Huntington Citizen Action Group
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hcag.bsky.social
Huntington Citizen Action Group
@hcag.bsky.social
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The Bluesky account for Huntington Citizen Action Group for Huntington West Virginia. to share news and make announcements. Find us on Facebook and Nextdoor to join in the conversation.
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hcag.bsky.social
I believe all of these things have passed or gone on to second readings. I've been a little out of it, so someone correct me if I'm wrong.
(Instead of doing a write-up up which I must admit I just do not have time for, and putting the video on YouTube will be how I share the info)
Image of Huntington City Council Agenda. 1. Invocation and pledge of allegiance. 2. roll call 3. Synopsis of last meeting 4. Reports of the mayor. 5 2nd reading of an ordiance re: 2025-0-12 an ordinance of council amending modifying and re-enacting the zoning ordiance of the city of Huntignton, West Virginia, 1998, as revised, and the zoning map as revised attached thereto as a part therof by zoning to C-2 Highway commercial all property from 20th street east to the 21st street and maple avenue south to 6th avenue. 6. 2nd reading of an ordinance re 2025-0-13 an ordinance of council authorizing the mayor to execute a deed transferring property located within the city of Huntington to the Huntington Municipal Development Authority. 7. Resolution re: 2025-R-54 A resolution of council confirming the reappointment of Mark Bates to a second term on the Municipal Service Fee Board. 8. Resolution re: 2025-R-55 A resolution of council confirming the reappointment of Jon R. Mongomery jr. to a second term on the Municipal Service Fee Board. 9. Resolution re: 2025-R-56 a resolution of council confirming the reappointment of Sharon Pell to a second term on the Municipal Service Fee Board. 10 Resolution RE: 2025-R-57 - a resolution of council confirming the appointment of Melinda Midkiff to a first term on the Municipal Service Fee Board. 11. Resolution re 2025-R-58 A resolution of council confirming the appointment of Curtis Jones to a first term on the Municipal Service Fee Board 12. Resolution re: 2025-R-59 A resolution for budget revision #4 of the fiscal year 2024-2025 General Fund budget. 13. Resolution re 202-R-60 A resolution for budget revision #2 of the fiscal year 202-2025 coal service fund budget. 14. Resolution 2025-R-62 A resolution ofthe council authorizing the mayor to enter into a contract to provide microsurfacing chip seal fiber mat and crack sealing for asphalt streets, located within the city. 15 Resolution 2025R63 a resolution of the council authorizing the mayor to enter a contract to provide asphalt milling and paving services. 16. Good and welfare.
June 10, 2025 at 5:14 PM
hcag.bsky.social
The City of Huntington apparently needs help with their pride display this year.
At City Hall, we proudly raise the flags of the United States of America, the State of West Virginia, and the City of Huntington. These symbols represent the enduring values of freedom, opportunity, and togetherness that define our community and unite all who call Huntington home. In our effort to serve every resident equitably and align with federal and state guidelines, we have chosen to display only these official flags at this time. This decision reflects our commitment to maintaining a welcoming public space where every individual is respected and represented under the shared flags of our nation, state, and city. Huntington is, and will continue to be, a city where every person is valued, protected, and treated fairly. By focusing on the symbols that connect us, we reaffirm our dedication to unity, inclusion, and the common good.
June 2, 2025 at 11:38 PM
hcag.bsky.social
Making a public comment on this. This group will have a zero tolerance for any support of ICE.

If you know anything about history. Then you would see that ICE and the Cops working with them is about as totalitarian fascist you can get. It is kidnapping.

We do not tolerate the intolerant.
The paradox of tolerance by Philosopher Karl Popper. "Should a tolerant society tolerate intolerance? The answer is NO" with a picture of two people saying no nazi's and a nazi with a tiki torch and a swastika on his forehead saying "you want more tolerance? respect my ideas" "It's a paradox but unlimited tolerance can lead to the extinction of tolerance. When we extend tolerance to those who are openly tolerant the tolerant ones end up being destroyed and tolerance with them" "Any movement that preaches intolerance and persecution must be out side of the law. As paradoxical as it may seem, defending tolerance...requires to not tolerate the intolerant" Source: the open society and it's enemies by Karl R. Popper.
May 13, 2025 at 2:21 PM
hcag.bsky.social
From a community member

