1 Appomattox Town Council
Workshop Meeting October 25, 2022
The Appomattox Town Council held a Workshop meeting on Tuesday, October 25, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. at the Appomattox Town Hall, Council Chambers, 210 Linden Street, Appomattox, Virginia with Mayor Conner presiding.
Members present: James J. Boyce, Sr, Claudia G. Puckette, Nathan A. Simpson, and Mary Lou Spiggle.
Absent: Timothy W. Garrett
Others present: Sharon Walker, Times Virginian; Jeff Elder; Facilities Director; Drew Dearing, Carlton Duck; Alive Media TV; Kim Ray, Town Treasurer; R. Terry McGhee, Town Manager and Roxanne W. Casto, Clerk of Council.
Mayor Conner called the meeting to order and opening the public hearing by stating the purpose:
PUBLIC NOTICE OF A PUBLIC HEARING
The Appomattox Town Council will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, October 25, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Appomattox Town Hall building, located at 210 Linden Street, Appomattox, Virginia.
The purpose of this public hearing will be to receive public comments concerning the proposed purchase of real property located in the Town of Appomattox, more particularly identified as 0.225 acres, Appomattox County tax identification number 64A513-9, currently owned by Anne A. Kerr, Watkins Abbitt, Jr., and Corrine A. Hynes, for the price of $10,000. Documents relating to the proposed purchase, including a plat of survey, are available for review at the Appomattox Town Hall, 210 Linden Street, Appomattox, Virginia, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. or by calling 434-352-8268.
There were no comments received from the public.
Mayor Conner closed the public hearing.
Discussion Items:
On a motion by Mr. Boyce, seconded by Ms. Spiggle, Council voted to adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF LAND
Whereas, the Appomattox Town Council held a public hearing on Tuesday, October 25, 2022 in the Council Chambers of the Appomattox Town Hall, 210 Linden Street, Appomattox, Virginia to receive citizen comments regarding the purchase of land in the Town of Appomattox for the purpose of a proposed parking area; and
2 Appomattox Town Council
Workshop Meeting October 25, 2022
Whereas, the land is located in the Town of Appomattox, and is described as follows:
All that certain lot or parcel of land, together with the buildings and improvements thereon, and the privileges and appurtenances, thereunto belonging, situate, lying and being in the Town and County of Appomattox, Virginia, fronting on Atwood Street (Route No. T.1058), containing 0.225 acres, more or less, as shown on a plat of survey entitled, “Boundary Survey 0.225 acres, Surveyed for Town of Appomattox…” made by Michael Ray Goin, Land Surveyor, dated June 28, 2022, which said plat is attached hereto and is recorded contemporaneously with this deed.
This being a portion of the property conveyed unto Anne A. Kerr, Watkins Abbitt, Jr., and Corinne A. Hynes, by Deed of Gift dated November 10, 1994 from W. M. Abbitt, widower, recorded in the Clerk’s Office of the Circuit Court of Appomattox County in Deed Book 215, page 257.
The grantors reserve unto themselves and to the survivor of them an easement for parking on the property hereby conveyed to serve the reasonable needs of the business located in the adjoining property, being identified as Parcel I. D. #64A5-13-12. This easement shall terminate upon the death of the last surviving of the grantors.; and,
Whereas, the Town Council wishes to purchase such property for $10,000.00 subject to the aforesaid easement; and,
Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the Appomattox Town Council authorizes the Town Manager, on behalf of the Town, to purchase such property for $10,000.00, and to take all actions and execute all documents necessary to effectuate such purchase.
The Appomattox Town Council does hereby adopt this resolution on October 25, 2022 at a duly called workshop meeting.
Roxanne W. Casto, Clerk of Council
Boyce-aye, Spiggle-aye, Simpson-aye, Puckette-aye. Motion carried 4-0.
DOMINION ENERGY AMENDMENT The Council discussed the desire for Dominion to have a last mile provider for the fiber installed before signing the amendment. After discussion, the Council provided consensus for the Town Manger to obtain additional information from Dominion and report back to Council.
