The Shadow
COVINGTON, Va (VR) The Covington City Council convened for its regular session this week, moving efficiently through a roster of reappointments, resolutions, infrastructure updates, and reflections on a year marked by civic progress and community spirit.
The meeting opened with an invocation, as City Manager Allen Dressler offered gratitude for the season and the “blessings received,” specifically noting the recent snowfall, the birth of Jesus Christ, and the city’s many dedicated public servants.
Mayor Fred Forbes soon called the meeting to order, ushering in the first business at hand as the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Kathy Carson was unanimously reappointed to the Allegheny Department of Social Services Board, with her term set to expire at the end of 2025.
The council also passed several resolutions, including appropriations to support community-based policing initiatives and a hazard mitigation plan update for 2025. Additional measures appropriated funds from the national opioid settlement and recognized contributions to the Alleghany Hospital Volunteer Auxiliary and Police Department Dare Contributions.
Following formal proceedings, the meeting transitioned into a comprehensive update from the City Manager Dressler, who recapped the highlights and challenges of the past year.
“We’ve had a good season and good year of paving throughout the community,” Dressler reported, noting that while some projects were delayed by early winter, preparations are underway for a busy spring. Ongoing work in the Idlewild Woodfield area and Cedar Hill Cemetery was cited, with more streets scheduled for improvement once the weather allows.
Sidewalks were another focal point, as repairs and upgrades in the downtown core and along Main Street aimed to address both safety and aesthetics. Manager Dressler commended the completion of the Mid-City mall parking lot, a project that earned positive feedback from residents, and highlighted new fencing and siding at the public works facility on Maple Avenue.
Community and recreational amenities were not overlooked. The recently completed mini golf course saw a successful inaugural season, and new benches installed at the city’s sports complex proved popular.
“I do know that there are those with their own clubs and their own balls that still enjoy playing putt-putt,” he joked, crediting residents for making constructive use of community resources even on frigid days.
Upgrades at Casey Field, including the modernized locker room and improved lighting, were also praised.
“Our new locker room was built for our kids, and we’re glad that it’s a very usable facility,” the manager said, noting a successful football season and planned improvements to baseball infrastructure in the coming months.
Utility investments featured prominently, with Dressler emphasizing continued funding for water and sewer plants, a shift from years of neglect. The necessity for proper certifications and operational standards was acknowledged, while reassuring the council and public about the quality of the city’s water supply.
Regarding economic development, Manager Dressler spotlighted a flurry of recent investments. Businesses, including O’Reilly, Garcia 64 Bistro, and a Japanese steakhouse, are bringing renewed energy to former landmark locations. Small enterprises and the city’s Main Street development were also lauded.
Olde Town Covington’s recent holiday celebration was declared a success, with city staff and volunteers recognized for ensuring safe and festive conditions in the wake of the snowfall. “We did a wonderful job of getting most the snowflakes off of the sidewalks and curbs and to present a safe place for people,” Allen remarked.
The recently tabled proposal from the Planning Commission and NewCo was revisited. It’s a rezoning request for property along Cherry Street aimed at converting several lots from general business to light industrial use. NewCo agreed-upon terms that include privacy screening, daytime-only deliveries, and restrictions on light pollution generated. Satisfied with the agreed terms, the City Council unanimously agreed to the proposal.
In matters pertaining to infrastructure, Councilman Hunter brought attention to deteriorating road conditions on Pine Street, which City Manager Dressler confirmed was already on the spring paving list along with Cherry and several connecting streets.
Looking ahead, the council canceled its January work session due to the holidays and upcoming training, confirmed the city’s annual audit and holiday luncheon, and continued to encourage civic participation.
“To do justice to what we’ve accomplished this year, you simply need to look at the investments and the buy-in from both public servants and residents,” Allen Dressler concluded. “Covington is writing a pretty good resume, and it will encourage people to want to come and do business in Covington.”
The meeting concluded with an outpouring of thanks to city employees, particularly the public works team responsible for clearing the streets, and a collective wish for a Merry Christmas.
