SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- South Charleston Mayor Frank Mullens updated residents on the goals and accomplishments of his administration at the city's regular council meeting Thursday.

One major goal Mullens hoped to achieve was paying down the over $6 million debt from past administrations.

"We had seven debts when I took office," Mullens said. "We've paid off four."

The city has paid off more than $1 million in the past two years, and Mullens is optimistic that the remaining $5 million could be paid by the end of his term.

"We've been able to do all these projects and we've paid in cash," Mullens said. "We have not incurred any more debt or raised one fee."

The two biggest debts still to be paid off are the South Charleston Memorial Ice Arena and the Little Creek Golf Course.

In addition to lowering the city's debt, Mullens provided a list of other achievements in the past two years. These include a decrease of $300,000 in liability insurance, a $1,000 bonus for city employees, and a raise for city employees earlier this year.

"We've had issues to deal with," Mullens said. "But there have been no surprises in the first two years."

One of those issues was the Central Avenue Overpass project, which has been plagued by delays. Mullens announced Thursday that the project is now set to begin on July 20.

One major goal Mullens hoped to achieve was paying down the over $6 million debt from past administrations.

"We had seven debts when I took office," Mullens said. "We've paid off four."

The city has paid off more than $1 million in the past two years, and Mullens is optimistic that the remaining $5 million could be paid by the end of his term.

"We've been able to do all these projects and we've paid in cash," Mullens said. "We have not incurred any more debt or raised one fee."

The two biggest debts still to be paid off are the South Charleston Memorial Ice Arena and the Little Creek Golf Course.

In addition to lowering the city's debt, Mullens provided a list of other achievements in the past two years. These include a decrease of $300,000 in liability insurance, a $1,000 bonus for city employees, and a raise for city employees earlier this year.

"We've had issues to deal with," Mullens said. "But there have been no surprises in the first two years."

One of those issues was the Central Avenue Overpass project, which has been plagued by delays. Mullens announced Thursday that the project is now set to begin on July 20.

Although his first term is only halfway through, Mullens announced his plans to run for re-election in 2011.

"There is no doubt I'm going to run again," Mullens said.

In other business, residents of Riverside Drive submitted a petition to council for the addition of speed bumps. The petition was signed by 23 residents who hope that speed bumps will help control the speed of vehicles driving down the narrow street.

Resident Tom Wicker addressed council regarding vehicles driving in excessive speeds where many children play.

"We have 10 to 15 kids playing in the area," Wicker said. "Sooner or later, someone's going to get hurt."

Council President Dayton Griffith handed the petition over to Police Chief Brad Rinehart, who agreed to look into the issue.

"We can't go wrong with a speed bump if it will save a child's life," Griffith said.

Finally, Fire Chief James Wood announced the advancement of 12 firefighters to the position of lieutenant. Mullens swore in firemen Greg Carpenter, Mike Price, Wayne Miles, Robert Davis, James Boyd, Troy Painter, Brad Horton, Michael Wolford, Leslie Given, John Thomas, Stephen Copley and Steve Bays on Thursday night.