At a meeting of the South Boston Town Council held on October 1, 2012 at 7:00
p.m. in the Council Chambers on Yancey Street, the following were present:
Mayor Carroll Thackston
Council Member D. Coleman Speece
Council Member Robert B. Hughes
Vice-Mayor Edward Owens
Council Member Morris Bryant
Council Member Tina Wyatt-Younger
Absent: Council Member W. R. Snead, Jr.
Staff: Town Manager Ted Daniel; Police Capt. B. K. Lovelace; Finance Director Erle
Scott; Town Clerk Jane Jones
On motion of Mr. Owens, seconded by Mrs. Wyatt-Younger, Council approved
the minutes of the September 10, 2012 meeting.
Mayor Thackston welcomed Councilman Bryant back to Council and thanked
him for filling the Council vacancy [term to expire November 2013].
*JEFFERSON AVENUE LOT CONVEYED TO HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
The meeting having been duly advertised constituted a public hearing on a
proposal to convey Lot A-2, fronting Jefferson Avenue, to Tri-River Habitat for
Humanity. Lot A-2 [PRN#333444, Deed Book 1084, Page 564] was a portion of the
North Main Street water tank parcel which had been conveyed to the Halifax County
Service Authority. The parcel had been subdivided with Lot A-2 transferred back to the
Town.
Col. Mike Koch, President of Tri-River Habitat, spoke in favor of the transfer. He
updated Council on recent Habitat projects.
On motion of Mr. Speece, seconded by Mr. Owens, Council voted 4-0 to convey
Lot A-2 fronting Jefferson Avenue to Tri-River Habitat for Humanity at no cost other
than legal fees. Voting Aye: Speece, Owens, Wyatt-Younger and Bryant. Voting Nay:
none. Abstained: Hughes. Absent and not voting: Snead.
*TRANSPORTATION SAFETY COMMISSION - REAPPOINTMENTS
On motion of Mr. Owens, seconded by Mr. Speece, Council voted unanimously to
reappoint Mr. Curtis Waskey and Mr. Larry Harris to new four-year terms on the Halifax
County South Boston Transportation Safety Commission, to run November 1, 2012
through October 31, 2016.
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*COMPLAINT - POLICE VEHICLES SPEEDING ON NORTH MAIN ST.
Ms. Gloria Moore, 1806 N. Main Street, expressed concern about law
enforcement vehicles going a high rate of speed on North Main Street. Captain Lovelace
advised that if a police officer were speeding they were responding to an emergency call.
He suggested Ms. Moore contact the Police Department when it happens.
*CLOSED SESSION TO DISCUSS ACQUISITION OF REAL ESTATE
On motion of Mr. Owens, seconded by Mr. Bryant, Council voted unanimously to
go into a closed meeting to discuss the acquisition of real estate for a public purpose as
allowed by the Code of Virginia §2.2-3711.A.3. Voting Aye: Bryant, Owens, Speece,
Hughes, and Wyatt-Younger. Nays: none. Absent: Snead.
On motion of Mr. Speece, seconded by Mrs. Wyatt-Younger, Council voted
unanimously to return to open session. Voting Aye: Bryant, Owens, Speece, Hughes,
and Wyatt-Younger. Nays: none. Absent: Snead.
On motion of Mr. Speece, seconded by Mr. Owens, Council unanimously
certified that to the best of each member’s knowledge (i) only public business matters
lawfully exempted from open meeting requirements under the Virginia Freedom of
Information Act and (ii) only such public business matters as were identified in the
motion by which the closed meeting was convened were heard, discussed or considered
in the meeting by the town council. Voting Aye: Bryant, Owens, Speece, Hughes, and
Wyatt-Younger. Nays: none. Absent: Snead.
*IDA GRANT APPLICATION TO VDHCD INDUSTRIAL REVITALIZATION
FUND ENDORSED
On motion of Mr. Speece, seconded by Mr. Hughes, Council voted 4-0 to endorse
the South Boston Industrial Development Authority’s application to the Virginia
Department of Housing and Community Development’s Industrial Revitalization Fund
for a matching $100,000 grant to purchase a deteriorating commercial property in the
downtown area. Voting Aye: Speece, Hughes, Bryant, Wyatt-Younger. Voting Nay:
none. Absent and not voting: Snead. Abstained: Owens.
There being no further business the meeting adjourned.
