TOWN OF SOUTH BOSTON REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, APRIL 14, 2025 D 42 dustr Est. 1884 PDGINI COUNCIL CHAMBERS 420 MAIN STREET SOUTH BOSTON, VA 24592 CALL TO ORDER AND INVOCATION Mayor Edward Owens called the South Boston Town Council meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. on April 14, 2025. ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Edward Owens, Councilman Joe Chandler, Councilman Tommy Elliott, Councilwoman Barbara Speece, Councilman Brian Burton, Councilwoman Tina Younger Absent: Vice-Mayor Sharon Harris Also Present: Town Manager Matthew Candland, Town Clerk Sarah Lowe, Finance Director Danyell Duncan, Police Chief Ronnie Edmunds, Fire Chief Steve Phillips, Recreation Director Matthew McCargo APPROVAL OF MINUTES On Councilwoman Speece' S motion, seconded by Councilman Chandler, the meeting minutes from the Town Council's regular meeting on March 10, 2025, have been approved. APPROVAL OFTHE CONSENT AGENDA The April 14, 2025, meeting agenda was approved on motion of Councilwoman Speece, seconded by Councilman Elliott. 459 INTRODUCTION OF NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR SOUTHERN VIRGINIA HIGHER EDUCATION CENTER Charlotte Wooldridge, newly appointed Executive Director of the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center, addressed the Mayor and Council members. She began by expressing her gratitude for the town's continued support oft the Higher Education Center, emphasizing its critical role in workforce education. She extended an offer ofj partnership and collaboration to enhance the quality of life in South Boston, Halifax County, and the broader region. Concluding her remarks, she shared her pride in being a South Boston resident and her enthusiasm for serving the community. AGENDA 1. SPECIAL PRESENTATION BY DAN RIVER CHAPTER, SONS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION Dwight Spangler, representing the Dan River Chapter oft the Sons ofthe American Revolution, expressed gratitude to the Town Council for their support in preserving local Revolutionary War history, particularly for the "Crossing of the Dan" event. He presented a framed piece of commemorative artwork, funded by a chapter member, and requested that it be displayed in a prominent location as a token ofa appreciation. PROPOSED RIVERDALE MASTERPLAN ADOPTION The Town Council reviewed and approved the proposed Riverdale Master Plan, presented in coordination with Mr. Chad Neese oft the Southside Planning District Commission. Due to frequent flooding, the plan recommends maintaining Riverdale as a passive park with trails, benches, limited structures, potential public art, and possible road and bridge improvements. It will guide future grant applications and development efforts. On a motion by Councilman Burton, seconded by Councilman Chandler, the master plan was approved. Voting Aye: Burton, Younger, Chandler, Speece, and Elliott; Voting Nay: None; Absent and not voting: Vice Mayor Harris 2. TWO-WAY TRAFFIC BUDGET AMENDMENT $250,000 Mayor Owens opened the discussion on the two-way traffic budget amendment for $250,000. On a motion by Councilman Elliott, seconded by Councilwoman Speece, the budget amendment was approved for $250,000. Voting Aye: Burton, Younger, Chandler, Speece, and Elliott; Voting Nay: None; Absent and not voting: Vice Mayor Harris 3. FIRST READING OF THE PROPOSED 2025-2026 BUDGET The first reading ofthe proposed FY 2025-2026 budget was presented to the council. The budget closely mirrors the previous years with a few notable additions and adjustments. It includes funding for one additional paid firefighter, the second installment 460 of approximately $142,000 for the two-way street conversion, three police vehicles, a new pickup truck for Parks and Recreation, and $150,000 towards the completion of Harris Park. Also included are $25,000 for necessary repairs to the Cotton Mill Tower and a 7.2% increase in health insurance costs. The budget supports improvements in resident communication, including a semi-annual paper newsletter, and the development of an emergency notification system in collaboration with Halifax County and CivicPlus. It also allocates funds for IT and cybersecurity upgrades and introduces a new "VDOT Street Maintenance" section to track transportation-related expenditures better. Additional funding requests were discussed: an increase for the Lakeshore transportation service from $50,000 to $80,000 (with some council members suggesting a more modest increase to $65,000-$70,000). an increase for the Prizery to $50,000, and a proposed YMCA allocation increase from $12,500 to $15,000. A request was also made to create a separate line item for the Healthy Harvest Initiative. The updated draft budget, incorporating council feedback, will be made available to the public ahead ofthe final vote, currently planned for the May meeting. 