Brian Conner

The meeting included reports from various committees. The Public Works and Recreation Committee detailed completed tasks such as tree removal, street trimming, curb painting, and maintenance of City Park and Pool. They also presented the 2025 Capital Paving List, which was subsequently approved. The Parks and Recreation Department reported on the conclusion of summer sports leagues, day camp, and announced registration for fall basketball. The Library reported on new cardholders, item circulation, and upcoming programs. The Public Safety Committee's reports included Code Enforcement updates on patrol summaries, demolitions, building permits, and animal control statistics. The Fire Department reported on emergency calls, successful execution of the Child Passenger Safety Technicians class, and plans for a hiring test. The Police Department provided statistics on offenses, citations, and arrests, noting collaboration with other departments on homelessness issues and an upcoming new hire. The Finance and Administration Committee reviewed and approved the July 2025 Financial Statements and approved a one-year B&O tax incentive for Evergreen Hydraulic Hose, Inc., along with recommending reappointments for the Princeton Sanitary Board and Library Board of Directors. They also approved a Project Drawdown for the Wave Pool. The City Attorney presented the first readings of three ordinances: amending the prohibited camping ordinance, adding an ordinance regarding recreational vehicles, and authorizing the appointment of the Fire Chief. Council members provided updates on city activities, including attendance at the West Virginia Municipal League and initiatives regarding GIS mapping and community events.

The meeting included reports from various committees. The Public Works and Recreation Committee reported on leaf pickup, brush hogging, Christmas decoration installation, completion of service requests, tree removal, drainage work, and preparation for snowstorms. The Park and Recreation Department reported on ongoing indoor soccer, registration for Little League Basketball and Cheerleading, and the upcoming Elks Hoop Shoot. The Princeton Railroad Museum noted its monthly attendance and sales figures. The Princeton Public Library detailed new card issuances, program participation, partnership for a New Year's Eve event, and announced its upcoming winter hours and new board member election. The Public Safety Committee's report covered Code Enforcement statistics (complaints, demolitions, animal control, permits, zoning), and Fire Department activity (emergency calls, inspections, training completion for a new firefighter, and delivery of new gear). The Police Department reported offenses, citations, arrests, and the rollout of 18 new Mobile Data Terminals funded by opioid settlement funds, along with updated child abuse reporting protocols. The Finance and Administration Committee approved the November 2025 Financial Statements, General Fund Budget Revision #2, the selection of Ferrari and Associates as the audit firm, reappointments, and new appointments to the Zoning Board of Appeals and Land Reuse Agency. They also approved the Sewer Agreement with Oakvale PSD and granted city employees an additional half-day holiday on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. New business included the first reading of an ordinance authorizing the purchase of 128 Brick Street and scheduling a Special Council Meeting for its second reading and public hearing. Updates were provided on PEDA/PLRA/CIC projects, including the Community Center, Police Department final design completion, and athletic field funding matches.

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included administering the Oath of Office to the new Police Chief and appointing an Acting City Clerk. The Public Works and Recreation Committee reported on ongoing pothole patching, trail maintenance progress at the City Park, curb painting extensions, installation of a speed bump and a Stop Sign, and the commencement of work on the City Pool, including moving the concession stand and ordering materials for the waterslide. The Parks and Recreation Department reported on successful spring basketball leagues, registration for summer leagues and day camps, lifeguard training, and the repair of a lifeguard stand. The Railroad Museum reported attendance and upcoming events. The Library reported on new card sign-ups, item circulation, and the launch of the Kanopy streaming service. The Public Safety Committee presented reports covering Code Enforcement metrics, building inspections, flood plain management, rental compliance, and Fire Department activities, including the purchase of new rescue rope. The Police Department reported offenses, citations, arrests, and recent in-service training. The Finance and Administration Committee recommended approval of the April 2025 Financial Statements, General Fund Budget Revision #4 (increasing estimated revenues and expenditures by $339,373 for FY2025), and approval for B&O Tax Incentives for two businesses. The committee also approved drawdowns for the Wave Pool Project and the Community Center Project. Finally, the list of Poll Workers for the 2025 City Ward Election was approved.

The meeting commenced with a presentation by the Fire Chief honoring a retiring volunteer firefighter after 28 years of service. Public input included concerns about speeding, shooting, and poaching in a residential neighborhood, and encouragement from FEMA and SBA representatives for residents affected by February flooding to apply for assistance. Committee reports detailed Public Works activities, including snow and flood cleanup, and maintenance plans for the City Pool for the 2025 season, such as filter sand replacement and PA system installation. The Railroad Museum reported on attendance and future events, and the Library noted circulation statistics and upcoming children's programs. The Public Safety Committee report provided statistics on code enforcement actions, building permits, and fire department activity, including extensive response to the February flooding incident. The Police Department reported on offenses, citations, arrests, and the purchase of two new vehicles. The Finance and Administration Committee reported strong year-to-date revenue collection and recommended the approval of the February 2025 Financial Statements and the Fiscal Year 2026 operating budgets for the General Fund and Coal Severance Fund. Action was taken to approve a drawdown for the Wave Pool project and an Agreement for Administrative Services related to a grant for the relocation of the Police Department. The City Attorney presented the First Reading of three ordinances: one to close an alley between Tenth and Eleventh Street, a second to close an alley between specific parcels near Pearis and South Johnston Streets, and a third authorizing an option on properties adjacent to Dan Hale for the City of Bluefield. Council members expressed appreciation for city employee efforts, cooperation across departments, and the turnout of citizens.

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included administering the Oath of Office to a new Patrolman for the Princeton Police Department. In committee reports, Public Works reported on ongoing flood damage repairs, park maintenance, and drainage investigation on lower Mercer Street, alongside completing service requests and debris pickups for March. The Parks and Recreation Department detailed the organization of spring basketball leagues, hiring progress for the City Pool staff, pool leak repairs, and the success of fundraising and community events like the Snowflake Dance and cheerleading competition. The Railroad Museum noted attendance figures and upcoming tours. The Library reported on new card issuance, item circulation, community outreach events, and upcoming vaccination clinics. The Code Enforcement Department provided detailed statistics on complaints, demolitions, animal control cases, building permits, flood plain determinations, zoning, and rental compliance for March. The Fire Department reported on emergency calls, training hours, and facility inspections. The Police Department detailed offenses, citations, arrests, officer training, and plans for future facility funding through Congressional appropriations. The Finance and Administration Committee recommended and received approval for the March 2025 Financial Statements, several B&O Tax Incentives, and specific appointments/reappointments to the Board of Parks and Recreation and PEDA. Economic development updates included social media metrics, progress on the Police Department location project requiring USDA cooperation and potential grant applications, and discussions regarding housing development opportunities, including a planned Virginia Tech community session. The Council approved the third drawdown for the Wavepool Project, authorized the purchase of a pick-up truck for the Police Department using Opioid Funds, approved proceeding with finding a Civil Engineer for athletic fields, authorized the City Attorney to prepare a petition for a Minor Boundary Adjustment for the Princeton Health Care Center, and approved the sale of surplus vehicles. Resolutions were passed authorizing applications for $1,000,000 in Congressional Direct Spending for Phase 3B of the Police Department project. Finally, the Council held second readings and public hearings, carrying motions to approve ordinances closing two separate alleys and authorizing an option on Dan Hale adjacent properties. The City Attorney's report also included the amendment to the City Manager Employment Agreement, extending the term to March 12, 2033.