MINUTES PURCELLVILLE TOWN COUNCIL MEETING TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2025, 6:00 PM TOWN HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Christopher Bertaut, Councilmembers Susan Khalil, Carol Luke, Erin Rayner, Caleb Stought, Kevin Wright. COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: Vice Mayor Ben Nett STAFF PRESENT: Interim Town Manager Kwasi Fraser, Town Attorney John Cafferky, Assistant Town Manager Diana Hays, Police Department Interim Chief Sara Lombrana, Director of Human Resources LaDonna Snellbaker, Director of Finance Liz Krens, Director of Planning and Community Development Summer Wilkes, Director of Engineering and Capital Projects Andrea Broshkevitch, Planner Jordan Andrews, Economic Development Advisor John Heather, and Town Clerk Kimberly Bandy CALLTO ORDER: Mayor Bertaut called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM. The Pledge of Allegiance followed. ADOPTION OF MEETING. AGENDA: Councilmember Rayner made the motion to adopt the April 22, 2025, Town Council Meeting agenda as amended. Councilmember Stought seconded the motion. (Carried: 6-0-1, Stought: Aye, Khalil: Aye, Luke: Aye, Rayner: Aye, Wright: Aye; Bertaut: Aye; Nett: Absent) CONSENT AGENDA: a. Appropriation of Budget Amendment BA25-038 - PFAS Grant Funding b. Approval Meeting Minutes March 26, 2025, Town Council Special Meeting Budget Work Session C. Approval of] Minutes April 2, 2025, Town Council Special Meeting Budget Work Session d. Approval of Minutes April 9, 2025, Town Council Special Meeting Budget Work Session; Approval of January 28, 2025, Meeting Minutes Councilmember Wright moved that the Town Council approve the Consent Agenda items 5a.-5d. as presented in the April 22, 2025. Town Council Meeting agenda packet. Councilmember Rayner seconded the motion. (Carried: 6-0-1), Stought: Aye, Khalil: Aye, Luke: Aye, Rayner: Aye, Wright: Aye; Bertaut: Aye; Nett: Absent) TOWN MANAGER KEYI UPDATES: Interim Town Manager Kwasi Fraser reported that Wireless Edge is being granted their construction permit, bringing wireless coverage to the community of Hearst Farm and Locust Grove. Mr. Fraser stated that they have updated the utility model and thanked the town staff. He said that Council should be receiving the updated utility models within the next couple of days, to drive their decisions on the budget. He said that they had a strategic work session concerning the Western Loudounn Recreation Center and will be having a follow-up meeting with the County on. April 23 to discuss how they may be able to extend water and sewer to the facility. QUARTERLY REPORTS FOR COMMITTEES, COMMISSIONS. AND BOARDS: Councilmember Khalil stated that for the EDAC report, they've talked about Main Street Virginia not requiring the town to put forth any expenditures or personnel, and on the second page, first paragraph, second item, it actually says, "Confirm there were no VMS requirements for town expenditures or personnel." She said the third item says, "Findings that there are no VMS-required costs or personnel, and the fifth says, "The Planning Department will submit a $15,000 VMS grant application to fund the historic downtown design guidelines, plan to determine town consensus and design recommendations for Vineyard Square, and the Nichols Hardware redevelopment. She asked ifthe Planning Department was doing that grant on their own time or on actual taxpayer-paid time. Planning Director Summer Wilkes responded that it does require a nominal amount of staff time, and she and John Heather were working on that, including doing some on their own time. She said that Mr. Heather works 24 hours per week but gives extra time to projects like this, which the town does not pay him for. Councilmember Khalil said that the two items she mentioned, therefore, were false. Director Wilkes responded that it depends on interpretation of minimal staff hours and time versus requirement to give time, as every Virginia Main Street program takes a little bit of time to launch SO that it is successful. Councilmember Khalil stated that it was said in the past that no staff time was required, so Director Wilkes was backpedaling. Councilmember Khalil asked why they were applying for grants that benefit two businesses in Town- Vineyard Square and Nichols Hardware- --and her philosophy has been what you do for one, you do for everyone. She asked ift they were ready to secure grants for every business owner in this town. Director Wilkes explained that there is only one grant available for $25,000 for what they call a "white elephant project, which addresses buildings that need a lot of rehab or restoration. She said that Nichols Hardware came to the town to express interest in the grant, SO they were just responding to a citizen request, not because they were being targeted or singled out. Councilmember Khalil stated that taxpayer dollars in terms of staff time were going to apply for grants for two particular business owners in town. Director Wilkes said that this was a very common practice, and she would be happy to discuss this further. Councilmember Rayner suggested that they discuss this in detail during Item 11.c., which is the Virginia Main Street program agenda item. Councilmember Khalil responded that this is in the EDAC report, which is what they were discussing now. Councilmember Khalil stated that regarding the historic district master plan and design guidelines that seem to be: in the works, she understood that they already have some guidelines- -and it looks on the last page that there would be about $140,000 allocated to a downtown master plan and design guidelines. She asked where these funds were going to come from and whether they were going to come from grants or town funds for this master plan design. Director Wilkes asked for a reference, as she was not familiar with the $140,000 figure. 