On a motion by Mr. Simpson, seconded by Mrs. Puckette, Council voted to adopt the following resolution:
3 Appomattox Town Council
Workshop Meeting October 25, 2022
RESOLUTION DESIGNATING THE TOWN MANAGER AS THE SIGNATORY FOR FUNDING AGREEMENTS WITH THE VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
WHEREAS, the Town of Appomattox is a recipient of Virginia Department of Transportation funds under various grant programs for transportation-related projects; and,
WHEREAS, VDOT has developed a Standard Project Administration Agreement that establishes the terms and conditions of the funding with local governments; and,
WHEREAS, as part of that Agreement, the Town must provide VDOT with formal documentation that indicates who within the Town has the authority to enter into such Agreements.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Appomattox Town Council hereby authorizes the Town Manager and/or his/her designees to execute all agreements and/or addendums for any approved projects with the Virginia Department of Transportation.
The Appomattox Town Council does hereby adopt this resolution on October 25, 2022 at a duly called workshop meeting.
Roxanne W. Casto, Clerk of Council
All members present voting aye, motion carried 4-0.
The Town Council requested the Town Manager to communicate any agreements with VDOT before signing them.
Council Comments:
Mr. Boyce requested the American flags on Main Street either be taken down or replaced.
Mrs. Puckette wanted the other council members to know that one of the local businesses expressed their appreciation to the Town Public Works employees and Appomattox Volunteer Fire Dept for cleaning up from the vehicle fire on Friday, October 7, 2022.
Ms. Spiggle expressed her sincere condolences and sympathy to Mr. Garrett in the loss of his mother-in-law.
Mr. Simpson requested an update on the Town website and Train Depot.
4 Appomattox Town Council
Workshop Meeting October 25, 2022
Mr. McGhee responded to the question of the website, stating he is waiting on a response from vendors. Mr. McGhee said he was planning to address the Train Depot in his Manager’s Report.
Council Standing Committee Reports: None
Staff Reports:
Mr. Elder, Facilities Director, reported the Trickling Filter Plant sewer project is complete. The punch list for the force main is still in progress. The Town is still waiting for USDA to approve the plans for the Church Street Waterline project.
Mrs. Ray, Town Treasurer presented the financial report as of September 30, 2022.
Mrs. Puckette inquired about the bids received for the generator project from ARPA funding. Mr. Elder requested to meet with her and Mr. Garrett before providing a staff recommendation.
Mr. Simpson asked if the IT system equipment had been purchased? Mr. McGhee responded no- this does need to be looked into as it is hard to find grant money for these items. It may be a great use of ARPA funding.
Mrs. Ray also shared some of her research into the Town and County taxation issues. Council thanked Mrs. Ray for her research.
Mr. McGhee, Town Manager updated the Town Council on the following items:
-The County is requesting assistance on 10-28-2022 with decorating of the Courtland Festival Park for Christmas. Mr. Elder advised the Public Works Department has its hands full with day to day activities. Mr. McGhee volunteered to assist. Mr. Simpson suggested Mr. McGhee contact Mr. McCann at ACHS to see if the FFA students may be able to help. -Mr. McGhee met with Sheriff Simpson to discuss Council’s idea of a new drug dog to help combat the rise in fentanyl cases. Also, Horizon Behavioral Health is willing to attend a future council meeting. -VDOT will be using ductile pipe on the Old Courthouse Road Smartscale project. -The project manual for the Train Depot roof and decking renovations was received this week. The project is expected to be advertised on October 28, 2022; a pre-bid meeting to be held on November 15, 2022 and bids due on December 6, 2022. -Lastly, requested permission to change the order of preference to those that can sign A/P and payroll checks to the Town Manager and Treasurer.
On a motion by Ms. Spiggle, seconded by Mrs. Puckette, the Council voted to approve the Town Manager and Treasurer to begin signing A/P and Payroll checks on a regular basis, effective immediately. All members present voting aye. Motion carried 4-0.
5 Appomattox Town Council
Workshop Meeting October 25, 2022
Adjournment: On a motion by Mrs. Puckette, seconded by Ms. Spiggle, Council voted to adjourn at 7:45 p.m. All members present voting aye. Motion carried 4-0.
Roxanne W. Casto, MMC Clerk
Richard C. Conner Mayor