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Roanoke swears in new city manager

Facing a standing-room-only crowd at city hall, Valmarie Turner was sworn in Monday as Roanoke’s city manager.

“As your city manager, I pledge to serve with transparency, integrity and dedication, my door will always be open, and my heart and mind will always be focused on what is best for our city,” Turner read from a speech. “Roanoke's best days are not behind us. They are ahead of us.” 

Turner, who most recently served as acting city manager in Fairfax City, takes over from Bob Cowell, who resigned under City Council pressure in June. Lydia Pettis Patton has been serving as interim city manager since then. Turner will receive an annual salary of $255,000, according to a copy of her contract.

Mayor Joe Cobb praised Turner for her more than 30 years of local government experience, which he said includes “operational knowledge related to community building, planning, economic development, social and human services, public improvement projects and creating housing opportunities with a range of affordability.”

Faith played an important role during Monday’s ceremony, as pastors Robert Brooks and Minyon Brooks gave a three-minute “Prayer of Commitment” for Turner.

“The Spirit of wisdom will indeed be abounding as she does what's necessary for the budget, for the safety of the people, for policy, for bringing forth innovative ideas,” Robert Brooks said. “We declare you’re anointing her hands today, Father God, to do all the things that you have called her to do.” 

After being sworn in by Clerk of Circuit Court Brenda Hamilton, Turner introduced her daughter and siblings, noting she’s the youngest of eight.

“I am here to listen, to learn, to ensure that the city of Roanoke remains a place where all can thrive,” Turner said. “We will focus on strengthening our local economy to create opportunities for all residents, advancing collaboration and inclusion, so that every voice in our city is heard, investing in infrastructure and sustainable solutions to prepare for future growth, supporting our neighborhoods, our businesses and public services to ensure safety, health and quality of life.”

Minyon Brooks said later that Turner has been “a faithful member” of their church, Impact Church Nova in Ashburn, since about 2018.

“Valmarie has a heart committed to service. It’s clear,” Brooks said. “Anywhere she’s been, she’s led with that, serving the people, serving the community.” 

City staff said Monday Turner would not be available to speak to the media after the ceremony. 

Patton, whose contract was extended by three months as City Council members searched for Cowell’s successor, said Roanoke is on a good trajectory.

“I didn’t expect to be here this long,” Patton said. “I'm excited. Ms. Turner will be at the helm and do an excellent job.”

White-Boyd, Powers among Council vacancy contenders 

Former councilwoman Trish White-Boyd and former candidate Evelyn Powers are among those vying for a two-year appointment on Roanoke City Council.

There’s one seat vacant on the seven-person body after Joe Cobb was elected mayor; his Council seat runs through December 2026.

Powers came fourth in November’s Council election, losing a place on Council to Terry McGuire, Phazhon Nash and Nick Hagen. White-Boyd, whose seat was up for election, did not run.

By 2 p.m. Monday, the city clerk’s office had also received letters of interest in the Council seat from Kathy Cohen, Cameron Chase and James Martin IV, according to the city. Ryan Bell, an educator, said on social media Tuesday that he would be applying.

“My dedication to fostering transparency, inclusivity, and sustainable growth drives my desire to contribute in this new capacity,” Powers, the city’s former elected treasurer, said in a statement. “I also have had many citizens reach out to me to apply. I had 13,732 citizens who went to the polls and voted for me because they believed in my 43 years of City of Roanoke experience.”

Cohen, rabbi at Temple Emanuel, cited her leadership on local boards, including as chair of the Gun Violence Prevention Commission. She expressed hope for continued funding for violence-reduction efforts and that the city would take a similar approach to addiction.

Chase, a program manager at a software company, serves as vice chair of the Roanoke Neighborhood Advocates and expressed “my desire to represent voices that are not always heard.”

White-Boyd did not respond to an email and text Tuesday.

As of Monday afternoon, nobody had applied yet for the vacancy on the school board, the city said. Board member Natasha Saunders-Cotton announced last month she was stepping down after serving for four-and-a-half years. Her three-year term runs through June 2026. 

Residents interested in either position have until 5 p.m. Friday to apply. 

City Council is expected to decide Tuesday whether to name a Council appointee or seek interviews with finalists. For the school board, the Council intends to hold a public hearing Feb. 3 on finalists and make its final decision public Feb. 18.

Hotel Roanoke opens refreshed spa

Hotel Roanoke on Wednesday unveils its new spa offerings after a year of renovations.

The hotel offers massages, facials and salt foot treatments in locally-made copper kettles — a nod to the area’s salt licks that gave name to Roanoke’s former name, Big Lick. 

Renovations brought those amenities, previously in separate areas, to a single location that the hotel is calling its Wellness level, just east of the 1882 Lobby Bar.

The 1,700 square-foot spa includes four treatment rooms. Prices range from a 50-minute foot soak for $85 to an 80-minute, $225 restorative facial, according to the spa website. The refurbished spa was part of a $15-million project Hotel Roanoke kicked off last year that modernized guest rooms.

A ribbon-cutting is planned for 3 p.m. Wednesday featuring discounted spa package gift cards, door prizes and refreshments.