1 Appomattox Town Council
Workshop Meeting August 29, 2023
The Appomattox Town Council held a Workshop meeting on Tuesday, August 29, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. at the Appomattox Town Hall, Council Chambers, 210 Linden Street, Appomattox, Virginia with Mayor Conner presiding.
Members present: Jane T. Allen, James J. Boyce, Sr., Mary Lou Spiggle, Timothy W. Garrett, Claudia G. Puckette, and Nathan A. Simpson.
Others present: Carlton Duck; Jeff Elder, Facilities Director; Kim Ray, Town Treasurer; R. Terry McGhee, Town Manager and Roxanne W. Casto, Clerk of Council.
Mayor Conner called the meeting to order.
DISCUSSION:
Mr. Simpson requested Council’s input regarding the installation of automatic cameras in work zones and school zones. After much discussion, Council provided consensus for the Town Manager to review options for future considerations and options for the Town to keep the funds from the tickets issued.
On a motion by Mr. Simpson, seconded by Mr. Garrett, Council voted to approve the out-of- town water connection for 3909 Richmond Highway. All members present voting aye. Motion carried 6-0.
Mr. McGhee spoke on behalf of Mr. Nathan Harbin regarding a presentation on exterior hardscape and landscape plans for the train depot. Mr. Harbin was unable to attend tonight. Mr. Harbin’s proposal is for $5,700 for detailed plans to include placement of benches, tables, trash cans, bike racks and low-profile plants. The work would begin after the completion of the exterior train depot renovations.
On a motion by Mr. Boyce, seconded by Mr. Simpson, Council voted to release $5,700 for Nathan Harbin to provide the scope of work outlined for the exterior hardscaping and landscaping plans for the train depot. Roll Call Vote: Allen – yes, Boyce – yes, Garrett – yes, Puckette – yes, Simpson – yes, Spiggle – yes. Motion carried 6-0.
Additionally, Mr. Simpson requested Council consider forming a short-lived (3 month) advisory committee to come up with ideas for what to do with the train depot. Council by consensus agreed to bring back a name of someone at the next Workshop meeting.
COUNCIL COMMENTS: Puckette – none Simpson – none Garrett – none Boyce – none Allen – none
2 Appomattox Town Council
Workshop Meeting August 29, 2023
Ms. Spiggle has had more than one person ask her why the council meetings are not accessible through Facebook Live or YouTube. Those asking do not have cable TV. Reverend Duck put together several options for the Town’s consideration. He suggests allowing the Town to get their website launched and proceed with posting the video after the completion of the new website. Reverend Duck also suggested not placing the workshop meeting online. Allow the workshop meeting to be for development. The regular meeting would be what is projected to the community.
STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Finance and Planning/ARPA – None
Physical Development Committee - None
STAFF REPORTS:
Kim Ray, Treasurer provided the July 2023 financial report and an update on ARPA projects and funding. In other financial matters she reported real estate and personal property taxes were mailed on August 15, 2023. The staff is collaborating with the consultant regarding the internal audit.
[Mr. Simpson left the meeting at 7:30 p.m.]
Mr. Elder, Facilities Director requested Council consider purchasing a different Cat model backhoe for $154,157 instead of the model presented at the August 14, 2023 meeting for $121,044. Mr. Elder explained he later learned the lesser amount model did not meet the specifications.
On a motion by Mr. Garrett, seconded by Mrs. Puckette, Council voted to purchase the Cat Model Backhoe for $154,157 instead of $121,044. Roll Call Vote: Allen – yes, Boyce – yes, Garrett – yes, Puckette – yes, Spiggle – yes. Motion carried 5-0.
Mr. Elder also reported the contractor for the Smart Scale project on Old Courthouse Road has started moving the waterline. The contractor will be installing the streetlights and pavers, etc. for the downtown revitalization project soon. Lastly, smoke testing will begin on September 5, 2023.
Mr. McGhee also reported on the following items:
The Original Italian Pizza (OIP) is planning to open in several weeks. The owner of the
Triangle Plaza is not selling the property.
The new town website is scheduled to be released on September 8, 2023. The Sheriff is planning to attend the September 11, 2023 meeting. The train depot renovations are slow but ending soon.
3 Appomattox Town Council
Workshop Meeting August 29, 2023
Dr. Jeff Garrett and Mr. McGhee met with the Central Virginia Family Practice
associates.
The Regional State Manager for GFL stopped by for a visit recently and Mr. McGhee
shared the over two hundred stops missed by GFL during the last week.
The brownfield discussions with the Central Virginia Planning District Commission and
their consultant should start next month.
The Request for Proposals for a Town Water Source Study has been released. The due
date is Thursday, September 28, 2023 at 2:00 p.m.
The loan closure has occurred for the Church Street Waterline project.
Council members inquired about the date for the retreat. Mr. Boyce cited he would not be available after September 28th. Mr. McGhee will schedule the event prior to September 28th.
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion by Mr. Garrett, seconded by Mrs. Puckette, Council voted to adjourn at 7:55 p.m. All council members present voting aye. Motion carried 5-0.
Roxanne W. Casto, MMC Clerk
Richard C. Conner Mayor