The Shadow
COVINGTON, Va. (VR) – In a comprehensive City Council meeting that celebrated local law enforcement and addressed multiple municipal priorities, Covington’s leadership demonstrated its commitment to community development and transparent governance on Monday evening. The meeting, held in the city’s municipal chambers, opened with a prayer led by a council member who sought divine guidance for city leadership and safety during recent heavy rainfall. Immediately following the invocation, the Council swiftly approved the meeting’s agenda and minutes from previous sessions.
National Police Week took center stage as City Manager Allen Dressler delivered a heartfelt tribute to Chief Christopher Smith, recognizing his 20-plus years of dedicated service to the Covington Police Department. Dressler praised the department’s professionalism and community engagement, highlighting their recent participation in Youth Day activities. “It’s always good for our officers to be around our kids,” Dressler noted, presenting Smith with a commemorative plaque that underscored the department’s integral role in community relations. The recognition also acknowledged other long-serving department members, including Lonnie Givens with 40-plus years of service and Cathy Kimberlin and Sylvia Brown with approximately 35 years of service. The council proceeded to approve several critical resolutions.
Resolution R-2514, addressing opioid settlement recoveries, passed unanimously. Similarly, Resolution R-2515 was approved, covering donations to Parks and Recreation and the Police Department’s “Shop with a Cop” and community night activities.
Resolution R-2516 authorized the transfer of surplus funds from the water fund to the wastewater fund, ensuring continued municipal infrastructure maintenance. In a significant administrative move, the council appointed Chris Mentz to the housing authority, filling a vacancy left by Richard Burt Baker. The appointment was met with unanimous approval, reflecting the council’s confidence in Mentz’s potential contributions. Dressler’s
comprehensive report provided insights into numerous ongoing and upcoming municipal projects.
A particularly exciting development is the collaboration with Virginia Tech Applied Research Corporation to launch a STEM program this fall. The city has been meeting with school personnel, business representatives, and critical staff to ensure the program’s success. Infrastructure improvements remain a priority. The city has received bids for renovating the Public Works building and continues an extensive street paving program. Current projects include completing roads like Royal Avenue, Marion, and adjacent connecting streets, with plans to address Craig, Parklin Heights, Pitzers Ridge, Idlewilde, Asbury Park, and the Mid City Mall parking lot.
Recent community events were also highlighted. The Grand Fondo kickoff at Hotel Collins Park featured local musicians like Jerry Neal and Jay Wallace, while the subsequent Youth Day at the sports complex offered children engaging activities, including interactions with farm animals. Looking ahead, the city has several exciting events planned.
An employee appreciation lunch is scheduled for May 23, followed by a veterans’ car show on May 24. The municipal pool will open the same day, marking the traditional start of summer recreational activities. A Memorial Day celebration is also planned for the downtown area.
The Greenbrier Softball Association’s postseason tournament was another point of pride, showcasing the city’s ongoing commitment to regional sports and community partnerships.
Budget discussions took center stage as the council set work sessions for May 19 and 20, preparing for the upcoming fiscal year. The city manager emphasized continued commitment to community improvements, including potential alley maintenance and infrastructure upgrades.
A joint use agreement with Alleghany and Bath County regarding the transfer station was discussed and approved, addressing ongoing challenges related to refuse disposal following the closure of Peters Mountain Landfill.
The meeting concluded with a closed session, allowing council members to discuss personnel matters privately, a standard practice ensuring confidential evaluation of city-appointed personnel.
Throughout the session, the council demonstrated a balanced approach to governance, addressing both immediate community needs and long-term strategic planning. From honoring law enforcement to approving critical resolutions and planning future initiatives, the meeting reflected Covington’s commitment to progressive, transparent municipal leadership. As the city continues to navigate challenges and opportunities, this meeting underscored the collaborative spirit and forward-thinking approach of Covington’s municipal leadership.
