Drivers can park for free in downtown Charleston for the next four Saturdays while doing their holiday shopping.
City Council passed a resolution to authorize "Citizen Appreciation Parking" on Nov. 26, Dec. 3, Dec. 10 and Dec. 17 in downtown Charleston.
On those days, parking will be free at most city-operated facilities and all metered on-street parking spaces. The one exception is the municipal parking building near the corner of Summers and Washington streets.
According to the resolution, the parking revenue losses will amount to roughly $2,000 per Saturday.
Council also voted to renew a cable television franchise held by Cebridge Acquisition, LLC, doing business as Suddenlink Communications. The franchise provides certain educational programs to a handful of facilities, including the Civic Center, the Clay Center and Capital High School.
Also on Monday, Council voted to:
n Authorize a refund to Bailes Granite & Marble in the amount of $24,168 for overpayment of business and occupation taxes between 2013 and 2016. The business reported revenue generated outside the city limits.
n Grant Appalachian Power Company an easement along Sugar Creek Drive for the purpose relocating a power line so it can be safely accessed along Sugar Creek Drive.
n Approved a proposal by Stephens Auto Center in the amount of $69,248 to purchase four, 2017 Ford Fusions to be used as administrative vehicles for the Charleston Police Department.
n Approved a proposal by Stephens Auto Center in the amount of $371,868 to purchase 12, 2017 Police Interceptors for use by the police department.
n Approved a proposal submitted by Pomeroy IT Solutions Sales Co., in the amount of $41,237 to purchase 35 Dell Latitude 14 Rugged 5414 laptops with charging adapters.
n Approved a proposal by Bob Robinson Chevy in the amount of $27,864 to purchase a Class 6C Chevy Express full size 15-passenger van.
n Approved a proposal by Stephens Auto Center in the amount of $25,940 to purchase a Class 4 Ford Explorer mid-size utility 4WD vehicle.
Council also approved the purchase of several vehicles for other city departments, including a bucket truck for the traffic engineering department for $104,000 and a chipper body truck for the street department for $136,569.
n Approved the purchase of a property by the city at 610 Danner Road to facilitate the replacement of a failing storm water culvert and mitigate damage to Danner Road.
Reach Elaina Sauber at elaina.sauber@wvgazettemail.com, 304-348-3051 or follow @ElainaSauber on Twitter.