1 Workshop Meeting Tuesday, April 26, 2011
The Appomattox Town Council held a workshop meeting on Tuesday, April 26, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. at the Appomattox Municipal Building, 210 Linden Street, Appomattox, Virginia with Mayor Harvey presiding.
Members present: Timothy W. “Timmy” Garrett, C. Lewis McDearmon, Jr., Mary Lou Spiggle, N. H. “Jimmy” Mayberry, Steven T. “Steve” Conner and Joyce B. Bennett.
Others: Waite Rawls, Linda Lipscomb, Sam Craighead, Linda Wall, Stephanie James, Bill & June Goodrich, Cliff Harvey, Jeff Elder, Bob White, Mike Lawless, Carlton and Brian, Alive TV; Stacey Wilkes, Town Treasurer; Rhonda Guill, Deputy Clerk; and Bill Gillespie, Interim Town Manager.
Mayor Harvey called the meeting to order.
Mayor Harvey made the following amendments to the agenda: (1) Addition of a closed session after item # 10 – Council Concerns (2) Delete item # 7 – Update on Priority & Initiatives
Proclamation Recognition Mayor Harvey read the Proclamation for Arbor Day 2011
TOWN OF APPOMATTOX ARBOR DAY PROBCLAMATION
WHEREAS, Arbor Day has been observed throughout Virginia and the Nation for more than 120 years, and
WHEREAS, trees provide many benefits to the community, including lean air, windbreaks, noise reduction shade, and energy savings, and
WHEREAS, planting and maintaining trees provides opportunities for community interaction, volunteerism, economic development, and environmental conservation, and
WHEREAS, the Town of Appomattox has been designated a bird sanctuary and trees provide habitat for birds, and
WHEREAS, trees increase property values, enhance the economic vitality of business areas, and beautify communities, and
WHEREAS, trees, wherever planted, are a source of comfort, joy and inspiration, and
WHEREAS, the last Friday in April of each year is designated by the Virginia General Assembly as Arbor Day in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Paul Harvey, Mayor of the Town of Appomattox, do hereby proclaim the 29th day of April, 2011 as our Third Annual Arbor Day.
2 Workshop Meeting Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Presentations Waite Rawls with the Museum of the Confederacy presented a slide show and gave an update on the progress of the building as well as what to expect once it is finished. Mr. Rawls reported that the land has been graded and the storm drain and curbing have been installed. The Museum will house an indoor and outdoor classroom, 3500 sq. ft. exhibit area as well as a 1500 sq. ft. changeable exhibit area. The classroom area and exhibit area will be connected by a covered porch area. The outside will include a brick and granite walkway with stories inscribed in the granite as well as a series of 14 state flags leading up to the American Flag. The entire building is expandable to ensure growth of the Museum. They hope to build a time period Log Cabin in the field beside the Museum in the near future. The main exhibit hall will include exhibits from before Appomattox, during Appomattox and after Appomattox. There will be a case displaying Robert E. Lee sword and his uniform. The changeable exhibit will start with a display of Confederate Flags and color barriers. Mr. Rawls reported the Museum is planning to open by March 2012 in preparation of the April tourism season.
Ms. Spiggle thanked Mr. Rawls and added it was a great presentation. Mayor Harvey thanked Mr. Rawls and added it was a great choice to come to Appomattox and tie into the National Park. Ms. Bennett said she is very excited.
Bob White, Region 2000 Local Government Council talked about the Stormwater Management Program. Mr. White explained this is a rising issue that we will be facing in the near future. State requirements are being updated now and will soon be in place. The Environmental Protection Agency will be implementing a National Stormwater Management Program. Region 2000 will be communicating with localities to keep us up to date on the new regulations. They are working on the final draft as it pertains to the town and at some point they will be working with our staff to schedule a public hearing.
Mike Lawless with Draper and Aden Associates discussed the Region 2000 Regional Water Supply Plan. Mr. Lawless explained the requirements of the town as follows:
• Adopt a Drought Management Ordinance which includes the components
recommended by DEQ – The Town of Appomattox has already fulfilled this commitment.
• Adopt a Drought Response and Contingency Plan which will be included in the
Regional Water Supply Plan and will be adopted upon adoption of the Water Supply Plan; this does not need separate adoption.
• Hold a public hearing and pass a resolution adopting the Regional Water Supply
Plan.
All actions required by Council will need to happen before October 2011. Mr. Lawless said the Plan will need to be revised every 5 years with needed changes and revised and resubmitted every 10 years.
