The Lewisburg City Council held its regular monthly meeting on May 18. This meeting was the first time the council had been able to meet in person for many months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many items filled the agenda including an announcement regarding the new synthetic turf for the ball field at Hollowell Park and the promotion of a new lieutenant at the police department.
Regarding the new lieutenant, two officers applied for the position and while it was a close decision, it was decided that Sargent J.D. Hughes would get the promotion. During the meeting, after the announcement was made, Chief Teubert invited officer Hughes’ wife to place his new badge on him. Council members congratulated the new lieutenant.
In other news, the fire department is back to training after a long hiatus caused by pandemic restrictions. Not only are the Lewisburg firefighters back to training, but they are also able to allow the use of their live burn training facility once again. Recently, Firefighter I classes from across the state gathered at the facility to complete their training. The endeavor was a success with more than forty students in attendance along with instructors, supervisors, and support systems from the student’s home stations as well as family members. In addition, more than 20 members of the Lewisburg fire department were present to assist.
More good news for the fire department, bids to construct the new station have been received. These bids have already been narrowed down and voting has already taken place to choose a final contender. This means the beginning of construction is in the near future.
The synthetic turf for the ball field in Hollowell park is currently being manufactured and is set for a June 14 delivery and installation. This is particularly good news because, according to Public Works Director Roger Pence, thanks to the improvements, the field may see a little league championship on July 16.
A new ordinance was introduced for a first reading. This ordinance elaborates on the current non-discrimination ordinance. The clarification is that no one may be discriminated against based on the style or texture of their hair. Councilmember Aaron Seams who proposed the change said, “I never think it’s not a good time to make it harder to discriminate.” The ordinance unanimously passed the first reading.
The President of New River Community and Technical College, Bonny Copenhaver attended the meeting and spoke to the council. She noted how many of the students at the Greenbrier County campus are from Lewisburg and presented an opportunity to work with the city on a museum. Copenhaver also discussed the various programs they are currently offering at their campuses. Council members expressed delight at the potential to work with the school.
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