East Central Reporter

Assorted appointments, announcements, authorizations and agreements will be made public at the Charleston City Council meeting at 6:30 p.m. tomorrow, March 1, at 520 Jackson Ave.

The council will consider permission for a fundraising raffle requested by Paul McVey of VFW Post 1592, pertaining to new building construction for the Hutton Masonic Lodge #698 located in Diona, southeast of Charleston.

Parts of the lodge’s existing structure date back to 1882, and despite renovations performed throughout the early to mid 20th century, the building has endured much wear and tear over the years. The Hutton Lodge is referred to on its website as “the lodge that skipped the 20th century.”

On the occasion of its 125th anniversary in 1972, the building was still functional. Today, entrances and windows have badly deteriorated, there are no restrooms or indoor plumbing and the electricity is obsolete and unsafe. The organization functions solely from membership dues and has no other income, according to the website.

The council will hear resolutions presented for various municipal and fiscal contracts, including external vendors for human resources and a continuation of the City of Charleston as a co-guarantor on a loan for the Charleston Carnegie Public Library.

In addition, the mayor will make two official appointments: Steve Bennett will be named to a five-year term on the electrical commission, and Doug McDermand will be granted a three-year term on the Fire & Police board of commissioners.

As always, a public comment portion of the meeting will allow any citizen to introduce items not already listed on the agenda. The meeting will adjourn following an executive session, if needed.