St. Albans City Council praised Public Works Department Director Orville Browning and his staff for their snow removal efforts during the past week.
Councilman-at-large Jerry Cogar said during Monday evening's meeting that Browning and his staff did "a wonderful job" even though the situation was "really tough" because of the amount of snow that fell, the speed that it fell, and the nature of this particular snowstorm.
Mayor Dick Callaway agreed.
"They did an excellent job," he said. "Many spent as much as 18 hours at a time. We received a nice letter about their efforts from some of our citizens.
"We do appreciate the public works department."
Callaway said that although the city has experienced some flooding issues over the past several years, there hasn't been any flooding during the current snowmelt.
Browning said, "We haven't had a call."
In other action, council gave preliminary approval to making C Street one way from its intersection with Lewis Street to its intersection with MacCorkle Avenue, south to north.
Council gave final approval to an ordinance prohibiting parking on the south side of Adams Avenue. In addition, council agreed to pay current invoices, which total $7,125.
During announcements Callaway noted that city and Municipal Utility Commission offices will be closed on Monday, Feb. 15, in observance of Presidents Day.
"Our trash pickup schedule is five days a week; on four days identified routes are run," Callaway said. "The fifth day is an extra pickup day. When we have a holiday, the Public Works employees take it off and the schedule runs a day behind."
City Attorney Charles Riffee said City Council will hold a public hearing on an ordinance increasing the city's ability to enforce rules regarding vacant structures, sanitation, high weeds, motor vehicles, swimming pools, the accumulation of rubbish or garbage and the disposal of garbage.
The hearing will be at 7:15 p.m. Feb. 16 in the council's meeting room on the second floor of the municipal building, 51 Sixth Ave. It will come up for final approval at council's regular meeting that begins at 7:30 p.m. in the same room that evening.
During the public forum portion of Monday's meeting, Trish and Jim Hatfield, residents of Foley Drive, said they were walking about a month ago in City Park and noticed the word "Gay" spray painted on a stop sign. They said the message didn't reflect the city they know and love. The couple said they called Parks and Recreation Director Scott Tweedy and the graffiti was removed.
"We're really glad it was taken care of so promptly," Jim Hatfield said.
Ward 1 Councilman Robert Keiffer and Councilman-at-large John Boles Jr., who is fighting health issues, did not attend Monday's meeting.
Council's next meeting will be at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 16.
