City of Lewisburg

The key discussion topics for the meeting involve several applications requiring review. These include a proposal to remove an existing garage and add a new pea gravel driveway garage at 118 McClung Street; the construction of a new single-story residence at 2129 Washington Street East; exterior painting, fascia repair, awning replacement, and a new sign installation for the building at 1102 Washington Street East; mitigation of structural deficiencies and rebuilding a non-stable wall using reused stones at 1184 Washington Street East; and the installation of a 20-solar panel ground-mounted array at the rear of the property at 958 Court Street North.

The City Council addressed several key items, starting with the first reading of Ordinance 324 concerning dog waste removal and animal prohibitions in the center green space. They approved Resolution 587 for Pay Request #42 for the Water Treatment Plant Improvement Project. During communications, the Mayor announced that City Manager Hill received the Tom Oxley Heart of the Community Award, and updates were provided on stormwater studies and the WV State Fair 100th Anniversary activities. The City Manager also announced her donation from the award would go to Greenbrier Community in Schools. The Planning Commission's actions included approving a PUD site plan for Monti Semper Liberi, approving a site plan review for Apex Osteopathic, and approving a minor subdivision for Kristen Cornett. The Commission also determined a new process for managing the Wayfinding Kiosk listings, and the city received an All-Star City award for the Kiosk project. The Police Department reported the arrival of a new cruiser soon, and the Fire Department announced an improved ISO rating from 4 to 3. Financial matters included approving two pay requests and a change order for the Lafayette Street Stormwater Project, approving a pay increase for the Interim Water Distribution Foreman, and approving a general pay scale update and employee performance-based pay increases.

The City Council meeting addressed several financial and operational matters. Resolutions were approved for pay requests concerning the Water System Improvement Project and the Public Works New Building Project. Proclamations were read recognizing the 205th Anniversary of John Wesley United Methodist Church, designating November 1, 2025, as 'Extra Mile Day,' and proclaiming October 13-19, 2025, as Municipal Government Week. A bid from JBL Contracting was approved for paving Intake Drive at the Public Works building. Updates were provided on the Lafayette Street stormwater project and landscaping bids for the new Public Works storage yard. The Police Chief recognized members of the newly formed S.W.A.T. team and Officer Yates and K-9 Szebi for their specialized bomb detection training, and showcased the Crime Scene van capabilities. The Parks Commission reported on upcoming equipment delivery for the Dog Park and fundraising efforts for the Pickleball Court. The Planning Commission's recommendation to rezone property at 1269 Jefferson Street North from R1 to OR was approved. The Historic Landmark Commission's updated Historic District boundaries were also approved for submission to the National Registry. Finance Committee actions included approving funding for the Southern Appalachian Musicians Association marketing, a pay request for the Lafayette Street Stormwater Project, the purchase of a generator for The Retreat water system, a temporary paving fix at the intersection of Court and Foster Streets, the Year-end Employee luncheon, approval of employee incentive pay, a pay scale adjustment for a maintenance worker position, a salary adjustment for Brandon Gilmore, and an update on Permitting Fees for the Planning and Zoning Department.

The City Council held a regular session where Ordinance 325, pertaining to amendments of Articles 1333, 1339, 1345, 1347, 1349, 1355, and 1363 of the Lewisburg City Code regarding Planned Developments, received its first reading and was subsequently passed upon motion. Key actions included approving Resolution 590 for Pay Request #45 for the Water Treatment Plant Improvement Project, and approving Resolution 591 and a related bid for Public Works landscaping. The Council also approved an easement for 110 Ben Ellen Alley and a pay increase for an employee who obtained a Certified Public Pesticide Applicator License. Furthermore, Change Order No. 1 for the Public Works Access Road project, resulting in a $5,000.00 decrease, and Change Order No. 4 for the Lafayette Street Stormwater Project (not to exceed $50,000.00) were approved. Ferrari & Associates was approved as the auditor for Fiscal Years 2025 and 2026. The Fire Department insurance renewal was tabled, and a Special Session was scheduled for November 20, 2025, to address it. The Planning Commission's recommendation regarding a minor subdivision request that lacked road frontage was noted.

The Finance Committee considered several recommendations for the City Council. These included the approval of three amendments to Task Orders from Chapman Technical Group, LTD: Amendment No. 4 for the Water System Improvement Project, Amendment No. 2 for the Public Works Building, and Amendment No. 4 for the Lafayette Street Stormwater Project. The committee voted to table the bid approval for the Public Works New Building garage door opener until the January 2026 meeting. Additionally, the committee recommended funding for the Shanghai Parade, not to exceed $2,500 above grant funding. A local Boy Scout attended to fulfill a communication requirement for his Eagle Scout Patch, and the City Manager reported on the success of the 'Christmas at the Park' event.