TOWN OF SOUTH BOSTON REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAYJ JANUARY 13, 2025 0 aust Est. 1884 TICINI COUNCIL CHAMBERS 420 MAIN STREET SOUTH BOSTON, VA 24592 CALL TO ORDER AND INVOCATION Mayor Edward Owens called to order a regular South Boston Town Council meeting at 7:00 pm on January 13, 2025. ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Edward Owens, Vice Mayor Sharon Harris, Councilman Joe Chandler, Councilman Tommy Elliott, Councilwoman Barbara Speece, Councilman Brian Burton, Councilwoman Tina Younger 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, Public Works Director John Hatcher, Recreation Director Matthew McCargo APPROVAL OF MINUTES On Councilman Burton' S motion, seconded by Councilman Chandler, the meeting minutes from the Town Council's regular meeting on December 9, 2024 were approved. APPROVAL OFTHE CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Edward Owens added an agenda item "Election of Vice Mayor" to be recognized as agenda item number one. On motion of Councilwoman Harris, seconded by Councilman Chandler the agenda was approved with the item added. AGENDA 450 1. ELECTION OF VICE MAYOR Councilman Burton motioned to nominate Councilwoman Sharon Harris for the position of Vice Mayor. The motion was seconded by Councilwoman Younger. The vote was then called, with Councilmembers Chandler, Elliott, Speece, Burton, and Younger voting in favor (Aye) and no members voting against (Nay). The motion passed, and Councilwoman Harris was elected Vice Mayor. 2. RESOULTION TO HONOR VICE MAYOR ROBERT BOB HUGHES Town Manager Matthew Candland read a resolution honoring Vice Mayor Robert Bob Hughes on the occasion ofhis retirement. In response to the resolution honoring his retirement, Vice Mayor Robert Bob Hughes expressed his deep appreciation for the opportunity to serve the community over the past 12 years. He highlighted his greater understanding of the town's operations and his admiration for the dedication of first responders, public services, and the town staff. He concluded by expressing gratitude for the chance to serve and for the recognition, describing the town as a wonderful place to live. The Council voted unanimously to approve the resolution, on motion ofCouncilman Elliott, seconded by Councilman Chandler the resolution was approved. 3. RECOGNITION FOR CALEB FOX The South Boston Police Department and Halifax Commonwealth Attorney presented Mr. Caleb Fox with a Hero award and a medal to recognize his bravery. Mr. Fox worked at the Dollar General store in Halifax Square when a female customer entered the store and was followed by an ex-boyfriend. This soon turned into an altercation and Mr. Fox intervened. He suffered multiple stab wounds, a punctured lung and underwent multiple surgeries. Halifax Commonwealth Attorney, Tracy Martin stated "We are SO pleased that he is a member of our Community, he is truly a hero." Mayor and Council expressed their gratitude to Mr. Fox for his heroic acts. 4. PUBLIC HEARING- FY 2024/2025 BUDGET AMENDMENT Mayor Owens called the public hearing to order for the proposed budget amendment. No individuals spoke in favor or in opposition ofthe budget amendment. A motion was made by Councilman Elliott to approve the budget amendment as presented, with a second from Councilwoman Speece. After no further discussion, the motion was put to a vote, and the budget amendment was approved unanimously. 5. HEALTHLY HARVEST COMMUNITY GARDEN PRESENTATION The Healthy Harvest Community Garden provided an update on its 2024 activities, including engaging local children, adults, and seniors, and expanding its internship 451 program. Despite challenges, the garden produced 5,000 pounds of vegetables. For 2025, the garden plans to focus on increasing volunteeri involvement, expanding the internship curriculum, and launching cooking classes. They requested a $6,000 donation from the town to support the internship program, covering stipends and curriculum improvements. Councilwoman Speece inquired about whether they had received funding from Halifax County for 2025. It was noted that while the garden received a grant in 2024, they have not yet made a request for funding from the County for 2025. Councilman Chandler expressed strong support for the Healthy Harvest Community Garden program, highlighting its positive impact on the community, especially in addressing local food insecurity. He encouraged the Council to consider supporting the program in the upcoming budget discussions. 6. INTRODUCING NEW OFFICERS ANTHONY DAILEY AND KASSIDY DYER Police Chief Ronnie Edmunds introduced two new officers, Anthony Dailey and Kassidy Dyer. Officer Dailey, a South Boston native, served in the military after high school and has worked with the Danville Police Department for the past 7 years. Officer Dyer, also from South Boston, graduated from the police academy in December and holds a college degree in psychology. Both officers are now on patrol. Mayor and Council extended a warm welcome to the new officers. 