The Lewisburg Farmers Market (LFM) was once again awarded a year contract with the city to use the LUMC parking lot as their market base. Market representative Tenley Shewmake, on hand at the Tuesday night city council meeting, reported 22 full-time vendors and 10 occasional vendors doing approximately $90,000 worth of business during the 2017 fiscal year.
Shewmake described a list of special projects developed by LFM, which council members enthusiastically described as “impressive.” Chief amoQg LFM’s efforts is the recruitment of young farmers through the Pollinator Project. Started last year in collaboration with the Rainelle Elementary Agricultural Learning Center, LFM planted a 12-foot by 25-foot pollinator garden, which Shewmake said has done more than teach gardening techniques to the students. Math, science and marketing proficiency are among the many learning skills students are acquiring. The project has expanded to Frankford Elementary School this year. Students participating in the pollinator project are invited to sell sunflower starts in the spring, and pumpkins in the fall to raise money for their schools. Young vendors and 4-H youth set up free at the market, Shewmake said.
Another youth outreach project, Shewmake mentioned, is that “street food,” provided through the Greenbrier West Culinary programs and students enrolled in Davis Stuart’s culinary classes, can now be offered at the market every Saturday during the market season. Additionally, each month LFM will host a themed event at the market with kids’ activities and special treats and music for adults.
In other business:
- Council approved the city’s general budget at $6.4 million, following a revision by the finance committee, and a budget of $60,000 in the coal severance account for fiscal year 2019. The coal severance funds are reserved for the parks commission’s phase II renovations to Dorie Miller Park.
In reviewing the revenues and property taxes for the city, Manchester said he noticed a net of $63,000 in income, accounted for by new buildings and reassessments. “This shows,” he said, “that Lewisburg is recognized as a place where people want to come and live. I think that says a lot about the city.”
- Council approved a resolution to support the Appalachian Forest Heritage Area, developed to foster conservation, historic preservation and heritage tourism. The document cited that “the city of Lewisburg stands to benefit socially from the recognition and celebration of its historical, cultural, and natural assets with the Appalachian Forest Heritage Area designation,” created as a multi-county initiative that includes 18 counties in West Virginia and western Maryland. The Appalachian Forest Heritage Area has been seeking National Heritage Area designation since approval of their feasibility study by the National Park Service in 2006. Manchester said the resolution can be used as leverage for state representatives and senators to help make it happen.
- In a communication from the council members, Council member Beverly White reported on the “well-received” Race Matters Conference recently held on the New River Community and Technical College campus.
- The Planning Commission held a working session, according to Chuck Smith, city zoning officer, citing the completion of the use tables definitions of the city code, a task required once every 10 years by the planning commission members. Smith said those upgrades to the city code will be approved in a single motion by city council.
- Chief Stover stated that with the recent resignation of Officer Nick Sams to pursue other career options, the Lewisburg Police Department is accepting applications for hire until Mar. 28.
- Public Works Director Roger Pence reported on the results of a traffic-calming survey conducted throughout the Court/Church street area, in which he received a solid 50 percent response. Although the responses were varied, the residents recommended the city add two more speed humps, one each for both Court and Church streets.
And, in a surprise notice, Pence said there is an encouraging possibility for the development of a dog park within the city limits. This possibility, he emphasized, is in a very preliminary stage, and will likely involve several sequential steps. More information will be forthcoming soon.
- Stephen Baldwin Jr., Democrat member of the West Virginia Senate, representing the Tenth District since Oct. 16, 2017, addressed the council, Mayor John Manchester and Chief of Police Tim Stover to thank them for their community service. Baldwin invited the mayor and council to feel free to reach out to him to dialogue together on shared issues concerning their shared constituents. Baldwin said since the close of the legislative session, he has logged over 2,000 miles traveling throughout his district of Greenbrier, Fayette, Summers and Monroe counties to meet with and thank area elected officials.
Manchester responded, stating that Baldwin’s attention to details in finding out about issues concerning local municipalities and taking on challenges in the senate are important. “Baldwin has served with grace, dignity and concern during his first session as senator. It is much appreciated.”
Lewisburg City Council meets on the third Tuesday of each month in the Paul R. Cooley Council Chambers at Lewisburg City Hall.
