The Williamson City Council and Mayor Darrin McCormick discussed the issues regarding the recent boil water advisory at the city’s rescheduled council meeting last week. The advisory was issued after an incident in the Veolia Water Plant when a delivery truck mixed wrong chemicals together accidentally creating chlorine gas. The plant had to be evacuated as a safety precaution for Veolia’s employees.

McCormick continued by explaining the public was in no danger and the boil water advisory was issued only as a precaution.

“Because the plant was evacuated, the pumps couldn’t be shut off,” McCormick explained in the council meeting. “Anytime air gets into the lines a boil water advisory must be issued for safety purposes, but the gas caused no danger to the public.”

Because of the incident, McCormick said plans are being made to make better adjustments in emergency situations along with procedural modifications.

The council reviewed and considered three names for the police civil service in an executive session. The people considered were Roger Muncy, Jr., Edwin Murphy, and Jim Goldie. After the session, Councilman Matt Thornsbury made a motion to pass over the list of candidates, with Councilwoman Cheri Brown seconding. The council approved the motion with Councilwoman Connie Rockel abstaining from the vote.

During the council’s remarks, Councilman Smith informed the council he was speaking to Sen. Truman Chafin to have the grate on the Harvey Street underpass repaired.

Brown gave Veolia a list of work to do in her ward, including fixing the grate of the Vinson Street underpass, trimming the trees around the gas station, and picking up leaves.

Councilman Matt Thornsbury said he would provide Veolia a list of work to do in his ward and thanked Veolia and the Mingo County Commission for the work they have done trimming trees.

Rockel asked Veolia to have the flower bed in West End near the US 119 overpass cleared.

Jason Allen of Veolia informed the council Veolia has laid approximately 95 tons of blacktop in all areas of town. Allen also said as the weather permits, Veolia may extend the initial date of Nov. 15 to begin ward to ward work one to two weeks to continue to blacktop areas that need it.

Complaints were received by the council regarding parking on Pike Street, primarily stemming from Mike’s Tires, issues regarding the condition of Reservoir Loop, and McCormick spoke of parking issues near the Williamson Field House.

The council also discussed the upcoming plans for Williamson’s Great White Way Christmas celebration which will be Nov. 27 and 28. In addition to the events planned by the Action in Mingo (AIM) group, a new event, Santa’s Workshop, will be held on Saturday, Nov. 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Logan Street. The workshop will feature homemade and handcrafted items with a holiday theme or items that can be given as a gift. Booths are free, but must be reserved by contacting Natalie Young of the Tug Valley Chamber of Commerce at (304) 235-5240.

In the meeting, the council made a traditional proclamation, voting to make Nov. 22 to Nov. 28 Christian Heritage Week.

The next Williamson City Council meeting will be held Dec. 10 at 5:30 p.m. in Williamson City Hall. The council will not have a second meeting in November because of the Thanksgiv-ing holiday, but will call a special meeting if needed.