ST. ALBANS, W.Va. -- The city of St. Albans is one step closer to issuing a bond to upgrade its water system, and for some residents the renovations can't come soon enough.

"I hope these improvements help our water," said resident Betty Keiffer, who addressed city council members at a meeting Monday. "It tastes horrible."

Council members approved on second reading an ordinance authorizing up to $3 million in revenue bonds to pay for the proposed system upgrades. The ordinance still must pass on a third reading, set for the next council meeting at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1. A public hearing on the issue begins right before that, at 7:15 p.m.

Keiffer wanted to make her voice heard earlier.

She said she takes a lot of medications and therefore must drink a lot of water. She said she has been forced to buy a lot of lemons just to make the water more palatable.

"Please tell me the changes will improve the taste of the water," she told council.

Mayor Dick Callaway said the bad taste is because the Coal River is at its lowest point right now, and the city's water is acquiring the taste of the algae in the river.

He said the upgrades should help curb the problem.

ST. ALBANS, W.Va. -- The city of St. Albans is one step closer to issuing a bond to upgrade its water system, and for some residents the renovations can't come soon enough.

"I hope these improvements help our water," said resident Betty Keiffer, who addressed city council members at a meeting Monday. "It tastes horrible."

Council members approved on second reading an ordinance authorizing up to $3 million in revenue bonds to pay for the proposed system upgrades. The ordinance still must pass on a third reading, set for the next council meeting at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1. A public hearing on the issue begins right before that, at 7:15 p.m.

Keiffer wanted to make her voice heard earlier.

She said she takes a lot of medications and therefore must drink a lot of water. She said she has been forced to buy a lot of lemons just to make the water more palatable.

"Please tell me the changes will improve the taste of the water," she told council.

Mayor Dick Callaway said the bad taste is because the Coal River is at its lowest point right now, and the city's water is acquiring the taste of the algae in the river.

He said the upgrades should help curb the problem.

In other news, officials confirmed the St. Albans Christmas Parade will be held at 3 p.m. Dec. 6.

It's set to start at City Hall and continue to St. Albans Plaza. Any church, civic organization or other group interested in participating should apply by Wednesday by calling the mayor's office.

Also:

- Councilman John Boles volunteered to join the board of the Hansford Senior Center after Councilman Gary Vance resigned due to business obligations.

- Council approved the city fire department's donation of its fire safety house to Putnam County.

- Council approved the transfer of $7,000 from the Hansford Senior Center's building fund for the purchase of a small lift van. The money will allow the center to secure a $9,000 federal grant to buy the vehicle.

The remainder of the purchase price will come from a $2,200 donation from the Friends of Hansford organization.