The Shadow
COVINGTON, Va. (VR) – The Covington City Council held its September work session Tuesday evening, with Vice Mayor Susan Wolfe presiding in the absence of Mayor Hunter.
Wolfe opened the meeting by asking for thoughts and prayers for Hunter and his family before turning the meeting over to Councilman Allen Tucker. Council unanimously approved the agenda without modifications. Tucker introduced Gene Wood, president of the Virginia Mountain Amateur Radio Club, who provided an overview of the organization and its role in emergency communications.
Wood explained the importance of having an independent means of communication available if local government radio systems were to fail or become compromised during an emergency.
Following the presentation, Tucker reviewed items scheduled for council’s Sept. 8 meeting. Council will formally recognize Josh Anglin during the meeting. The agenda also includes Resolution R-26-26, which concerns fund appropriations for the 2026-27 fiscal year. City Attorney Mark Popovich is also expected to provide an update on a vacancy on the Covington Redevelopment and Housing Authority.
The consent agenda, including the minutes from August meetings, was approved unanimously. City Manager Allen Dressler also asked council members to keep Hunter and his family in their thoughts and prayers.
Dressler recognized Tucker for 50 years of service to Granbery United Methodist Church. He thanked Tucker for his service to both the church and the community, noting Tucker’s contributions to the local school system as an educator and music director.
Dressler also reported that the city has submitted two projects for consideration for Virginia Municipal League Innovation Awards.
One submission is for the sidewalk project along Alleghany Avenue, which could qualify under the public safety category because of its efforts to address safety concerns associated with crossing the roadway.
The second submission highlights the city’s public-private partnership involving the greenhouse and STEM research project across from Covington Middle School and activities at the Discovery Center.
Dressler also discussed the economic impact of contractors working on local projects, noting that workers who stay and spend money in Covington contribute to the city’s tax revenues. He said the additional revenue helps the city purchase equipment and vehicles without having to take out loans.
Gas line work continues throughout the city, with bids awarded for upcoming work. Paving is expected to begin soon in the Altamont neighborhood to repair roads damaged during gas line installation.
The visiting-side bleachers at Casey Field have also been replaced with ADA-compliant bleachers.
Dressler thanked Governor Spanberger for awarding the city a $50,000 grant that will be used to add a packaging area at the Nettleton property.
He also reported that the dog park at the Jackson River Sports Complex is expected to open soon.
