Public Meetings - St Albans, West Virginia

The St. Albans City Council met on January 6, 2026, at 6:30 PM in the council chambers. The meeting opened with a prayer led by Council Member McClusuman and the Pledge of Allegiance. Council members praised the Parks and Recreation Department for the successful Festival of Lights. The council approved minutes from December 15, 2025, and handled routine financial approvals and appointments. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: Minutes from the December 15, 2025 City Council meeting were approved unanimously. - Payment of Invoices: A motion to approve payment of current invoices totaling $16,191.49 was approved unanimously. - Reappointment: Matt Cole was reappointed to the MUC board with a term expiring December 19, 2029; the motion passed unanimously. Praise and Recognition - Festival of Lights: Kevin reported final numbers: nearly 10,000 cars (9,961) passed through, donations exceeded $35,000, and attendance figures included 863 on the hayride, 439 walk-throughs, and 4,204 visitors to the Santa House. Despite road construction challenges and two weather-related closures, feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Council commended Kevin and the Parks team. Public Comments & Testimony - Roger Massie (421 Waldo Street): Thanked council for new signage at Coal River and city offices, but noted the east-end sign is still missing. The Mayor responded that a more elaborate sign is planned for that entrance. Mr. Massie also raised concerns about potholes at Monroe and Walnut, where repeated asphalt overlays may be masking deeper issues. The council directed Public Works to inspect the location. Discussion Items - Ordinance First Reading: Council approved Ordinance 2025-01 for replacement pages to the Code of the City of St. Albans, setting it to second reading. Council members were given the option to receive new pages if they did not update their personal codes. - Paving List and Road Repairs: The council discussed the upcoming paving list. Members were asked to submit prioritized lists of urgent needs to Public Works by the end of January or early February. It was noted that asphalt plants temporarily closed but reopened for hot patching. The council emphasized reporting specific pothole locations for immediate patch work. - Appointment to MUC Board: Mike Drumheller was considered to fill the unexpired term of Ron Fourn, expiring January 7, 2027. No vote was taken; confirmation will occur at the next meeting per code. - Ordinance Committee Agenda: The committee will meet on January 8 at 6 PM to discuss playgrounds in front yards and side yards. Council clarified this item passed P&Z and council and is separate from a previous ordinance that required referral back to P&Z. Key Outcomes - December 15, 2025 minutes approved. - Invoices paid totaling $16,191.49. - Ordinance for code replacement pages moved to second reading. - Matt Cole reappointed to MUC board. - Festival of Lights statistics and donations officially reported. - Paving list process initiated with submission deadline by end of January. - Mike Drumheller appointment to be confirmed at next meeting. - Upcoming meetings announced: - Public Works Committee: Canceled (next meeting in February) - Parks Committee: January 8 at 6 PM - Ordinance Committee: January 8 at 6 PM (SAPD boardroom) - Finance Committee: January 12 at 4:30 PM - Martin Luther King Jr. Day: City offices closed January 19 - City Council: January 20 at 6:30 PM - MUC Board: January 21 at 5:30 PM - Meeting adjourned.

