The Shadow
COVINGTON, Va. (VR) – The Covington City Council covered a range of topics during their recent meeting, including updates on infrastructure projects, community events, and upcoming agenda items.
After being brought to order Mayor Sibold opened the floor to George Halsey who spoke on concerns he has about the parking situation near the Community Services Board’s new facility. Vice Mayor Crosier explained that it was now out of the council’s hands because the C.S.B. has changed its proposal to fit the building’s current zoning designation.
In City Manager Dressler’s report, he spoke on bridge repairs and water levels, as well as provided updates on several projects in the area. He reported that Rayon Bridge had been awarded to Orders Construction, with a completion date set for Nov. 5, 2027. It was awarded as a bundle with a couple of other area bridges to Orders Construction. Additionally, the Hawthorne Street Bridge is preparing to go to advertisement, which will include replacing the existing deck with lightweight concrete and making minor repairs such as steelwork, undermining repair, and stabilization. Dressler also discussed the city’s water situation, noting that Covington is currently in a drought emergency stage. The lake level at Moomaw is 1.36 feet below the qualification threshold, and residents are encouraged to be mindful of their water usage, especially during the winter months when people tend to run water to prevent pipe freezing.
The city has several exciting events planned for the holiday season. On Saturday, a holiday fair with over 60 vendors will take place, featuring activities like bounce houses and horse-drawn carriage rides. The annual Christmas parade is scheduled for 6 p.m. that evening. Dressler praised the city’s sports complexes, which have received positive feedback from the community. He noted that additional lighting will be added to the trails next year. The creative decorations, including snowmen players on the fields, have been well received.
The city’s Public Works department was commended for maintaining the downtown area and for putting up the holiday decorations, which residents have praised. The ongoing additions to and creativity displayed at the Pocket Park have also received many compliments for its holiday preparation.
The City Manager reported that after speaking with the general contractor at the Fieldhouse Project it is nearing substantial completion, with six local subcontractors now involved in getting it ready. The city council also discussed several upcoming meetings and agenda items.
A reception for the departing Vice Mayor Crosier and Mayor Sibold is scheduled for 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on the next meeting day. The council will also hold a public hearing to amend a section of the city code regarding the beverage and beer license tax, as well as consider an ordinance for the opioid settlement recovery money and a donation to other community-based programs. Additionally, the council will need to appoint a new representative to the Older Americans Advisory Council, as the current appointee, Mr. Hunter, has scheduling conflicts.
The meeting concluded with a motion to recess until Dec. 5 at 6 p.m. for a closed session with the Board of Supervisors. Overall, the Covington City Council’s meeting covered a wide range of topics, from infrastructure updates to community events and upcoming agenda items, demonstrating the city’s ongoing efforts to address the needs and interests of its residents.