2 Councilmember Khalil said that it's $115,000 for the Purcellville Historic Downtown Master Plan and Design Guidelines, then $25,000 for design guidelines portion only, SO combined it's $140,000. Director Wilkes replied that the $115,000 for the master plan was grant funding they had applied to Loudoun County and the town for, but they are not receiving that funding. She said that was an effort that would not happen, but the $25,000 was what she referred to previously. CITIZEN/BUSINESS COMMENTS: Loudoun County Supervisor Caleb Kershner stated that he represents the Catoctin District and is a former resident of Purcellville and owns real estate here. Supervisor Kershner thanked them for the public service and said he respects the work they do as a Town Council-but eliminating the Purcellville Police Department is the wrong solution. Supervisor Kershner stated that this is his opinion, along with the opinion of many oftheir constituents who have reached out to him over the last several weeks. Supervisor Kershner said that as elected officials, they must balance supporting law enforcement and public safety with saving taxpayer dollars and keeping our residents safe and secure should and is our top priority. He stated that Purcellville has been one of the safest places in Virginia-and that's been true, in large part, because of the presence of their police department. He said that now, the majority of this board wants to end that and have the county provide them with law enforcement-yet: none of them who support this measure have reached out to him to ask ift the county can pay for it. He added that none of them have reached out to Sheriff Chapman to find out if this plan is even feasible or realistic. Supervisor Kershner said that Loudoun recently passed their FY 2026 budget, and every single dollar is already tightly programmed. He said he went to bat for them and secured millions of dollars for Purcellville's capital projects, including the shared-use path to the W&OD trail, sidewalk improvements along Nursery Avenue, and Route 287 and Eastgate Drive intersection improvements. He said that now, without warning, they want Loudoun to cover their complex and expensive proposal. He emphasized that this was short-sighted, and as their colleague and their district supervisor, he must expect better from them. He noted that clearly, from Sheriff Chapman's public comments, he also believes that this action is not ready for action. He stated that local law enforcement isn'tjust a vital service for Purcellville, it is part of their history and has been here since 1908, when the town hired its first town manager. Supervisor Kershner said ifthey dissolve their police department, that won'tjust be making a bad decision- will undercut the character oft the town. He concluded by stating that it's hard to imagine Mayberry when. Andy and Barney no longer wear a badge. Phyllis Randall addressed the Council as Chair-at-Large of the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors (BOS). She said the Loudoun County budget process is, in full, about a nine-month process that starts with the county administrator meeting with department heads to assess their needs for the upcoming fiscal year. She said their FY26 budget process ended April 1, sO in other words, they have completed their budget process. She stated that the Sheriff's Department came before the Board on May 3 and received the additional positions that were included in the county administrator's proposed budget. She said they received all of the positions requested--but not included in that request were enough full-time positions to take on the law enforcement duties in Purcellville. She stated that the sheriff did not request them because he was not informed by any member of this Council or administration that he would need them. Ms. Randall stated that the BOS has not allocated positions for extension of law enforcement into Purcellville. In addition, and to date, she said, there have been no requests for an off-cycle budget adjustment to increase or to be placed on the BOS agendas for law enforcement in Purcellville. She stated that she knows there has been no request for the agenda because she sets the agenda. She addressed the Mayor and said that he had not reached out to her at any point to have a discussion about budget allocations or adjustments. She said that however, he has repeatedly stated the county will cover the cost of policing in Purcellville. She said that while the county may be required to pick up law enforcement, the county has allocated almost $5 million to Purcellville for other services. She noted that the county continues to maintain Fireman's Field. Ms. Randall said that as chair of all 440,000 citizens 3 ofLoudoun County, she can't allow the citizens of Loudoun to cover this cost made Town Council-and it is very unlikely it will save them any money in the end. by the Purcellville Brian Morgan, 608 Greysands Lane in Purcellville, said that four weeks ago, he stood announced that the concerned citizens of Purcellville before them and Mayor and his majority council members, his were launching a recall campaign to remove the that campaign running mates. He said that citizens decision on a variety of violations of their oaths of office. He stated that they have are basing office by firing Rick Bremseth for no cause, sO they could give a favor misused their supporter, Kwasi Fraser. He said they've each neglected the duties quid of their pro quo office to their campaign supporting Vice Mayor and Council Member Ben Nett to commit various by allowing and interest, and he was placed on a Brady Giglio list and fired from the numerous conflicts of Morgan asked if they would now misuse their office to find him police department for that. Mr. can work their agenda from the inside, a position on the town staff sO that he crossed paid for by residents' taxes. He stated that on April a very important line that's completely unacceptable to their community. 9, they conceived and uncoordinated plan to abolish their He stated that their ill- safety of the community very respected police department is going to place the directly at risk, and it lit a firestorm of support to remove all four Morgan said that tonight, he comes forward again to tell them that they needed 495 oft them. Mr. each of them-and he presented aj petition with 1,088 signatures to recall signatures to recall 1,081 to recall Council Member Mayor Berto. He said he has Luke, 1,085 to recall Council Member Khalil, and to Nett, wherever he is. Mr. Morgan told the citizens of Purcellville that 1,091 recall Ben front or come to Main Street and sign it tomorrow. He concluded they can still sign it tonight out Department and stating, "We love by addressing the Purcellville Police get screwed without you guys, we respect you guys, and we're not going to let you a fight." guys Sarah Morgan, 608 Greysands Lane, said that she came before them two weeks parents told her if she didn't have anything nice to not to ago. She said that her and said she would not take her whole two say, say anything at all. She stood in silence minutes, but she could stand before them all night. Paul McCray, 240 West O Street, stated that their last meeting, the four oft them at the end of the meeting and took away his lawful right to comment snuck agenda items in corrupt politician. He said that they then decided to take