Rugby field along freeway annexed into Republic

Just over 10 acres owned by the Springfield Rugby Football Club, on West Farm Road 144, was annexed into the city of Republic unanimously by Republic City Council, during its Dec. 14 meeting. Property owner, Springfield Rugby Football Club, Inc., submitted a voluntary annexation request for the 10.2 acres which sits on the north side of James River Freeway, on the west side of Convoy of Hope.
The land is currently surrounded by other city property on its east and west sides, and will be zoned agricultural—by code, to remain consistent with its previous agricultural zoning by Greene County.
Neighboring properties on its immediate north and east sides are zoned M-2 Heavy Manufacturing, while properties on its immediate west and south are zoned C-3 General Commercial.

Also during the meeting
The council unanimously approved the annexation of two acres on South Farm Road 101 right-of-way between East U.S. Highway 60 and Republic Road. The property is currently owned by Greene County.

Employee handbook update
The council also unanimously approved additions and revisions to the employee handbook, including the established and planned retirement for all eligible employees.

Employee changes
- In the final moments of the meeting, it was announced that city employee Garrett Brickner, formerly considered an EIT (Engineer-in-Training), had earned certification as a PE (Professional Engineer). The city now has two PE's on staff.
- It was also made known that the meeting would be the last for interim city attorney Damon Phillips, and a full-time replacement was likely incoming.