1 Appomattox Town Council Regular Council Meeting February 13, 2023
The Appomattox Town Council held a Regular Council meeting on Monday, February 13, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. at the Appomattox Municipal Building, 210 Linden Street, Appomattox, Virginia with Mayor Conner presiding.
Members present: Jane T. Allen, James J. Boyce, Sr., Claudia G. Puckette, Mary Lou G. Spiggle, and Nathan A. Simpson.
Absent: Timothy W. Garrett
Others: Jeff Elder, Facilities Director Kim Ray, Treasurer; R. Terry McGhee, Town Manager; Roxanne W. Casto, Clerk of Council.
Mayor Conner called the meeting to order and welcomed the visitors.
Mayor’s Comments: Mayor Conner stated the Council is conducting the matters of the public.
Scheduled Public Appearances:
- Honorable Donald D. Simpson, Sheriff, Appomattox County appeared before Council to thank Council for all they have done for him and his office. The office has 20 full-time positions and 7 part-time positions. Two (2) of the full-time positions are funded by the Town of Appomattox. Sheriff Simpson presented Council with the funding obligations needed for adding a drug canine. The purchase of the canine, training and housing for 4-6 weeks is $12,500. The goal is to have an officer start the training in June 2023. This would not be an attack dog, but a drug dog, specifically for narcotics, heroin, and meth. There is an additional one-time expense of approximately $5000 for a good kennel and concrete pad, $1,500 for a partition for the police vehicle and yearly maintenance for food and vet expenses of $5,600. This would provide an additional tool to combat drugs. There is nothing better than a well-trained dog, said Sheriff Simpson. The time frame for a good working dog is 5-7 years.
Sheriff Simpson also requested the Town consider funding a new vehicle for their fleet. The approximate cost is $52,000-55,000. This vehicle would be used in the patrol fleet.
Town Council thanked the Sheriff and his office for all they are doing for the community.
- Dr. Rob Havers, Appomattox Civil War Museum, President and CEO introduced himself to Council and provided a handout including a letter and budget. The financial request of the Town of Appomattox to the Appomattox Civil War Museum is $15,000 per year for 5 years=$75,000.
Mr. Bill Jamerson thanked the Council for the opportunity to speak on behalf of the advisory committee for Appomattox Civil War Museum. Dr. Havers, Appomattox Civil War Museum President and CEO has been with the museum for about two (2) years and is a true asset. Over three (3) years ago Dr. Paul Harvey tried to get more interest and
2 Appomattox Town Council Regular Council Meeting February 13, 2023
support for the museum. Appomattox needed a voice. About 15-16 local citizens created a local advisory board who started having activities and a campaign to raise money.
Adoption of the Consent Agenda: On a motion by Mr. Simpson, seconded by Ms. Spiggle, Council voted to add NB#6- Consideration to recommend Jacob Ranson to the Joint Board of Zoning Appeals. All members present voting aye. Motion carried 5-0.
On a motion by Ms. Spiggle, seconded by Mr. Simpson, Council voted to add NB#7-Council discussion of the process for the managerial evaluation. All members present voting aye. Motion carried 5-0.
On a motion by Mr. Simpson, seconded by Ms. Spiggle, Council voted to adopt the consent agenda for Monday, February 13, 2023 as presented with the addition of NB#6-Consideration to recommend Jacob Ranson to the Joint Board of Zoning Appeals and NB#7-Council discussion of the process for the managerial evaluation. All members present voting aye. Motion carried 5-0.
Unfinished Business: none
New Business Mr. Elder, Facilities Director, advised Council there are two (2) sewer pumps needing to be replaced for a cost not to exceed $10,000 in the FY2023 budget. Council informed Mr. Elder that if the fund appears to be low near the end of the fiscal year a budget amendment may be needed. Otherwise, based on historical data, the fund should be able to absorb this expense.
On a motion by Mr. Simpson, seconded by Mrs. Puckette, Council voted to recommend Jacob Ranson to the Joint Board of Zoning Appeals with a term expiring December 31, 2024. All members present voting aye. Motion carried 5-0.
Ms. Spiggle recommended Mr. Simpson lead the evaluation process of the Town Manager. Mr. Simpson, Ms. Spiggle, and Mr. Boyce will serve on the evaluation committee. Council provided consensus as no vote was needed.
Council Standing Committee Reports:
Mrs. Puckette commented staff is learning more about American Rescue Plan Act funding and will be putting forth a list.
Finance and Planning Committee: none
Physical Development Committee: none
Citizen Comment: None
3 Appomattox Town Council Regular Council Meeting February 13, 2023
Town Manager’s Report: Mr. McGhee provided a written report and updated on the following items: He attended a meeting of the Appomattox Tourism Committee FY2024 budget developments are well underway. He and Mrs. Puckette met with the owners of the Courtland Manufacturing building to
address safety concerns.
He will be attending the Appomattox County Board of Supervisors meeting on February
21, 2023 to request a waiver of the building permit fees for the depot.
He will begin retrieving the Town data for Lee Grant Avenue improvement. Mr. Elder
will provide the Hurt & Proffitt study to Mr. McGhee.
The company inquiring to open a business for skilled gaming is considering adding
Appomattox as an area for a restaurant and bar as a primary business. Mr. McGhee also provided an update on the Train Depot renovations.
Council Comment:
Mrs. Puckette – none
Mr. Simpson-asked Mr. McGhee to obtain an executed copy of the agreement with Dominion Virginia Energy for the Internet Service Provider. Also, he would like the Town to execute the contract for a new website.
Mrs. Allen – none
Mr. Boyce – none
Ms. Spiggle – Happy Valentine's Day tomorrow to everyone.
Adjournment: On a motion by Mrs. Allen, seconded by Ms. Spiggle, Council voted to adjourn at 7:45 pm. All members present voting aye. Motion carried 5-0.
Roxanne W. Casto, MMC Clerk
Richard C. Conner Mayor