South Charleston City Council discussed the issue of depressed manholes in the city streets during Thursday evening's meeting.
The topic came up after council received the quarterly report from Steve DeBarr, city engineer and the general manger of the Sanitary Board.
"I have gotten a number of complaints recently and over the past year or so about the depressive manholes," DeBarr said. "I called the [Division] of Highways and they told me that they belong to Frontier [Communications] and they are not permitted to raise those."
DeBarr said he contacted Frontier and that they acknowledged the issue. He said they are awaiting word from the district manager.
"I have also gotten complaints and talked to the [Division] of Highways about it," Mayor Frank Mullens said. "I find it frustrating... our hands are a little bit tied, but we are trying to beat the drum on that."
Council members also discussed the success of the annual Shop with a Cop event.
"We had people all over the store just coming up to say, 'Thank you," Ward 7 Councilman Jamie Sibold said. "The kids were so grateful, as well as the parents, and it's just a fun time."
South Charleston usually hosts 30 children, but because of donations they were able to invite 46 children.
"This is the biggest one we have ever had," Rinehart said.
The event moved to Wal-Mart, but previously had been held at Target where they'd had "great times," the chief said.
"They gave us $2,500 to start with," Rinehart said of Wal-Mart.
Rinehart said all of the department's employees, except for those on shift, came to the store for the event.
"One kid said it was the best night he had ever had," Rinehart said. "My officers love it. We wrap presents and the kids got to see the policemen in a different light."
Rinehart also alerted council to the resignation of one police officer.
"I anticipated this coming and so we have a guy scheduled for a psychological tomorrow and a physical Monday and he is already certified," Rinehart said. "So, we will probably be back up by the end of the year."
Mullens submitted for approval the reappointment of Donna Estep to the library board.
"She is someone that has served for several terms now," Mullens said. "She has a passion for the library and we were happy to reappoint her."
Council approved her reappointment by unanimous voice vote.
Sibold submitted the city's monthly financial statement for Council's approval. Council approved the statement.
Sibold also brought a bid to council in the amount of $256,000 for eight new patrol cars for the South Charleston Police Department.
Council approved the bid by unanimous roll call vote.
All members of Council were present except City Clerk Margie Spence and Ward 5 Councilman Edd Brooks.
Council's next meeting will be at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 5 on the second floor of City Hall, D Street.