Mayor and council members convened on December 16, 2025, for a regular meeting that included praise for public works and community members, approval of prior minutes, updates on a school property lease, finance committee approvals, and announcements of upcoming events and appointments. No public comments were made. Praise & Recognition - Public works department lauded for round-the-clock snow removal on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, keeping roads clear. - Councilmember thanked Cheryl, Marty, and Tyler Thomas for helping homeless individuals find shelter and warmth, with assistance from KRT manager Sean Heel, who provided a bus to a warming center in Charleston. - Mayor recognized the U.S. Attorney’s office for praising the city’s special enforcement unit; one drug dealer arrested received a 10-year prison sentence, and two more federal indictments are pending. - Councilman Page thanked John Boy of public works for decorating the train depot and for jump-starting his car. - Volunteers and parks and rec praised for working in cold weather despite temporary closures of lights due to hillside conditions. Consent Calendar - Minutes from the December 1, 2025, city council meeting were approved unanimously. Discussion Items - Lease Agreement Update: The city’s lease with the Kanawha County Board of Education for the former McKinley Middle School property is nearly finalized. Two concerns (maintenance and indemnification) have been addressed. The executed paperwork is awaited from the board; council will vote on approval at the first or second meeting in January 2026. - Finance Committee Reports: - Motion approved to pay current invoices totaling $14,956. - Motion approved to pay Appalachian Software Inc. $7,997 for the City Hall/Clerk’s Office annual subscription (line item 409-230). - Motion approved to award a bid to West Virginia Tractor for a Packer Bed for the public works transfer station, at a cost of $73,680 via lease purchase. - Motion approved a resolution authorizing the lease purchase of the Packer Bed. - Ordinance Updates: Discussion of proposed changes to ordinances on boats and trailers (referred back to Planning and Zoning) and playground equipment (trampolines, basketball hoops)—expected to appear on the agenda in the coming meeting. Key Outcomes - All finance motions carried unanimously. - Appointments confirmed: Roger Massey (421 Walnut St.) to the St. Albans Housing Authority, term expiring July 3, 2029; Homer Sweeney (2231 McKinley Ave.) reappointed to the same board, term expiring July 3, 2030. - Reappointment to the MAC (MUC) board announced for a term ending December 19, 2029, with formal confirmation scheduled for the next meeting. Announcements & Upcoming Events - Sensory-Friendly Experience with Santa Claus: December 20, 2025, 4:00–6:00 p.m. at Roadside Park, for individuals with sensory issues. - Winter Fest: December 20, 2025, 3:00–6:00 p.m. at Roadside Park, featuring children’s activities, photos with Santa, and possibly the Grinch. - Leaf Pickup: Public works is on schedule for fall leaf pickup; residents needing extra pickup beyond this week should call to arrange. - Snow Removal Reminder: Vehicles parked on both sides of streets impede plows; residents urged to avoid parking on narrow roads. - Committee Meetings: MUC board meeting December 16, 2025, at 5:30 p.m.; Ordinance Committee December 18, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at the police station. - Holiday Closures: City and MUC offices closed half-day December 24, all day December 25–26, 2025; half-day December 31, 2025, and all day January 1, 2026. - Next City Council Meeting: January 5, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in the boardroom (police station). Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public addressed the council.

The St. Albans City Council met on December 2, 2025, with opening prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. The meeting included praise and recognition, approval of minutes, old business on a lease agreement, new business on police training policy and holiday schedules, financial approvals, and reports on community events. No public comments were made. Praise and Recognition - Councilman Knox thanked the St. Albans High School boys basketball team for sponsoring buses for hayrides and thanked Kanawha County for providing the school buses. - The council acknowledged the passing of former councilwoman and vice mayor Patty Chandler, noting her long service to the community. - Recognition was given to Herman Hartle for his active citizenship and to Andy Eads and the public works department for sidewalk repairs on the 2700 block of Roosevelt Avenue. - Council members praised the high attendance of city council at the Festival of Lights event. - Brian Morrison was recognized for creating light displays honoring fallen miners and a National Guardsman. - A council member thanked the city for including a nativity scene in the Festival of Lights and for continuing to open meetings with prayer. - Public works was commended for hanging lights on telephone poles on Sixth Avenue. - Leaf pickup services were appreciated by a resident. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (November 17, 2025): Approved unanimously. Old Business - Update on Lease Agreement with Kanawha County Board of Education (McKinley Middle School Property): City attorney Mike reported that the Board of Education agreed to add the city as a named insured under the city's policy. However, the Board requires $1 million in property damage liability, while the city currently carries $500,000. The city will obtain a cost estimate to increase coverage. The issue will be updated at the next meeting or the first meeting in January. New Business - Resolution Adopting SAPD Operational Policy and Procedures Regarding Training (Including Physical Fitness): The resolution establishes standards for training and physical fitness. After discussion, the council clarified that officers hired before January 1, 2026, are grandfathered from the new physical fitness requirements. Concerns were raised about the chief of police being the sole authority to offer alternative exercises for injured officers; some members suggested a committee, but others noted that civil service grievance procedures provide recourse. The resolution passed unanimously. - Request to Observe Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve Holidays: The original proposal set a half-day on December 24, 2025, and a full day on December 24, 2026, with half-days on December 31 for both years. Councilman Knight moved to amend the 2025 Christmas Eve to a full day, noting the state's half-day and that December 26 is already a holiday. The amendment passed, and the motion as amended carried. Finance Committee Recommendations - Approval of Payment of Current Invoices: $25,770.63 approved. - Demolition of Property at 2843 McCorkle Avenue: $44,000 approved, contingent on the city obtaining ownership. Discussion included the potential use of a land reuse agency, which is still being formed. - Payment to Arcanna Industries for AI Services: Approved for AI-based updates to the city’s digital records (meeting minutes, agendas) at an initial cost plus a monthly fee of $2,300. Reports and Announcements - Festival of Lights Statistics: Walkthrough first night: 439; hayrides: 863; cars first weekend: 1,299; Santa House visitors: 528. - Upcoming Events: - December 6: Christmas Market on Main Street (4–7 PM), Christmas parade (3 PM), tree lighting and storefront lighting (6 PM), luminaries at dark, boat parade (6:30 PM). - December 9: Business After Hours at the train depot; St. Albans High School girls basketball home opener. - December 13: Historic home tour; Winterfest at Roadside (3–6 PM). - Committee Meetings: Public Works Committee December 3 (8 AM), Finance Committee December 8 (4:30 PM), City Council December 15 (6:30 PM), MUC December 16. Key Outcomes - Minutes approved. - Police training policy adopted with grandfathering for current officers. - Holiday schedule approved with full day on Christmas Eve 2025. - Lease agreement update to continue; cost estimate pending. - Invoices, demolition, and AI services approved. - No public comments; meeting adjourned.

The St. Albans City Council met on Monday, November 17, 2025 (with the meeting continuing past midnight, recorded as November 18, 2025) to fill a vacancy in Ward One, consider a lease agreement for the former McKinley Middle School property, and conduct routine business. The meeting opened with a prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, and praise for local veterans and students. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes – The minutes from the November 3, 2025 City Council meeting were approved unanimously. Discussion Items - Praise and Recognition – Council members recognized Jerry Molaghan for organizing the Veterans Day Parade on short notice, St. Albans Elementary School for a veteran appreciation event, and St. Albans High School for finishing second in the state on standardized testing. - Ward One Vacancy Appointment – Two candidates, Earl Whittington and Rob Keeper, presented their qualifications. Whittington, a retired police chief and former magistrate, emphasized problem-solving and law enforcement experience. Keeper, a real estate broker and former 24-year councilman, highlighted his history of bringing businesses to St. Albans. After a roll-call vote, Earl Whittington was appointed by a 6-5 margin. He was immediately sworn in. - Lease Agreement – McKinley Middle School Property – The council discussed a proposed lease with the Kanawha County Board of Education for the former McKinley Middle School gym, bathrooms, and locker rooms at $1 per year. The city would maintain the grass while the county covers utilities. Concerns were raised about insurance, indemnification, and subleasing for events. City Attorney Mike Del Jude recommended postponing to allow due diligence on insurance coverage. The council voted unanimously to table the item to the December 1, 2025 meeting. - Finance Committee Report – Approval of a financial report totaling $35,257. The motion carried without opposition. - Letters and Reports – Councilman Knight requested council members attend the Festival of Lights opening night and volunteer. The Community and Business Development (CBD) Committee reported it is reactivating its efforts, funded by Airbnb revenues. Key Outcomes - Earl Whittington appointed as Ward One Councilman and sworn in. - Lease Agreement with Kanawha County Board of Education postponed to December 1, 2025, pending insurance review. - Minutes from November 3, 2025 approved. - Finance Report of $35,257 approved. - Announcements – Upcoming meetings: MS4/MUC Board November 18; Finance Committee November 24; City Council December 1; Thanksgiving closures November 27-28; Alumni basketball games November 21; Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours December 9.