______________________________
Carroll Thackston, Mayor
ATTEST:_______________________________
Jane P. Jones, Town Clerk, CMC
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At a special joint meeting of the South Boston Town Council, the Halifax County
Board of Supervisors, and the Halifax Town Council, held on October 15, 2012 at 6:00
p.m. in the Mary Bethune Office Complex in Halifax, Virginia the following were
present:
Vice-Mayor Edward Owens, Presiding
Councilwoman Coleman Speece
Councilman W. R. Snead
Councilman Robert Hughes
Councilwoman Tina Wyatt-Younger
Absent: Mayor Carroll Thackston and Councilman Morris Bryant
Staff Present: Town Manager Ted Daniel and Town Clerk Jane Jones
Members of the Halifax County Board of Supervisors and Staff
Members of the Halifax Town Council and Staff
*EARTHQUAKE SHAKEOUT DAY PROCLAMATION
Halifax County Emergency Services Coordinator Kirby Saunders advised that the
County would be participating in the October 18th state-wide “Great SouthEast
ShakeOut”, a community drill promoting earthquake preparedness. All three localities
adopted a proclamation recognizing October 18 as Earthquake Shakeout Day.
*BANISTER RIVER DESIGNATED AS A SCENIC RIVER
The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation has determined that
specific areas of the Banister River meet the requirements to be certified as a “scenic
river”. The Town Council of Halifax and the Halifax County Board of Supervisors have
previously gone on record supporting the designation of the Banister River as a state
scenic river. Final designation is granted by the Virginia General Assembly. Halifax
Town Manager Carl Espy and VDCR representative Lynn Crump gave a presentation on
“Banister – A Potential Scenic River” after which all three localities adopted the
following resolution.
On motion of Mr. Hughes, seconded by Mrs. Wyatt-Younger, Town Council
voted unanimously to adopt the following resolution supporting the designation of the
Banister River as a scenic river. Voting Aye: Hughes, Wyatt-Younger, Speece and
Snead. Voting Nay: none. Absent and not voting: Bryant.
RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE DESIGNATION OF THE BANISTER RIVER AS A
VIRGINIA STATE SCENIC RIVER
WHEREAS, the Virginia State Scenic Rivers Program was enacted by the Virginia General
Assembly in 1970 to identify, recognize and provide a level of protection to rivers with
significant scenic beauty, historic importance, recreational value and natural characteristics
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pursuant to the Code of Virginia Title 10.1, Sections 10.1-400 through 10.1-418, “Scenic Rivers
Act”; and
WHEREAS, the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), has been charged
with administering the Scenic Rivers Program and developing an objective evaluation process to
determine the suitability of river segments; and
WHEREAS, the 2004 Halifax County Trails, Bicycle & Pedestrian Plan adopted by the Board of
Supervisors and Councils of the Towns of Halifax and South Boston, recognized the potential
blueway system along the area’s major waterways including the Banister River prompting the
inclusion of the scenic river designation for the Banister as a goal in the Town of Halifax
Comprehensive Plan and the 2007 Virginia Outdoors Plan; and
WHEREAS, under authorization of the Halifax County Board of Supervisors and the Halifax
Town Council on October 18, 2011 by letter to Lynn M. Crump, DCR Environmental Programs
Planner, the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation was requested to conduct a
study of the Banister River beginning at the Pittsylvania-Halifax County line and ending at its
confluence with the Dan River to determine its potential as a State Scenic River; and
WHEREAS, the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors similarly authorized a request for
DCR to conduct a study of the Banister River from its headwaters at Bearskin Creek and
Strawberry Creek to the Halifax County line by letter on May 3, 2012; and
WHEREAS, on July 7, 2012 and July 8, 2012 DCR staff along with consultants from the
Community Development Assistance Center (CDAC) and several residents from Pittsylvania and
Halifax including Halifax County and Town of Halifax staff paddled the river study corridor to
make field evaluations; and
WHEREAS, on August 13, 2012 by letter to the Town of Halifax, Halifax County and
Pittsylvania County, the localities were informed that DCR completed its evaluation determining
a 38.4 mile stretch of the Banister from the Anderson Bridge on Route 640 in Pittsylvania County
to the confluence with the Dan River in Halifax County qualifies as a Virginia State Scenic River
with the Board of Conservation and Recreation unanimously supporting its endorsement for
designation of the Banister at the July 27, 2012 meeting; and
WHEREAS, on September 18, 2012 the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors passed
unanimously a resolution supporting the State Scenic River designation of the Banister River
from the Anderson Bridge at Route 640 to the Pittsylvania/Halifax County line.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, on this 15th day of October, 2012 that by way of this
resolution, the Councils of the Towns of Halifax and South Boston, as well as the Board of
Supervisors of Halifax County, Virginia, do hereby support the designation of the Banister River
beginning at the Pittsylvania-Halifax County line and ending at its confluence with the Dan River
as a Virginia State Scenic River pursuant to the Scenic Rivers Act, Virginia Code Section 10.1400 et seq.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Councils of the Towns of Halifax and South Boston, as
well as the Board of Supervisors of Halifax County, Virginia do hereby respectfully request that
the members of the Halifax County and Pittsylvania County legislative delegation introduce
legislation to the Virginia General Assembly for approval and designation of the Banister River’s
eligible 38.4 mile section in the 2013 Session.
