By Sarah Richardson
The White Sulphur Springs City Council met on Monday, Mar. 10, at City Hall in regular session and two members absent.
WSS Mayor Kathy Glover said that the White Sulphur Springs Public Pool plans to be open seven days a week starting on Saturday, May 24 through September 1, 2025. Hours of operation will be from 12 noon to 6 p.m. daily, and senior swim will be held Monday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon. Pool parties will continue to be held on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m. at a cost of $175. However, this is all pending on acquiring adequate lifeguard staffing. Pool entry fees are $5 per person, with children aged 4 and under admitted for free. They are considering bringing back the pool passes this year, pending further discussion, and Mayor Glover said work to the pool heating elements will begin before they plan to open for the season.
The city-wide Spring Cleanup will be held from March 24 through 28, and March 31 through April 4. Simply contact City Hall at 304-536-1454 to let them know you have large trash to throw away and coordinate pickup. There is no charge for this annual spring cleanup.
In other news, Mayor Glover said that the stormwater drainage project is moving on to the next step, which is right-of-way procurements. “Council has on their agenda this evening to approve the procurement of right-of-ways, that is the process of hiring an attorney group to do those right-of-ways. I think we are looking at approximately 60 right-of-ways that need to be received,” she said.
Mayor Glover also said that the Mapledale Water Project has deeds in the process of being recorded, “so we should be entering the design phase of that project in the very near future.” She also noted that the Rt. 60 East Sewer Project is nearing completion, with a projected finish date being the end of March, “paving and all.”
She said that the City just received word that the DEP have approved their dilapidated building plan, so that may move forward. “We’ve long battled dilapidated structures in White Sulphur, and it’s time to move forward and get those torn down so we can get those properties looking better,” added Councilmember Thomas Taylor. He added that enforcement for property maintenance at several problem properties are moving forward. “We have to start enforcing this. It’s very simple. You give them X amount of days to remedy the problem, clean the property up, and if they do not do so we issue a citation to them, and if they do not do so after the citation is issued then we send the City out to clean it up and bill them accordingly. If they do not pay the bill then we put a lien on the property for that amount.” Councilmember Thomas said the goal is to “have the City shine” through this process.
Resolution 11, for the Rt. 60 sewer replacement project, submitted an invoice totaling $282,196.79, plus $22,400.10 for engineering and technical services, which were approved by council after review.
A second reading of the Police Fee Ordinance Increase was held with no questions or comments. It was noted that the change to the ordinance was relating to a surcharge adjustment. It was approved as presented and will now go to a third reading before a final vote.
A garbage rate increase was discussed, which will total $.75 cents. This follows a $.75 cent increase that was implemented last year. “I’d like to note that the reason for this garbage increase is that the rate per ton at the landfill has gone up,” explained Councilmember Taylor. “We aren’t looking to make any money off of this, just to break even,” added another councilmember. Mayor Glover said their current garbage truck is “limping along” and they will need to look into purchasing another garbage truck in the future, which will be a separate endeavor. Councilmember Taylor voiced support for implementing a surcharge for trash pickup of larger items. The garbage rate increase then was approved unanimously for the first reading.
Police Chief Rusty Byer explained several police policy changes that will be implemented, including evidence filing practices. The changes were approved.
MTA requested a local commitment in the amount of $2,300, which was approved by council. “We do this every year, it is part of our budget,” said Mayor Glover. Council also approved the budget for the next fiscal year, as presented.
A representative for Enterprise, Jackson Walker, proposed a fleet management plan for the City’s vehicles. He presented a plan for an open-ended equity lease for the city fleet. Council motioned to table the proposal for a later meeting to give them time to review the details.
After meeting in executive session to discuss an employee matter, the meeting was adjourned. The next meeting of the White Sulphur Springs Council will be held on Apr. 14.
