The Shadow
COVINGTON, Va. (VR) — The Covington City Council convened Tuesday evening for its regularly scheduled meeting marked by remembrance, community updates, and a detailed roadmap for filling the council’s District One vacancy following the recent unfortunate passing of beloved Mayor William E. Carson, Jr.
The session opened with a moment of silence in honor of the late Mayor, whose leadership and dedication to the city were lauded by council members and community leaders alike. Pastor Stan Sizemore delivered the invocation, expressing gratitude for Carson’s service and asking for wisdom and guidance for the council as it navigates a period of transition.
“Each of us face decisions in life that at times we fall short in our own understanding,” the pastor said. “But I thank you, Father God in Jesus’ name, that as we yield to you and look to you, your word shows us that you will give us that wisdom.”
Council members and Covington’s City Manager reflected on Carson’s legacy. Manager Dressler recalled his commitment to city employees and his personal touch, such as hand-addressing Christmas cards to staff each year.
“He cared about Covington and dedicated himself to the good of what we did,” said Manager Dressler. “He believed in us, his staff here at the city, and hopefully we go in the right direction.”
With the mayoral seat vacant, the council’s attention turned to the process of appointing a new member for District One. According to the city charter, Vice Mayor Forbes automatically assumes the role of mayor through December 2026.
The council must now fill the resulting vacancy in the vice mayor position, though members agreed to wait until the new council member is appointed so that person can participate in the selection.
City attorney Mark Popovich outlined the legal requirements and timeline for filling the district one seat. Under Virginia law, the council has 45 days from the vacancy to appoint a new member, with a deadline of September 2.
A public hearing to announce candidates and review their qualifications must be held at least seven days before the appointment, and public notice must be published in local media.
“We’ve already advertised and made it known that we’re looking for people to apply who live in District One,” Popovich said. “City Council is required seven days prior to making the appointment to hold a public hearing in which you publicly announce the names of the individuals who are interested in being appointed and make their resumes available for inspection.”
The council agreed to advertise the vacancy beginning August 14, with resumes due by August 18. A public hearing is scheduled for August 25, and the appointment is expected to be made on September 2, coinciding with a regular work session.
Popovich emphasized the importance of meeting the statutory deadlines to avoid the appointment being made by the circuit court.
Beyond the vacancy, the council addressed a range of city business, including the approval of resolutions related to regional partnerships, school capital improvements, and recreational facilities. City manager Dressler reported on ongoing infrastructure projects, such as paving neighborhood streets, the mini golf and playground areas, and preparations for the closure of the Peters Mountain landfill.
Community pride was a recurring theme, with Dressler highlighting the success of recent events like National Night Out and the Virginia 250 Museum’s visit.
“We could not have done any better with our National Night Out,” he said, praising the collaboration between city departments, law enforcement, and local organizations.
The meeting also touched on public safety concerns, including speeding on local streets. Councilman Hunter reported an increase in drag racing on Alleghany Avenue, stating he witnessed two Ford Mustangs participating in the reckless activity a couple of days ago. Chief of police Christopher Smith assured the council that his department will take action to stop this kind of dangerous behavior.
The status of the Rayon Bridge replacement project was also brought up, with City manager Dressler reporting that they are working closely with the Virginia Department of Transportation to ensure the current bridge remains open until the new structure is completed, with construction expected to begin soon.
As the meeting drew to a close, council members expressed gratitude for the community’s resilience and engagement during a challenging time.
“We encourage you to get involved,” Dressler said, addressing residents of District One and the broader community. “There’s a lot of satisfaction to serving.”
The council’s next steps will be closely watched as Covington prepares to welcome a new member and continue its work on behalf of residents. The public hearing on the district one vacancy is set for August 25 at 6 p.m., with the appointment scheduled for September 2. For more information on the application process or upcoming meetings residents are encouraged to contact city hall or visit the city’s website.
