St. Albans City Council adopted, upon second reading by unanimous voice vote, an ordinance to change the City Charter to allow for non-partisan elections.
Council held a previously announced public hearing before its meeting Monday night in which they discussed any questions constituents and candidates may have about the new process.
"We will have on election, held in the month of June," Mayor Dick Callaway said. "The reason for it is that we will have no political parties here in the city."
The mayor went on to explain that holding non-partisan elections will save the city money by eliminating the need for primary elections. Questions voiced by citizens in attendance were in relation to signatures on petitions for candidacy.
"If somebody signs one person's petition, can they sign another?" asked Scott James, a teacher and coach at St. Albans High School who plans to run for mayor in the next election.
Callaway confirmed that citizens may sign as many petitions for as many candidates as they like, in response to James' question.
Candidates may file for the 2017 city election from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. between Jan. 5 to 23 in the City Clerk's office.
In other action, Ward 2 Councilman Jason Philabaun brought the following bids for Council's approval:
n Current invoices in the amount of $15,177.02.
n An international garbage truck in the amount of $132,200 to WV Tractor.
n A flatbed Isuzu dump truck in the amount of $74,932 to World Wide Equipment.
n Three Dodge Charger All-Wheel-Drive police sedans in the amount of $28,992 each, totaling $86,976 to Stephen's Auto.
Council passed all bids by unanimous voice vote.
Callaway reported to Council that the city had passed safety and insurance inspections with no violations.
"We passed with flying colors and I think that speaks highly to the leadership of our offices," Callaway said.
The Festival of Lights will remain open through Dec. 23, will be closed Dec. 24 and 25 and will open for its final night on Dec. 26 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Councilman-at-Large Jerry C. Cogar, Ward 5 Councilman Christopher Withrow and Ward 1 Councilman Robert Keiffer were absent from Monday night's meeting.
Council's next meeting will be 7:30 p.m. Jan. 3 on the second floor of the municipal building at 51 Sixth Ave.