TOWN OF SOUTH BOSTON REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAY DECEMBER9, 2024 Industry Est. 188A RC S COUNCIL CHAMBERS 420 MAIN STREET SOUTHBOSTON, VA 24592 CALLTO ORDER AND INVOCATION on December 9, 2024. ROLL CALL Mayor Edward Owens called to order a regular South Boston Town Council meeting at 7:00 pm Present: Mayor Edward Owens, Vice Mayor Robert Bob Hughes, Councilman Joseph Chandler, Councilwoman Barbara Speece, Councilman Brian Burton, Councilman Tommy Elliott, Councilwoman Sharon Harris Absent: None Also Present: Town Manager Matthew Candland, Assistant Town Manager Dennis Barker, Town Clerk Sarah Lowe, Finance Director Danyell Duncan, Police Chief Ronnie Edmunds, Fire Chief Steve Phillips, Recreation Director Matthew McCargo, Public Works Director. John Hatcher APPROVAL OF MINUTES Councilwoman Speece identified two errors on the November 12, 2024 meeting minutes. First, it was not noted in the approval of minutes section that corrections had been made to the October 15, 2024 meeting minutes. Additionally, on page 445, the signature line should have read "Vice Mayor Robert Bob Hughes" instead of "Mayor Edward Owens". On Councilman Chandler's motion, seconded by Councilwoman Harris, the meeting minutes from the Town 438 Council's regular meeting on November 12th, 2024 have been approved with the corrections made. APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA seconded by Councilwoman Speece. The December 9, 2024 meeting agenda was approved on motion of Vice Mayor Hughes, AGENDA 1. VDOT STARS STUDY- RICK YOUNGBLOOD Town Manager Matthew Candland introduced Mr. Rick Youngblood from VDOT, who presented on the Route 58 study. Mr. Youngblood outlined the corridor's safety concerns, particularly at the 501/58 intersection, and its importance as a statewide commuter route with potential for development. The study will focus on safety, capacity, and operations, including intersection improvements. He discussed the stakeholders, funding sources, and data on accidents, speed issues, and flooding. The study will propose solutions for safety and efficiency, incorporating public engagement and Smart Scale funding. Mayor Owens inquired about the coundl'sendorsement, and Mr. Youngblood confirmed it was an informational presentation. A motion was made by' Vice Mayor Hughes and seconded by Councilwoman Harris to approve the Town Manager signing off on participation in the study. 2. TOWN HALL REPORT- JEFF BOND Mr. Jeff Bond from Solex Architecture presented the evaluation report for the town hall, al building constructed around 1910 with multiple uses and modifications. He outlined three improvement options: structural and electrical upgrades, creating a main entry point, and incorporating the second floor. Cost estimates were provided, with the comprehensive renovation being the highest. Council members discussed the availability of land behind the town hall for additional space. Mayor Owens inquired about the building's eligibility for historic tax credits, and Mr. Bond confirmed it qualifies for state and potentially federal credits. The council agreed to review the report and consider the improvement options. 3. BID1 TO PURCHASE PRN 1461 CURRENTLY OWNED BY THE TOWN The Town of South Boston received one bid in the amount of $1,000 from Mr. Daniel Crosby for PRN 1461. On motion of Councilwoman Speece, seconded by Councilman Chandler the purchase of PRN 1461 was approved in the amount of $1,000. 4. APPROVAL OF THE 2025 HOLIDAY CALANDER 439 The proposed 2025 holiday schedule was presented to Council. The schedule was reviewed and aligned with the state and federal holiday calendar. Council discussed the proposed dates and their potential impact on operations. After consideration, Council adopted the schedule as presented. On motion of Councilwoman Harris, seconded by Councilman Burton, voting aye: Speece, Chandler, Hughes, voting nay: Elliott 5. APPROVAL OF THE 2025 TOWN COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE On motion of Councilman Burton, seconded by Councilman Chandler the 2025 Town Council Meeting Schedule was approved 6. FINANCIAL REPORT Finance Director Danyell Duncan presented the council with a financial report for October 2024. Copies oft the report are available at the Clerk's office and online. The revenues are currently at $4,614,330, 92% of the budget. Expenditures were at $436,043 at a 29.73% to budget. 7. TOWN MANAGER UPDATES Town Manager Matthew Candland provided updates on several recent events. The Christmas Parade on Saturday night was a success, with great weather and strong attendance. The second public workshop for the Riverdale area, held on November 25th, also had good participation, and a concept plan for Council's consideration is expected by February. The Christmas luncheon for employees and local officials had a great turnout and was appreciated by all who attended. Additionally, Mr. Candland reported that the Poplar Creek development is now complete, with all physical improvements finished, though some paperwork remains. All these efforts have been well-received, and the town continues to move forward with ongoing projects. 8. CITIZEN'S COMMENTS None 9. Closed session to discuss personal matters On the motion of Councilwoman Harris, seconded by Councilman Burton, the Council voted unanimously to convene in close session under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act to discuss, consider, or interview prospective candidates for employment, assignment, appointment, promotion, performance, demotion, salaries, disciplining, or resignation of specific public officers, appointees, or employees of any public body which is allowed under Virginia Code 52.2-3711(A)(1) Voting Aye: Hughes, Chandler, Elliott, and Speece, Absent and Councilman Elliott, seconded by Councilman Chandler, moved that the members of the Council certify that, to the best of their knowledge, (1) only public business matters that Not' Voting: none 440 are lawfully exempt from open meeting requirements under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act were discussed; and (2) only the public business matters identified in the motion that convened the closed meeting were heard, discussed, or considered by On the motion of Councilwoman Harris, seconded by Councilwoman Speece, the Council voted unanimously to return to open session. Burton, Chandler, Elliott, Hughes voted aye, the Council during that meeting. absent and Not Voting none. Mayor Edward Owens Attest: Sarah Lowe, Clerk of Council 441