on them-which is the sign of a essentially here since 1908, when the first away their police department, which has been police officer was hired for the town. He town was created for this reason, as they had to incorporate to be able to have a explained that the said they only had one officer for many years, but now they have a professional police certified department. He department. Mr. McRay said that the other thing they did was to hire their friend without police anybody else, and that's what no one does at this kind of government level. He said interviewing best person for the job, and they can't do that just by picking they should pick the obvious now they are going to be recalled, and he didn't think somebody they know. He said that it is hope was to avoid charges on violation of state code. He they would survive it. He said their best wished them luck and thanked them. Mitch Seipt, 260 East King James Street, said he was going to back to his and do a quick lesson on a book called On Tyranny by Yale go days as a history teacher lesson five in this book is to remember professor Timothy Snyder. He said that professional ethics, and Snyder said when leaders negative example, professional commitments to just practice become political set a council members Rayner, Wright, and Stought for their more important. He commended recall petition for following the rules and the upholding duty, as well as the organizers of the wanted to remind Team processes and procedures to do it right. He said that he Mayorberry that they expect better of them. Mr. said that four is to take responsibility for the face of the world, Seipt lesson number that they are at full capacity. He said the thanking everyone that's here tonight and noted for what people are also outside and online, and this is citizens up they believe in and for what's right. Mr. Seipt noted that Snyder "Life standing because the world cares about how you feel, but because the world reacts to what says, is political, not you do." He said that 4 lesson three is to beware the one-party state, and Team Mayorberry is acting like they're the only four voices in this town that matter. Mr. Seipt said that the party that exercises such control proposes few policies that are popular with the society at large and several that are unpopular, and thus must either fear democracy or weaken it. He said that lesson two was to defend institutions, which is why they were here tonight, noting that institutions are what make their world run. He said that SO many are here to voice their opinion to protect their police, their town staff, and their town programs. He added that lesson number one was to not obey in advance, and they're not obeying. Erica Stought, 210 Upper Brook Terrace, said that Town Council should be boring it shouldn't require getting a babysitter to hold local government accountable. Ms. Stought said that she found it curious that the idea for eliminating the police department was Vice Mayor Nett's, yet it was Councilmember Khalil bringing it forward. She asked ifthe purpose of that statement was to make sure everyone knows Mr. Nett was the one really calling the shots, and she quoted him as saying, "As a town employee, I see some of the areas for cost-saving measures. > She said she wondered if getting rid of their whole police department was because he couldn't be chief-and no one has heard of a Brady'd police chief or someone in a position of public trust who was Brady'd. She said that it just doesn't happen. Ms. Stought said they should have known that, but they were arrogant and dismissive of any ethical or moral standard. Ms. Stought said that they made themselves a victim oft the system, but the real victim is now the town because it is at their hands that they are in this mess. She said that every person she's personally spoken with would rather pay more in taxes than lose their police department, which they might know that if they cared enough about the town to ask-but they do not care and have made that abundantly clear. Ms. Stought said that Vice Mayor Nett is on the Brady Giglio list, placed there by the Commonwealth Attorney. She said that he now also has an advisory opinion against him, telling him not to talk or vote, and then an investigation was announced today. Mayor Bertaut was suspended from the Coalition ofLoudoun Towns, the first time that's ever happened in the organization's history. She said that apparently, councilmembers Bertaut, Nett, Luke, and Khalil think they are SO important that all these institutions and other powers are colluding against them and asked why they are sO self-important. She said that this is Purcellville, and they need to lower themselves and shrink their egos a bit, and maybe then they can stop this boat from totally sinking. Ms. Stought said it is now day 112 in their tenure, and her water rates were still the same. She said that despite their two dumb promises to lower them on day one, they'v ve made a move to lower them starting July 1--but at the cost of cutting their police department, at the cost of their police officers, at the cost of their safety, at the cost oft their festivals, at the cost of their parades, at the cost of their small town, yet another empty set of promises. She added that transparency is gone, slow growth is gone, and citizens first is gone; these were empty promises all along, and she thanked them for proving her right. Josh Shields, 417 Gatepost Court, said it seemed like an eternity since the March 25th Town Council meeting, which was his first to participate, which he did in part due to council's decision regarding the Main Street Virginia program. He said the program is once again on the agenda this evening, and he still hoped that council will see the benefit of the program and choose to heed the advice of businesses and citizens and understand that, yes, it does take money to get grants, and staff time. But he said that heeding the advice and input oft their citizens is something that the majority members of this body seem not to care about and stubbornly resist. He said there were SO many items that he could speak about tonight, as it seems like each new day brings a new revelation ofi misconduct, gross negligence, malfeasance, potentially illegal, and definitely unethical actions. Mr. Shields said that he could bring up newi investigations by any number of parties over the past month, including today's announcement by the Office of1 the. Attorney General. But he said he would leave this for everybody else in the room. He stated that they have brought us all together as a town, and he congratulated them on that. He asked