The St. Albans City Council met on November 4, 2025, to handle routine matters, nominate candidates for a Ward 1 vacancy, approve a cable franchise ordinance, and hear public comments on chickens and police patrols. The mayor also provided an update on leasing the McKinley building. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The minutes from the October 20, 2025 meeting were approved. Councilmember (unidentified) noted that a technical issue prevented their vote on the roll call; they stated they would have voted in the affirmative. - Ordinance Second Reading: An ordinance granting a franchise to Community and Tenant Service Inc. (CAS) for construction and operation of a cable system was approved without discussion. - Finance Committee Bills: Payment of bills totaling $19,424.66 was approved. - Appointments: Several appointments to city boards and committees were confirmed: Dave Rucker (City Council, CVB, term to 6/30/2028), Chrissy Mackintower (Chamber, CVB, term to 6/30/2029), Liz Ellswick (Starda, CVB, term to 6/30/2029), Joey Cootz (Park Committee, term to 6/30/2028), Lisa Dale Bennett (Historical Society, term to 6/30/2029), Emily Wall (community at large, term to 6/30/2028), Adam Bryan (events, term to 6/30/2028), and Robin Turrus (business, term to 6/30/2028). Public Comments & Testimony - Mary Kat (address not stated) – Backyard Chickens: Ms. Kat requested that the city reconsider its ban on chickens, citing Senate Bill 844 and stating many residents support responsible chicken ownership. She asked for guidance on changing the ordinance. The mayor and council explained the process: a council member must bring a motion to send the issue to the Ordinance Committee, which can vote it down; then it must pass the full council. Council noted that a previous vote on the topic showed a large majority opposed. Council advised her to start by contacting her Ward 6 council member (Joey Cutz) and also contact Delegate Walter Hall and Senators Tom DeCoubo and Ann Sharnock for clarification on SB 844. One resident (first name James, address not stated) opposed chickens, saying those who want them should move out of town. - James (address not stated) – Police Patrols and Parking Enforcement: Mr. James expressed concern about lack of visible police patrols in his neighborhood, citing an uptick in vandalism and a car on jack stands for weeks. He asked for more proactive enforcement of parking and vehicle registration laws. Chief Bass responded that St. Albans has only four officers on duty at a time and has handled over 11,000 calls this year, including a dead body that day which required three officers for three hours. He encouraged residents to report issues via the non-emergency number, noting that the city issues 10-day tow notices and has towed several cars recently. Councilman Page defended the police department, stating they work diligently and should be trusted. The resident agreed to compile a list of violations for the chief. Discussion Items - McKinley Building Lease Update: Mayor reported that the lease agreement with Kanawha County Board was received and approved by the board that day. The lease is for $1 per year; in lieu of paying utilities, the city will maintain the grounds and be responsible for upkeep of the gym, locker rooms, and adjacent bathrooms. The school district is cleaning out the gym on Thursday; after that, the city will allow youth basketball practices to use the space. The lease will be formally on the next agenda. Key Outcomes - Ward 1 Vacancy Nominations: Two candidates were nominated to fill the vacant Ward 1 council seat: Rob Keeper (822 5th Avenue) and Earl Whittington (50 B Street). Nominations were closed. The vote to fill the vacancy will occur at the next council meeting on November 17, 2025, where each nominee will be given a few minutes to speak. - Approval of Minutes: Unanimously approved. - Ordinance Approval: The cable franchise ordinance (second reading) was approved. - Bills Approved: $19,424.66 in city bills were approved. - Appointments Confirmed: All listed appointments to boards and committees were confirmed. - McKinley Lease Update: Lease terms announced; formal action will be taken at the next meeting. Announcements - Public Works Committee: November 5 at 8 a.m. at City Garage. - Parks Committee: Canceled. - Finance Committee: November 10 at 4:30 p.m. in MUC conference room. - Veterans Day Holiday: November 11 – city offices closed. - Veterans Parade: November 15, line-up at 9:30 a.m., start at 11 a.m. from St. Francis up 6th Avenue to the loop. Contact Jerry Mulligan to participate. - Next City Council Meeting: November 17, 2025 at 6:30 p.m.

