Covington, City of

The Council meeting included consideration for the reappointment to the Alleghany Department of Social Services Board. Resolutions were considered and voted on, addressing community-based policing, the Hazard Mitigation Plan 2025 update, police department contributions, and National Opioid Settlement Recoveries. The council discussed a rezoning request for property on East Cherry Street, including considerations for privacy screening, graveled laydown yards, operating within the M-1 zone, curb cuts, delivery hours, and security lights.

The Council meeting included discussions and actions on several key items. A moment of silence was observed to honor the memory of the late Mayor William E. "Lance" Carson, Jr. The council approved the AHCSB Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Performance Contract. There was a public comment regarding concerns about the Department of Social Services. The appointment of a new City of Covington Council Vice Mayor was tabled until the next regular meeting. Stan Young was reappointed to the Board of Zoning and Appeals. The council also approved resolutions related to honoring the late Mayor, opioid settlements, and reappropriating funds for city departments.

The council discussed the condition of sidewalks surrounding a resident's property and the difficulty in reaching the Director of Public Works regarding this issue. Stephanie Clark was reappointed to the Ninth District Financial Board of Directors. Police Chief Christopher Smith informed the Council about the community event National Night Out for Police, Fire, EMS, and other first responders.

The agenda includes a public hearing to consider revisions to the Transient Occupancy Tax, followed by a regular session. Appointments to various boards and commissions will be considered, including the Roanoke Regional Partnership Board of Directors, the Roanoke Valley - Alleghany Regional Commission, and the Covington Housing Authority. Ordinances and resolutions to be discussed cover topics such as amending the city code regarding the Transient Occupancy Tax, DARE contributions, VA 911 Services Grant, Opioid Settlement Recoveries, school capital improvements, Parks and Recreation donations, recognition of the Jackson River Sports Complex, and a resolution honoring the late Mayor William E. Carson Jr. Additionally, the agenda includes updates on old business, such as a sidewalk complaint, and a section for new business and citizens' comments.

The council discussed various ordinances and resolutions, including a tax exemption for widows of fallen first responders, wastewater disposal, a donation to the Alleghany Humane Society, Covington Parks and Rec Youth Day, personal property tax relief allocation, and Opioid Abatement Authority. They appointed representatives to the Industrial Development Authority (IDA), the Alleghany Highlands Economic Development Corporation (AHEDC), and the Planning Commission. The City Manager reported on the Rivermont School project, the Rayon Bridge, the Hawthorne Street bridge project, Mountain Rush, STEM enrichment for middle school children, the Green House and Hydroponics program, the Alleghany Highlands Industrial Heritage and Technology Discovery Center, the Mid-City Mall paving project, Olde Town Covington events, the Easter Parade, Youth Spring Sports Opening Day, and asphalt milling on Royal Avenue.