South Charleston City Council passed the so-called "Brunch Bill" at Thursday's meeting with a voice vote of 7-2.
After opening the floor to a public hearing, which no audience member participated in, the council voted to allow the city to submit the proposed amendment to the state Municipal Home Rule Board.
If the home rule board approves, the bill will allow licensed establishments in South Charleston to sell alcoholic beverages starting at 10 a.m. on Sunday mornings. Current state law prohibits the sale of alcoholic beverages before 1 p.m. on Sundays.
Ward 8 Councilman Don Ryan and Ward 4 Councilman J.W. Williamson voted no on the bill.
After the meeting, Ryan said he did so because he felt it best represented his own feelings on the matter, as well as the feelings of his ward.
"I do not think it is a really big deal," Mayor Frank Mullens said. "One thing it does do is not put our restaurants at a competitive disadvantage."
In other action Thursday, Council voted to close the 4th Street block in front of the South Charleston Fire Department for the ribbon cutting for its new station.
"When we tore the old station down, inside the cornerstone was a time capsule, so we are going to open it," Fire Chief John Taylor said. "People can also come in and tour the station and see what it is like."
The festivities will begin at 10 a.m. July 16. The time capsule opening will be at 10:30 a.m. and the ribbon cutting will be at 11 a.m.
Mullens said the streets will be closed for about an hour.
Mullens said he would be remiss to not mention the recent flooding in the state and how well the city did in comparison to previous instances of heavy rain.
"We had only a couple of minor incidents and that is a testament that for the last decade, we have really emphasized on our storm water management system," Mullens said. "These guys have put together great preventative measures. You see rain in the forecast - you see our guys out throughout the city cleaning out drains."
Mayor Frank Mullens added that he was proud of the city employees who had helped in severely effected areas, such as Clendenin.
"What you have done is greatly appreciated and to be commended," Mullens said.
Council also discussed the issue of fireworks complaints during the Fourth of July holiday.
Mullens said that he had already met with staff and would be brining legislation to the City Council for approval by the next meeting, on July 21.
In other action, City Clerk Margie Spence explained a proposed change to the city Charter to bring to date article 14 nominations and elections for the city of South Charleston to be in compliance with West Virginia state Code regulations.
The second reading of the Charter was opened to public hearing because it was a Charter change. No audience member participated.
The ordinance to amend the city Charter was passed by unanimous voice vote.
Ward 7 Councilman Jamie Sibold discussed the Finance Committee's choosing of Johnson Controls' bid to the city of South Charleston, following a vote at the June 23 meeting.
"Johnson Controls, who does most of our work now and knows our systems, was the lowest bidder that met the RFP and we awarded the contract to them," Sibold said.
South Charleston Chief of Police Brad Rinehart made a statement that the police department is at full staff with 41 officers.
All council members attended Thursday's meeting. Council's next meeting will be at 7:30 p.m. July 21 on the second floor of City Hall, D Street.