1 Appomattox Town Council Regular Council Meeting March 11, 2024
The Appomattox Town Council held a Regular Council meeting on Monday, March 11, 2024, 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
Absent: Nathan A. Simpson
Others: Carlton Duck, Alive Media; Kim Ray, Treasurer; R. Terry McGhee, Town Manager; Christy Torrence, Interim Clerk of Council; Charles Conrad, Kaylee Simpson, Frank Wright, Dana Glover
Mayor Conner called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
Mayor’s Comments: Mayor Conner reminded everyone that there is no pause between one nation and under God in the Pledge of Allegiance. Requested that everyone accommodate him and say it correctly.
Reverend Duck led the prayer and Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.
Mayor Conner welcomed everyone to the meeting.
Scheduled Public Appearances: None
Adoption of the Consent Agenda: On a motion by Ms. Spiggle, seconded by Mr. Garrett, the Town Council voted to adopt the consent agenda as presented for March 11, 2024. All members present voting aye. Motion carried 5-0.
Unfinished Business: Mr. McGhee urged Council to prioritize Town hall building renovations by addressing ADA requirements and correcting any building, fire, and OSHA deficiencies first.
On a motion by Mr. Garrett, seconded by Ms. Spiggle, the Town Council voted to ask the local building inspector to come evaluate the building. All members present voting aye. Motion carried 5-0.
New Business: In the absence of Mr. Simpson, Mrs. Torrence spoke on his behalf asking Council to approve the purchase of A/V equipment as presented by Carlton Duck.
2 Appomattox Town Council Regular Council Meeting March 11, 2024
On a motion by Mr. Garrett, seconded by Mrs. Puckette, the Town Council voted to purchase the A/V equipment as presented by Mr. Duck, exhausting $3400 remaining in the ARPA fund and taking any additional costs out of the general fund.
ROLL CALL VOTE: Allen – yes, Boyce – yes, Spiggle – yes, Garrett – yes, Puckette – yes. Motion carried 5-0.
Council Standing Committee Reports:
ARPA: None
Finance and Planning Committee: None
Physical Development Committee: None
Citizen Comment: None
Town Manager’s Report: Mr. McGhee reviewed with Council his email dated March 8, 2024.
Closed Session: On a motion by Mrs. Puckette seconded by Ms. Spiggle, Council voted to convene in Closed Session, pursuant to Section 2.2-3711(A)1, for the discussion of the performance of a specific public employee, specifically being Employee A.
ROLL CALL VOTE: Allen – yes, Boyce – yes, Spiggle – yes, Garrett – yes, Puckette – yes. Motion carried 5-0.
The meeting was re-opened to the public.
Council Member Spiggle made the following motion:
To the best of each member’s knowledge, the only subjects just discussed or considered in the preceding closed meeting were those: (i) lawfully exempted from the FOIA Act’s open-meeting requirements and (ii) properly identified in the motion that convened the closed meeting, pursuant to Virginia Code Section 2.2-3712(D).
The motion was seconded by Council Member Garrett and Council by the following recorded vote adopted the motion:
ROLL CALL VOTE: Allen – yes, Boyce – yes, Spiggle – yes, Garrett – yes, Puckette – yes. Motion carried 5-0.
3 Appomattox Town Council Regular Council Meeting March 11, 2024
Council Comments:
Mr. Conner: Had meeting of the minds at breakfast with chairman of the Appomattox County Board of Supervisors and the mayor of Pamplin.
Mr. Boyce: Still not happy with the road conditions because of the Church St Waterline Project. The ruts are bad.
Ms. Allen: Wants to be sure we keep up the momentum with the building maintenance code. Notices chipping paint and broken windows. Would like to see the Town use the light poles for banners and hanging baskets.
Mr. Garrett: none
Ms. Spiggle: There are potholes on Edgewood, Countryside, and Annie because of the dump trucks bringing extra dirt to wastewater treatment plant. Would like us to check the cameras in the parking lot and make sure all areas are covered.
Mrs. Puckette: Things are rapidly moving in the wrong direction with Council. In 10 years things have never been so unruly and because of this advice from legal counsel was sought.
On a motion by Mrs. Puckette, seconded by Ms. Spiggle, the Town Council voted to adopt the following resolution. All members present voting aye. Motion carried 5-0.
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the Appomattox Town Council has the authority to discipline its members for engaging in disorderly behavior and misconduct, pursuant to Section 15.2-1400(D) of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended; and,
WHEREAS, Councilman Nathan Simpson, while in the performance of his duties as Councilman, has bullied, yelled, and in a threatening and intimidating manner, harassed other members of the Appomattox Town Council; and
WHEREAS, the Councilman has also to lacked decorum and decency while engaging fellow members of the Council; and,
WHEREAS, these actions, among others, have been a detriment to the public trust and reputation of the Town Council of Appomattox; and,
WHEREAS, it is incumbent on the Town of Appomattox Council to protect the public standing of the Body.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF APPOMATTOX:
4 Appomattox Town Council Regular Council Meeting March 11, 2024
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The actions of Councilman Nathan Simpson have negatively impacted the reputation and integrity of the Body. Such disorderly behavior and misconduct warrants discipline under Virginia law. A censure of admonishment is hereby imposed on the Councilman. A fine commiserate to one-month of pay for a member of the Body be issued to the Councilman, due for payment no later than April 30, 2024. If the fine is left unpaid by the due date, the billings and collections divisions of the Finance Department shall collect the fine amount in accordance with Virginia law and Town practice. To prevent further negative behavior, the Councilman is hereby placed on notice, and is strongly advised to change course or potentially face future reprimands permissible under Virginia Law. That this Resolution shall become effective upon its adoption.
Adopted:
Certified:
Clerk of Council
Adjournment: On a motion by Mr. Garrett, seconded by Mrs. Allen, the Council voted to adjourn at 8:23 pm. All members present voting aye. Motion carried 5-0.
Christy Torrence Interim Clerk
Richard C. Conner Mayor