City of Ronceverte

The meeting featured an update on the Jock Clifford Armory Restoration project, including collaboration details with Downstream Strategies. The Council unanimously approved a proposal to acquire the dilapidated structure at 230 Main Street for $15,000 using funds from the Dilapidated Building Fund, conditional on the owner removing existing business signage. Following this, council approved drawing funds from the Line of Credit for the purchase. Recognition was given to a Ronceverte Police Department Officer for completing the WV State Police Academy. Department reports were reviewed. Council comments included the Parks & Recreation committee's need for a new student participant for Summer 2026, an update on a new local business opening, and notification regarding City Hall closure for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day observance.

The meeting included updates from engineering consultants regarding various water projects. Key actions taken included the unanimous approval of the appointment of Gary Austin as the new Ronceverte Fire Department Chief, contingent upon final approval from the State Fire Marshal's office. Council also unanimously approved accepting the lowest sealed bid from Thompson and Sons Excavation for the demolition of four dilapidated buildings using state grant funds. Revisions to the Personnel Handbook concerning health insurance premiums for new hires were approved, adjusting the City's contribution for family plans. Finally, the Mayor announced four vacancies on the Zoning Appeals Board and requested letters of interest by November 21, 2025. Updates were provided on the progress of moving City Hall and details regarding the upcoming Christmas Parade.

The meeting included Old Business concerning the second reading and subsequent unanimous approval of proposed revisions to the personnel handbook, specifically regarding healthcare premiums for new hires. In the matter of appointments, the council unanimously approved two citizen applications for service on the Board of Appeals for Planning and Zoning. During the Stormwater Business segment, the council read Resolution 11 for G-Ron-006 Region #4 by title only and unanimously approved a payment invoice related to ongoing stormwater infrastructure work. Under New Business, the council granted approval for Edgewood Presbyterian Church to host its second annual Penguin Plunge event at Island Park in March 2026 to benefit community meal expenses. Department reports were reviewed, and updates were provided regarding the relocation of City Hall and holiday closures.

The committee reviewed and approved Budget Revision #2 for the 2025-2026 Fiscal Year. The revision involved transferring $27,500 from the contingency account to the Police Department budget, resulting in a revised total budget of $518,754 for that department.

The meeting included citizens comments from Drema West regarding the Ronceverte Baptist Church's Easter egg hunt and Ryan Blake, who spoke about his campaign for Greenbrier County Circuit Court judge. Council reviewed written reports from the police, street, and water departments. Steve Williams noted that water would be turned back on at Island Park soon. Mayor Pack announced the upcoming "Make it Shine" event and the first Food Truck Festival of the season. Pam Mentz noted that council would be meeting to lay the levy for the upcoming year.