Development News for St. Albans, West Virginia

City Initiates Update of Comprehensive Plan with Regional Intergovernmental Council

Jasper Bomb from the Regional Intergovernmental Council (Rick) provided an update on the city's comprehensive planning initiative. He explained that the existing comprehensive plan is outdated, with only a few council members having seen it. Updating the plan is a requirement under state code section 8A. Bomb described the comprehensive plan as a community roadmap for planning over the next number of years, covering economic and community development, and facilities. He emphasized that it serves as a toolkit for pursuing solutions and gathering community input to guide the city's future. He quoted Benjamin Franklin, stating, 'Failing to plan is planning to fail.' Bomb highlighted that the plan can be used to tackle issues such as property abandonment, parks and recreation, and infrastructure. He stressed the importance of community input from residents and council members, interfacing with Rick on an ongoing basis.

City Council Confirms Appointments and Reappointments to Various Boards and Commissions

The council confirmed the appointment of Michael Griff CPA as interim city [cite: 331]. They reappointed Barbara Foster to the Planning and Zoning Commission with a term to expire 6/30/29 [cite: 339-341]. Don Laose and Don Berford were reappointed to the zoning board of adjustments with terms to expire 6/30/29 [cite: 345-347]. The council also appointed members to the personnel grievance committee with terms to expire 6/30/27: Bill Knight (Council), Marshall Cheney (non-civil service), Jacob Dent (civil service), and Chris Shock (MUC) [cite: 354-358].

Resident Raises Safety Concerns About Ornex Park Playground and Green Space Maintenance

A resident, Tracy Moss, addressed the council regarding concerns about the playground at the corner of Furong Avenue in Ornex Park. She reported that the playground has been missing a slide for two years, creating a significant drop and safety hazard. Despite being told a year prior that a new playground had been ordered via grant money, the issue remains unresolved. Moss also highlighted that the playground's footing is not in compliance with safety standards, with the plastic bottom torn up, posing a trip hazard. Additionally, she raised concerns about the green space between Royal Avenue and the railroad, where multiple trees have fallen in the past two years and remain unaddressed, creating an eyesore, trapping water, and potentially becoming a mosquito breeding ground. She requested an update on the playground repair and clarification on who is responsible for the green space maintenance.

City Council Approves Paving Project, Software Purchases, and Comprehensive Plan Agreement

The council approved a motion for the payment of current invoices, with Councilman Road making the motion and Councilman Wington seconding it. They also approved participation in a federal aid paving project with the West Virginia DOT and Rick. The project cost is $750,000, with a city match of $150,000. Councilman Knight questioned if the roads actually needed the paving, and it was confirmed that they do, also noting the necessity of ADA-compliant sidewalks. The council also approved awarding a contract in the amount of $112,387. There was a discussion regarding the original budget for this award, which was stated as $90,000 plus additional funds from two other sources. A motion was made and approved for a lease purchase of the back of the country road. The council also approved the end-of-year budget and approved entering into an agreement with Rick for the formation of a city of St. Albans comprehensive plan, with a cost of $6,000, $3,000 of which is reimbursable by the NBC. The purchase of software for Tyler Technology for $119,900, to be paid over 12 to 18 months, and a software service agreement for computer system upgrades were also approved.