St. Albans Council has given preliminary approval to the annexation of Anne Bailey Elementary School, the Amandaville Court apartments, the city's trash transfer station just across the Putnam County line, and portions of U.S. 60 and W.Va. 817 in the Amandaville area.
Mayor Dick Callaway said the annexation would allow the city to provide police and fire services to the properties, which currently are in an unincorporated area.
"We wanted to get those people protected," he said prior to Monday evening's council meeting.
Callaway said the city has a police officer who works out of St. Albans High School but also conducts activities at other schools in the city. If the elementary school was in the city the police officer could work there, too, he said.
The Amandaville Court apartments are owned by the St. Albans Housing Authority. Callaway said adding them to the city will allow St. Albans to provide services, including some road work.
Ward 3 Councilman Ron Colby, who sits on the housing authority, said the organization is anxious to have its property brought into the city.
"What are we getting from the housing authority?" Ward 5 Councilman Christopher Withrow asked.
Colby said the authority pays approximately $12,000 a year in lieu of taxes.
Regarding the transfer station, Callaway said vandals burned it some time ago, so the additional police and fire protection would be provided.
Ward 8 Councilman Kevin Pennington said adding the properties pose a risk of stretching the fire and police departments "but the benefits far outweigh the risk."
No homeowners would be affected by the annexation. However, homeowners along the stretch of U.S. 60 that may be annexed could petition the city "and we would be happy to consider it," Callaway said.
The city's excellent fire rating could help homeowners who become city residents reduce their fire insurance premiums, he said.
Because the petition would add the properties by what is known as a minor boundary adjustment, an election is not required.
Monday's petition was approved by a unanimous voice vote. The issue must be approved again, at future meeting, before it becomes final.
In other action, council agreed to pay $6,810 to Greg Chandler Frame & Body of St. Albans for repairs to a police cruiser and agreed to pay current invoices, which total $8,166.
During announcements, Callaway noted that city and Municipal Utility Commission offices will be closed on Nov. 11 in observance of Veterans Day.
Also, Dale Withrow, speaking on behalf of the American Legion and Legion Riders Post 73, announced that the Veterans Parade will be Saturday. The lineup will begin at 9 a.m. and the parade will step off at 11 a.m.
The parade will start at the intersection of Holley Street and 6th Avenue and proceed down 6th Avenue to the Loop.
This year's parade will honor "Rosie the Riveter' Buddy Curnutte, who will be the Grand Marshal. She will be joined by QD Wood and other Rosies, Withrow said.
There are 27 confirmed parade participants and were awaiting confirmation on others, he said.
"We are asking anyone who comes to watch to bring a sign and put the name of the person they want to honor and their branch of service on the sign," Withrow said.
In a separate event, Ward 6 Councilwoman Loretta Griffith said there will be a special program and luncheon on Nov. 10 at the Hansford Senior Center to honor veterans. The program will begin at 11 a.m. and the meal will be served at noon.
"Everyone is invited, especially veterans," she said.
Finally, as fall continues, Ward 2 Councilman Jason Philabaun is organizing the volunteers who will help with the Festival of Lights. Ward 8 Councilman Pennington said Philabaun is still looking for helpers.
Ward 4 Councilwoman Cheryl Thomas and Councilman-at-large John Boles Jr. did not attend Monday's meeting.
Council's next meeting will be at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 16 on the second floor of the municipal building, 51 Sixth Ave.