1 Appomattox Town Council Regular Council Meeting September 11, 2023
The Appomattox Town Council held a Regular Council meeting on Monday, September 11, 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, Timothy W. Garrett, Nathan A. Simpson
Others: Robby Richardson and Sheriff Donald Simpson, Appomattox County Sheriff’s Office; Rob Fowler; Jeff Elder, Facilities Director; Carlton Duck, Alive Media; 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.
Reverend Duck led the group in a moment of silence in remembrance of September 11, 2001. He also led the group in a prayer and pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.
Mayor Conner opened the public hearing and stated the purpose:
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that at its meeting to be held on Monday, September 11, 2023, at the hour of 6:30 p.m. in the Town Council Meeting Room, Appomattox Town Office, 210 Linden Street, Appomattox, Virginia, the Appomattox Town Council will consider the recommendations of the Planning Commission with respect to the described AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND the Code of the Town of Appomattox Chapter 195, Zoning, to add the minimum road frontage in Chapter 195-28 in the R-1, Limited Residential District, and Chapter 195-43 in the R-3, General Residential. The Town Council will have said ordinance proposed to it for passage and will hold a public hearing thereon, pursuant to the same statutory authority.
The entire text of the above-noted revision is on file in the Town Office, 210 Linden Street, Appomattox, Virginia, and can be examined there between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
The public is invited to attend and make their views known.
Public comments-none
Mayor Conner closed the public hearing.
Mayor’s comments-Twenty-two years ago, our nation was under attack. Bringing our nation back together is not new to Appomattox.
Scheduled Public Appearances: Sheriff Simpson, Appomattox County appeared before Council to provide an update. First, he started by applauding the Council for continuing to recognize September 11, 2001. 75 million or half the population were not alive and have no memory of the events. Local government is the
2 Appomattox Town Council Regular Council Meeting September 11, 2023
foundation of this country. He explained he plans to begin teaching after retirement. It’s a new goal and changing gears a little bit, beginning February 2024.
Update on a few things: The K-9s are working every day. One has assisted in locating a 12-year-old child and the other a heroin bust. He is pleased with the progress. The Appomattox County Sheriff’s Office is part of a mutual aid agreement.
Since 2021, the number of summonses are going up (rising). Higher numbers mean better enforcement. Mr. Simpson (Councilman) asked Sheriff Simpson about automated speed cameras for school zones. Sheriff Simpson stated—fundamentally—a human/person needs to be involved in the process. He is uncomfortable supporting just a camera system. Another option may be a “speed box.” They currently do not have one and they are relatively expensive.
Mrs. Puckette asked for any suggestions. 1. The key to reducing speed is enforcement. 2. Traffic designs long term.
Sheriff Simpson is turning things over to the new sheriff on December 31, 2023—very capable and well-seasoned.
Adoption of the Consent Agenda: On a motion by Mr. Garrett, seconded by Mrs. Puckette, the Council voted to adopt the consent agenda as presented for September 11, 2023. All members present voting aye. Motion carried 6-0.
Unfinished Business: none
New Business On a motion by Mr. Boyce, seconded by Mrs. Puckette, Council voted to amend the Code of Town of Appomattox, Chapter 195 thereof, entitled Zoning, to add the minimum road frontage.
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND the Code of the Town of Appomattox, Chapter 195 thereof, entitled Zoning, to add the minimum road frontage.
Be it ordained by the Council of the Town of Appomattox as follows:
Section 1. Chapter 195-28 of Chapter 195, Zoning, of the Code of the Town of Appomattox, is hereby amended to add the minimum road frontage as follows:
§ 195-28. Lot width.
A. In the R-1 District, the minimum road footage shall be 100 feet.
B. In the R-1 District, the minimum lot width at the building line shall be 100 feet.
3 Appomattox Town Council Regular Council Meeting September 11, 2023
Section 2. Chapter 195-43 of Chapter 195, Zoning, of the Code of the Town of Appomattox, is hereby amended to add the minimum road frontage as follows:
§ 195-43. Lot width.
A. For permitted uses in the Residential District R-3, the minimum road frontage shall be 80 feet, and for each additional permitted use in Residential District R-3, there shall be 10 feet of additional road frontage.
B. For permitted uses in Residential District R-3, the minimum lot width at the building line shall be 80 feet or more, and for each additional permitted use in Residential District R-3, there shall be at least 10 feet of additional lot width at the building line.
Section 3. Effective date.
This ordinance shall become effective upon passage.
All members present voting aye. Motion carried 6-0.
On a motion by Mr. Garrett, seconded by Mr. Simpson, the Council voted to cancel the September 26, 2023 Council Workshop meeting. All members present voting aye. Motion carried 6-0.
Because of the cancellation of the workshop meeting, Council members are encouraged to email the Town Manager with the name of “your person” for the Train Depot Advisory Committee. The Council will vote on these individuals at the October 10, 2023 Council meeting. The committee could meet in November 2023.
Council Standing Committee Reports:
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA): The committee received a request from the Facilities Director for 3 AED devices and 10 First Aid kits for a total of $5838.97.
On a motion by Ms. Spiggle, seconded by Mrs. Puckette, the Council voted to approve the purchase of 3 AEDs and 10 first aid kits. All members present voting aye. Motion carried 6-0.
Finance and Planning Committee: none
Physical Development Committee: none
4 Appomattox Town Council Regular Council Meeting September 11, 2023
Citizen Comment: none
Town Manager’s Report: Mr. McGhee provided a written report on September 8, 2023. In addition to those items, he provided an update on the Olivarri case, the Church St waterline start date of 10/1/2023, the Appomattox Downtown Revitalization Project, the Train Depot exterior renovation, Old Courthouse Rd smart scale project, possible locations for the CVFP emergency care, Brownfield Grant, OIP opening, new Town website, and sewer smoke testing.
Council Comment:
Ms. Allen: commented that the Church St sidewalk looks good.
Mr. Simpson: What is the status of the lot behind Railyard Grill? Mr. Elder responded construction is ongoing.
Mr. Boyce: reminded everyone to never forget the events of 9/11, especially in Pennsylvania.
Mr. Garrett: none
Ms. Spiggle: September is Firefighter Appreciation Month. She specifically wanted to recognize the AVFD—our hometown heroes.
Ms. Puckette: none
Adjournment: On a motion by Mr. Simpson, seconded by Mr. Garrett, Council voted to adjourn at 7:45 pm. All members present voting aye. Motion carried 6-0.
Roxanne W. Casto, MMC Clerk
Richard C. Conner Mayor