By Sarah Richardson
At the latest meeting of the White Sulphur Springs City Council, during the visitor’s report, representatives of the Greenbrier Girls Softball League addressed Council with several requests. They asked for permission to hang sponsored banners on the outfield fence during the season, as is customary for many sports leagues. They also requested approval to host a “Community Field Day,” inviting volunteers to help prepare the field for the upcoming season, and to operate the concession stand with assistance from parents.
League representatives raised a safety concern as well, noting that needles and other items have been found in the dugouts. To discourage this, they are considering installing doors on the dugouts and plan to power wash and repaint them. Councilmember Audrey Van Buren offered to meet with the group to inspect the dugouts and develop a plan. The league also discussed the possibility of holding a fundraiser for a batting cage. Mayor Thomas Taylor said he would explore potential grant funding for that project, as well as for a proposed press box with storage, noting that any such project would also need to have approval from FEMA.
Adam and Candace Whanger also spoke during the visitor’s report on behalf of Charlie Hammerman, co-owner of the Schoolhouse Hotel downtown. First, they said Hammerman is offering to deed 110 Schoolhouse Way, a brick house on the corner near the hotel, to the City. Plans for the property have shifted from demolishing the existing structure to potentially creating additional parking spaces. Second, they requested an exemption from the city’s B&O tax. Mayor Taylor said both matters would need to be formally placed on a future agenda before Council could consider and act on them.
Mayor Taylor then provided an update from recent Sanitary and Water Board meetings, announcing that the Maple Dale Water Tank project has been awarded to Lynch Construction. He also reported that one of the pumps at the water plant was removed as part of The Ridges project, where crews encountered corrosion issues. Additionally, officials discovered that of the city’s three wells, only one has been in operation for the past 15 years. The two inactive wells will be repaired and returned to service. “No point in having a well up there if we aren’t going to use it,” Taylor said.
The City is awaiting a project cost analysis for a new water meter system, with plans to replace all meters using TIF financing. “Our water meter system is outdated, and it’s time to upgrade,” Taylor added.
Councilmember Ryan Lockhart reported that Zoning Officer Rusty Byer will soon send 46 non-compliance letters to property owners with outstanding issues. Lockhart expressed optimism that a consistent enforcement system is now in place. Property owners who fail to address violations could face Municipal Court action. He also reminded residents that unattended trailers parked on city streets must be moved onto private property. “It’s illegal to have an unhooked trailer on the side of the street on public rights-of-way. We need to move those into driveways or backyards,” he said, citing safety concerns.
Mayor Taylor also announced plans for the City’s upcoming Spring Cleanup. Dumpsters will be placed in designated areas at no cost to residents, allowing them to dispose of unwanted items from their homes and yards. The City will partner with churches and civic organizations to assist elderly residents who may need help participating. “This year, the City of White Sulphur Springs will be doing everything in our power to help our citizens,” Taylor said.
The next meeting of the White Sulphur Springs City Council will be held Tuesday, March 9, at 7 p.m. at City Hall.
