The Shadow
COVINGTON, Va. (VR) — The Covington City Council on Tuesday held a wide-ranging meeting that opened with a prayer and moved quickly through land use, budget, infrastructure, and community updates before going into closed session.
The session began with an invocation asking for wisdom and guidance for city leaders as they considered matters affecting residents, businesses, and schools.
Council then convened a public hearing on the proposed vacation of an undeveloped public right-of-way in connection with the Rivermont School redevelopment project. The action involved portions of East Sycamore Street, an undeveloped alley that runs through the existing school building and playground, and a small section of alley needed for a stormwater detention facility near a creek.
Staff explained that the stormwater basin is required under modern development standards. No citizens spoke for or against the proposal. Council later moved and voted to vacate the specified rights-of-way.
Members approved a proclamation designating April as “Cleanup in the Alleghany Highlands,” encouraging citizens to collect at least one bag of litter during the week of April 19-25 and urging organizations and businesses to coordinate cleanups with the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce. Council adopted Resolution R-2607 to accept Virginia Department of Emergency Management grant funds for Delta advanced 911 services, with no city match required.
It also approved Resolution R-2608 to provide supplemental appropriations in the general, water, sewer, and Virginia Department of Transportation sidewalk funds. The consent agenda, including minutes from the Feb. 26 work session and regular meeting, was approved.
City officials reported on a series of ongoing projects. The city celebrated its 124th firehouse dinner and announced CW Smith as the new fire chief. Budget discussions with the sheriff’s office have begun, with school budget talks scheduled for Friday. Staff noted that department heads have submitted conservative budgets.
Infrastructure updates included sidewalk projects in South Covington and along South Alleghany Avenue, continued work on a major bridge project, improvements at Boodie Albert Stadium, and active tree maintenance in city parks. Most public restrooms in parks are open or set to open by Friday.
The city aims to open a new mini-golf course in early April.
Recreation officials highlighted successful winter sports programs and upcoming youth baseball and softball tournaments that will use multiple fields across the city.
Restaurant Week was described as a success, drawing visitors from the Roanoke Valley, and about 581 people are expected at an upcoming Chamber of Commerce dinner. Council also discussed traffic safety at the light near the Carolton area. Staff said the city, which is a second-class city in Virginia and maintains its own streets, is working with the Virginia Department of Transportation on engineering and traffic studies. However, any major fix would be costly.
The meeting concluded with the council voting to enter closed session to discuss and evaluate council matters under state law.
