1 Appomattox Town Council
Workshop Meeting April 28, 2020
The Appomattox Town Council held a Workshop meeting on Tuesday, April 28, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. at the Appomattox Municipal Building, 210 Linden Street, Appomattox, Virginia with Mayor Harvey, presiding.
Town Council members present were Jonathan D. Garrett, James Boyce, Sr., Mary Lou Spiggle, Timothy W. Garrett, Steven T. Conner and Claudia G. Puckette (via phone).
Staff present were Facilities Director, Jeff Elder (via phone); Town Manager, Gary Shanaberger; Town Treasurer, Kim Ray; and Town Clerk, Roxanne Casto.
The meeting was also broadcast LIVE on the Town of Appomattox Facebook page and allowed public phone participation through FreeConferenceCall.com.
Mayor Harvey called the meeting to order.
Mayor Harvey called for the non-profit organizations for donations/contributions for FY 2021 to make their presentations. Mr. Redding and Mr. Jones made their presentations via a phone conference call.
Appomattox County Chamber of Commerce Mr. John Redding, President, Appomattox County Chamber of Commerce presented a proposal to join the efforts of the Visitors Center and the Chamber of Commerce. Minimal space is requested in the Visitor’s Center for required Chamber specific functions. The outlined benefits to the Town would be the presence of the Chamber Administrator within the Visitor’s Center which could result in a reduction of Visitor’s Center payroll, extended hours of operation or to just provide the convenience of having an available fill-in receptionist during the prime tourist season. The benefits to the Chamber include the hours the Visitor’s Center is operational is beyond what the Chamber currently offers, therefore a personal touch is added to those attempting to contact the Chamber. The elimination of the current Chamber office, office maintenance expenses would be reduced, freeing up more resources for Chamber services within the community. Consolidating the repository of pamphlets and community information would be beneficial. The location of the established visitor’s center would aid in the presence of the Chamber to the community.
Mr. Timothy Garrett inquired if the space Mr. Simpson had been using would be adequate? Mr. Redding seemed to think that would be enough.
Experience Appomattox Mr. Don Jones, Chairman, Experience Appomattox committee presented a request for $8,000 of funding for FY 2021 to continue with campaigning for Experience Appomattox activities. Council thanked Mr. Jones for sharing the success of these events.
2 Appomattox Town Council
Workshop Meeting April 28, 2020
On a motion by Mr. Jonathan Garrett, seconded by Mr. Timothy Garrett, Council voted to amend the law enforcement agreement to reflect approval of continuing to fund the stipend to the Appomattox County Sheriff, effective with his term beginning January 1, 2020. All members voting aye. Motion carried 6-0.
FY 2021 Budget Discussions: The Appomattox Town Council discussed the upcoming fiscal year 2021 budget cycle, capital improvement plan, special projects and employee cost of living increases.
Council concurred with including the following items in the FY 2021 budget:
$8,000 for Experience Appomattox An MOU agreement with the Appomattox County Chamber of Commerce for office
space at the visitor’s center on Main Street.
$10,00 for the annual Appomattox Railroad Festival $240,000 for the Appomattox Volunteer Fire Department for truck replacement.
Mrs. Ray will make the changes discussed and present the proposed FY 2021 budget.
On a motion by Mr. Timothy Garrett, seconded by Mr. Steve Conner, Council voted to ratify reduction of the utility rates by 25% for the April and May 2020 billing periods. All members voting aye. Motion carried 6-0.
Staff Reports: Kim Ray, Town Treasurer presented the Treasurer’s Report for March 2020.
Roxanne Casto, Clerk – none
Jeff Elder, Facilities Director – none
Gary Shanaberger, Town Manager reported that he is expecting to hear from USDA on the sewer rehabilitation project any day. The July 3 Fireworks event will be planned for only fireworks due to COVID-19.
Council Comments: Mr. Jonathan Garrett thanked the EMS, Dispatchers, and Law Enforcement providers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mr. Boyce commented that the curbside trash service is awful.
Mr. Timothy Garrett thanked Town Staff.
3 Appomattox Town Council
Workshop Meeting April 28, 2020
Adjournment: On a motion by Mr. Jonathan Garrett, seconded by Mr. Timothy Garrett, Council voted to adjourn at 7:25 p.m. All members present voting aye. Motion carried 6-0.
Roxanne W. Casto Clerk of Council
Paul D. Harvey, Mayor