Wednesday's public hearing for Huntington's federal block grant funds was lightly attended (five people), with the current upheaval and uncertainty in Washington, DC, throwing a pall over everything. (1/7)
a image of a QR code that goes to www.surveymonkey.com/r/huntingtonresidents2025-2029
May 3, 2025 at 3:23 AM
hcag.bsky.social
a screenshot from Sunrise Huntington reads: Join Sunrise Huntington this May Day as we rally for workers' rights, a Green New Deal, and a future where everyone can thrive. We, the people, must unite to challenge the billionaire agenda. We are the many. They are the few. May 1st 6:00 PM ACF WWI Memorial, 2349-2369 3rd Ave, Huntington, WV
April 30, 2025 at 5:07 PM
hcag.bsky.social
from the ACLU: Breaking: a judge has issued a temporary restraining order allowing our client, Marshall University grad student S.V, to remain in the country. The Trump administration had revoked his legal status just weeks before graduation. We won't stop fighting until his status is permanently restored.
April 23, 2025 at 11:57 PM
hcag.bsky.social
How many times does Farrell mention the word "Safety" when he speaks? And yet here we are. ICE has taken a citizen of Huntington.

This is because the "Safety" that Farrell speaks of is this. Farrell wants "safety" for a very specific group of people, and it probably doesn't include you.
screenshot of a facebook post from Ally Layman that reads "What happened today at West Tenampa is heartbreaking and unacceptable. A member of our community was taken by ICE, someone who works hard, is part of a family, and contributes to the life of this city. Disappearing people without warning, without explanation, and without dignity is not justice. It’s cruelty. We’re often told these actions are about targeting dangerous individuals or stopping abuse of the system, but that’s not what’s happening here. What we’re seeing is the quiet removal of people who show up for their community every single day. People who ask for little, give so much, and deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. If this person wasn’t contributing to society, they wouldn’t be showing up at their job every day. These are hard working individuals, not criminals. West Tenampa is a part of what makes Huntington feel like home. The folks who work there are kind, welcoming, and make this community better. I’ll be there for lunch tomorrow to show my support, and I hope others will join me. Let’s make sure they know we stand with them, and that they’re not alone in this fight. Huntington is a place where we take care of each other. We show up for one another in tough times. This is a community that’s built on kindness, hard work, and love. We’re stronger when we’re together, and I know we’ll come together now to support our neighbors, no matter what. Let’s make sure this is a community where everyone feels safe and valued."
April 22, 2025 at 4:14 PM
hcag.bsky.social
ICE was in Huntington today and arrested a worker from West Tenampa, one of Steven and my favorite Mexican restaurants. I am furious. These aren’t criminals. These are people we know. People who work hard, raise their families here, volunteer in our community, donate to local causes, and whose kids play little league with ours. And today, they were treated like they don’t belong. Witnesses said there were no credentials, no warrant, just plain black cars, masks, and people being taken. Hard-working members of our community disappeared without explanation. It’s terrifying and disgusting. If they were here on permits, they weren’t receiving federal benefits, but they were still paying into a system that turns around and targets them. That is cruelty. That is racism. That is dehumanization. And it’s unacceptable. What’s happening in this country is horrifying. Good, decent people are being ripped from their lives while some sit back and celebrate it like it’s justice. It’s not. It’s hate pretending to be law and order. We need to rally around West Tenampa right now. Go eat there. Leave a big tip. Tell them you care. Let them know that this community is with them. This racist Trump MAGA regime does not speak for Huntington, and we will not let them tear our neighbors apart without a fight.
April 22, 2025 at 12:59 AM
hcag.bsky.social
The Huntington City Logo. Words following read "City Council Meeting April 14, 2025. 7:30 pm
April 12, 2025 at 1:09 AM
hcag.bsky.social
From a community member on the Facebook group
There's a public hearing coming up on April 30 at 10 am in City Hall - discussion on what to spend federal Community Development Block Grant funds on for the next five years. This is going to be important for a number of groups and causes that HCAG works with and supports. CDBG and similar funds are used by the city to address housing and economic development needs - a pretty broad mandate. The city is anticipating receiving (which will change due to the current "situation" in Washington), the following amounts: 1.60 million for Community Development Block Grants. $583,626 in HOME (investment partnership funds. $146,324 for Emergency Solutions Grants. Based on my past experience with these funds, if no one shows up with input, ideas or actual requests, the city will just parcel the monies out to the same group of non-profits that usually get them. Which is not necessarily bad, but with the new regime in City Hall, new groups with new, inclusive solutions are desperately needed. There is a legal ad with details in the Friday, April 11 H-D.
April 12, 2025 at 12:05 AM
hcag.bsky.social
Contribution Request Form Update!