4. FINANCE REPORT Finance Director Danyell Duncan presented the February 2025 financial report to the Council, highlighting the town's status with detailed figures. This report is available at the Clerk' s office and online. Revenues to date are $10,642,646, accounting for 63% of the budget. Expenditures total $9,158,053, representing 55% of the budget. 5. TOWN MANAGER UPDATES The Town Manager thanked staff and department directors for their involvement in the budget process, with special recognition to Danyell for her significant contributions. The proposed budget, developed without a tax increase, reflects a collaborative effort. The Town also went out to bid for road paving projects, receiving favorable pricing that will allow for additional streets to be included, with work expected to begin in late April or May. Annual paving and painting efforts are planned to maintain road quality. Key development projects are moving forward, including the Randolph Hotel (expected to start soon), West Side infrastructure work beginning this month, and the 300 Main Street project is nearing completion with a new roof now in place. 6. CITIZENS' COMMENTS Janet Williams of 1312 Porter Lane, South Boston, VA, thanked the Town Manager for improving communication with citizens and raised concerns about the condition of Sutphin Road near Webster Street and the railroad tracks. She emphasized the safety risks posed by leaning utility poles, overgrown vegetation, and the lack ofsidewalks in a high foot-traffic area. Williams also urged the Town to enhance local parks and recreational spaces to serve families better and improve residents' quality of life. 461 Benita Nelson of 1332 Moore Street, South Boston, raised several public safety concerns, including vehicles, both town and commercial, frequently driving the wrong way on one- way Moore Street, endangering children near school bus stops. She also noted speeding in shopping areas like Hupps Mill and Riverdale, the lack of speed bumps or enforcement, and vehicles blocking walkways and ramps, hindering access for those with mobility issues. Nelson also requested clarification on the use oflarge trucks on narrow residential streets under current or future traffic plans. Ruth Brown, of 302 Jewel Street, South Boston, thanked the Council for the budget information and raised concern over the lack of curbs and gutters on her street, a request residents have made for 26 years without resolution. Despite her civic involvement, the issue remains unaddressed, and she asked for clarity on how street improvement projects are prioritized. Brown expressed her commitment to staying engaged in future discussions. Ms. Owen expressed concern regarding the decision to convert a local road back to two- way traffic, questioning whether public input had been adequately considered. She noted the road had previously been made one-way for safety reasons and asked whether those original concerns had been addressed. Ms. Owen raised the issue ofi fire department response times potentially being affected by the change and questioned whether that was evaluated in the decision-making process. She also challenged the rationale behind altering the traffic pattern, suggesting it may be intended to redirect truck traffic from downtown. She expressed skepticism about the necessity of the change, stating that there have been few reported accidents in the area and criticizing the lack of apparent justification. Additionally, she voiced concerns about the impact on truck drivers and the broader implications for local traffic flow. 7. CLOSED SESSION On the motion of Councilman Chandler, seconded by Councilwoman Speece, the Council voted unanimously to convene in closed session under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act to discuss the acquisition of real property for public purposes, or the disposition of publicly held property, where discussion in an open meeting would adversely affect the bargaining position or negotiating strategy ofthe public body, as allowed under Virginia Code $2.2-3711(A)(3). Voting Aye: Burton, Elliott, and Younger. Absent and Not Voting: Vice Mayor Harris. On the motion ofCouncilman Chandler, seconded by Councilwoman Speece, the Council voted unanimously to return to open session. Voting Aye: Burton, Elliott, and Younger. Absent and Not Voting: Vice Mayor Harris. On a motion of Councilwoman Chandler, seconded by Councilman Speece, Council certified by the following vote: Burton, Elliott, Younger Opposed: None; Absent/Not Voting: Vice Mayor Harris), that to the best of each Council member's knowledge, only 462 public business matters lawfully exempted from the open meeting requirements of the Virginia Freedom of Information 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 463 Agenda Summary Mayor and Town Council Meeting May 12, 2025 Agenda Item: Public Hearing for the Proposed FY 2025-2026 Budget Prepared by: Matthew Candland, Town Manager Attachments: Proposed FY 2025-2026 Budget document, Notice of Public Hearing Ad Background/Analysis: This public hearing has been properly advertised. It is anticipated that, following this public hearing, Town Council could adopt the proposed budget at its June 9, 2025 meeting. The proposed budget is in balance and does not include a tax increase. A few highlights ofthe proposed budget include: Funding for 1 new fire fighter 2nd payment to VDOT for the Two-Way Traffic conversion project. 