if the four oft them-well, three plus Mr. Nett-were prepared to take this fight the whole way through. Mr. Shields asked iftheir hidden benefactors were ready with open wallets and stubborn hearts to fight a battle that-win or lose--absolutely will cost them thousands of dollars, time, sleepless nights, media 5 coverage, likely negative for their town, unfortunately. He asked ift they were willing to spend the time, energy, sweat, and tears to see this through, knowing that in less than two or four years, they will lose any reelection campaign they might mount. He urged them to give it some deep thought, because without a doubt, the widely diverse, highly energized group of residents and volunteers that have brought this fight to their doorstep are ready, willing, and funded to see it through. Mr. Shields concluded by stating that perhaps it's time to choose what is right for themselves and their town: resign. Elizabeth Ford addressed the council and recounted stories of residents who were saved because of the Purcellville Police Department: a 23-year-old woman who was in a diabetic coma, a 14-year-old girl who was assaulted by a family member, and a child who almost died at the hands oftheir mentally ill mother, who claimed voices were telling her to kill the child. She said that the police department intervened and saved these lives. She also said that 40 local children come to the Homework Club, which the PPD hosts and runs with her and the organization Better A Life, which feeds children who need it most. Ms. Ford said that she has witnessed the Purcellville Police Department go above and beyond, removing individuals who pose danger to themselves and immediately responding to concerns. She asked why council would risk their lives when it's known that officers from Leesburg or other areas cannot arrive fast enough-with 10-15 minute response times instead of six. She noted that with every minute of CPR defibrillation, the chances of survival decreases by 7-10%, and factored in an additional 10 minutes when thel PPD can' 't get there. She said that they were risking the lives of the community, and she asked them to stop. Mary Jane Williams, 313 Locust Grove Drive in Purcellville, thanked Justin Murrell for sharing his insights on the happenings around town with the council and for providing a step-by-step explanation. Ms. Williams also thanked Sheriff Chapman for his detailed explanation oft the working papers from the agenda, which addressed the relationship between the county sheriff's department and the town of Purcellville. Ms. Williams acknowledged the contributions ofthe town departments, emphasizing their efforts to communicate in clear, everyday language the importance of retaining the police department for the town's daily operations. Ms. Williams extended her thanks to Hannah, Karen, and Christina for breaking the news regarding the criminal investigation, as well as to councilmembers Rayner, Wright, and Stought for setting an exemplary standard for younger generations. She commended them for completing tasks, seeking assistance when needed, and showing up prepared to discuss vital town issues. Ms. Williams also expressed her appreciation for LaDonna Snellbaker in the HR department, who took time with tasks such as preparing applications, sorting them, and coordinating interview schedules related to the search for a new chief-which demonstrated LaDonna's commitment to her role and service to the town. Ms. Williams acknowledged the strong-willed women of the town staff and their demonstration to the younger generation that it's commendable to have an independent opinion and express it, teaching others to think for themselves and embrace independence. Ms. Williams shared that Mayor Berteau and Town Manager Fraser had once described her as a "flipper and a fraud" when she expressed independent thoughts. Ms. Williams voiced concerns about two women on the council whom she believed were overly influenced by three men controlling the narrative, noting that one of those men was facing a criminal investigation, and suggested that aligning with them could pose risks. She stated that the report on defunding the police raised numerous issues and questioned the potential transfer of the Poland House to the Loudoun County Sheriff's Department, since according the report, it no longer exists. Nicole Acosta stated that she has been a resident of Purcellville for the past 16 years and was here tonight representing herself, not any organizations. Ms. Acosta stated that she had concerns about the ongoing discussions regarding the potential disbanding of the police department. She expressed that, as a resident and someone with 12 years of experience in the field of domestic and sexual violence intervention, she was particularly worried about the impacts such a decision might have on the community. Ms. Acosta said she was also concerned about whether proper legal procedures had been 6 followed in making such a decision. She stated that the Commonwealth's: Attorney had suggested the council may have acted outside of state code, which warranted further review before any permanent actions were taken. Ms. Acosta said the services provided by the Purcellville Police Department were an essential part oft the town's public safety. She expressed concern that if a partnership with the county through LCSO was chosen, the details of that partnership needed to be made clear to the public and to the county before decisions were finalized. Ms. Acosta stated her concerns about the council's general decision-making process during budget deliberations. She expressed that major changes seemed to be under consideration without staff reports, consultants' input, or adherence to town and state policies and procedures--raising questions about transparency, ethics, and governance. She said proposals such as transferring meals tax revenue from the general fund and adjusting water rates deserved more public discussion. She expressed that these financial shifts could affect residents and the town's credit rating, and they required clear data and public input before decisions were made. Ms. Acosta expressed support for the Main Street Revitalization Program. She said that small businesses were a cornerstone of small towns like Purcellville and an important part of the town's economy. She concluded by thanking the council for their time and consideration. Amy Neiberger introduced herself as a resident of Purcellville since 2009 and the owner ofthe historic Case Family Farmhouse, also known as the Big Red House on Maple Avenue. She said she was a business owner, a mother, and a Gold