By Dakota Baker
Ronceverte City Council held its monthly meeting on Monday, Apr. 7. Councilmembers Mark Trent, Gail White, Tanya Hazelwood, Leah Smith, Ashley Hurt, Scott Vogelsong, and Mayor Deena Pack were all in attendance. The council began by reviewing and approving the minutes from the previous meeting.
Regarding old business, Ordinance 2025-02, which updated the police department’s policies and procedures, was presented at the meeting and approved. An amendment included a provision stating that the City of Ronceverte shall appoint the police chief upon the council’s recommendation, giving the majority of the council the authority to appoint or terminate the position. The motion to approve the amendment was passed with all councilmembers voting in favor.
There was no water-related business requiring a vote. Mayor Deena Pack noted that the city was recently approached with an offer from West Virginia American Water, which is interested in purchasing water and wastewater systems. The city has taken the offer under advisement; however, no agreements have been made. This is one of the multiple options the city is considering.
Regarding stormwater business, Resolution #8 was read and approved, which is the purchase of property from R. Heath Bennett and Tressia N. Bennett (Tax Map 10, Parcel 119) and the form of deed prepared for said purchase according to CDBG-MIT regulations and the Stormwater Infrastructure Rehabilitation Project conducted by Region 4.
Additionally, the council reviewed proposed dates for a bucket drive event benefiting the Family Refuge Center. The bucket drive was proposed to be held on Aug. 4, 5, and 6 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Police Chief Hopkins did not oppose any of the proposed dates. After discussion, the council voted to approve the event, leaving the decision on which date would work best for the Family Refuge Center.
The council discussed a proposed concession stand lease following meetings with the Youth Football League, addressing recent changes by the health department. There were concerns about the league bringing its property into the stand. The lease would cover the football and baseball seasons, with the league also seeking permission to operate the stand during splash pad season. The lease agreement would primarily outline the responsibilities of both parties. The council voted to grant permission for the city to enter into a lease agreement with the Raiders for the concession stand. Under the terms, the Raiders would be responsible for the water they used while operating the stand (excluding water for bathrooms), and the city would provide power and carry the necessary insurance. The council approved the motion to move forward with preparing a lease agreement.
Next, the council addressed a request to approve a reimbursement letter to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department. The Sherriff’s Department had agreed to reimburse the City of Ronceverte for the contract of an employee who left before completing his two-year contract for fees relating to the hiring process. The council was asked to move forward with sending the letter for reimbursement. After reviewing the details, the motion was approved by the council.
City Administrator Pam Mentz explained that she had questions answered by a member of the election office concerning write-in candidates and whether their names should be printed on the ballot. Write-in candidates’ names are not printed on ballots, as they are “write-ins,” meaning their names must be handwritten on the ballot if someone chooses to vote for them. Additionally, write-in candidates must be registered within a specific time frame for votes cast in their favor to be valid. Furthermore, the names of eligible write-in candidates will be posted in voting areas on Election Day, as required by election guidelines.
In other news, Parks and Recreation is moving forward with the disc golf course, aiming for completion by Memorial Day. The construction of the mini golf course is still underway, with concrete being poured, and discussions are also taking place about adding batting cages.
During the citizen’s comments portion of the meeting, several attendees disregarded the established guidelines and directed accusatory remarks toward Councilmember Hazelwood. City Recorder Leah Smith addressed the heightened audience to reiterate the rules for the comment period, noting “This isn’t a public hearing,” and stating that citizen’s comments are not for “question and answer sessions.” Guidelines specify that the public comment period is intended for comments only, not for asking questions or addressing council members directly. Citizens with specific questions are advised to contact City Administrator Pam Mentz at City Hall.
The next city council meeting will be held on Monday, May 5, at 7 p.m.