On October 21, 2025, the St. Albans City Council convened for a regular meeting. The agenda included praise and recognition, approval of minutes, two zoning code change recommendations from the Planning and Zoning Commission, several resolutions for public safety procedures, acceptance of a council member's resignation, ordinance readings, and a finance committee report. The meeting concluded with announcements and no public forum. Praise and Recognition - Council members recognized Scott Tweedy, the Parks and Rec crew, and volunteers for a highly successful haunted trail, estimating attendance between 7,500 and 8,000 people over four nights. A sensory night was added, drawing over 100 children. - Mayor thanked Chief Bass and the SAPD for their quick response to a minor accident involving his son. - First responders were thanked for a successful community event on October 10th, which helped two families. - Councilman Klusterman acknowledged the zoning committee for handling a large, engaged public turnout. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes from the October 6, 2025 City Council meeting by unanimous voice vote. Old Business 1. Zoning Code Change – Accessory Structures (Swing Sets and Trampolines) - Recommendation: Accept the Planning and Zoning Commission’s recommendation to amend Article 1333.03 to allow anchored play equipment (swing sets and trampolines) in front yards, provided they are set back 10 feet from the front property line and 3 feet from side property lines. The motion was made and seconded. - Discussion: Council members expressed differing views. Councilman Rucker argued that the issue was about private property rights and family safety, citing a resident with an autistic child who enjoys swinging. Councilman Clusterman and others supported the change, stating it was reasonable and not an overreach of government. Councilman Bill Knott opposed, fearing it would open a Pandora’s box and devalue property, and argued that residents with side or back yards should use those. The mayor clarified that the change applies only to anchored play equipment, not pools or other structures. Supporters emphasized that the current ordinance was overly restrictive and that property owners should have freedom to use their front yards. - Vote: Motion carried. Only Councilman Bill Knott voted nay. 2. Zoning Code Change – Recreational Vehicles (Setbacks) - Recommendation: The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended rejecting a proposed change that would have required a 15-foot setback for RVs, effectively maintaining the current 4-foot setback. The motion to reject the change was made and seconded. - Discussion: Several council members spoke against allowing RVs in front yards, citing loss of property value, safety hazards (blocking views and sidewalks), and comparisons with neighboring cities that prohibit front-yard RV parking. Mayor noted that the city would enforce regulations to prevent junk campers and blocked sidewalks. Councilman Knott and others argued the current rule is already too permissive. The motion was to accept the P&Z recommendation to keep the 4-foot setback. A roll call vote was taken. - Vote: Motion passed (majority vote, with several nay votes recorded). The exact tally was not clear from the transcript, but the motion carried. New Business - Resolution adopting SAPD operational policy on sobriety checkpoints – Approved unanimously. Discussion noted that a policy is required for a November checkpoint and that the city must have one to proceed. Concerns were raised about drivers avoiding checkpoints, but it was clarified that legal U-turns are not grounds for a stop. - Resolution adopting S8 Fire Department SOP 402 (Personnel Accountability System) – Approved unanimously. - Resolution adopting St. Albans Fire Department SOP 410 (Mutual Aid) – Approved unanimously. This is an update to existing procedures. - Resolution adopting St. Albans Fire Department SOP 440 (Rope Rescue) – Approved unanimously. Chief clarified that “rope” is the fire service term. - Acceptance of resignation of Ward 1 Councilman McKinney, effective October 31, 2025 – Approved unanimously. - Declaring vacancy in Ward 1 and setting nomination and voting dates – Approved unanimously. Nominations will be taken on November 3, 2025, and the vote to fill the vacancy will occur on November 17, 2025. Candidates must live in Ward 1 and may be nominated by a council member. They will be invited to give a five-minute presentation. Ordinances First Reading - Cable Franchise Agreement – Approved unanimously. The agreement allows a new provider to compete in the city with no cost or liability to the city. The city attorney reviewed and approved the final version. Second Reading - Trash and Garbage Container Specifications (Article 953.04) – Approved unanimously. - License Required for Carrying Weapons (Article 545.01) – Approved unanimously. The mayor clarified this merely aligns city ordinance with state law; it does not new restrictions. Finance Committee Report - Councilman Roe moved to approve payment of current invoices totaling $39,259.79. Approved unanimously. Letters and Reports - Park report highlighted the successful haunted trail, sensory night (over 100 children), and fall festival (over 500 attendees). Upcoming events: movie night (Oct 24), trunk-or-treat (Oct 25, 3-5 PM), and other Halloween activities. - Announcements included MS4/MUC Board meeting (Oct 21), Finance Committee (Oct 27), and next City Council meeting (Nov 3). Public Forum - No residents addressed the council. The meeting adjourned.

