By Dakota Baker
The Ronceverte City Council met for its regular meeting on Monday, Nov. 3, at 7 p.m. Mayor Deena Pack called the meeting to order, with council members Mark Trent, Tanya Hazelwood, City Recorder Leah Smith, and Matt Bergman in attendance. Council members Ashley Guet and Emilee White were absent.
There was no old business or specific wastewater, water, or stormwater items on the agenda.
Under new business, the council reviewed a letter from newly appointed Ronceverte Fire Department Chief Gary Austin, who has been selected to fill the vacancy left by former Fire Chief Mike Campbell. Austin informed the council he is awaiting final approval from the West Virginia State Fire Marshal’s Office but does not anticipate any issues. Upon motion by Leah Smith and a second by Mark Trent, council voted unanimously to approve Austin’s appointment as Ronceverte’s new Fire Chief.
Council next addressed the sealed bids received for the fourth round of building demolitions targeting four dilapidated structures within the city. As the project is funded through a state grant, the City is required to accept the lowest bid. The lowest bid came from Thompson & Sons Excavation, a local company based in Alderson. Following a motion by Smith and second by Trent, council unanimously approved the selection of Thompson & Sons for the project.
Council then considered revisions to the City’s Personnel Handbook regarding health insurance coverage. Currently, the City covers 80 percent of premiums for both individual and family plans. The proposed revision maintains this rate for existing employees but adjusts coverage for new hires, with the City contributing 50 percent toward family plan premiums while maintaining the 80/20 split for individual coverage. A motion by Trent, seconded by Hazelwood, carried unanimously.
Mayor Pack announced four vacancies on Ronceverte’s Zoning Appeals Board, which handles appeals from the Zoning Committee. The vacancies arose following the passing of former member Tom Long and the departure of several others. Interested Ronceverte residents are encouraged to submit letters of interest to City Hall by Nov. 21, 2025. Service on the board is voluntary.
Council concluded with reports from the police, street, wastewater, water, and fire departments, along with updates from Mayor Pack and City Administrator Pam Mentz. Topics included progress on the move of City Hall to the Premier Bank building, temporary closures of City Hall due to the relocation and the upcoming Veterans Day holiday on Nov. 11, as well as plans for the Ronceverte Christmas Parade, scheduled for Monday, Dec. 1.
Please reach out to the city administrator with any questions or email questions@cityofronceverte.com.
Due to the parade, the next City Council meeting will be held on Monday, Dec. 8, at 7 p.m.
