Gary & Associates Technology Solutions is one step closer to moving into a new location St. Albans.
City Council approved rezoning an area from residential to commercial in its Monday night meeting.
"They want to have a place of their own," St. Albans Mayor Dick Callaway said. Currently the business rents its operating space and is hoping to move into the site of a former church.
The church - Metropolitan Community Church - located at 121 Walnut St., has not been used as a church for "some time", according to the city attorney Charles Riffee.
During the public hearing, citizens expressed minimal concerns about the rezoning but had questions about the amount of traffic the relocated business might bring to the area, Riffee said.
Most of the employees that work for Gary & Associates spend their time out of the office on job sites and there are nearby commercial properties, Riffee added.
Once the zoning changes have been made, going forward with the sale and move-in will be up to the two parties and out of the city's hands, Callaway said.
"There will be a private decision that is made by the company itself," Callaway said. "Only they know what they can afford."
Also on Monday, council announced two times for demonstrations on the new voting equipment. The Kanawha County Clerk's Office will work with officials and citizens to familiarize them with the new voting machines from 10 a.m. to noon and from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on May 10 at the Hansford Senior Center.
"This is the new way we're doing the voting," Callaway said. "This is to allow citizens to learn how the new machines will be operated."
The machines won't be the only new aspect about the city's election - it will be the first nonpartisan municipal election.
Callaway believes the change is for the best. The change will save the city about $45,000.
"Each candidate has their independent stand on the issues and can discuss those issues," Callaway said. "A person can be selected based upon experience, ability, future plans and past - it stands more on the individual candidate than party."
Those wishing to vote absentee in the June 3 General Election must have their completed application in the city clerk's office by May 30. Early voting will be held in the city clerk's office weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. May 19 to May 31; and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 20 and May 27.
In other news, council approved a payment to Charleston Steel for $2,716.29 to purchase equipment for repairs to city dumpsters.