The City of Huntington Council convened on December 9, 2024, to discuss several key resolutions and ordinances impacting local governance and community services.

One of the primary topics was the first reading of Ordinance 2024-O-44, which authorizes the mayor to accept the transfer of eight right-of-way parcels from the West Virginia Department of Transportation to the city. This transfer is linked to the completion of the Houghborough project, which involves roadway realignment in the vicinity of Tenth Avenue and Charleston Avenue. The council unanimously approved an amendment to correct the number of parcels from nine to eight, ensuring accurate representation of the transfer.

Additionally, the council confirmed the appointment of Jeff Chapman to the Huntington Municipal Development Authority and reappointed Ellie Layman to the Huntington Human Relations Commission. Both resolutions received favorable recommendations from the personnel committee and passed without opposition.

A significant resolution was also passed to allocate $75,000 from the West Virginia opioid settlement to the Cabell County Coalition for the Homeless. This funding is designated for use by the First Steps Wellness and Recovery Center, which provides essential services for individuals facing substance use disorders and homelessness. The center has been recognized for its comprehensive support, including recovery coaching and job readiness programs.

The council also addressed financial matters, approving a supplemental resolution related to the refinancing of the city’s combined sewer and stormwater system bonds. This step is crucial for consolidating the stormwater utility and the Huntington sanitary board, facilitating better management of city resources.

Lastly, the council discussed upcoming election challenges, with a public hearing scheduled for December 16 regarding disputes in Districts 1 and 9. The council entered an executive session to confer with legal counsel about the challenges, ensuring that all procedural aspects are properly addressed.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the council's commitment to improving city infrastructure, supporting community health initiatives, and maintaining transparent governance in the face of electoral challenges.