Curtis French

The City of Bluefield's 2025 Comprehensive Plan provides a framework for long-term growth and development, aiming to establish the city as a regional hub for employment, education, entertainment, and cultural enrichment. It focuses on five strategic areas: maintaining and enhancing infrastructure, improving recreation and youth programming, revitalizing downtown, improving and maintaining neighborhoods, and developing sound land use ordinances. The plan seeks to provide attainable housing, foster a vibrant community, and promote economic vitality to reverse population decline and enhance the quality of life for residents.

The Board of Directors meeting included updates from the police department, highlighting promotions and new initiatives such as the downtown foot patrol and efforts to secure a resource officer for area schools. The Recreation and Parks Department reported on completed projects and recognized the Boy Scouts for their work at Bluefield City Park. The new gymnasium floor at the Youth Center was nearing completion, and the board received historical information about the City of Bluefield purchasing the Auditorium. The board approved the revised Personnel Guidelines and Procedures Manual, as well as a contractual agreement with the Mercer County Board of Education for leasing Mitchell Stadium. Animal Awareness Month was declared for August, and various board members expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to serve the City of Bluefield.

The Board of Directors meeting included a presentation on a supplemental retirement deferred compensation plan for public employees. The board discussed a potential lease agreement for a city property and the use of the Hardy Street Playground. The board appointed a new Municipal Judge and authorized entering into Task Order 3 with Parsons Brinckerhoff, Inc. for the Colonial Intermodal Center project. There were discussions regarding handicap accessibility at Mitchell Stadium events, Scott Street Parking Garage demolition, street sweeping schedules, and concerns raised by citizens about parking and the need for additional firemen and police officers.

The board discussed and approved the bid for the City Park Restroom and Concession Stand. The May Monthly Financial Summary was presented and reviewed, highlighting revenue and expenditure performance, outside contributions, pension fund obligations, and payroll details. The treasurer indicated that revenue estimates are looking good and the city is prepared for the annual paving invoice.

The Board of Directors meeting included discussions and actions on several key items. The board approved the Bluefield High School and Bluefield State College Homecoming Parade routes. They also approved the appointment of an attorney to the Police Citizens Review Board. Furthermore, the board authorized a contract with Rossman Collection Services for the collection of police fines and approved changes to the signatories on city bank accounts. A lease extension with Wells Fargo Insurance Services was approved, and the first reading of an ordinance to accept real estate from the Department of Highways was also approved. Additionally, a resolution was approved to administer grant funds for the Emergency Shelter Grants Program. Reports were given by officers and board members, and public comments were heard, including concerns about vegetation overgrowth and the demolition of a parking garage.