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BE IT ALSO RESOLVED, that the Councils of the Towns of Halifax and South Boston, as well
as the Board of Supervisors of Halifax County, Virginia express support for DCR staff to conduct
a field evaluation of the Banister River in the spring of 2013 from its headwaters at Bearskin
Creek and Strawberry Creek to the Anderson Bridge at Route 640 thus completing the entire river
study as requested by the Pittsylvania Board of Supervisors so that upon that upper segment
qualifying as a Virginia Scenic River, it may become an extension of the above mentioned 38.4
mile section through legislative action during the Virginia General Assembly 2014 Session.
*JOINT LIBRARY COMMITTEE RE-ESTABLISHED
Mr. Daniel updated the group on the recent funding reductions to the Halifax
County – South Boston Library System which had led the South Boston Town Council to
deliberate on the long range financial needs of the libraries. Town Council has suggested
the Joint Library Committee be re-established to discuss the problem. Halifax Town
Mayor Dick Moore advised that Halifax would participate in a study but that they were
opposed to any solution that included closing the Halifax Library.
On motion of Mr. Snead, seconded by Mrs. Wyatt-Younger, Council voted
unanimously to establish a Joint Library Committee with the Halifax County Board of
Supervisors and the Halifax Town Council to discuss and research matters of service and
funding to the library system. Voting Aye: Snead, Speece, Hughes, Wyatt-Younger.
Voting Nay: none. Absent and not voting: Bryant.
Halifax Town Council and the Halifax County Board of Supervisors adopted the
same motion.
There being no further business the meeting adjourned.
__________________________________
Vice-Mayor Ed Owens
ATTEST: ___________________________
Jane P. Jones, Town Clerk, CMC
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At a work session meeting of the South Boston Town Council held on October
29, 2012 at 5:45 p.m. in the Council Chambers on Yancey Street, the following were
present:
Mayor Carroll Thackston
Vice-Mayor Edward Owens
Council Member D. Coleman Speece
Council Member W. R. Snead, Jr.
Council Member Robert Hughes
Council Member Morris L. Bryant
Council Member Tina Wyatt-Younger
Staff Present: Town Manager Ted Daniel, Police Chief Jim Binner, Finance Director
Erle Scott, Director of Public Works Alan Auld, Town Clerk Jane Jones
Mayor Thackston called the meeting to order and turned it over to the Current Issues
Committee Chairman.
*Recommendation to Amendment Town Code to Require Pawnbrokers to Submit
Electronic Reports
Chief Binner explained that the recommended amendment, which mirrors state
code, would require pawnbrokers to submit their daily report electronically rather than by
paper. The Department has installed software on local pawnshop computers to allow
them to do this. The Town Attorney has reviewed the language and recommended
approval. The new section would read:
Sec. 82-32. – Reports of Pawnbrokers.
(a)
Every pawnbroker shall prepare a daily report of all goods, articles or things
pawned or pledged with him or sold to him that day and shall file such report by noon of
the following day with the Chief of the Town’s Police Department. The report shall
include the pledgor's or seller's name, residence, and driver's license number or other
form of identification, and a description of the goods, articles or other things pledged or
sold. The report shall be maintained in electronic format and shall be filed electronically
with the Chief of Police through use of a disk, electronic transmission, or any other
electronic means of reporting approved by the Chief of Police.
(b )Any person, firm or corporation violating any of the provisions of this section shall be
guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor.
The Committee recommended the item be placed on the November 5th Council
agenda for approval.
*New Taxi Service License Sought - Jackie Bowey, Jackie’s Cab
As required by Chapter 110 Vehicles for Hire, Ms. Jackie Bowey has applied for
a certificate of public convenience and necessity to operate a taxi service at 210 Factory
Street. The Police Department has investigated Ms. Bowey and found her to be of good
moral character, fit and able to perform such public transportation. Council is required to
conduct public hearing on the application before approval. A public hearing has been
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advertised for the November 5th Council meeting. The Committee recommended the
item be placed on the November 5th Council agenda for approval.
*Term Limits for Planning Commission and BZA Members Considered
The Planning Commission has two members whose terms expire in December:
Fields Thomas and Harriett Claiborne. Both have served three, full four- year terms and
are ineligible for reappointment.
