MIINUTES WORK SESSION September 3,2024  Council for the City of Covington held a work: session on Tuesday, September 3, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. in the  Council Chambers ofCity Hall located at 333 W.Locust Street, Covington, Virginia.  Mayor Thomas H. Sibold, Jr. called the meeting to order with the following members present: Mayor Sibold; Vicel Mayor David S. Crosier; Councilman Fred F. Forbes; Councilman William (Lance) Carson,. Jr.; Councilman Raymond C. Hunter; Absent. Also present were City Manager Allen Dressler and City Attorney  Mark Popovich. Approval of Agenda  Mr. Crosier motioned to approve the agenda, seconded by Mr. Carson. All members were in: favor with "aye"  votes. Citizen Comments  Tawanna Smith ofs. Lincoln Avenue spoke about a concern behind the former Alleghany Motors building that is across from Hardee's, there is ai tent and squatters have been living there for months. There is al bad odor, furniture and appliances have been dumped. Mr. Dressler thanked Ms. Smith for bringing that to the Cherrie Martin ofl E. Pine Street spoke about getting some clarity on the rezoning that the CSB-Community Services Board has taken tot the Planning Commission. She received a letter about the time of the meeting, when she arrived thet time had been changed, she was not notified and missed a lot oft the meeting. She mentioned her concerns that Ingrid Barber spoke about 24/7 access, cannot turn anyone away, and there being a 24/7 pharmacy. Ms. Martin needs clarity because there are children and elderly that live on these streets and nearby streets. She opposes the expanding and rezoning and asked Council that the rezoning be denied. Mayor Sibold stated that there would be al Public Hearing on this request next week September 10at 6:30 pm at the Council's regular meeting. There was discussion that it is currently zoned R-3 and if changed Deloris Quarles thanked Mr. Dressler and staff for the wonderful events for her sister, Delethea Quarles, who is an Olympic Coach. Delethea was in the Union'sLabor Day parade on September 2, 2024 and was presented al key to the City and plaque from the. Alleghany Highlands. Deloris spoke ofhow happy and Stephanie Clark, of Alleghany Avenue, thanked the City for the beautiful events that were. held for Delethea, while she was back int the area after being at the Olympics. Ms. Clark also stated that she is on the CSB board and works for TAP-Total Action for Progress. She noted that TAP has nothing to do with the rezoning  City's attention and it willl be resolved the next day.  to C-2 it would go from residential to commercial for al business to locate there.  grateful the family was about the events and that there was great attendance.  request that the CSB has requested by the Planning Commission.  Addition to Agenda for September 10, 2024  Vice Mayor Crosier made a motion to add: supplemental resolution R-24-25 in reference to the WWTP- Wastewater Treatment Plant project to be added to the agenda next week.. Auditors have suggested the City do a resolution to account for this payment paid in June 2024: sO1 the auditors will: not have to account for itas ap pre-payment for the next 30 years. All: members of Council were. in agreement with "aye" votes.  Page: 1 of3    MINUTES WORK SESSION September3,2 2024  Report of City Manager  Mr. Dressler thanked Council and all that were in attendance at the meeting.  Rayon Bridge willl be getting an inspection soon and construction should begin in 2026. Hawthorne Street Bridge also has an inspection due soon and Mattern & Craig Engineers will do both bridge inspections while in the area. This will be a cost saving tol have both the same day. The Wastewater Treatment Plant EQ Basin project has been a challenging project. He thanked David Bryant, his staff, and the WWTP staff for working as this substantial long project has been completed.  Fall Clean Up in the City will be September 23-27 and September 30-October 4.  Hydrant flushing will be October 6-18 at night, this sO that it will not interfere with citizens water The Way Finding Sign Program with the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce will be Paving bids have been accepted. Mr. Dressler, David Bryant and Anthony Lowry have met. The  pressure. finalized soon.  paving will most likely be in to the spring due to the weather cooling down. There was a water leak on Munford Avenue that City staff1 located and repaired.  The Wall That Heals event will be held October 3-6 at the JRSC-Jackson River Sport Complex. Mr. Dressler stated that many individuals and businesses have contributed to make this a reality. Ms. Shawn Wright, Mr. Bill Atherholt have met with a committee for months to. make this a solemn event. During the event there will be American Flags placed coming off] Exit 14 in respect to the Soldiers The Smurfit WestRock Unions' Labor Day celebration on September 2, 2024 was a great event. Bob Booth with the Union is appreciated for all his work on this event and working with Lisa Worley in the Parks and Recreation department. Events after the parade were. held at the JRSC. Mr. Dressler stated that the Union in Covington and another Union in Lexington, VA are two oft the oldest in existence. It was nice to see the 1927 Fire truck "Hezekiah" in the parade and appreciate the volunteers for all their upkeep oft the truck. He stated that there was ai new vendor at the event with homemade ice cream who sold out. The fireworks at the end of the event were: nice. He recognized Deloris Quarrels and her family with all their preparation and also practicing on Monday morning for the upcoming events. Ms. Delethea Quarles is the only area Olympic Coach from the. Alleghany A citizen spoke with Mr. Dressler to let him know the Pocket Park on Main Street is now her and her dog's favorite park. He thanked employees for keeping the streets, fields, parks and all of Covington  and Country.  Highlands and we appreciate that she was able to attend.  nice.  Page 2of3    MINUTES WORK SESSION September3,2024  There was discussion about Resolution R-24-23 for the Schools Capital Improvements. This is funds that the schools are: returning and could be used for lights on field) E: fast pitch at the. JRSC, the Casey Fieldhouse project. Rebecca Irvine with Alleghany Highlands Public Schools was in attendance. She stated that funds returned can be divided and given back to the localities. David Bryant noted that the  funds cannot be used for accounts such as for salaries.  Mr. Crosier asked about the mirror at] Rayon and Jackson Street for better visibility.  Mr. Dressler spoke about the need for a crosswalk at Monroe and Chestnut near the Bath Physicians Mr. Carson spoke about VDOT maintaining streets, Mr. Dressler stated that VDOT gives funds for  and jewelry store.  the City to maintain them. New Business  There was no new business to bring before Council.  Closed Session  The Vice Mayor moved to enter into Closed session pursuant to Section 2.23711(A)(7) of the Code of Virginia for the limited purpose of consultation with legal counsel pertaining toj probable litigation where such consultation in open meeting would adversely affect the negotiating or litigating posture ofthe City regarding an EEOC complaint. All members were: in favor with "aye" votes. With no further business to come before Council, the meeting was adjourned by consensus.  aa THOMAS. H. SIBOLD,JR., MAYOR  ATTEST: Relrca RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTEDI REBECCA BRATTON NUCKOLS ACTING CITY CLERK  6  Page 3 of3