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Ronceverte council approves $250,000 CDBG application, authorizes continued depot talks and clears community events
Summary
At its March 2 meeting the Ronceverte City Council voted unanimously to approve a $250,000 CDBG application to demolish the old elementary school, authorized the mayor to continue negotiations with CSX regarding the old depot, and approved a community bucket-drive fundraiser while tabling several items for further review.
The Ronceverte City Council voted unanimously on March 2 to approve a $250,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application for demolition of the old elementary school, to authorize Mayor Deena Pack to continue negotiations with CSX over the possible transfer of the city’s old depot, and to approve a Family Refuge Center bucket-drive fundraiser scheduled for Aug. 4, 2026.
The action came during the council’s regular meeting at City Hall. Leah Smith moved to approve the February minutes at the start of the meeting; Emilee White seconded and the motion passed unanimously. Later, after a second public hearing on the CDBG application, Smith moved to approve the grant submission, Emilee White seconded, and council voted unanimously to submit the application for $250,000 intended to fund demolition of the old elementary school.
Mayor Deena Pack updated the council on talks with CSX, telling members that CSX has indicated an intention to deed the old depot to the city once the railroad locates a suitable new office site. On a motion from Leah Smith and second from Matt Bergman, council unanimously authorized Mayor Pack to continue negotiating with CSX on the city’s potential acquisition of the depot.
Council also handled a series of community and administrative items. The Family Refuge Center’s request to hold a bucket-drive fundraiser on Main Street on Aug. 4 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. was approved on a motion by Leah Smith, seconded by Emilee White. Council discussed a request to restart the weekly flea market at Island Park but voted unanimously to table that item pending a site review to ensure the market would not conflict with new Island Park activities, including a planned miniature golf course.
Two other items were tabled after members said necessary documents or updated drafts were not yet available for review: an extension request for the Region 4 water-line project (motion to table by Leah Smith, second by Matt Bergman) and proposed updates to the police department’s Policies and Procedures manual on Use of Force (motion to table by Matt Bergman, second by Leah Smith).
Bob Hazelwood of E.L. Robinson gave a brief status update on the Monroe Avenue water upgrade project, and Anthony Brown of Thrasher said the wastewater project remains in a holding pattern while permits are awaited. Council reviewed available departmental reports from Police, Street, Wastewater, Water and Fire departments.
Council also voted unanimously to approve submission of an Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) funding request related to the 2020 Water System Upgrade Project; the motion was made by Matt Bergman and seconded by Leah Smith.
The meeting closed with Mayor Pack and council thanking City Administrator P. Mentz for securing a technology grant that funded new laptops for council and city meetings, announcing a contract to clean the Armory’s upstairs classroom, and discussing plans for an Easter Egg Hunt at Island Park. Leah Smith moved to adjourn, Emilee White seconded, and council adjourned at 7:50 p.m.; the next regular meeting is scheduled for April 13, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.
Votes at a glance: - Approval of Feb. 2, 2026 minutes — mover: Leah Smith; second: Emilee White; outcome: approved (unanimous). - Authorize mayor to continue negotiations with CSX regarding old depot — mover: Leah Smith; second: Matt Bergman; outcome: approved (unanimous). - Authorize agreement with Totten Circle HOA for street maintenance — mover: Leah Smith; second: Emilee White; outcome: approved (unanimous). - Table Region 4 Water Line extension (document unavailable) — mover: Leah Smith; second: Matt Bergman; outcome: tabled (unanimous). - Table police Use of Force manual updates (not ready for review) — mover: Matt Bergman; second: Leah Smith; outcome: tabled (unanimous). - Approve Family Refuge Center bucket-drive fundraiser (Aug. 4, 2026) — mover: Leah Smith; second: Emilee White; outcome: approved (unanimous). - Table weekly Island Park flea market pending site review — mover: Leah Smith; second: Matt Bergman; outcome: tabled (unanimous). - Approve submission of CDBG application for demolition of old elementary school ($250,000) — mover: Leah Smith; second: Emilee White; outcome: approved (unanimous). - Approve submission of ARC funding request for 2020 Water System Upgrade Project — mover: Matt Bergman; second: Leah Smith; outcome: approved (unanimous). - Motion to adjourn — mover: Leah Smith; second: Emilee White; outcome: approved (unanimous).