The meeting began with praise for the Fall Y'all Festival and the Public Works Department. Approval of minutes from September 15, 2025, and a resolution recognizing West Virginia Municipal Government Week were passed. A major discussion on the use of Permissive Outdoor Drinking Areas (PODA) versus multi-vendor beer licenses for festivals consumed most of the meeting, revealing tensions between the mayor and council members. The council also addressed first readings of ordinances on trash container specifications and carrying weapons, approved several finance committee recommendations, confirmed a new fire chief, and heard a public complaint about a storm drain. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: September 15, 2025 – passed unanimously. - Resolution Recognizing West Virginia Municipal Government Week: Passed unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Elizabeth Beale (310 Park View) reported a storm drain that has blown out and is eroding her backyard. She said she called multiple times without a response. The mayor promised to address it the next day. Discussion Items - Update on former SA JHS Property: Mayor reported the storm drain has been inspected and is in good condition. The city is working with Thrasher on an EPA Region 3 Brownsville grant to conduct a line inspection, redesign stormwater plans if needed, and perform a highest-and-best-use study for the property – all covered by grant funds. - PODA vs. Multi-Vendor License Debate: - Mayor stated he gave permission for a multi-vendor license for the October 25th pub crawl but expressed frustration that a council member (Councilman Page) sent motions via email to other council members without consulting him. He argued for trying a PODA-only event at one festival, saying: “If it doesn’t work, I’ll step back and say I was wrong.” - Councilman Page defended his email (sent to two council members), saying he was asked for his opinion. He argued that the city charter gives council authority over PODA decisions, not the mayor alone. He cited four out of six downtown businesses expressing safety concerns about PODA at larger festivals due to overcrowding and alcohol consumption inside establishments. - Several council members supported Page, stating that business owner input should be paramount. Councilman Rucker said: “One man's want should not outweigh four or five businesses.” - The mayor countered that he only wants to try PODA once, referencing Mountaineer Main Street (with 2,000-3,000 people) as a successful PODA event. - Councilman McCluskey noted his personal conviction against alcohol at festivals. - Councilman Del Judas clarified legal points, noting that the PODA ordinance does not specify who decides – city council has authority unless delegated. He warned that an email chain involving a quorum could be an ethics violation. - After extensive debate, a motion was made to send the issue to council to draft an amendment to the PODA ordinance, establishing a clear process – passed unanimously. - Ordinance First Reading – Trash Container Specifications (Article 953.04): - Originally proposed to require minimum 50-gallon cans with thick plastic, but discussion revealed many residents use 64-gallon cans. Council voted to remove the size specification and replace with a requirement for cans with lid and handles (motion carried). The 50-pound weight limit remained but was clarified that “whichever is less” refers to the container’s capacity. The amended ordinance passed first reading. - Ordinance First Reading – License Required for Carrying Weapons (Article 545.01): - Councilman McCluskey moved to send to second reading to align with state constitutional carry law. Questions about knife blade length (3.5 inches) were noted but deemed not critical for city court. Motion passed. - Ordinance First Reading – Enforcement Authority (Article 953.22): - Postponed one meeting after fire department found an error – motion carried. Key Outcomes - PODA Ordinance Amendment: Motion passed to refer the topic to city council for drafting an amendment (no vote on substance). - Trash Container Ordinance: Amended and passed first reading (minimum size removed, require lid and handles, weight limit retained). - Weapons Ordinance: Passed first reading (will go to second reading). - Enforcement Authority Ordinance: Postponed one meeting. - Finance Committee Recommendations: - Approved payment of $69,655.72 for current invoices. - Approved $13,312.69 to Fire Department for annual subscription (software). - Awarded bid to Hurt Reynolds for boom lift ($34,200) via lease purchase (Country Roads Leasing). - Approved resolution authorizing lease purchase of boom lift. - Approved seeking sealed bids for heavy-duty ejection packer for public works. - Appointment: Confirmed Philip Bass as permanent chief of St. Albans Fire Department (from interim). - Other: Councilman Farrell reminded of October 10th first responder event (On Purpose program) at the Loop from 5-8 p.m.; Councilman Knight noted park and recreation events (haunted trail, fall festival, sensory night). Homecoming parade on October 9th at 6 p.m., tailgate on October 10th at 5 p.m. Public works also announced availability of large recycling bins.

