St. Albans City Council Meeting - October 20, 2026

[The agenda and minutes for this meeting were not provided. Summary is derived solely from the raw transcript.]

The St. Albans City Council met on October 20, 2026. The meeting featured the recognition of the 2026 AAA State Championship Baseball Team, a resolution on Flock Safety Cameras, an extended address from Fire Chief Lance regarding firefighter pay and morale, a public complaint about cat ordinance enforcement, and a request for a proclamation for a miracle pig.

Consent Calendar & Routine Approvals

• Council approved the minutes from the October 5, 2026 meeting.
• Finance motions were approved for current invoices ($20,011), a payment to the City of Nitro ($8,420), and a payment to Policy Builders ($7,500) for an update to the Fire Department's rules and regulations. Payment of $8,160 to United ACA Solutions for IRS reporting was also approved.
• The council approved the donation of a fire truck valued at $40,000 to the Hinton Fire Department and the sale/auction of a 1993 Pierce-Pumper fire engine.
• Rachel Act was confirmed to the Parks and Recreation Committee.

Discussion Items

Flock Safety Cameras Resolution

• Councilman Page introduced and moved to adopt a resolution urging the West Virginia Legislature to enact comprehensive safety measures, privacy protections, and accountability standards for Flock safety cameras and other automated license plate recognition (ALPR) systems. The resolution also establishes a moratorium on the purchase of such technology by the City of St. Albans. The resolution passed unanimously.

Fire Department Discussion (Address by Fire Chief Lance)

Fire Chief Lance delivered an extended address to the council regarding the state of the St. Albans Fire Department.

Chief Lance's Statements and Positions:

• Pay and Morale: Chief Lance stated that firefighters are significantly underpaid (starting wage of $12.16 per hour, $40,600 annual base salary), overworked, and morale is suffering. He noted his son makes $15.50 per hour at Target.
• Advocacy: Chief Lance stated he has been discouraged from publicly advocating for his employees. He alleged that during a finance committee meeting a councilman told him, "I don't give a shit about your pay rates," and that he has been told to "remain quiet and fall in line."
• Staffing: He argued that eliminating firefighter positions is unacceptable as it directly reduces emergency services and violates the public trust demonstrated by consistent voter approval of the fire levy.
• Request for Engagement: Chief Lance requested greater council involvement in departmental operations, including studying budgets and understanding operational needs. He expressed support for re-forming a public safety committee.

Council and Public Response:

• Councilman Rose acknowledged the financial strain on the city from the loss of $600,000 to $800,000 in annual B&O tax revenue.
• Councilman Campbell and the wife of the fire chief engaged in a discussion about pay raises and budget limitations. Chief Lance clarified that a $400,000 pension contribution was not deposited from the prior budget, which he had previously identified as a potential funding source.
• Councilman Page indicated he would move to form a Public Safety Committee.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Rory Roberts: Requested a proclamation for Brian Smith and his potbelly pig, Hayden, born with a rare congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Mr. Roberts expressed the goal of inspiring hope for those with illnesses and disabilities. The Mayor agreed to issue a proclamation.
• Dorian Mitchell (2311 Lincoln Ave): Expressed strong frustration regarding 32 cats residing at a neighboring property. He argued the city is not enforcing current animal control and health ordinances. The Mayor stated he would direct the Humane Officer to enforce the existing ordinances.
• Unnamed Resident: Inquired about the replacement of broken light globes and extensions on a city bridge. The Mayor stated the city is actively working on the problem but is having difficulty sourcing the specific parts.

Recognitions & Praise

• Fall Y'all Festival: The city praised the Fairs & Festivals committee and staff for what was described as the largest event yet, bringing significant community engagement.
• Rescue: Robert Walker, Noel Walker, and Doug Henrich were recognized for rescuing a woman from the St. Albans-Nitro bridge.
• Baseball Team: The 2026 Triple A State Championship Baseball Team from St. Albans High School was honored with certificates of appreciation and a legislative citation from Delegates Shamblin and Hall. City signs marking the championship were placed at the city limits.
• Staff Reports: Parks and Recreation reported the Fall Festival was a success and that the Haunted Trail will run again this weekend due to washouts. A Trunk or Treat event is scheduled for Saturday.

Key Outcomes & Next Steps

• Resolution on ALPR/Flock cameras adopted unanimously.
• Proclamation to be issued for Brian Smith and Hayden the pig.
• Mayor will direct the Humane Officer to enforce cat ordinances at 2311 Lincoln Avenue.
• Councilman Page to initiate formation of a Public Safety Committee.
• City administration continues to seek parts for the bridge lighting fixtures.
• Finance committee meeting scheduled for October 26, 2026; next city council meeting scheduled for November 2, 2026.