7. SANTA COPS Police Captain Clinton Mann provided an overview ofthe Santa Cops program, which began in 2019 with the mission to ensure local families experience aj joyful Christmas. The program collaborates with the elementary school system to provide coats, clothes, shoes, and toys to children in need, with donations from local businesses and community members. In 2024, the program assisted 28 families and 68 children, including 16 children in the Shop with a Cop event. Fundraising efforts, such as the Stuff the Cruiser event, contributed to the program's success, which provided toys to over 300 children. A total of$12,088 was raised, with $7,160 spent on gifts and supplies. Mayor and Council expressed their appreciation to the Police Department for their dedication and the important role they play in the success of the Santa Cops program. 8. ANNUAL UPDATE OF DOWNTOWN SOUTH BOSTON FARMERS MARKET- MELISSA NELSON Melissa Nelson provided an update on the market's successful 2024 season, highlighting its Gold Certification from the Virginia Farmers Market Association, increased foot traffic, community engagement, and growth in vendor participation. The market's accomplishments included the Power of Produce (POP) program, SNAP and Virginia Fresh Match incentives, and a variety of community events. The market also received a $15,000 grant for the 2025 season. Ms. Nelson expressed gratitude for the town's support and announced that she would be leaving her position to become the Executive Director of the Clarksville Lake Country Chamber of Commerce, while 452 continuing to remain involved in the community. Mayor and Council thanked her for her dedication to the Farmers Market and wished her success in her new role. 9. RESOLUTION TO SELL PRN 1461 On motion of Councilman Chandler, seconded by Councilman Burton, the resolution to sell PRN 1461 to Daniel Crosby was approved. The motion passed unanimously. O.RESOULTION AMENDING THE 2024-2025 FISCAL YEAR BUDGET On motion of Councilwoman Speece, seconded by Vice Mayor Harris, the resolution to amend the 2024-2025 fiscal year budget was approved. The motion passed unanimously. 11. FINANCIAL REPORT Finance Director Danyell Duncan presented the council with a financial report for November 2024. Copies of the report are available at the Clerk's office and online. Total revenues to date amount is $6,556,222, with expenditures at $5,575,879. This results in a surplus of$908,343. The current cash balance in the operating general fund is $6,872,983. In terms ofrevenue categories, local sales tax is at 48.3% of the budget, utility tax is at 36.7%, and telecom tax is at 27,433, reflecting a slight decrease due to fewer landline and satellite subscriptions. Personal property taxes are at 48.1%, and real estate taxes are at 44.4%. Delinquent local homes and mobile homes taxes are expected to decline as mobile homes are phased out. Other categories such as penalties and interest are on target, with overall collections standing at 42% oft the budget. 12. TOWN MANAGER UPDATES Town Manager Matthew Candland introduced Mina Lacks as the new Human Resources Manager, following a thorough search and selection process. Mrs. Lacks, originally from Indiana, moved to South Boston in 1986 and brings over 24 years of experience from Aquatic Bath. She has been with the town since just before the December council meeting and is already making a positive impact. Mrs. Lacks expressed her appreciation for the community, noting how it has grown on her since moving here. Additionally, Mr. Candland provided updates on several ongoing projects, the 300 Main Street property has been sold to Mr. Edwin Gaskin, with work expected to begin soon, and the Merritt Hills project is nearing completion. Regarding the traffic signal that was damaged in a storm, the design work for its replacement will be completed this week, with the new signal expected to be installed by July. CITIZEN'S COMMENTS None 453 CLOSED SESSION On the motion of Councilman Chandler, seconded by Councilwoman Younger, 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 ofany public body along with legal matters which is allowed under Virginia Code $2.2-371 I(A)(1) Voting Aye: Burton, Chandler, Elliott, Harris, Speece and Younger Absent and Not Voting: None. On the motion of Councilman Chandler, seconded by Councilwoman Younger, the Council voted unanimously to return to open session. Voting Aye: Burton, Chandler, Elliott, Harris, Speece and Younger Absent and Not Voting: None. On motion ofVice Mayor Harris, seconded by Councilman Burton the motion was made to recommend two candidates who applied for the Board of Zoning Appeals to be forwarded to the Halifax County Court for consideration. On a motion ofCouncilwoman Speece, seconded by Councilwoman Younger, Council certified by the following vote: Burton, Chandler, Harris, Speece, Elliott, and Younger Opposed: None; Absent/Not Voting: None), that to the best of each Council member's s knowledge, only public business matters lawfully exempted from the open meeting requirements oft the Virginia Freedom ofInformation Act and identified in the Motion convening the closed session were heard, discussed or considered in the closed session. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned. Mayor Edward Owens Attest: Sarah Lowe, Clerk of Council 454