St. Albans City Council moved one step closer to having non-partisan elections.
Council approved another reading of the proposed amendment to the city's charter. The amendment will be presented for public hearing at council's next meeting, according to City Attorney Charles Riffee.
"It is where we are going to a non-partisan system and to coordinate the elections with the county and state elections," Riffee said.
Mayor Dick Callaway recommended the appointment of Eric Harper to the Parks and Rec Committee. Council approved the recommendation by a unanimous voice vote.
In other action, council adopted by unanimous voice vote the second reading of an ordinance to vacate and abandon a portion of Fourth Street between MacCorkle Avenue and Third Avenue.
Upon the first reading, Riffee cited safety concerns as the main motivation for the abandonment.
Ward 4 Councilwoman Cheryl Thomas made a motion to back a resolution in support of the West Virginia Housing Development Fund's Property Rescue Initiative.
"This is what we talked about two weeks ago, and this [resolution] is just for technical support," Thomas said. "We've had two meetings already and they have been well-attended."
The resolution passed by unanimous voice vote.
Council also adopted a resolution by unanimous voice vote brought by Riffee, authorizing Callaway to apply for a grant to pay for a new fire truck.
Council also authorized the payment of invoices in the amount of $34,083.64 brought by Ward 2 Councilman Jason Philabaun.
Philabaun also received permission from council to seek bids for new vehicles for the police and Public Works departments.
Kevin Pennington, director of the Parks and Recreation department, a walk-through the Festival of Lights on Nov. 22. Participants may also choose a hayride, provided by the park. Those wishing to participate are to meet at St. Albans High School at 5:45 p.m.
Pennington also announced two free movies at the Hansford Center at 2:00 p.m. Dec. 11 and Dec. 18. The movies will be free of admission, but a toy donation is requested.
All members of council were present at Monday night's meeting except Ward 8 Councilman Patrick Quinlan.
Council's next meeting will be 7:30 p.m. Nov. 21 on the second floor of the municipal building at 51 Sixth Ave.