In a tiny tiny step forward, the request forms will now be available at the City Clerk's office on a quarterly basis (3/31, 6/30, 9/30 and 12/31) However, there are still many problems here. (1/2)
Huntington offical letting from teh Mayor's Office. In an effort to promote transparency, reviewed Contribution request forms will be made available i nthe city clerk's office on a quarterly basis. At the beginning of each quarter, those forms which have been reviewed and decided upon will be placed in the City Clerk's office, available for public inspection upon request during regular business hours. Before being placed in the clerk's office, these forms and any supporting documentation will be reviewed and redacted as necessary to prevent the disclosure of sensitive personal information or any other material deemed to be exempt from disclosure in according with W. VA. code 29B 1-4.
April 12, 2025 at 12:05 AM
hcag.bsky.social
Screen cap from Facebook of Holly Smith Mount's City Council Profile that reads: Today at noon,the City of Huntington, WV held a press conference to announce a new partnership aimed at providing not only safe shelter from the elements, but also comprehensive wraparound services for individuals experiencing homelessness in our community. Access to food, shelter, clothing, water, and rest are fundamental human needs. When these needs are met, individuals are better positioned to begin healing and moving toward long-term wellness. This new facility will offer access to restrooms, meals, laundry services, showers, personal storage, mental health care, substance use disorder treatment, and other critical social services designed to support our most vulnerable residents.This initiative represents a positive step forward, and I fully support Mayor Farrell and the dedicated team of leaders who are working to bring this vision to life. Meaningful change can be difficult, and collaboration is not without its challenges, but if any city can meet them head-on, it is Huntington—The Jewel City. Time and again, our community has demonstrated innovation, compassion, and, above all, resilience.This is just the beginning, but it is a vital step—and it is the right one.I’m proud of my city, and I’m beyond grateful to all the players in this for their willingness to be a part of it: Valley Health Systems, Inc. Harmony House Marshall Health Network Cabell-Huntington Health Dept Prestera Health Services In addition to this announcement, it has been shared with us that the Huntington City Mission WILL be getting their previously pledged funding for the facility being built on their campus. While it may not be used as a “Low Barrier Shelter,” it will still be an amazing space for use for other services for the unsheltered population. The Huntington City Mission provides a vital service within our community and their importance in the continuum to address homelessness cannot be overstated.
April 8, 2025 at 8:56 PM
hcag.bsky.social
From West Virginia Coalition to End Homelessness
Most people are from the community in which they are receiving services with 56% of people being from the county. 24% from a different WV county. 20% out of state and only 2% of other. 16,916 people served in 13,106 households. 14% of adults were veterans. 24% were people in families. 56% had at least one disability. 75% of West Virginians experiencing homelessness are homeless for the first time. Top 5 barriers to housing is unable to afford rent at 66% Unemployment at 16% other at 10% physicall/mental health at 4% and 3% domestic Violance. Most extremely low-income households are in the labor force, are seniors, or have a disability. 32% being disabled. 26% in the labor force. 24% are seniors. 9% are others. 6% are in school and 3% are single-adult caregivers. In west Virginia, a full-time worker must earn an hourly Housing Wage of 18.46$ to afford the average Fair Market Rent (FMR) for a two bedroom rental home (960$) in the state. In order to afford this at minimum wage, a person would need to work 84 hours a week. Only 58 rental homes are affordable and available for every 100 extremely low income households in west Virginia. We would need to build 25,000 more affordable homes to bridge this gap. From the West Virginia Caolition to End Homlessness
April 5, 2025 at 2:16 AM
hcag.bsky.social
We have some good news! Looks like the Cabell County Public Library finally got the checks they were due.

We'll need to stay vigilant so that this doesn't happen again, but it's a good first step.
A screencap of a Facebook post from the Cabell County Public Library that reads: Great news to share! Our Director, Breana, has picked up the $500 micro-grant check previously approved by Councilmember Holly Smith Mount for the Gallaher Library children’s area, as well as the $65,000 check for the previously approved allocation covering costs associated with Information and Referral from the City of Huntington. We are deeply grateful to Mayor Farrell, City Council, and the City of Huntington, WV for honoring these commitments and look forward to strengthening our relationship with the city and working together to serve our community. Additionally, we have submitted the paperwork for our FY26 allocation and remain hopeful for continued funding to support our Huntington libraries. We also want to extend our thanks to the Department of Public Works for filling the large pothole near the West Huntington Library book drop earlier today and for recently clearing the wooded area behind Gallaher Village Public Library. As always, we appreciate the ongoing advocacy of our community and are thrilled to share this news with you today. What a fantastic way to head into the weekend! Followed by a photo with the quote "Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much. - Helen Keller"
March 28, 2025 at 9:46 PM
hcag.bsky.social
This is what was written in the previous post:
✅ Marshall football players are volunteering alongside Public Works crews to give fans a chance to meet the team while the work gets done.