Star family member, expressing her alarm over the proposal to eliminate the Gold Star Family Farmhouse. Ms. Neiberger stated that she was concerned that the removal of1 the department could lead to increased insurance rates and decreased property values for homeowners like herself. She said the police department was an essential part of the community and shared a personal connection, recalling how the chief had done her fingerprints when she applied to be an adoptive mother 15 years ago. She explained that when she became a foster parent, she quickly realized the importance ofhaving a supportive village. Ms. Neiberger said the police department ensured the safety of her home and the vulnerable children she cared for. She cited a specific instance where officers helped locate a child who had snuck out during the night, emphasizing how well they knew the community. Ms. Neiberger said the police had responded to medical emergencies at her home and secured the scene when one of her foster children was hit by a car near the McDonald's. She also stated that officers offered valuable advice during a conflict with a neighbor, which helped defuse the situation. She said thej police were vital to the town's events, including the annual Memorial Day Ceremony, which honors individuals like her brother, U.S.Army Specialist Christopher Nyberger, who was killed in action during the Iraq War in 2007. She stated that she had always been touched by the community's recognition ofher family's service and sacrifice. She expressed concern that such ceremonies could be at risk without the support of law enforcement.Ms. Neiberger concluded by stating that good governance wasn't about political paybacks or a refusal to communicate; instead, she said, it was about acting in the best interest oft the community. She called on the town council to work collaboratively to preserve the police department, engage the community in dialogue, and find solutions to the budget challenges that would benefit everyone. Dan Reed stated that since the days of Patrick Henry, Virginia has always stood for unrestricted citizen input, and their two-minute restriction on speakers is ridiculously cowardly and a socialist act. He said that citizens should not be afraid to speak their minds and questioned the reasons behind a two-minute limit. He said that when people sought a place to call home, they looked at Purcellville and appreciated it for what it already was, not for what it might become if drastically changed. He said no one moved there with the intent of turning the town upside down. Mr. Reed stated that Purcellville had thrived as a community-driven municipality for over a century, built on the collective spirit ofi its people rather than guidance from an elite few. He emphasized that the town's direction had always been determined by the majority of its citizens. Addressing the voting majority, he said that under state statute, the council had one last opportunity during that evening's meeting to reconsider the zoning ordinance passed earlier. He stated that the ordinance had been adopted in obscurity, with most citizens left unaware ofi its 7 implications. Mr. Reed said the council should bring the ordinance back for reconsideration in a transparent manner, allowing proper dialogue and citizen involvement before moving forward. Mr. Reed stated that the ordinance, as it stood, represented a widespread taking from the citizens, including overlays, downzoning, and redistricting. He warned that these actions would likely lead to reduced property assessments, citing preliminary discussions with Loudoun County officials who suggested that assessed values could drop in 2026 due to the ordinance's impact. Mr. Reed concluded by stating that at at time when Purcellville's revenue streams were being significantly altered, a decline in real estate tax revenue would exacerbate the town's financial challenges. Mr. Stought said that Christy Morgan was unable to attend but sent an email to be read into the record: "T'm unable to be there in person tonight due to a medical issue, but I truly wish I could be. Once again, the majority and their political ally have demonstrated their incompetence, their lack of understanding of how to govern, and their vindictive behavior While many in town may not have fully grasped what's been happening, a core group has worked hard to shed light on it-the very group that Nett believed were the only ones who shared their positions. It began with the firing of] Rick Bremseth and the appointment of their political ally-first as interim, and now as the official town manager, despite being unqualified for the role. Our town is at ai financial tipping point, much of it due to Fraser's actions. And instead of bringing in someone with real governing experience to right the ship, you've put the fox in the hen house. Wel have the required petitions, and they will be submitted. Nett's votes will be overturned due to conflict of interest and the potential for personal gain. The hundreds of citizens who have shown up and signed are sending a clear message. They want their town back. To borrow a phrase, We want their town council meetings to be boring again. For those who haven'tyet signed the petitions, we have volunteers here tonight and another signing event tomorrow. Take the opportunity to stand up against the majority and the current town manager. Your voice matters. Let it be heard." Annie Bailey, a resident and employee in the town of Purcellville, stated that she and her husband were both teachers in town. She said that dismantling the police department would remove an essential layer of safety in the schools. Ms. Bailey stated that when fully staffed, the Purcellville Police Department has seven police officers on duty during school hours, all of whom could respond to any ofthe five public schools in Purcellville in under five minutes. She added that this does not include Patrick Henry College or the numerous preschools and daycares in the town and relying solely on the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office would not provide the same level of safety. Ms. Bailey stated that the presence of the Purcellville Police Department is more than just a reactive force; it actively contributes to the community's security. She: mentioned that their proactive engagement at community events such as trunk-or-treat, parades, and baseball games, noting that their presence adds a layer of safety and assurance. Ms. Bailey stated that the department's 's involvement in programs like homework clubs and their visible presence in the community demonstrate their commitment to helping