MINUTES WORK SESSION April2,2024  Council for the City of Covington held a regular meeting on Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Mayor Thomas H. Sibold, Jr. called the meeting to order with the following members present: Mayor Sibold; Vice Mayor David S. Crosier; Councilman William (Lance) Carson, Jr.; Councilman Fred F. Forbes; Councilman Raymond C.3 Hunter,  City) Hall located at 333 W. Locust Street, Covington, Virginia.  Also present was City! Manager Allen Dressler and City Attorney Mark Popovich.  Approval of Agenda Citizen Comments There were: no citizen comments.  Mr. Crosier motioned to approve the agenda, seconded by Mr. Carson. All members were ini favor with "aye" votes.  INTRODUCTION OF NEW POLICE OFFICERS AND RECENTLY PROMOTED SUPERVISORS  The Chief of Police, Chris Smith, thanked Council for the opportunity toi introduce the new. Police officers and speak of the Police Department and recently promoted staff. He spoke oft the events that the department has throughout the year such as: the National Night Out, the bike rodeo and Shop with a Cop. The Police department is supporting the community as it is supporting the department. Chief Smith gets thanked from citizens for the department andi iti is appreciated. He spoke of the structure of the department being similar to military ranks. The experiences that these new hires and promotions have are collectively: Military/deployment, law enforcement, correctional, reserves, and State Police. Family and Friends did a re-pinning oft their  badges for:  Promotions: Sgt. Daniel Agee; Corporal Harry Brown, Corporal Jacob Tolley.  New Hires: Officer Levi Allman, Officer. Joshua Cox, Officer Bryar Jack, School Resource Officer Mike Browning.  Report of City Manager  Mr. Dressler thanked the media forj publishing all the good that is going on in Covington and the nice photos. He thanked Jennifer Smith with Olde Town Covington city staffi for assisting with the recent Easter events: teaj party, egg hunt/parade and craft show in downtown. Mr. Dressler receives many compliments on how nice Covington is looking. He gave a shout out to thel Parks and Recreation staff for thej planted bulbs & trees last fall that are blooming and for the nice field work for ball tournaments. There will be 60 teams from Greenbrier County playing soon, The City appreciates all visitors. Mr. Dressler spoke about giving aj presentation at VADMO-(VA Assoc. of Destination Marketing Organizations) Spring Symposium- Panelist for Public/Private Partnerships: for Infrastructure Panel speaking about the Sport Complex. Josh" Taylor, Director of the Chamber was in attendance. When speaking he spoke highly of Josh and all that hel has done for the area andi is now the new Director. Hel listened to many speak ofl locations such as Hampton Roads, Virginia Beach and when he spoke about the area, there was a comment from Bruce Brochy, former Covington. Astros, that hel had many fond memories ofbeingi in  Covington, Virginia.  Page: 1of2    MINUTES WORK SESSION April2,2024  The replica oft the Wall That Heals will be in Covington on October 3 -6 6, 2024, Open to the Public, 24 Hours, closing on Sunday, October 6th at 2j pm. Thisi is a wonderful honor as we are only two int the Mid-Atlantic and one in Virginia to receive. We thank the VFW, Covington staffa and others for assisting this to come to Covington. There are: many that cannot travel to see  the wall in person.  Next week Mr. Dressler will talk about projects in the City. Het thanks all staff for their work.  Mr. Dressler was asked about. Jackson Street being paved, due to tourist coming to the area and making a good impression. Mr. Dressler stated there is $795,000: in thel budget and next week's agenda will also have more: information. There are other areas also needing paved. Columbia Gas will be asked to give areai residents a warning when they are coming to neighborhoods, such as a door notice. Hei isi in contact with Columbia Gas so that schedules are shared and digging/work. is completed before paving Mr. Dressler was asked and he confirmed that Mr. Perkins and Mr. Wright have been notified about the public hearing next  is done.  week that is in reference to their adjoining properties.  New Business  Thel budget will bej presented to Council around May 14, 2024. Mr. Dressler willl bei meeting with Department Heads this week. Hel has gotten budget requests. There is open conversations with open door meetings. Then Central. Accounting staff will compile information for presentation. During the COVID era thej paving schedule was not kept on track. Mayor Sibold went to a six hour meeting with the Secretary of Commerce. The Mayor spoke oft the need for trainingi int the area for: OSHA skills before going in the workforce; need school bus CDL endorsement training; ABC license contractor training. Mr. Dressler gave a shout out to thel Public Works staff for taking over mowing the median strips, etc... andi the City looked There was a walk through at the City's Wastewater Treatment. Plant to see the completed $8 million E. Q. Basin project, which With no: further business to come before Council, Vice Mayor Crosier motioned to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Hunter. All  He asked: for carpenter, electrician and plumber training at Mountain Gateway Community College. nice for the weekend. Therei is spring clean up going oni in the City and the staff are ahead ofs schedule.  was encouraged by) DEQ. He thanked the staff for their work on1 the project.  members werei in favor with "aye" votes,  kiel THOMAS H. SIBOLD, JR., MAYOR  ATTEST:  Pehlwhk RESPECTFULLY: SUBMITTEDBY REBECCABRATTONNUCKOLS ACTINGCITY CLERK  Page 2of2