1 Appomattox Town Council
Workshop Meeting May 27, 2014
The Appomattox Town Council held a Workshop Council meeting on Tuesday, May 27, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. at the Appomattox Municipal Building, 210 Linden Street, Appomattox, Virginia with Mayor Harvey presiding.
Members present: Timothy W. Garrett, C. Lewis McDearmon, Jr., Mary Lou Spiggle, N. H. “Jimmy” Mayberry, Steven T. Conner, and Claudia G. Puckette.
Others: Benny Harvey, Katrina Koerting, News & Advance; Alive Media TV; Stacey Wilkes, Town Treasurer; Bill Gillespie, Jr., Town Manager, and Roxanne W. Casto, Town Clerk.
Mayor Harvey called the meeting to order.
Public Hearings – Mayor Harvey opened the first public hearing by stating the purpose, to receive public comments concerning the adoption of a Cigarette Tax Ordinance. To amend Chapter 175 by adding a new article, entitled Article VI which provides for a Cigarette Tax. The proposed ordinance would be levied and imposed by the Town, in addition to any other taxes which may be or have been imposed, a tax to be paid and collected as provided in this article on each and every sale of cigarettes made in the Town. The tax is to be paid by the seller, local dealer or other agent by affixing a stamp, or causing a stamp to be affixed to every pack of cigarettes, in the kind manner required by this article and at the applicable rates as follows: The rate or amount of tax levied or imposed on cigarettes shall be at the rate of twenty-seven cents ($.27) for each twenty (20) cigarettes or fractional part thereof.
The floor was opened for public comments.
There were no public comments made.
Mayor Harvey closed the first hearing.
The second public hearing was opened by Mayor Harvey and he stated the purpose, to receive public comments concerning adoption by the Town Council of the Proposed FY 2015 Budget for the Town of Appomattox – In accordance with §15.2-2506 Code of Virginia, the following is a brief synopsis of the budget proposed by the Town of Appomattox for FY2015:
General Fund Expenditures Water Fund Expenditures Sewer Fund Expenditures Total Expenditures
General Fund Revenue Water Fund Revenue Sewer Fund Revenue Total Revenue
$1,656,608.00 $488,908.00 $828,500.00 $2,974,016.00
$1,656,608.00 $488,908.00 $828,500.00 $2,974,016.00
2 Appomattox Town Council
Workshop Meeting May 27, 2014
The floor was opened for public comments.
There were no public comments made.
Mayor Harvey closed the second public hearing.
On a motion by Councilmember Garrett, seconded by Councilmember Conner, Council voted to adopt the Town’s Economic Development Authority recommendation of the Incentive Program for Economic Development. All members present voting aye. Motion carried.
Report from the Priority and Initiatives Chairs:
Communications – Mrs. Claudia G. Puckette: Ms. Puckette reported that she is planning to set a date for a picnic in August. There will be good food, sharing opportunities, information on the ROSE program and the Master Plan.
Relationships/Managed Growth – Mr. Steve T. Conner: Mr. Conner reported that there is not a lot going on with his committee. He did attend the FFA banquet. He believes the Town should reach out to kids/school.
Infrastructure – Mr. N. H. “Jimmy” Mayberry: Mr. Mayberry reported that his committee will begin looking into the blighted property areas of the Town.
Garden Spot – Ms. Mary Lou Spiggle: Ms. Spiggle provided another update of the ROSE committee’s progress. There was a meeting on May 22 to plan strategies for the 28 identified areas. On June 2, 2014 there will be a public press conference to announce our 1st sponsor. On June 9, 2014 there will be a public hearing and resolution to adopt during the regular council meeting.
Finance – Mr. C. Lewis McDearmon, Jr.: Mr. McDearmon reported that he had met with Town Manager and Treasurer regarding reserves, meals tax and the cigarette tax.
Water Park – Mr. Timothy W. “Timmy” Garrett: Mr. Garrett reported that he is waiting on financial data on neighboring water parks.
The Appomattox Chamber of Commerce through a letter by John Redding reported on the ACT Art Project. The Appomattox Chamber Art Project has begun in full force. The ACT Art Committee is committed to beautifying Appomattox and will begin with a mural painting on the east side of the old Cities Service gas station building. The building, owned by Brod Pack, will have an Appomattox theme of a train engine and station with state icons of a cardinal and dogwood blossoms. The mural was designed by Abby Huffman, art student at Appomattox High School.
3 Appomattox Town Council
Workshop Meeting May 27, 2014
Faith Jones, Art Instructor for Appomattox High School, will direct the artistic effort being performed by her students.
Before the mural can be painted, the building’s surface will need to be power washed, sprayed with a sealant and primed. For this part of the project the Chamber is seeking monetary donations for sealant, outdoor paint, spray paint, rollers, and brushes. A call for volunteers will be made as the work progresses. Jeff Elder, Appomattox Utility Director, will consult with the Town as to the availability of a power washer and access to water. Surface preparation can begin as soon as it can be organized with the art department beginning as early as June 11th.
The Appomattox Chamber ACT Art project is relying on monetary contributions and donations of material to begin this mural. The Appomattox Historical Society, Steve Conner Real Estate and Chamber leadership have each pledged donations of $100 or more.
Checks can be made to the Appomattox Chamber of Commerce and a plaque recognizing those contributing over $100 will be placed on the wall.
The future intent of ACT Art is to complete the front and west side of the building as funds allow.
Mr. Redding stated in his presentation that he is looking for direction from Council. A resolution of support will be prepared for the June 9, 2014 Council meeting.
Standing Committee Updates: Finance & Planning: Mr. McDearmon reported that the committee met on May 12, 2014. Two closed sessions were held at that meeting. Also, Mr. Elder provided an update on the depot building and the Treasurer provided her monthly report at the May 12, 2014 committee meeting.
Physical Development Committee: Mr. Mayberry reported that this committee met today. They received a report from Sheriff Letterman, an update on the sidewalk and narrow portion of Lee Grant Avenue, an update on the incentive program being considered by the Town’s Economic Development Authority, discussed the proposed chicken ordinance, received a request to the close Main Street for a 150th anniversary celebration event by the Museum of the Confederacy, and received a request by the Appomattox Volunteer Fire Department for assistance with a crash truck.
Staff Member Updates: Town Clerk – none
Town Treasurer – none
Town Manager – none
Council Concerns:
4 Appomattox Town Council
Workshop Meeting May 27, 2014
Mayor Harvey noted the mix up in the letter mailed by the Service Line Warranty company regarding the insurance for homeowners with water and sewer service lines.
On a motion by Councilmember Mayberry, seconded by Councilmember Garrett, Council voted to adjourn at 7:25 p.m. with no further business. All members present voting aye. Motion carried.
Roxanne W. Casto, MMC Clerk
Paul D. Harvey Mayor