The city of Beckley has decided on outdoor burn regulations for spring 2021.
Bill File, Beckley city attorney, read the resolution during the common council meeting on February 23.
According to File, the open burning of vegetation will be allowed in corporate limits from 5 p.m until 7 a.m. beginning on March 1 and lasting until May 31.
Before a property owner burns vegetation, they must notify the Beckley Fire Department and ensure that the burning will not affect the health, safety, comfort or property of any person, File said.
In other business, Camp Creek Maintenance Inc. out of Camp Creek, WV, was awarded the lawn maintenance bid for the city for the 2021 season for a total of $67,779.36. It was the only bid the city received.
“They do a great job,” said Councilwoman Sherrie Hunter.
They will cover 36 properties for the city, including Freedom Park, and perform sidewalk cleaning when needed, Councilman Cody Reedy noted.
Also, Mayor Rob Rappold thanked Hunter, Councilwoman Janine Bullock and other councilmembers for their support of the warming center located at Soldier’s Memorial Theater along South Kanawha Street.
The center was able to give people a warm place to stay during the recent cold snap.
Bullock said of the warming center, “I just want to thank everyone for how we collaborated and made it all come together within a short period of time.”
Four people stayed at the warming center the first night and eight people stayed the second night, according to Hunter.
“It does warm our hearts knowing that our city now has something to offer those who are less fortunate in those circumstances,” Hunter said.
The United Way of Southern West Virginia, as well as numerous other people and organizations, partnered with the city to create the warming center.
The construction on New River Drive was also discussed during the meeting when Reedy asked for an update regarding progress.
Jerry Stump, director of Public Works, responded that the construction crew began backfilling the area, but needed a few days of warmer temperatures before they could start work on grouting.
Lastly, in honor of Black History Month, Bullock thanked Bishop Fred T. Simms at Heart of God Ministries and retired educator Quincy Madison and the organization Black Educators are United Totally YES for their contributions to the community.
“Beckley enjoys a very rich history that coincides with Black History Month,” Rappold responded. “When I think of the folks over the years who have contributed so much to the city of Beckley, they are certainly worthy of recognition and appreciation.”
This page is available to subscribers. Click here to sign in or get access.