Mr. Daniel recommended Council consider eliminating term limits for Planning
Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals members. He cited the extensive training
required for both boards and the importance of having experienced members.
Mr. Bryant was opposed to eliminating term limits saying that the limits were
established to ensure more citizen participation. Mr. Owens agreed stating he felt 12
years was long enough for any appointed member to serve on the same board. Mrs.
Wyatt-Younger agreed.
Mr. Snead suggested term limits be deleted from the Town Code, but instead
Council adopt a “policy” not to reappoint a member to a fourth term unless there are
extenuating circumstances.
Mr. Owens suggested language be added to the Code allowing a member to serve
until his successor is appointed. The Chairman directed staff rework the ordinance and
bring back for further discussion.
There being no further business the Current Issues Committee adjourned and the
Finance Committee convened.
*Financial Report
Mr. Scott gave the monthly financial status report. He advised that personal
property tax bills had been mailed and that real estate tax bills would go out on October
31st.
*Washington Coleman Community Center – Phase II Construction Cost Funding
Mr. Daniel advised that the low bidder on Phase II of the Washington Coleman
Community Center was McDannald Construction Company at $944,397. Total funding
available was $714,139. He recommended funds be transferred from Parks and
Recreation Contingency, Reserve for Contingencies and the $150,000 targeted for
technology expenditures be transferred to Washington Coleman Construction Capital
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Outlay to pay for Phase II. Mr. Daniel noted that Town’s engineers were considering
changes to the roof design which could reduce the cost of the project.
Mr. Daniel advised that grants and donations would be sought for the computer
center and that Southern Virginia Higher Education Center may be able to manage the
computer center for the Town. He recommended financing the total project estimated at
$2,200,000 thru a Virginia Resource Authority bond in FY2013-14.
The Committee recommended the issue be placed on the November 5th agenda for
Council action to transfer funds as recommended to cover the $80,258 shortfall.
*Hamilton Blvd. Road Improvements Discussed
Mr. Auld advised that there was $500,000 in VDOT Urban Sharing money
earmarked Hamilton Blvd. road improvements. Since the $500,000 was not sufficient to
widen Hamilton Blvd. east to Rt. 360, VDOT has suggested the Town consider
alternatives such as installing roundabouts at the intersections to improve traffic flow.
Mr. Snead endorsed roundabouts as a good method of moving traffic. Mr. Speece
and Mr. Owen voiced concerns. Mayor Thackston favored extending the west bound
right turn lane from Hamilton to North Main Street. No action was taken.
*Downtown Christmas Decorative Lighting Costs
Mr. Daniel advised that the Town is currently paying approximately $10,000 in
labor costs to install Christmas lights in the trees downtown. To save costs the Town is
considering wrapping the tree trunks rather than placing the lighting in the canopies.
Wayne Fuller, Destination Downtown South Boston Chairman, advised that DDSB felt
the proposal was acceptable, but suggested the real problem was that the trees had gotten
too big and should be replaced. Council Members Speece and Snead felt the lights
enhanced the Town during the holiday season, but recommended giving the cheaper
alternative a try.
There being no further business for the Finance Committee it adjourned.
After a brief recess Mayor Thackston convened the full Council to order with all
members present.
*CLOSED MEETING TO DISCUSS REAL ESTATE MATTERS
On motion of Mr. Snead, seconded by Mr. Owens, Council voted unanimously to
go into a closed meeting to discuss the disposition and/or acquisition of real property for
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a public purpose as allowed by the Code of Virginia §2.2-3711A.3. Voting Aye: Bryant,
Hughes, Owens, Snead, Speece, Wyatt-Younger. Nays: none.
On motion of Mr. Owen, seconded by Mr. Speece, Council voted unanimously to
return to open session. Voting Aye: Bryant, Hughes, Owens, Snead, Speece, WyattYounger. Nays: none.
On motion of Mr. Speece, seconded by Mr. Snead, Council unanimously certified
that to the best of each member’s knowledge (i) only public business matters lawfully
exempted from open meeting requirements under the Virginia Freedom of Information
Act and (ii) only such public business matters as were identified in the motion by which
the closed meeting was convened were heard, discussed or considered in the meeting by
the town council. Voting Aye: Bryant, Hughes, Owens, Snead, Speece, Wyatt-Younger.
Nays: none.
*JOINT LIBRARY BOARD APPOINTMENTS
On motion of Mr. Speece, seconded by Mrs. Wyatt-Younger, Council voted
unanimously to appoint Vice-Mayor Owens and Councilman Snead to the Joint Library
Committee.
There being no further business the meeting adjourned.
______________________________
Mayor Carroll Thackston
ATTEST: ______________________________
Jane P. Jones, Town Clerk, CMC
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