St. Albans City Council Meeting - June 2, 2026 (Transcript References June 1)

The St. Albans City Council met on the date provided as June 2, 2026, though the transcript opens with "Monday, June 1st." The meeting included approvals of several ordinances, financial measures, committee reports, public comments, and appointments. The transcript occasionally refers to "City of St. August," likely a transcription error for St. Albans.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of minutes from the May 18, 2026, City Council meeting.
• Petition and first reading for an administrative resubdivision of tax parcels 203 and 206 along Drew Street (submitted by Diane Sue Wood).
• Second reading: an ordinance approving three sewer system improvement projects and setting rates, fees, and charges for sewer service.
• Second reading: an ordinance approving three water system improvement projects and setting rates, fees, and charges for water service.
• Third reading: an ordinance authorizing the acquisition and construction of waterworks improvements, financing through issuance of not more than $4,500,000 in combined waterworks and sewer system revenue bonds (Series 2026 A) via the West Virginia Infrastructure Fund, and related provisions.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Tracy Moss (2636 Moreau Avenue, Ornits Park) addressed the council regarding a playground at the corner of Furlong Avenue. She reported the playground has had a missing slide for two years, creating a nearly nine-foot fall hazard, and that the footing is not compliant with the Consumer Product Safety Commission's public playground safety handbook (trip hazards, inadequate protection). She also requested maintenance of the green space between Roe Avenue and the railroad, where dead trees and fallen limbs have created mosquito breeding grounds and an eyesore. Public works representative "John Boy" said he would inspect the tree issue, and parks representative Kevin agreed to discuss the playground after the meeting.

Discussion Items

• Finance Committee Report: Motions included approval of current invoices (amount of $15,194) and participation in a federal paving project with the West Virginia Department of Highways and the Regional Intergovernmental Council (RIC) at a cost of $104,387. Discussion centered on whether the roads needed the work and the requirement to make sidewalks ADA-certified. Both motions passed.
• Public works purchasing request: The original budget for an item was $90,000, with a noted increase to approximately $100,130. A resolution for the purchase of a "back of the country residence" and $3,000 to be reimbursed by MUC were also approved.
• Formation of a comprehensive plan: The council approved starting the development of a city comprehensive plan, required by state code. Jasper Baum (RIC) explained the process will involve the planning and zoning committee and community input, referencing the existing 2014 plan. Only a few council members had seen the current plan.
• Pool update: A leak at the city pool has been remedied, but the pool is 40 years old (lifespan typically 25-30 years). A council member noted that band-aid repairs are no longer sufficient and that planning for a major replacement or renovation should begin soon, potentially using grants.
• Ordinance committee meeting: A scheduled meeting was postponed to respect the absence of Councilman Knight, who was on vacation, as the agenda included his proposed changes to a voting ordinance (TNC).

Key Outcomes

• All ordinances (first, second, and third readings) and resolutions passed unanimously by voice vote, with no recorded opposition.
• Appointments approved: CPA as interim city treasurer; Barbara Foster to the Planning and Zoning Commission (term expiring June 30, 2029); Don Monrose and Dom Burford to the Zoning Board of Adjustments (terms expiring June 30, 2029); and Bill Blake (Council), Marshall Cheney (non-civil service), Jacob Dent (civil service), and Chris Schock (MUC) to the Personnel Grievance Committee (terms expiring June 30, 2027).
• No actions or votes were taken during executive session, which was noted as discussion only.

Announcements & Upcoming Events

• Committee meetings: Public Works (June 3, 8 a.m. at City Garage), Parks (June 4, 6 p.m. at McKinley Rec Center), Finance (June 8, 4:30 p.m. in MUC conference room).
• City Council next meeting: June 15, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in the McKinley Rec Center cafeteria (pending relocation of a water tank, estimated cost a couple thousand dollars).
• MUC Board meeting: June 16, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. in MUC conference room.
• Community events: Roadside Park events (June 12, 13, 22); St. Albans Feast Day celebrations (June 22 at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, June 27 at Roadside Park); The Moving Wall (Vietnam Veterans Memorial replica) at the Kmart parking lot June 25–29 with opening ceremony June 27 at 11 a.m.