1 Appomattox Town Council Regular Council Meeting August 8, 2016
The Appomattox Town Council held a Regular Council meeting on Monday, August 8, 2016 at 7:30 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., Steven T. Conner, and Claudia G. Puckette
Members absent: Mary Lou Spiggle and M. Erin Finch
Others present: Carlton Duck & Brian Moore, Alive Media TV; Daniel Puckette, Times Virginian Newspaper; Ashlie Walter, News & Advance; Barry Letterman, Sheriff, Gary & Fran Christie, Linda Lipscomb, Philipp Gabathuler, Town Manager and Roxanne W. Casto, Clerk of Council
Mayor Harvey called the Regular Council meeting to order and welcomed the visitors.
Rev. Carlton Duck led the prayer and Pledge of Allegiance.
Scheduled Public Appearances: Barry Letterman, Sheriff, Appomattox County gave a quarterly update to Council. Mrs. Puckette thanked Sheriff Letterman for the Sheriff’s Night Out event.
Glenda Venable – 853 Lee Grant Avenue Ms. Venable appeared before Council to request an extension on her water bill until Friday, August 12, 2016. She experienced an unexpected water pipe expense. She said she was agreeable to paying the $50.00 reconnection fee but did not want to have her water cut off.
Linda Lipscomb - Director, Museum of the Confederacy, Appomattox Mrs. Lipscomb appeared before Council to provide an update on activities at the Museum of the Confederacy. In October 2015, they opened the cabin and in the spring 2016 they added a vegetable and herb garden. There are plans to expand but right now they are watching the revenues and expenditures. She stated she is now working part time instead of full time. Mayor Harvey thanked Mrs. Lipscomb and her staff.
Gary Christie, Executive Director, Region 2000 Local Government Council. Mr. Christie appeared before Council to provide an update of ongoing projects. Staff has been writing and managing the Meadowlark grant, the Downtown Revitalization Planning Grant and have had good fortune with the trail project for Appomattox County.
On October 20, 2016, they will roll out the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy. Work has begun on the Region 2000 All Hazard Mitigation Plan. Progress continues on the ride share program, Regional Service Authority for trash and 3 jurisdictional regional radio system.
The Workforce Center moved into the VEC facility.
2 Appomattox Town Council Regular Council Meeting August 8, 2016
They are working with the Town of Pamplin – Water Tank Maintenance and Restoration and West side wastewater planning.
Mayor’s Comments: Mayor Harvey thanked Sheriff Letterman for the Sheriff’s Night out event.
The Town received a letter for the Tree City USA program from Senator Mark Warner. Mayor Harvey requested sending a copy to Rick Butler, State Forester.
Consent Agenda - On a motion by Mr. McDearmon, seconded by Mr. Conner, Council voted to adopt the consent agenda with the addition of NB #7 – Consideration of a payment arrangement for a utility bill. Vote: Garrett – aye, McDearmon – aye, Conner – aye, Puckette – aye. Motion carried.
Old Business – none
New Business – On a motion by Mr. Garrett, seconded by Mr. McDearmon, Council voted to table the recommendation of a Board of Zoning Appeals member to the August 23, 2016 Council Workshop meeting. Vote: Garrett – aye, McDearmon – aye, Conner – aye, Puckette – aye. Motion carried.
On a motion by Mr. Garrett, seconded by Ms. Puckette, Council voted to table the request for a Conditional Use Permit for Latitude 37 Appomattox LLC to the August 23, 2016 Workshop meeting. Vote: Garrett – aye, McDearmon – aye, Conner – aye, Puckette – aye. Motion carried.
On a motion by Mr. Conner, seconded by Ms. Puckette, Council voted to participate in the revision of the Region 2000 All Hazard Mitigation Plan Update by signing the letter of intent and authorizing Philipp Gabathuler, Acting Agent. Vote: Garrett – aye, McDearmon – aye, Conner – aye, Puckette – aye. Motion carried.
On a motion by Mr. Conner, seconded by Mr. Garrett, Council voted to proceed with the seven (7) gardens of the Gateway Improvement after the bids/proposals have been received. Vote: Garrett – aye, McDearmon – aye, Conner – aye, Puckette – aye. Motion carried.
On a motion by Mr. McDearmon, seconded by Mr. Garrett, Council voted to accept the bid proposal of the 1 Ton truck with Utility Body for $42,417.21, identified in the FY CIP. Vote: Garrett – aye, McDearmon – aye, Conner – aye, Puckette – aye. Motion carried.
On a motion by Mr. Garrett, seconded by Ms. Puckette, Council voted to accept the bid proposal from Woodall & Lang, Inc. for replacement of the roof at the existing maintenance shop (320 Linden Street) for $16,355.00, identified in the FY CIP. Vote: Garrett – aye, McDearmon – aye, Conner – aye, Puckette – aye. Motion carried.
3 Appomattox Town Council Regular Council Meeting August 8, 2016
On a motion by Mr. McDearmon, seconded by Mr. Conner, Council voted to allow the extension of a water bill payment to August 12, 2016 for Ms. Venable. Vote: Garrett – aye, McDearmon – aye, Conner – aye, Puckette – aye. Motion carried.
Treasurer’s Report – There was none available for June 2016.
Town Manager’s Report: Mr. Gabathuler reported that four (4) applicants were interviewed for the position of Town Treasurer. One applicant has been selected for a background check.
Mr. Gabathuler provided an update on the Children’s Park. Heavy construction is underway and will continue for at least the next 3 weeks. He also reported that staff is working to prepare for the annual Community Picnic on Thursday, September 8, 2016 in Abbitt Park from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
The Council Workshop meeting on August 23, 2016 will contain a joint public hearing with the Planning Commission for an application submitted by Church & Main, LLC and Bays Trash Removal.
Mr. Gabathuler will also be resubmitting the Smart Scale application.
Citizen Comment Period – None
Council Concerns: Ms. Susan Adams, Appomattox County Administrator has proposed three (3) dates for a joint meeting – August 24, 30 or 31st. The consensus was August 30, 2016.
Mr. Conner raised concerns about an article in the Times Virginian regarding the ROSE garden project. Mayor Harvey has already spoken with Chamber President, John Redding. Mr. Redding will be sending a letter to the newspaper explaining the ROSE project and the ACT beautification project.
Mr. Conner also asked about signage and security cameras for the Children’s Park. Mr. Gabathuler advised it will be part of the project once construction is complete.
On a motion by Mr. McDearmon, seconded by Mr. Garrett, Council voted to adjourn at 8:35 p.m. Vote: Garrett – aye, McDearmon – aye, Conner – aye, Puckette – aye. Motion carried.
Roxanne W. Casto, MMC Clerk
Paul D. Harvey Mayor