Huntington City Council

Huntington’s City Council chamber was over capacity for Monday’s city council meeting. One reason the chamber was so full was honoring of Huntington High School wrestling coach Rob Archer. As a result, the chamber was nearly half filled with high school age citizens. Archer was not only recognized for his excellence as a wrestler from the Huntington area, but for his work leading the school to its first ever state title in the sport.  Archer was also named Honorary Mayor from March 11-15. His wrestlers were not only in the chamber in support but to be honored for their achievements as well.

                A pair of Huntington Police Department officers were also recognized for their works on cracking down on DUIs. The two alone made over 250 DUI arrest last year, which was tops in the state. Both are starting 2013 in the same fashion as each is in the state’s top 10. The Council also recognized their efforts on not only cracking down on DUI, but drivers who are “driving impaired”, as they reported many of those arrested had drugs as well as alcohol in their systems.

                During the meeting disgruntled got an opportunity to approach the council with their complaints about the city, which is the norm. Among the complaints brought to attention were the removal of “no parking” signs at dangerous intersections in the west end, the cities well documented flooding problems and the need for a “Cabell County’s Most Wanted.” While the citizens were at time animated, they received very little feedback from the council.

                The biggest issue of the meeting was the controversial occupation tax that charged workers in Huntington a fee to work in the city, regardless of where they live. After receiving multiple complains about the fee, City Council passed an ordinance that will repeal the one percent tax on a unanimous vote.