Mr. Conner wanted to make sure that by connecting to CCUSA (Concord – Appomattox waterline) that would take care of us and our water supply. Mr. Lawless responded with yes. Mayor Harvey thanked Mr. Lawless.
3 Workshop Meeting Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Update on Carver-Price Legacy Museum – Requesting a Support Letter Mayor Harvey reported that Roxanne Paulette, Clerk; has spoken with Jessie Lewis, President CPAA and he advised that the name of Carver-Price Legacy Museum will not be changing. The letter is needed to apply for grant money. Mr. Conner asked what exactly are they doing. Mayor Harvey said they are adding and expanding the Museum to include other things. It is the consensus of Council to have Roxanne Paulette draft and send a letter of support to the Carver-Price Legacy Museum.
Discussion of skateboarding complaints Mayor Harvey advised we have received a complaint about the skateboarding at the Jamerson Library and Abbitt Park. There was some discussion about asking off duty police officers to monitor the area and we will pay them for their time. Mr. Mayberry does not think we should pay the Sheriffs Department more that what we already pay them. Mr. Conner agrees. Mr. Mayberry said the ordinance we have is enforceable and we will meet with the Sherriff Department. Ms. Bennett asked if we have found a place to put the skateboard park, we need to look out for the safety of the kids. Mr. Mayberry suggested the Town have a meeting with the County on property and funding. He suggested we turn it over to Mr. Gillespie and Roxanne Paulette to meet with Aileen Ferguson to discuss further. Ms. Spiggle added the skateboarders are county residents and business owners are complaining about property damage. Mr. Mayberry said the ordinance allows businesses to pursue the matter. Mr. Conner asked did we pursue the property beside Advance Auto. Mayor Harvey suggested the matter be discussed at the next joint meeting.
Discussion of the proposed changes to Chapter 126-Licensing Mr. Gillespie explained the changes set up an appeal process and adds teeth to the ordinance if the businesses do not pay; it also establishes a penalty if Business License Tax is not timely paid. Frank Wright, Town Attorney will review the document. It is the consensus of Council to proceed with changes and schedule a public hearing.
Updates from Standing Committees Finance – Mr. McDearmon reported the budget was finalized on April 13, 2011 and will go to public hearing on May 9, 2011. Fire & Safety – Ms. Bennett has found at least 10 properties we need to look into. She will schedule a committee meeting soon. Ordinance – Mr. Conner reported they are currently working on revising the Sign Ordinance and revamping the entire Zoning Ordinance to becoming more business friendly. Personnel – Nothing to report Street & Property – Ms. Spiggle reported there are two meetings scheduled, May 3, 2011 and May 14, 2011. The pavilion is on the way. Utility – Mr. Garrett reported the PER has been sent out for upgrades on wastewater service, TFP and SBR, it will be back for review by May 9, 2011.
Updates from Staff Members Town Manager – Nothing to report Treasurer – Nothing to report Clerk of Council – Report provided to Council
4 Workshop Meeting Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Council Concerns Ms. Spiggle thanked Rhonda Guill and Stacey Wilkes for all their hard work. She also sent well wishes to Hazel Thomas and Barbara Shelton.
Closed Session On a motion by Councilmember Spiggle, seconded by Councilmember Conner, Council voted to convene in Closed Session pursuant to §2.2-3711(A) 5 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended, for the discussion concerning a prospective business or industry or the expansion of an existing business or industry where no previous announcement has been made of the business’ or industry’s interest in locating or expanding its facilities in the community, specifically being Business A and §2.2-3711(A) 6 of the Code of Virginia, 1950 amended, for the purpose of discussion or consideration of the investment of public funds where competition or bargaining is involved, where if made public initially, the financial interest of the governmental unit would be adversely affected specifically being the discussion of the waterline maintenance agreement from Concord to Appomattox.
VOTE: Bennett – aye, Conner – aye, Mayberry – aye, Spiggle – aye, McDearmon – aye, Garrett – aye.
Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the Appomattox Town Council hereby certifies that to the best of each members knowledge: (1) Only public business matters lawfully exempted from open meetings requirements by Virginia law were discussed in the closed meeting to which this certificate resolution applies, and (2) only such public business matters as were identified in the motion convening the closed meeting were heard, discussed or considered by this council.
VOTE: Bennett – aye, Conner – aye, Mayberry – aye, Spiggle – aye, McDearmon – aye, Garrett – aye.
On a motion by Councilmember Conner, seconded by Councilmember Garrett, Council voted to adjourn at 8:50 p.m. All members present voting aye. Motion carried.
Rhonda W. Guill Deputy Clerk
Paul D. Harvey Mayor