Ravenswood and Ripley city councils apprised on major undertakings
The city councils of Ravenswood and Ripley received several updates on projects at their respective meetings on April 5. With major undertakings beginning in the next few months, council members were told of both progress and delays.
Ravenswood City Council
With a looming July 15 deadline, the pylons for the marina project will need to be installed in the first phase on Sand Creek. This date is connected to the mussel study conducted several months ago. The mussels would have to be relocated again after that date.
According to Bob Newell, a consultant on the marina project, a letter from the Army Corps of Engineers has been received approving the plans for Sand Creek. Mayor Josh Miller said the city maintenance department will begin digging the infrastructure underneath soon.
“People are going to see activity in the next couple of weeks,” he said. “We want to keep this project as close to the timeline as possible.”
Federal government appropriations are being requested through West Virginia Senators Joe Manchin and Shelly Moore Capito. In addition, Newell said he has submitted a request to the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation for $ 25,000 from a newly established fund set up to benefit Ravenswood. A Federal Lands Access Grant will also be a target for funds that do not need to be matched.
Katrena Ramsey from the Ravenswood Parks and Recreation Board told council members that the status of the McIntosh Community Building is unclear at this point and needs to be a matter discussed in detail at a future meeting.
The key issues are those with the insurance company. The estimated loss by the company was $ 1.4-1.6 million. Ramsey said the roof alone came in at that cost. After multiple communications, the insurance company finally asked what the city plans for the building.
“They haven’t said ‘no’ to more funds,” she said. “They are asking if we plan to rebuild or stay where we are.”
Council requested that a representative from the insurance company come to address questions regarding total costs at a future meeting.
Mayor Miller said the city was at a stalemate with the fate of the lockmaster house at Riverfront Park.
“I’ve been in talks with Randall Reid Smith from the Department of Culture and History about this building,” he said. “I still think the decision council made was the right one, but we will do whatever is necessary to ensure the marina project progresses.”
Ramsey also spoke about the ambitious plans for the Veteran’s Park which include playground areas for various ages, a reading area, walking paths, a grilling area, adult fitness equipment, volleyball and badminton. Memorial benches will be available, along with dogwood trees in memory of Connie Ritchie. Funding of this will be part of the recreation bond the city will be seeking.
The Great Bend Museum is facing more repairs. The chimney must be replaced at an estimated cost of $ 50,000. Future repairs will be focused on a roof leak, mortar pointing and installing a ramp.
North Park will be seeing improvements including bleachers and security. Plans for a sidewalk, parking, electric and water are being investigated for the shelter on the hill at an estimated cost of $ 27,000.
A large project on the Major Kevin Clegg Biking Trails is also being planned. The Board of Education owns the trail system. The council went into a 10-minute closed door executive session for the mayor to discuss possible negotiations with no action taken upon adjournment.
Ramsey said that a two-mile riding and walking path is being considered for the Kevin Clegg Trail.
The next meeting of the council will be Tuesday, April 19, at 7 pm at the municipal complex.
Ripley City Council
One of the highlights of the meeting came at the beginning. Mayor Carolyn Rader and council members honored members of the Ripley Middle School archery team. This team won the Archery in the Schools state tournament hosted by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. Placing in the top 10 in individual standings male division were Jayden Goosman and Hunter Harrison. In the female division, Jaden Terry placed in the top 10.
Two events will receive monetary support from the city of Ripley. The community Easter egg hunt was approved for a $ 250 sponsorship. Main Street Ripley’s ‘Dash for Cash’ race was given a requested $ 2,500 in sponsorship.
The corner at the intersection of Routes 33 and 21 will soon see developments. With electrical conduit now installed, plans can go forward for landscaping and lighting projects. The Viking Lane storm drain project is also ready to mobilize.
Mayor Rader officially shared with council members that the low bid for the sewer plant project was Pro Contracting. The two-phase plan, which includes upgrading the connection between Evans and Ripley which was bid separately, came in considerably higher than the bond the city is putting into place. Additional funding sources are being investigated.
In other action, council members approved the resignation of City Police Patrolman Tyler Thomas.
The next meeting of the council will be Tuesday, April 19, at 7 pm at the municipal building.