and caring for residents. She expressed concern over the reckless manner in which the process of dismantling the police department was being handled, suggesting that some actions were driven by emotions rather than calm and level-headed decision-making. As a kindergarten teacher, Ms. Bailey said that she teaches her students the importance of solving problems calmly and methodically. She stated that balancing the town's budget is a significant issue but argued that dismantling the police department should be considered only as a last resort. Ms. Bailey said that the Purcellville police officers are dedicated professionals who wake up each morning to protect the community and contribute to making it one of the safest towns in Virginia. She stated that such safety is invaluable and cannot have a price tag attached to it. She urged the council to make the choice that aligns with being the "good guys" in this matter. Ms. Bailey stated that the council represents the people and their wishes. She said that neither the citizens nor the businesses in Purcellville support the idea of dismantling the police department. She concluded by expressing her hope that the council would make the right decision for the community. 8 Beverly Chiasson, 110 North 28th Street, stated that her comments are directed to the Mayberry Council and Mr. Fraser. Ms. Chasen said that during their campaign, promises were made to people that they knew couldn't be kept. She stated that Fraser was aware those promises were hollow and had been around long enough to know that. Ms. Chasen said that every meeting with financial consultants, staff, and previous town managers confirmed that what was being proposed couldn't be done without destroying the town's credit rating or services. She said Fraser either thought he was smarter than them or simply didn't care. Ms. Chiasson stated that these false promises weren't made just to anyone-they were made to friends, family, and neighbors. She said that people voted for them because he told them what they wanted to hear and earned their trust. She compared the situation to Bernie Madoff, who carried out his Ponzi scheme for over a decade because his clients trusted him as their friend, family, and neighbor. Ms. Chasen said perhaps if he had voted to abolish the police department, Madoff would have been stopped much earlier. Ms. Chiasson said that Councilmember Nett took it further and let down his fellow officers. Ms. Chiasson stated that Nett had been voted Police Officer ofthe Year because his colleagues trusted him, and now, she said, he is a disgrace to his uniform. She stated that their campaign slogan included promises of"citizens first, 23 "slow growth, 9 "fiscal responsibility,; > and "transparency," but every promise, except for slow growth, had been violated. She said slow growth was safe only because the new zoning ordinance suffocated new business opportunities. Ms. Chiasson stated that Purcellville was now united. She said citizens were united through petition signing and had met hundreds of residents over the past few weeks, many of whom had voted for them. She thanked Erin, Caleb, Kevin, the Purcellville Police Department, Sheriff Chapman, the Commonwealth. Attorney, and all the citizens here for supporting Purcellville. She concluded by stating, "We are united." Marty Kloeden stated that he is here tonight in a capacity of a proud retired Purcellville police officer, hired in 1989, where he served for eight years as an officer and later the sergeant oft the first squad we ever fielded in Purcellville. Mr. Kloeden stated that he retired due to a line-of-duty illness that almost killed him while protecting the citizens of Purcellville in 1998. He said that he graduated first in his academy class, the 74th session of the Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy, and received a Valor. Award in 1998 for his service during Hurricane Fran, assisting the county. Mr. Kloeden stated that his squad of five took great pride in protecting the town, interacting with local residents and children, and participating in, assisting with, and hosting multiple community events. He said that the Purcellville Police Department was, and still is, the very definition of community policing, serving as a model for others. He stated that two critical issues must be considered: service and cost. He asked how the town would duplicate the five-minute-or-less response time of the Purcellville Police Department with current county resources. He said that it was not feasible, pointing out that in his experience living in the western part of Philomont, and Loudoun County Sheriff's Office response times often varied between 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the time of day and their workload. Mr. Kloeden stated that the economic hub of Western Loudoun, full of schools, businesses, and residents, would become the largest Virginia town without a local police department if the Purcellville Police Department were disbanded. He said that this would be dangerous and added that, in his professional opinion, every minute in a critical incident is an eternity. He cited numerous examples where Purcellville Police Department officers arrived first, often minutes before other emergency services, and saved lives. He stated that disbanding the Purcellville Police Department would lead to substantial costs for the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office and the county. He said that the rest ofLoudoun County's 400,000-plus citizens would not want to subsidize the town ofl Purcellville. Mr. Kloeden explained that the town would need to pay for new deputies, vehicles, resources, and stations just to duplicate patrol functions, let alone the community functions currently provided by the police department. He concluded by saying that disbanding the Purcellville Police Department was, in his opinion, a very bad idea. Daniel Carville, 224 Apsley Terrace, said he wanted to express how deeply disturbed he was by the decision of the new town manager to release such critical information to the public without formal discussions with the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office. He stated that this lack of due diligence 9 demonstrated the town manager's inability to hold the position. Mr. Carville said Purcellville deserved a professional town manager, not a politician playing with public safety to lower water rates. Mr. Carville stated that response times for police were. a matter of life and death for the town's residents. He recounted an incident from June 2019, when a Purcellville police officer had been dispatched to a