Certainly seems like these people are paving the roads to me! (1/4)
March 26, 2025 at 5:06 PM
hcag.bsky.social
So the big announcement of "working together" with Marshall that Farrell mentioned is more of the same.
The former CEO of Intuit, Brad Smith (aka Turbo Tax company, the people who don't want a free electronic system to file your taxes: www.propublica.org/series/the-t...) (1/2)
Screenshot from the City of Huntignton, WV: “Our thriving future lies in innovation—and this partnership between Marshall and Intuit proves it...This is how we grow a city of opportunity—rooted in education, powered by innovation, and open to everyone who wants to build a better future.” -- Mayor Patrick Farrell Marshall University and Intuit officially launched a new Prosperity Hub in Huntington today—bringing together innovation, education, and economic growth to create real opportunities for our city. 🎓💼💡 Mayor Farrell joined the launch to celebrate this exciting partnership and what it means for Huntington’s future. 🎥 Watch the video and hear how this collaboration is helping build a Huntington where young people can stay, succeed, and thrive—with more opportunities in education, innovation, and good-paying jobs. Followed by a still screenshot of the pushed video featuring Brad Smith
March 25, 2025 at 11:02 PM
hcag.bsky.social
So if this is true Arthur basically wants to slam the door behind him when it comes to helping others.

There is a particular low that a person reaches when they want to take help from others that would have been available to them when they were struggling.
March 24, 2025 at 6:42 PM
hcag.bsky.social
So the new excuse from the Mayor has been to use insurance as the reason to close the animal shelter and the low-barrier shelter.

I went back and looked up every time Insurance was mentioned in the transcript and cut a video based on that. It doesn't even make it to three minutes. (1/2)
March 22, 2025 at 4:17 PM
hcag.bsky.social
It's official people. Farrell is taking money from the emergency shelter and is forcing it to shut down.

Is this the Huntington we want? Where the mayor makes all our lives worse by authoritarian power grabs?

Start by showing up tonight (March 20th, 2025) at 5 pm and raise hell!
From Kyle Vass on facebook I’ve confirmed rumors that the City of Huntington, WV will no longer be funding the City Mission’s emergency overnight shelter (aka the Chapel). At some point in the next couple of weeks, the emergency shelter will stop serving people, leaving 70+ people with nowhere to go at night. In short, the emergency shelter is closing because Mayor Patrick Farrell has decided to no longer release city funds to support their work. Despite the fact that City Council approved funding for this project, the mayor, in practice, can withhold funding for things he doesn’t want to fund. Aside from being a terrible policy decision that will increase the visibility of homelessness, defunding the emergency shelter shows a breakdown in the city’s checks and balances. One man alone should not dictate how a city spends its money. (The same goes for defunding the low-barrier shelter project and reducing funding for the animal shelter.) Unless Huntington City Council passes some sort of ordinance clarifying that the mayor must release funding that they approve for spending, Mayor Farrell will continue funding—or not funding—projects as he sees fit. This is not how good government works. The good news is, you can help fight back. Tonight at 5 p.m., Huntington City Council is holding a public hearing on the budget. Come make your voices heard and tell them you won’t tolerate the mayor playing politics with taxpayer money. Remind his yes-men on council—the ones going along with anything and everything he says—that they work for you, not him
March 20, 2025 at 2:12 PM
hcag.bsky.social
Sound familiar? The rest of the article: www.vera.org/news/the-tru...
Police departments and politicians both stand to gain, too. During an election year, candidates running against incumbents can employ a narrative of retail theft running wild, particularly in big liberal-leaning cities, to scare voters and criticize their opponents. Incumbents feel pressured to pledge for more policing and stiffer penalties to head off those attacks. And, because the primary policy response to a shoplifting wave has been an increased law enforcement budgets, police departments have a stake in the “organized retail theft” narrative. This is especially troubling because they are a primary source for the crime statistics that shape policy responses.
March 19, 2025 at 2:46 PM
hcag.bsky.social
Links from below in order: www.everylibraryinstitute.org/imls_shall_m...