The St. Albans City Council meeting on September 16, 2025, opened with a prayer and pledge, followed by praise and recognition, approval of minutes, a resolution to begin the annexation process for Sun Valley, approval of several financial items, and multiple committee and community event reports. No public comments were made. Praise and Recognition - Chief Bass and a council member attended an event in Parkersburg for 13-year-old DJ Daniels, who is battling brain cancer and has been sworn in as an honorary officer in over 4,000 police departments. He was officially made an honorary patrolman for the St. Albans Police Department (SAPD). - St. Albans was recognized by Southern Living magazine as one of the top 20 friendliest places in the South for 2025. The council credited the entire community, including the Dementia Friendly Committee, businesses, and residents. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the City Council meeting on September 2, 2025, were approved unanimously. Discussion Items - Annexation of Sun Valley: City Attorney Michael Del Judas presented a resolution to begin the annexation process. The council must first obtain a certified list of all property owners and residents in Sun Valley. Once the list is certified (cannot be changed later), a petition will be circulated for signatures. Property owners (including businesses) are eligible to vote, not renters. The resolution passed unanimously. - Finance Committee Report (Councilman Rowe): - Approval of payment of current invoices totaling $24,441.33 – passed unanimously. - Approval of payment to Johnson's Emergency Vehicle Solutions for $12,513.45 for outfitting a new fire engine, funded from line item 706-459. During discussion, council members clarified that outfitting includes lights, radio, and communication equipment. Passed unanimously. - Approval of renovation of Morgan's Kitchen for up to $10,000, to be paid via legislative funding. It was noted that Delegate Hall helped secure the funds. Passed unanimously. - Approval of purchase of a used vehicle for up to $5,000 for the building department, paid from the building fund. Passed unanimously. - Other Reports: - Councilman Knight reported on upcoming events: trail meetings every Monday at 6 p.m. at Shelter 2 in City Park; a successful Jimmy Buffett tribute; Haunted Trail Days on October 10, 11, 17, and 18 from 7 to 9 p.m.; Fall Festival on October 18 (afternoon) at City Park (location may change due to the water power project); Trunk Retreat on October 25 at Maranatha (time TBD); and Trick-or-Treat on October 30 from 6 to 8 p.m. - Mayor announced Fall Y’all Festival on October 4 from 12 to 6 p.m., featuring a chili cook-off to support the police department’s canine unit and youth programs. - Councilman Rowe announced leaf pickup will begin September 29 and run through December 21, on the same day as trash pickup, with Fridays as makeup days. Residents with large amounts can request special pickup after December 21. - Announcements: Train Day is this Saturday (September 20) with train rides and free train whistles for kids, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce. The second POTA (Party on the Avenue) event is this Friday, September 19, with O Main Street closed at 5 p.m., POTA from 6 to 9 p.m., and music by Chris Sutton and Soul Mountain from 7 to 9 p.m. The library will have a book sale on Friday and Saturday. - CDBG report: The organization is being revitalized, and details will be provided soon. Key Outcomes - Approved minutes from September 2, 2025 (unanimous). - Approved resolution to begin annexation of Sun Valley (unanimous). - Approved payment of $24,441.33 for current invoices (unanimous). - Approved payment of $12,513.45 to Johnson's Emergency Vehicle Solutions for fire engine outfitting (unanimous). - Approved renovation of Morgan's Kitchen for up to $10,000 (unanimous). - Approved purchase of a used vehicle for up to $5,000 for the building department (unanimous). - No public comments were made. - Meeting adjourned.