domestic violence call involving an armed and enraged man threatening his family and himself with a knife. While en route to the scene, he said, the situation escalated, with dispatch reporting that the suspect was pouring gasoline throughout the home and on himself. Mr. Carville explained that the officer arrived swiftly, with a three-minute response time, as he was in an adjacent neighborhood. He said that once the family was evacuated from the home, the officer began searching for the suspect. Mr. Carville stated that, as the officer approached the residence, he heard a loud explosion and screaming. He said the officer then witnessed a man fully engulfed in flames running from the house. Without hesitation or regard for his own life or safety, Mr. Carville said, the officer radioed for medical assistance and rushed to the suspect's aid, using his bare hands to extinguish the flames. Mr. Carville stated that this heroic act of bravery undoubtedly saved the man's life and the family. He emphasized that ifthere had been a 15-minute response time, the outcome would have been drastically different. Mr. Carville concluded by naming the officer as Lieutenant David Camp oft the Purcellville Police Department, whom he had known since their children were babies. Mr. Carville said that Lieutenant Camp is a hero to his children and a hero to him. He added that the officer is one of the 13 heroes the council is trying to eliminate. Christian Rayner, 108 Upper Hayford Place, stated that these meetings used to be- -and are supposed to be- painfully boring, with discussions of taxes, public event announcements, etc. He stated that it is now: a circus, thanks to the mayor. Mr. Rayner said that he was speaking tonight because the decisions being made were not just foolish-they were dangerous and long-lasting. He stated that ignoring the town's finance department, as if bankrupting the town was a strategy, was unacceptable. Mr. Rayner said that hiring an unqualified acquaintance to run the town and attempting to dismantle a 100-year-old police department reflected poor judgment. He stated that allowing a recently fired individual to vote on dissolving their former employer reeked of spite and irresponsibility. Mr. Rayner said that ignorance from the others on the council was on another level. He stated that perhaps it was fine, since the county would pay for it and Purcellville could sleep soundly knowing a security guard might patrol a storefront. He concluded with the observation that one of the proposals was laughable in its lack of substance and foresight. Mr. Rayner stated that he brought his children to the meeting for three reasons. First, he said, to show their support for their mother, who alongside Caleb and Kevin, was fighting for the people of the town. He stated that his children were demonstrating persistence, principles, and the spirit of public service. Second, he said, to teach his children that bullies who abuse their power, intimidate staff, and make decisions behind closed doors would eventually be exposed and removed. Finally, Mr. Rayner said, he wanted to prove that even his first-grade daughter could lead the town better. He stated that she listened to her friends, trusted the experts around her, and was taught to treat others with respect, which he described as the foundation of basic leadership. Becky Gardner, 410 South Nursery, stated that authority without integrity leads to corruption, which is what she believed was unfolding in Purcellville at the moment, She said that what was being witnessed were not disagreements or policy differences, but rather corruption disguised as procedure, driven by a majority more concerned with power than with public service. She said that holding office does not make someone a leader, casting votes does not equate to serving the people, and possessing the authority to dismantle or replace systems does not make those actions just. Ms. Gardner stated that the town's police department, once accredited, respected, and integral to making Purcellville the safest town in Virginia, was set to be eliminated without public input -not because it had failed, but because certain council members believed they could do SO. She said that a fired police officer, flagged on the Brady list for dishonesty and under state investigation, had cast a vote to disband the very department that officer once served. She stated that this was not oversight but personal vengeance turned into policy. She also 10 said that a mayor who had been removed from the Coalition of Loudoun Towns for failing to act transparently now hid behind process while trust in the governing body eroded. Ms. Gardner stated that a former mayor who had acquired the town manager role was now presiding over the ruins of the system they had helped dismantle. She said that council members who acted as little more than puppets, reading from prepared scripts, were failing at true representation. She stated that the residents of Purcellville deserved more than placeholders in council seats and representatives who lacked independent voices. She said that when council members stopped listening to their community and weaponized their positions, they dismantled the very institutions meant to protect the people. Ms. Gardner stated that this was not governance but exploitation--and this town was not theirs to exploit. Amanda Dayton stated that she owns the business located at 151 West Main Street and was attending the meeting in multiple capacities--including as a business owner, a property owner, an EDAC member, and president of the Purcellville Main Street program. She said she wanted to take a moment to follow up regarding the town's participation in the Virginia Main Street program. Ms. Dayton said she hoped the council members had taken the opportunity over the past month to learn more about this valuable initiative, emphasizing its distinction from programs like Main Street America or Main Street USA, which refers to Disney. She said that while she understood their schedules had been busy, she was disappointed that none of the council members attended the steering committee meetings, but she trusted the members had reviewed the materials shared with them. Ms. Dayton said that in the meantime, the Purcellville Main Street organization had been active, filing incorporation paperwork, working on nonprofit status, and submitting approximately $40,000 worth of grant applications. She emphasized that these grants would support various restoration projects in town, including assisting one of the oldest businesses in revitalizing its business model to ensure its continued presence