1 Appomattox Town Council Regular Council Meeting October 11, 2022
The Appomattox Town Council held a Regular Council meeting on Tuesday, October 11, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. at the Appomattox Municipal Building, 210 Linden Street, Appomattox, Virginia with Vice-Mayor Garrett presiding.
Members present: James J. Boyce, Sr., Timothy W. Garrett, Claudia G. Puckette, Mary Lou G. Spiggle, and Nathan A. Simpson.
Others: Carlton Duck, Alive Media TV; Drew and Tiffany Dearing, Garrett Braun, Christi Taylor, Brittani Edwards, Jeff Elder, Facilities Director; Kim Ray, Town Treasurer; R. Terry McGhee, Town Manager and Roxanne W. Casto, Clerk of Council.
Vice-Mayor Garrett called the meeting to order and welcomed the visitors.
Rev. Duck led the prayer and Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.
Mayor’s Comments: None
Scheduled Public Appearances: Mr. Garrett Braun, Ms. Christi Taylor and Ms. Brittani Edwards from Dominion Energy appeared before Council to discuss an amendment needed to allow them to lay fiber for internet service in the Town. Essentially, Dominion Energy would be the “middle” man.
The representatives explained the process in detail. Ms. Christi Taylor explained how the franchise agreement written in the 80’s does not have the rights needed to move forward with this project. Dominion Energy has offered a Memorandum of Understanding to add language to further the broadband project. Dominion Energy is already in a construction stage and is expected to be complete by the end of the first quarter of 2023. If the Town chooses not to sign the MOU, it kills the project. Dominion Energy would like to have a signed amendment by the end of 2022.
Council thanked the individuals for attending and sharing this information.
Adoption of the Consent Agenda: On a motion by Ms. Spiggle, seconded by Ms. Puckette, Council voted to accept the consent agenda as presented for October 11, 2022. All members present voting aye. Motion carried 5-0.
Unfinished Business: None
New Business None
Council Standing Committee Reports: None
2 Appomattox Town Council Regular Council Meeting October 11, 2022
Citizen Comment: None
Town Manager’s Report: Mr. McGhee reported on the following items:
- He has reached out to vendors, SWaM vendors, regarding the Town website.
- Dominion Energy has completed the work order request for the LED streetlights.
Installation of the first 50 lights should begin soon.
- VDOT is asking to replace pipe on Old Courthouse Road for the streetscape project.
- He met with Rev. Small and law enforcement regarding fentanyl. In a coordinated effort
the Town should consider creating a fact sheet, in person education, social media development and multi-level education.
Mr. McGhee thanked those who got engaged with the drug education at the Railroad Festival over the weekend.
Council Comment: Mr. Boyce – none
Ms. Spiggle requested the Town reach out to Horizon Behavioral Health to get the word out about fentanyl and drug use.
Mr. Simpson asked Mr. McGhee where the Town was with the generator bids. He responded that Mr. Elder had a couple of questions for the vendor. Mr. Simpson asked for an updated on the train depot. Mr. McGhee responded he is expecting the project to be advertised by the end of October. Mr. Simpson asked if the documents were ready to be destroyed. Mr. McGhee explained this was an on-going project.
Mr. Simpson provided an update on the old Elementary school as he has spoken with the County Administrator regarding the lease to won space by Mr. Boone for a welding booth.
Ms. Puckette thanked the members of Council for signing letters to Congressman Good, Senator Warner and Senator Kaine regarding the drug problem in our country. She also thanked Mr. Boyce for stopping by the booth at the Railroad Festival. She also thanked staff for getting the banner on short notice.
Adjournment: On a motion by Mr. Simpson, seconded by Mr. Boyce, Council voted to adjourn at 7:05 p.m. All members present voting aye. Motion carried 5-0.
Roxanne W. Casto, MMC Clerk
Richard C. Conner Mayor