The Shadow
At its regular scheduled meeting on Tues., Feb. 14, the Covington City Council heard Tony Bell of Moseley Architects present a report on the results of a facility planning study concerning expanding or renovating jail facilities.
Bell presented options based on a facility planning study conducted to explore potential expansions and renovations to the Rockbridge Regional Jail and/or the Alleghany Regional Jail.
Bell was assisted by Colonel Derek Almarode, Superintendent of RRJ, and Sheriff Kevin Hall, whose office is located in the ARJ facility, during his presentation. Both locations are in need of expansion, and Bell presented several different options, as well as population projections for the affected locations over the next 10, 20, and 30 years.
Hall followed Bell’s presentation by providing Council with an overview and an update on the jail’s Pathway to Achieve, an innovative program designed to prepare inmates for a successful return to their homes and families in order to reduce recidivism.
A Public Hearing was held to update the Transient Occupancy Tax Ordinance, an ordinance that needed to be updated to include Airbnbs. Hearing no comments, Council later approved the update, changing it from 90 days to 30 days.
Covington City Manager Allen Dressler reported the clock on Main Street has been “fixed and repurposed” after many years.
He thanked area businesses, including the property owner and business owner; and he named Waco, Lee’s Fabrications, Gray’s Jewelers, H & M Electric and Old Towne Covington for all the help that was proved, and he encouraged residents to take a stroll downtown to see it.
Dressler also reported that the Covington Public Works crew had gotten ahead of schedule since the weather has been so nice.
“They have started working on alleyways and street cleaning, and are doing a great job,” Dressler reported.
In other business, Council unanimously approved the following:
*Reappointment of Gene Woods to the Industrial Development Authority and Marie Fitzpatrick to the Redevelopment and Housing Authority.
*Appointment of Tammy Wilson to the Redevelopment and Housing Authority and Vice Mayor David Crosier to fill Stephanie Clark’s unexpired term on the Mountain Gateway Community College’s Board.
* A resolution for reimbursement of funds from Virginia Risk Sharing Association and the Virginia Department of Transportation.
* A “Resolution of Respect” for Geraldine Loretta Smith.
