By Dakota Baker
The Ronceverte City Council gathered for their regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, Sept. 9. This meeting was a reschedule of the original meeting scheduled on Monday, Sept. 4, due to the Labor Day holiday.
The meeting began with a comment period, with a concerned citizen bringing to the city’s attention a recent influx of the homeless population in town. She reports seeing groups of people on Mullican’s and CSX property. Due to it being private property, this limits the scope of what the city police are able to do without permission from the property owners. She said she wants to reach out and provide connections with local churches and other outreach services to assist them. Mayor Deena Pack responded, “The city is aware and we’re working on trying to come up with solutions.” The citizen also recommended getting the local churches involved to help get supplies for the homeless.
In other news, Council announced that there is a proposal in the works for a farmer’s market to start operating in Ronceverte on Friday evenings. Council approved this proposal, pending all permits are obtained. If all goes to plan the Farmers Market should begin in May next year.
It was also reported that the new splash pad was open for 86 days before being closed for the year. A member of the water department estimated that roughly 5,000 kids enjoyed the splash pad this year. The splash pad will return next spring. Some of the new playground equipment for the Island Park Playground has been delayed and is expected to arrive around Sept. 28.
Council also approved a $44,500 payment invoice for the ongoing stormwater project, as well as approved the usage of Spillman, Thomas, & Battle legal services.
Amanda Workman from the Accelerate West Virginia program made a special appearance at the meeting to discuss how they can help Ronceverte with community projects. Accelerate WV is a long-term planning program that works with a defined set of local leaders to set actionable Economic Resilience Plans for local development, complete pre-development for at least 1 substantial green development project to revitalize the local business district, and access private and federal funding.
Communities participating in the Accelerate WV program will have access to local, regional and national technical experts for planning, implementation, and funding support, will build new local community expertise and develop a long-term diverse local leadership team, and will establish sustained partnerships for long-term development.
Additionally, Accelerate WV communities will have access to additional technical support and expertise through ACT Now project partners. These partners will support the work of Accelerate WV communities by connecting local leaders with sustainable mine land development, workforce development, and energy efficiency services for local buildings.
Events happening in Ronceverte in the following months include:
- Sept. 30 – Beautification/cleanup day, all volunteers will meet outside of Primitive Goods at 9 a.m.
- Oct. 7 – Breast cancer survivor walk, includes family activities and fees are waived for breast cancer survivors.
- Oct. 13 – All stores will be open later as well as music and food trucks. Official name of this event TBD.
- Oct. 28 – Fall Festival: Food, activities for children, and RDC events planned afterwards.
- Oct. 31 – Trick or treating from 6 to 8 p.m.
- Fridays after 5 with food by Flavor Mutt.
- Mobile Health Clinic- Walk-ins welcome on the last Thursday of every month from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in downtown Ronceverte.
