St. Albans City Council Meeting - September 9, 2026

The St. Albans City Council met on September 9, 2026, for its regular meeting. Members recognized first responders and guests, approved recreational-vehicle zoning amendments, approved placement of a restored World War II howitzer at Roadside Park, acted on finance committee recommendations including a police pay raise and vehicle payoff, heard department reports and public comment, and moved into executive session for a personnel matter. No roll-call vote counts were recorded; all votes were voice votes.

Praise, Recognitions, and Guest Remarks

• Chief Bass announced police department awards from the Governor's Safety program: the department placed third in progressive driving enforcement, second in targeted red enforcement, and third for destructive driving among counties in the region.
• Paul Monroe, candidate for county commissioner, outlined his background and said he would work to address needs in the county.
• The newly appointed county commissioner to fill the vacancy until the election, a St. Albans native and grandson of a former mayor, said he was committed to representing St. Albans on the county commission.
• Council thanked Parks and Recreation staff, including Kevin and Dave, for setting up the meeting room.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes of the August 17, 2026 city council meeting were approved unanimously.

Old Business: Ward 5 Vacancy

• Council received nominations to fill the Ward 5 vacancy: Roger Chamber and David Master. Nominees will speak and council will vote at the September 21, 2026 meeting. A council member noted the attorney had reviewed city code regarding city employees serving on council and wanted to double-check that point. The nominations were closed unanimously.

Zoning and Ordinances

• Councilman Cook reported that the Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing on September 1 with no public comment, and that the ordinance committee had previously expressed support. Council then approved motions related to the proposed recreational-vehicle zoning amendments.
• First reading of an ordinance amending Article 1333.01: would add 'recreational vehicle' to the existing field-of-vision requirements for sites. Passed unanimously.
• First reading of an ordinance amending Article 1333.03: would remove a contradictory sub-item requiring recreational vehicles and tow-behind trailers to be stored on a surface and parked behind the front building line. Passed unanimously.
• First reading of an ordinance amending Article 1333.08: would reduce the number of recreational vehicles allowed on a residential property from four to three, clarify that they may not obstruct the required field of vision, and clarify parking and storage locations, including side yards. There are no grandfathering provisions; council discussion noted it is more liberal than the original ordinance. Passed unanimously.

New Business: VFW Request

• Jimmy Limble, commander of VFW Post 648, requested permission to place a restored 1943 155 mm howitzer at Roadside Park next to the Rosie the Riveter memorial. He described a 16-by-16-foot concrete pad, six inches thick, for the approximately 14,000-pound artillery piece; a post-and-chain barrier with a 'no climbing' sign; flag holders; and a bronze history marker. The project would be zero cost to the city, aside from possible use of the city skid steer.
• Discussion noted the VFW had consulted its attorney and insurance, with no additional liability concern. A council member asked about riverbank strength, and Limble said he did not foresee a problem. Council directed coordination with Rosie the Riveter trail organizers. The request was approved unanimously.

Finance Committee Report and Police/Fire Items

• Council approved a motion for the city to obtain an actuarial study for the police department pension plan.
• Council approved the police department pay raise recommendation. Finance committee discussion indicated that to fund the raise, one position would be folded, and the raise would be balanced by paying off five police department Ford Explorers using opioid settlement funds, freeing general fund money. The payoff was described as a 10-day payoff process before moving forward on pay rates.
• Council approved paying off five police department Ford Explorers from opioid funds.
• Council approved declaring a 2000 American LaFrance fire apparatus as surplus and authorizing auction. A professional auctioneer said a reserve can be placed if a minimum is needed. Discussion noted the department would lose a half-point ISO credit because it is the reserve aerial, but the vehicle requires constant money for limited use.

Department Reports and Maintenance

• Chief Carney reported fire station maintenance problems. Councilman Knight noted electrical and plumbing issues had been called in without response. Carney said a critical-needs list from January 28 had not been addressed, no maintenance funds were moved to the fire department when police vacated the building, and both fire stations are more than 50 years old. He cited a $636.65 quote to replace or move one outlet. Council requested a prioritized list and said items would be handled.
• Parks and Recreation announced upcoming events: final summer concert on Saturday at 7 p.m. at Roadside Park; two haunted trail planning meetings already held; Art Walk on Main Street September 15, 6-8 p.m.; Train Day on Fourth Avenue September 19, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. with the story walk from 1-4 p.m.; live music by Stoneker Hill and Hillbilly Biscuits; food and craft vendors; and heavy equipment and train rides for children. A council member asked for future event information on a single sheet for the city website and agenda.

Appointments and Announcements

• Council confirmed Councilman Knight to the Finance Committee.
• Council confirmed Councilman Whittington to the Ordinance Committee.
• Upcoming meetings: Finance Committee, Monday, September 14, 4:30 p.m., MUC conference room; MS4/MUC Board, Tuesday, September 15, 4:30 p.m., MUC conference room; City Council, Monday, September 21, 6:30 p.m., McKinley Recreation Center.
• The chamber will host a Tractor Supply ribbon cutting in early October, with the grand opening expected October 10 unless the date changes.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Paul McColski, representing St. Francis of Assisi Church, said the church will celebrate the 800th commemoration of the death of St. Francis of Assisi and the 100th anniversary of the church on October 4. They plan to feed the entire St. Albans community from noon to 5 p.m. and expect about 500 people. He asked about traffic and permits; the city attorney said no permit would be needed if no city street or parking lot is closed. Inflatables for children will be inside the gym. The church will also have a Thursday history event and a Saturday Mass with the newly ordained bishop.
• Roger Matthew, a resident, praised the city's fireworks display, said people consistently ask about it, and hoped the tradition continues.

Executive Session

• Council voted unanimously to enter executive session for a personnel issue, with no actions or votes to be taken.

Key Outcomes

• Approved council minutes, closed Ward 5 nominations, and passed three RV zoning ordinance amendments on first reading.
• Approved the VFW howitzer placement at Roadside Park.
• Approved the police pension actuarial study, police pay raise plan, opioid-fund payoff of five Ford Explorers, and surplus/auction of the 2000 American LaFrance apparatus.
• Confirmed committee appointments.
• Proceeded to executive session on personnel.