www.everylibrary.org/statementiml...

www.ala.org/news/2025/03...

www.capito.senate.gov
www.justice.senate.gov
miller.house.gov
rileymoore.house.gov
From the West Virginia Library Association regarding the Executive Order to dismantle Institute of Museum and Library Services: 1. Everylibrary Institute provided an excellent explanation along with a link to the Executive Order 2. Everylibrary Institute has issued an official statement about the Executive Order. There is a link to a petition that you can sign and also share on social media. There is also a link for an email that you are able to send to our Congresspeople and Senators. You can copy the email text and paste into your own email to send to our legislators. Add a few of your own opinions of thoughts to the email. Personalize it that makes more of an impact. 3. ALA has issued an official statement about the Executive Order. 4. Contact information for all of our Representatives in Washington DC is below. Please take the time to let them know how important the IMLS funding is to West Virginia libraries. How a cut to our funding would hurt your library and what cuts to WV residents would have to be made if we lose the IMLS funding. Phone calls while it may take a couple of hours to get past that busy signal are taken more seriously than emails. Please consider making a call. Ask family and friends to call also. There is a form on each of our Representatives' websites that allows you to send an email. Please contact them. Senator Shelley Moore Capito 172 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 Phone: 202.224.6472 Senator James C. Justice II G12 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 Phone: 202.224.3954 Congresswoman Carol Miller 1605 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Phone: 202.225.3452 Congressman Riley Moore 1337 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Phone: 202.225.2711
March 18, 2025 at 3:09 PM
hcag.bsky.social
Update: My FOIA request was denied. Not only that, I am being told that we just have to sit and wait till the accepted and declined are available. No way to see and provide the mayor's valuable feedback before the decision is made.

So much for transparency.
an email that states: Please see the attached response to your FOIA request. For your information, the administration is currently developing a process to allow the public to access Contribution Request Forms after they have been approved or denied. Sam Ransbottom Official decree from the city of Huntington office of the city attorney that states: The City of Huntington is in receipt of your Freedom of Information Act request seeking “Any contribution form that has been filled out, accepted, and declined. And preferably why they had been accepted and declined.” The requested records are exempt from disclosure under W. Va. Code §29B-1-4(a)(8). More commonly known as the internal memorandum exemption, this exemption protects records that are deliberative and predecisional in nature. This response concludes the City’s responsibility in responding to this request. If you believe this response is in error, you have the opportunity to institute proceedings for injunctive or declaratory relief in the Circuit Court of Cabell County, West Virginia. Sincerely, /s/ Sam Ransbottom Assistant City Attorney
March 14, 2025 at 8:06 PM
hcag.bsky.social
The mayor has gone full mask off. This will never keep us safe. This flies against all evidence-based resources. The mayor proudly declares his intent to stomp on the necks of the poor and anyone who gets in his way to do so.

Make sure to show up March 20th!
March 13, 2025 at 9:04 PM
hcag.bsky.social
Update:
You have a right to request these records; however, one must still complete the FOIA request form in order to get any type of records from the City. Each FOIA request that comes to the City must be reported on the WV Secretary of State's website. The form allows us to obtain the necessary information needed for input on the State's website. Best, Teresa L. Riley "I just want to make sure, What you are saying is that these documents, that we were told would be available to the public, if we want them, we have to submit a FOIA request anytime we want to see them and the updated information on them? is this correct? " followed by " Yes. Teresa L. Riley"
March 13, 2025 at 6:12 PM
hcag.bsky.social
www.facebook.com/share/1GeTyg...
Ally Layman of City of Huntington Council posted Public meeting re: flooding March 18, 2025. 7pm Don Morris Room @ Marshall Univeristy Student Center with a link to the FB invite. Followed by the official notice. The official announcement from the other image. HUntington Department of Planning and Zoning. Notice of Public Meeting. Notice is herby given that the City of Huntington in partnership with the WV Emergency Management Divison and the FourPole Creek Watershed Association will hold a public meeting to discuss future hazard mitigatoin/flodo buy-out projects for the City of HUntington on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at 7:pm this meeting will be held in the Don Morris Room (Room 2E10) of the Marshall University Student Center, 1 John Marshall DR., Huntington, WV. For more information please contact the City of Huntington Planning office at 304-696-5540 option 3
March 12, 2025 at 12:09 AM