 The CLRA conservation division shall focus on properties across the city that the CLRA
129 owns or could own with the goal of rehabilitating the area through land conservation,
130 rather than development, in support of policies adopted by the City of Charleston,
131 including the development and conservation goals contained in the comprehensive
132 plan. The conservation division may recommend to the board that the CLRA acquire
133 property, maintain, improve and preserve public trust lands, proposals to foster the
134 donation of public trust lands to the city, to encourage the monetary support for public
135 trust lands and to maintain in trust lands and moneys which are owned by or contributed
136 to the city for the purposes of this division.
137
138 "Public trust lands" for purposes of this chapter shall mean and include: lands,
139 easements, leases or any other interest in real property, whether possessory or
140 nonpossessory, having scenic, recreation, historic, woodland, forestry, conservation,
141 preservation or cultural value which are owned or acquired by the city. Public trust lands
142 may include conservation and preservation easements as provided in W. Va. Code, Ch.
143 20, Art. 12.
144
145
146 CHAPTER 82 - PARKS AND RECREATION
147 ARTICLE II. - PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT
148 Sec. 82-44. Construction and acquisition of recreational property.
149 The city council may establish, construct, acquire and set aside for recreational parks,
150 playgrounds and other recreational facilities any real or personal property acquired by
151 the city, in furtherance of existing public policies, including the city’s comprehensive
152 plan and the State of West Virginia’s Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation
153 Plan (SCORP). Such property shall be under the control of the director when turned
154 over to the director by the council.
155




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MINUTES
 ORDINANCE AND RULES COMMITTEE MEETING

 5:00 P. M., DECEMBER 18, 2023

THE MEETING WAS HELD IN PERSON IN THE AV ROOM #308 IN CITY HALL.

Chad Robinson, Chairperson, called the meeting of the Charleston City Council
Committee on Ordinance and Rules to order at 5:00 p.m., October 2, 2023.

Committee Members Present:
Chad Robinson, Chair
Patrick Salango, Vice Chair
Frank Annie
Becky Ceperley
Joseph Jenkins (arrived at 5:02)
Emmett Pepper

Absent:
Sam Minardi



Councilmembers also Present:
Mary Beth Hoover




 1. Approval of Previous Minutes –

Councilmember Ceperley motioned to approve the previous minutes from 10-2-2023.
Councilmember Annie seconded the motion. With those being present having voted
unanimously in the affirmative, the Chair declared the minutes as approved as
amended.
 2. Resolution No. 911-23 - Declaring that the City of Charleston, City
 Administration, its City Council, its various Boards and Commissions, and the
 citizens and businesses of the City of Charleston will strive to utilize native plant
 species, minimize pesticide usage, operate bird-safe buildings, and seek
 opportunities to protect the habitats of species of the greatest conservation need
 as designated by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. –

Councilmember Pepper added that the resolution sets goals that are not binding. The
CLRA has identified properties that are adjacent to existing parks, which they have
purchased (such as with Danner Meadow). He realized that there wasn’t any sort of
guidance as to how to identify park spaces in the future, how to determine if a land is
best for a park, etc. Additionally, the City should not be doing anything that would
contribute to the extinction of any species. The resolution sets a goal that 75% of all
residents are within a half mile walk of a park. The City is currently at approximately
52%. The resolution also sets a goal to set aside 5% of land for parks, 3% natural.

Councilmember Ceperley spoke in favor of the resolution.

Councilmember Ceperley moved to approve Resolution No. 911-23. Councilmember
Annie seconded. With those being present having voted unanimously in the affirmative,
the Chair declared Resolution No. 911-23 as approved.



 3. Bill No. 7991 Committee Substitute - A BILL to amend sections of the Municipal
 Code relating to city agencies and boards adopting wellbeing and conservation
 goals for the city.–

Councilmember Pepper added that the bill had previously been approved by the Parks
and Recreation Committee.

Councilmember Pepper added that the Comprehensive Plan applies to all City
agencies, and the bill makes that clear in the City Code.


Councilmember Ceperley moved to approve Bill No. 7991 Committee Substitute.
Councilmember Annie seconded. With those being present having voted unanimously in
the affirmative, the Chair declared Bill No. Bill No. 7991 Committee Substitute as
approved.




Councilmember Annie motioned to adjourn the meeting. Meeting adjourned.