3 new police cars = consistent with our replacement schedule 1 new Parks and Recreation pick up truck $150,000 toward the completion ofHarris Park $25,000 for needed repairs to the Cotton Mill Tower Estimated merit increases for FY 26 Improvements in our communication efforts with our Town residents, including (1) semi-annual paper newsletter, (2) digital notification system for regular information and (3) digital emergency notification system An increase of 7.2% in our health insurance premium Upgrades to our IT system and security A $125,000 contingency line-item for the overall budget A new section ofthe budget called "VDOT Street Maintenance" to provide enhanced accountability for the funds we receive from VDOT. Fiscal impact/Sources: N/A Alternatives: Make amendments to the proposed budget Recommendation: Receive public comment and provide direction for any amendments in preparation for the June meeting. E NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TOWN OF SOUTH BOSTON, VIRGINIA PROPOSED FY 25-26 BUDGET The South Boston Town Council will hold a public hearing on Monday, May 12, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers at 420 Main Street, South Boston, Virginia, to receive public input on the proposed Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget. Revenue Expenditures General Fund General Fund General Property Taxes 2,838,843 Administration 1,319,554 Other Local Taxes 5,939,600 Police 3,616,258 Other Local Revenue 790,136 Fire 1,489,937 Landfill Closure 130,000 Planning 156,045 Local Reimbursements 711,333 Landfill Closure 84,800 Other (Transfer In/Fund Balance) 372,271 Parks & Recreation 643,593 State Revenue 7,244,926 Public Works 4,650,120 $18,027,109 Cemeteries 176,300 Other Fund Activity 3,716,308 Economic Development 516,394 Capital Improvement. 1,144,998 Debt Service 512,802 $18,027,109 Revenues: Expenses: Cemetery Fund Reserved 35,350 Cemetery Fund 176,300 Cemetery Fund Unreserved 176,300 Public Participation All interested citizens are invited to attend and speak. Time limits for speakers may be imposed. Ifyou have questions or would like to review a copy ofthe proposed budget, please contact the Town Manager or Finance Director at 434-575-4200. A copy is also available for review at www.southboston.com or the Town Clerk's Office during regular business hours. Town of South Boston Finance Report to Council Year-to-Date Summary as of March 31, 2025 Prepared for: Town Council Members Prepared by: Finance Department Date: May 8, 2025 Page 1: General Fund Revenue Overview Total Revenues Collected (YTD): $12,935,475.70 Adopted FY25 Budgeted Revenues: $16,867,850.00 Percentage of Revenue Collected: 76.7% Top Revenue Categories Category Budgeted YTD Actual % Realized Meals Tax $2,350,000 $1,952,366 83% Local Sales Tax $625,000 $511,715 82% Business License $675,000 $789,495 117% Tax Street $2,890,743 $2,226,689 77% Maintenance (State) Public Works $20,000 $309,684 1548% Reimbursements Fire Services $70,000 $47,250 68% (Halifax County) North Main $707,794 $214,492 30% Housing Project Grant Real Property $1,382,000 $1,340,789 97% Taxes (Current) Revenue Highlights Business license revenues have exceeded budget by $ 114 K. Grant reimbursements for Public Works are significantly higher than anticipated. We have received an insurance check for the repair ofthe traffic light. Meals and sales tax collections are below target but improving. - VDOT revenue sharing and fund balance use remain underutilized. Page 2: General Fund Expenditures Overview Total Expenditures (YTD): $10,552,221.48 Adopted FY25 Budgeted Expenditures: $16,867,850 Percentage of Expenditures Spent: 55.5% Department Expenditures Summary Department Budgeted YTD Actual % Spent Police Department $4,046,950 $2,465,340 61% Fire Department $1,401,193 $999,506 71% Town Manager's $331,306 $234,563 71% Office Finance $447,350 $323,691 72% Department Town Council $117,781 $70,867 60% Public Works (not TBD TBD TBD shown) Expenditure Highlights - Most departments are tracking close to expected year-to-date percentages. - Police and Fire wages and benefits make up a significant share oft total spending. - Insurance and grant-supported expenditures remain under budget due to timing. - Town Council and Clerk's budgets are below 65% spend, indicating room for remaining year activity. Revenue Chart le6 Top Revenue Categories - Budgeted VS Actual 3.01 1 Budgeted - Actual 2.5 2.0 0 1.5 1.0 0.5 0.0 sot xpt spt - e s - / / e e JP 7 - / Re Expenditure Chart le6 Department Expenditures - Budgeted VS Actual 1 Budgeted 4.0 - Actual 3.5 3.0 2.5 2.0 A 1.5 1.0 0.5 0.0 Police Fire Town Manager Finance Town Council