By Dakota Baker
The Ronceverte City Council met Monday, Mar. 2, at 7 p.m. at City Hall. Council members Leah Smith, Emilee White, and Matt Bergman were in attendance, along with Mayor Deena Pack. The meeting opened with approval of the previous meeting’s minutes before moving into old business.
Mayor Pack reported the city has been unable to utilize the CSX train depot because CSX has not yet relocated its employees from the facility. Council unanimously approved a motion authorizing the mayor to continue discussions with CSX to determine a relocation solution. Any proposed location will be brought before council for approval at a later date.
Council members also unanimously approved entering into a new agreement with the Totten Circle Homeowners Association for the city to assume maintenance of roads and streetlights within Totten Circle. The city had previously agreed not to maintain those areas at the HOA’s request. Smith requested confirmation that residents are current on their municipal fees; officials confirmed they are up to date.
Regarding water system improvements, council discussed a requested extension for the Phase 4 water project due to delays in obtaining permits from CSX. The extension agreement was tabled pending review of the necessary documentation.
Under new business, the council approved a request from the Family Refugee Center to hold a bucket drive on Main Street on Aug. 4 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
A request to resume the weekly flea market on the Island was tabled while council reviews specific details. Members cited complications from the previous year and concerns about available space with a new mini golf course expected to open.
The police department is updating its use-of-force policy to align with department equipment. A vote on the revised policy was tabled until the April meeting to allow time for updates and review.
Council unanimously approved submission of a $250,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application to fund demolition and cleanup of the former Ronceverte Elementary School building. The application is due before Mar. 31 and marks the second public meeting held on the matter.
In addition, council approved submission of an Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) grant application requesting $3 million for Phase 3 water system upgrades.
In other business, a cleaning company has been selected to begin cleanup of the upstairs portion of the Armory. The city also was awarded $5.4 million for removal of the Workman Bridge, which will be replaced with a pedestrian bridge.
Upcoming events include the Penguin Plunge on Saturday, Mar. 7. Participant check-in begins at 12:30 p.m., with the plunge at 1 p.m. The Island Easter Egg Hunt will be held Apr. 4 from 3 to 5 p.m. and will include free photos with the Easter Bunny.
The next meeting of the Ronceverte City Council will be Monday, Apr. 6, at 7 p.m.
