LEWISBURG, W.Va. (WVDN) – The Lewisburg City Council held its June meeting on June 12, the day before the municipal election. Prior to the meeting, the Council took a break for an executive session to meet with the representative of the city employees’ health insurer. Upon their return, they voted to initiate health insurance coverage starting on July 1.
During the meeting, several resolutions were discussed and approved. Resolution 512 involved a pay request for the storm water study which was funded through the Community Development Block Grant. The payment, totaling $10,216.51, was made to Chapman Technical Group and Region 4 Planning and Development Council.
Resolution 515 pertained to the invoices for the Public Works building and was previously approved by the Building Commission. The City Council also approved the payment of $30,450 for these invoices.
Resolution 518 focused on the invoices for the Water Systems Improvement Project. City Manager Misty Hill confirmed that all the invoices had been thoroughly reviewed by her, treasurer Susan Honaker, Region 4 and others before being submitted to the Council for approval. A total of $2,097,338.85 was approved to be paid to various companies involved in the project.
Additionally, the City Council agreed to a lease agreement with Country Roads Leasing LLC for a 2023 Dodge Durango for the city police department. The lease, which includes law enforcement equipment, amounts to $64,745 with a monthly payment of $1,302.15 for 5 years at a 6.15% interest rate.
Resolution 520 involved the first payment of interest incurred on the Water Systems Improvement Project. The payment of $131,310 was made to the USDA Rural Development in Beckley using funds received from the USDA. This payment fell under the category of capitalized interest.
Mardi McMillian provided a report on the past year of activity at the Greenbrier County Public Library. As the library has experienced significant usage from community members, McMillian proposed that the city cover the expense of interior painting as part of the library’s upkeep. The Council members discussed the possibility of allocating funds from the 1% municipal tax collection, which is expected to begin July 1, to support the library painting project.
Furthermore, a special use permit was granted to 372 Dwyer Lane for a three-bedroom Airbnb. The Council also approved a stormwater collection plan for the new ownership group at Blackbird Village, pending the payment of required fees.
The contract for Hudnall Wildlife Services for the upcoming year was approved. Last year they successfully caught 38 skunks, 22 possums, 15 groundhogs and three raccoons. The Council also approved Wildlife Control Specialties for deer control with each deer removal costing $100.
Mills Group LLC was accepted for another year as the historic landmarks commission consultant. The city has appreciated their services in branding, which have raised awareness of Lewisburg’s sites and attractions.
City Hall requires a replacement HVAC unit, and Chapman Technical Group completed the design to meet the specific engineering requirements of the structure. The Council approved the design invoice payment.
The Water Systems Improvement Project saw a change order for the raw water intake. Hill invited council members to visit the construction site at the river, as the work being done there is of great interest.
The consideration of sidewalk repair and replacement on Lafayette Street faced difficulties due to a lack of competitive bidders. The project was tabled for a while, but due to the urgent need for repairs, the Council decided to allocate additional funds and apply for the 80/20% match. The project has been ongoing for 11 years, and the cost has exceeded the original plan, with the 20% match now amounting to $144,000. The Council approved the additional expense of $62,967.31.
A stage is planned to be constructed at the city Green Space, with Tag Galyean working on the design, which will include ADA access.
Councilperson Sarah Elkins provided a positive report from the parks commission. Fencing has been installed between the playground and parking area at Dorie Miller Park, and video surveillance from the police department has helped curtail dog activity and feces at Hollowell Park. The Commission emphasized the importance of keeping dogs on leashes to facilitate the cleanup of any fecal deposits.
The Public Works department reported that more paving of Ruffner and other roads disrupted by waterline installation will be done around August. The project needs to be completed and the installed lines pressure tested before final paving can take place.
The City Council accepted appointments to various boards and commissions that support city programs. Davis Lewis and Dan Stevenson were appointed to the Planning Commission, Danny Fairfax to the Building Maintenance Board, Adrianne French and Clifford Gillilan to the Historic Landmark Commission, Franklin Johnson to the Parks Commission, Mardi McMillion to the library board of directors and Jason Long to the Building Commission.
The Board of Canvas will certify the results from the city election, which took place on June 13, on Wednesday, June 21, starting at 9 a.m. The City Council will then certify the election totals.
