The regular meeting of Shinnston City Council was called to order on Monday, August 10, 2026, and, with no petitions of citizens to be offered, Council proceeded to approve minutes of the Regular meeting of July 13th (as presented) and the minutes from the Special Meeting and Work Session, both held on July 27th. These, too, were approved following several corrections that needed to be made.
Mayor Patrick Kovalck gave his executive report, focusing mainly on how beneficial it had been to participate in the Summer Conference of the West Virginia Municipal League held recently in Charleston. He attended along with City Manager Tori Drainer, Councilman Vance Sosinsky, and City Clerk Kathleen Panek. The Mayor noted that he had attended several excellent classes while there and found networking with those from other cities very advantageous.
“ We learned that a lot of the challenges we face are no different from those being confronted by many other cities in the state,” he said. “It was a mutual exchange of information and ideas to promote the best solutions for our communities. I also got contact information on where to go for help and suggestions when needed,” Kovalck added.
He noted that he had spoken to the City Planner from Charleston regarding dilapidated remediation. The City Planner will share with him a 20-step chart that describes from start to finish how to identify and whether to tear down or rehabilitate run-down properties, as well as steps to follow prior to demolition.
He also reported that he had attended the Shinnston Lions Club’s Appreciation Lunch for City employees. “There was a very good turnout; it was a wonderful gesture of thanks from the Lions Club, and our way to reciprocate because we notice that they regularly support events and activities hosted by the City as well,” he added.
The City Manager’s report was next on the agenda. Mrs. Drainer noted that she, Mayor Kovalck, Councilman Kisamore, Chief Harbert, and Jason Martin had met in advance to discuss plans for this year’s Turkey Trot. They addressed having a state permit, insurance and liability, and the use of the Sue Ann Miller Trailhead. She stated that the Rail Trail has been newly paved and has already reopened for use. A Grand Reopening is scheduled for September 19th.
The City Manager also reiterated that attending the Municipal League Conference had been very worthwhile. “I learned quite a bit and was pleased to discover that we are not the only City struggling with handling dilapidated buildings and an elderly infrastructure,” she said.
She and Mayor Kovalck have also met with the City Attorney to consider several matters that have been brought to their attention: matters such as code enforcement, zoning, etc. She also provided sewer and water plant reports that are turned in to the state on a monthly basis.
She is also in discussions about the poor drainage from Price Cutter to the entrance to Saltwell Road and trying to determine who is responsible for these needed repairs – the property owner, the DOH, or the City. She hopes they can come together to reach a suitable solution.
Her final comment was to report that the six-inch water line to the Scudere property in Enterprise should be ready to begin soon.
Prior to proceeding with old and new business, Councilperson Mary Ann Ferris moved to amend the agenda to include as Old Business reviewing, discussing and considering action on Mon Power’s request for a 50% rate decrease in their current water rate. A motion was made to authorize the City Manager and City Attorney to draft a letter to Mon Power officials to request answers to the following questions: 1- What is your plan for passing the 50% rate (or any other) decrease you have requested on to your customers? 2 – What is the estimated cost of the equipment and facilities construction you will need to get water to your plant? 3 – Have you done a study to determine the viability of the West Fork River as your water source? If so, please share these results so that we may determine the impact to Shinnston’s citizens and tourism. 4 – What is the current amount of your requested rate increase to your customers that is before the PSC? What is the current status?
Councilman Andrew Kisamore suggested adding a 5th question: 5 – What is the amount left to pay off the City’s note and when is the payoff date?
All questions to be submitted for a response from Mon Power were approved unanimously.
Richard Gaines, the Stantec engineer who works closely with the City of Shinnston, immediately provided an answer to question 5, stating that the loan obtained by the City to finance establishing water service to the power plant still has a balance of $3.5 million left to pay with a payoff required by 2045.
The only other old business was to review a change order for Phase 3 of the Water Project with Stantec. These numbers are still being gathered so this item was tabled.
New Business included: Introduction, first reading, and setting a public hearing on an Ordinance Implementing the City’s Municipal Home Rule Authority to Authorize Intergovernmental Agreements by Resolution. The ordinance related to Home Rule was read by title only.
Police Chief Jon Harbert was asked to be present for item 2 of new business, which was to consider implementation of public safety for back-to-school (traffic, zone identifiers, social media reminders, and school bus safety). Chief Harbert noted that postings to this effect had already been shared on Facebook. He said that school lights are already functioning and SPD will be aiding with traffic control when school begins.
Vice Mayor Rodney Strait, who participated via phone, offered that the Lord’s Pantry was very pleased with loading zone signs being used during Pantry pickup days and that it had resulted in a much smoother traffic pattern, faster assistance to families being served, and fewer complaints.
Brendan Gallagher also thanked Council for its support of Shindy 2026, which drew great attendance and positive comments.
With no further business to address, the meeting adjourned for an Executive Session to discuss Police Scheduling.
