The Shadow
COVINGTON, Va. (VR) – The Covington City Council held its regularly scheduled meeting on Nov. 12, addressing a range of topics including upcoming holiday events, recognizing longtime city employees, and approving several resolutions and ordinances. The meeting began with an invocation from Pastor Pete Moore, who reflected on a proclamation by President Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War era. Drawing parallels to the present day, the pastor emphasized the importance of seeking God’s mercy and clemency and praying for the nation’s leaders.
“We have been the recipients of the choice and bounties of heaven,” Moore said, quoting Lincoln’s words. “We have been preserved these many years in peace of prosperity. We have grown in numbers, wealth and power as no other nation has ever grown, but we have forgotten God.” The council then led the Pledge of Allegiance before approving the meeting’s agenda, which included the addition of two items.
During the public comment period, no citizens were signed up to speak. The council then moved on to recognizing the service of two long-time city employees. City Manager Allen Dressler first honored Kevin Catron, who retired after 36 years with the city’s public works department. The Dressler praised Catron’s dedication, noting his quick response to emergency situations and his institutional knowledge of the city’s infrastructure.
“Everybody wants water on Christmas Eve. Everybody would like to have sewer on Christmas Eve. And here is a gentleman that was quick to respond to make sure those things happen,” Dressler said.
Next, the council recognized Russell Carson, who is retiring after 28 years with the public works and parks and recreation departments. Carson played a key role in the development of Cedar Hill Cemetery, which Allen described as a “direct result of this young man’s vision.”
“There’s nothing easy about weed eating and trimming around stone after stone after stone. There’s nothing easy about mowing around stone after stone after stone,” the City Manager said. “Also, Russell and his lead role mowed sections of our cemetery on 95-degree days with a 100% humidity with sweat rolling down his forehead, never bypassed grieving families without showing how much he cared and really worked with those families.” The council presented Carson with a plaque honoring his service and dedication.
The meeting then turned to upcoming community events. Dressler announced plans for the annual trail lighting at the Jackson River Sports Complex on Nov. 24, as well as the city’s tree lighting ceremony on Dec. 1. The second graders from Mountain View Elementary will have the honor of lighting the tree this year.
Dressler also highlighted the success of the city’s high school sports teams, including the cross country, football, and volleyball squads. Additionally, they recognized a group of young people who have been working on a mural project along Maple Avenue and thanked the local press for its coverage of their efforts.
The bulk of the meeting was devoted to a series of resolutions and ordinances that the council considered and unanimously approved, including:
A resolution authorizing a $3 million bond to refinance the city’s share of costs for the Allegheny Regional Commerce Center project.
An ordinance amending the city code regarding business license taxes.
A resolution supporting the city’s Old Town Covington initiative and its efforts to access Virginia Main Street funding.
In closing, City Manager Dressler noted that he would be out of the office for the next week, designating other city staff as contacts for any urgent matters. He expressed optimism about the city’s direction and looked forward to working with the newly elected council members. The meeting concluded with no further questions or comments from the council.
The next meeting of the Covington City Council will be a work session and will take place on Dec. 3 at 6:30 p.m. The Council’s next scheduled business meeting will be Dec. 10 and will be held at 6:30 p.m., as well.
