RONCEVERTE W.Va. (WVDN) – Ronceverte City Council held its regular meeting this week to discuss old business such as the Accelerate Program, the splash pad, Parks and Recreation finalizing events, the new mini-golf area and water-related business, as usual. Residents raised concerns about a foul smell about the city, some property line issues and feeling as though they are not able to converse with or are heard/respected by the Council .
The Good News Ronceverte event held last month was mentioned again, confirming the success and gratitude of the Accelerate WV Program, as the grant program to support growing and changing towns within West Virginia. Accelerate WV communities will have access to local, regional, and national experts who will help with planning, implementation and funding support.
The work will build new local community expertise, develop a long-term diverse local leadership team and establish sustained partnerships for long-term development. The Accelerate WV program supports community leaders who want to work together as a team to make a lasting impact on the economic well-being and quality of life for their fellow residents. Six Council members attended the Accelerate WV event last year in Charleston, bringing back the good news of Ronceverte being one of 11 chosen cities. The Council is extremely vested in the program and welcomes the residents’ support and involvement.
In the wastewater business, the Council was asked about the foul smell that many residents were sickened and disgusted by. On Sunday and Monday of this week, a putrid and extremely strong smell of sewage engulfed the city. Social media was rampant with complaints. The m aintenance team for the City did state that “an unknown soap or detergent was spilled or somehow got into the treatment waters, which killed the natural bacteria in the wells.” This bacteria is naturally occurring and is necessary for the breakdown of waste. Because of the unbalanced nature of the bacteria, the smell would occur. They have reported knowledge of the issue and are working diligently to correct the imbalance. Authorization for the Phase No.4 water project was approved , as well as resolution No.5 regarding the storm-drainage project, relating to the design and construction of the stormwater infrastructure improvement project and payment.
In other new business, the New Splash Pad on Ronceverte Island will be open to the public by Memorial Day, if the weather allows. It will also be available for private rental, much like the shelters. The Splash Pad hours of operation are from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Thursday. The rental fees are two hours for $125. Reservations, questions or concerns, can be made by calling City Hall at 304-647-5455.
New business included the application of the City for implementation of the “Home Rule.” Effectively an “incubator of innovation” for West Virginia, Home Rule gives cities and towns the ability to implement ordinances, resolutions, rules and regulations that fit their specific dynamics. The home rule “allows municipalities greater self-determination. For example, that gives you a little bit more freedom to implement resolutions or regulations. To fit your specific needs.” said Council President, Deena Pack. The fundamental concepts of Home Rule examples can be; changing land use noticing procedures to be more efficient and effective, arrangements, tax abatements, tax rebates, adding additional safety regulations to traffic codes, or admission tax, occupational tax, and excise taxes (like other municipalities), etc. There is a 30-day waiting period and/or comment period, then a public hearing before implementing. “A very long and drawn out process,” says the Council . The state board only meets quarterly so the next meeting will be in July. The city is in the infant stages of applying and updates will be reported when available.
Some discussion was had regarding the use of the Armory building and how it can be repaired and brought to code, cleaned and perhaps re-modeled into a usable space for the residents of Ronceverte. Deena Pack spoke about all the possibilities for the unused building. From classrooms for tutoring, office space for bilingual help for the local Spanish-speaking population, private party rooms, special occasion events for holidays, conventions to lending or renting out to civic groups, youth sports/activities, dances, bingo nights and more.
The Ronceverte Raiders football team applied to the City for help with funding, to purchase a new scoreboard for the ball field. Along with private funding, the request was made for $1500-$2000 from the City. Approval was granted but the amount remains unclear for now. The Food Truck Festival is next week, May 17-18. The streets will be closed from Edgar Avenue to Frankford & Cedar on those days including Sunday, May 19, from 11 a.m. Friday- 11 a.m. on Sunday for cleanup. A new mini-golf park is in the works for Ronceverte Island , as well . The installation of an 18-hole golf course was made possible by Gateway Industries this past Saturday Night with their “Derby Days” fundraiser. It was reported that over 600 people were in attendance and approximately $100k was raised to build the recreation area. Through ticket sales, a silent auction with items provided by hundreds of local businesses, and raffle ticket sales, the mini-golf course is ready to go. As well as mini-golf, frisbee, or disc golf will also be available. A 12-basket (disc hole target, pole hole) will be added to the setup.
In closing, Robin Thacker has been approved to fill the vacant seat on the Council . Also, an honorable mention is due to the students from New Hampshire Christian Schools, who have been working tirelessly and volunteering around the city. Jobs such as helping to build two new houses with Habitat for Humanity on Clay Street, painting curbs and pollards, participating in the Rise and Shine City Clean-up, and more.
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