RONCEVERTE- The Ronceverte City Council held their monthly meeting on Monday, June 2 at City Hall, the day before the mayoral and council election day. The meeting drew a large crowd and lasted an hour-and-a-half and was rather tame as the meetings in the past have been known to get a tad heated.
Mayor Deena Pack began with the Approval of minutes from May 5 from public comments and the minutes from the May 5 meeting. Both were approved.
Ordinance 2025-03 was discussed and refers to Zoning change on Academy Street. The second public hearing regarding use of the old Elementary School was approved. The council stated it doesn’t affect any other properties along Academy Street or any future buildings that may be built there.
Ordinance 2025-04 was proposed with a home rule sales tax which basically gives the city the option to implement a one percent sales tax starting January of 2026 if the city chooses to do so. It was approved by council.
The city is also making some small changes to the personnel handbook. According to city administrator Pam Mentz, the handbook was written years ago and will update drug testing, FMLA, etc. She stressed there will be no major changes, just updates to what the laws are now. It will also include some updated changes to comp time.
Resolution #9-payment for invoice to E.L. Robinson Engineering for 15,000 dollars was submitted to region 4 for payment for a water system project.
Resolution 10 for the design and construction of Ronceverte stormwater creation project was unanimously approved as well.
On the subject of new business, there was a dilapidated buildings rebid. Basically, it involves condemning property buildings that are worn down. No one lives in the houses and the owners are either out of town or have no interest in the properties. No utilities are connected to the buildings.
A Ronceverte couple, Wayne and Martha Morgan, have proposed a weekly flea market to take place at island park. They feel it would increase foot traffic, community engagement, and economic impact. Mr. and Mrs. Morgan would create a vendor agreement which would prohibit the sale of offensive items which has happened in the past. Pack proposed the Saturday after the Ronceverte River festival for the first flea market to take place and if all goes well, they could extend the flea market to Tuesday’s as well. The council approved a probationary period beginning the Saturday after the River Festival.
Dog park fence adjustment- The Mountaineer Horseshoe League has requested a fence adjustment to the dog park on the island. The league president provided options for the relocation of the fences. Their national tournament the end of June and they feel they need more room for their food setup or if a lot of people show up. The dog park will be closed the weekend of tournament regardless.
There is a current opening on the zoning and planning commission. The city is accepting letters from interested citizens. Interested citizens can drop a letter or email to the city by the end bf of June.
Colleen Walton was recently recognized for 60 years of dedication to the Progressive CEOs. She has been involved for a long time with many things in Ronceverte. She 91 years old.
A request for Patty Dillon to be approved for another five years on the Board of Trustees for the Ronceverte Public Library was approved for reappointment.
One issue concerning citizens was a speed bump on 229 Clay Street. The concerns come from a few citizens in the area. There are two Habitat for Humanity homes there and a lot of traffic coming in and out. Residents have children and are concerned of fast driving. Motion was placed to put in a child at play sign. They won’t replace speed bump–which was accidentally dug up by a plow truck– unless police notice there is additional speeding in the area.
The council suggested that Rob Alkire be promoted to deputy chief which was approved.
Pam Mentz will stay as city administrator.
Also, motion grants permission for officer John King as he will be the new k9 dog handler and will assume the duties that come with it.
Pack discussed that the police department had been extremely busy lately as they arrested a citizen of Virginia and made a burglary arrest. They are getting close to markings on vehicles and officer King will begin k9 training soon. Finally, there are two current officers completing requirements to go to state police academy.
Gail White confirmed this was her last city council meeting and is retiring after 15 years.
“I hate to give it up, but it’s time” White said. The audience gave her a round of applause.
With the upcoming election, Pack made a statement.
“I’d like to say thank you first to my family who have been supportive of me in all the time I’ve spent away from them, not just at city council meetings, but other meetings on behalf of the city and trainings,” Pack said.
“These folks up here–pointing to other council members– have all been a pleasure to work with and have taken a lot of beatings and done so with grace because they care about Ronceverte and the people who live here.
“Whatever happens tomorrow, I will respect the opinions of the citizens,” Pack stated.
Pack went on to compliment two other mayoral candidates in attendance for running good, clean campaigns and doing what they thought was necessary to earn the citizens votes.
The next meeting will be Monday, July 7.