in the community. Ms. Dayton stated that these grants did not require matching funds from the town. She said that the Main Street program is composed of dedicated residents and business owners who are investing their time and resources at no cost to the town. Ms. Dayton stated that, as she mentioned during the town council meeting last month, the group was not seeking financial support but rather a letter of support that had already been submitted and incurred no additional cost to the town. Conversely, she said that creating a resolution to withdraw town support would involve expenses related to attorney and staff time, in addition to causing further distress among constituents. Ms. Dayton stated that Councilmember Luke had expressed support for the organization at the previous meeting, and she looked forward to continued backing now that it had been confirmed there were no costs involved. She said that while she intended to address Councilman Nett, his absence prevented her from doing sO, but she hoped that his interest in economic development, which had led him to request the EDAC liaison position, would also extend to supporting this initiative. Ms. Dayton concluded by sharing a quote, stating, People in small towns, much more than in cities, share a destiny. > She said that the decisions made by the council impacted everyone, including their quality of life, safety, convenience, and livelihoods, and she urged them to take these responsibilities seriously. Joan Lehr, 824 Woodbine Court, stated that she is also a business owner here in town. Ms. Lehr said she had spent eight years sitting in the very seats the council members now occupied and assured them that if her administration had followed similar actions, the town would have been gone years ago. She stated that the council members were elected by the people, but now the voters were questioning why they had cast their votes for them. Ms. Lehr said that during the campaign, promises had been made to lower water bills by 50% on day one, but the reality had proven otherwise. She stated that even the proposed 10% reduction would save households only between $150 to $500 annually, which, in her opinion, did not justify dismantling the police department. She said the police department was worth far more than those savings. Ms. Lehr stated that transparency was a term completely absent from the council's vocabulary, and none of their actions since taking office had been transparent. She stated that the public had not been informed about plans to fire the town manager and replace that individual with someone lacking qualifications-a move that required a prior vote to amend the position's 11 qualifications. She said the council had also failed to disclose plans to disband the police department, which, she claimed, was done in retaliation for a specific firing. Ms. Lehr further stated that the votes surrounding these decisions were unethical and possibly illegal. She said the town attorney should have been: fully aware of the conflict-of-interest issues that such votes represented. She stated that any employee in a direct line of management should recuse themselves from discussions or votes impacting their department. Ms. Lehr said the council was now attempting to disband the police department while proposing an amendment to the town charter, which goes against the town's rules. She stated that such changes required aj public hearing and could not legally be enacted without public input. She said that their attorney should have known this as well. Ms. Lehr said the council had not spoken with the Loudoun County Sheriff's Department about the implications of their decision, despite claiming otherwise. She stated that this misrepresentation further undermined their credibility, as those are two major lies to the public. Ms. Lehr stated that, as was evident during the meeting, some members ofthe council were: not informed about their agenda changes, with motions being read by the Mayberry members. Ms. Lehr said it was clear that the attorney was aware oft these changes prior to the meeting. She added that the attorney is supposed to work for the council as a whole, and no communication should go to a council member or the town manager without copying the entire council. She mentioned that this was a process that had been in place for years. She further stated that the Virginia rules of professional conduct dictate that a lawyer should not intentionally prejudice or damage a client during the course of a professional relationship. Ms. Lair said that withholding information from specific members of the council or not responding to them is against these rules. Ms. Lehr stated that the residents and business owners of Purcellville were speaking loudly and wanted a fresh start. She concluded by saying that they desired council members who would work together. Finally, Ms. Lehr said, "The bottom line is: Resign, because the courts are going to take the next step-and it's not going to be fun." Heidi Shields stated that she is an eighth grader at Blue Ridge Middle School and was here to speak about the decision they made at the end of the last meeting to get rid oft the police department. Ms. Shields said that young people in the community, including teenagers like herself, were not just passive observers but active voices. She stated that her decision to speak was made independently and not influenced by her parents. Ms. Shields said that the decision to defund the police department was dismantling a group that had been instrumental in keeping the town among the safest in Virginia, ranked in the top ten for safety and 17th nationally for low property crime rates. She stated that the council's actions were not just about removing a service but about jeopardizing the safety and jobs of 16 police members who had families depending on them. Ms. Shields said that alternative methods to reduce costs should be explored without compromising the safety of the community. She stated that the plan proposed by the council, which involved partnering with the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office, was not a viable solution. Ms. Shields said that the proposed changes would increase the response time from the current five minutes to 15 minutes, a difference she stated could mean the loss of lives rather than their preservation. Ms. Shields concluded by urging the council to think carefully about the consequences of their decisions. Katie Copeland, 704 Wooden Bridge Drive, said that she was here because she was deeply concerned about the decision they made to dismantle the Purcellville Police Department a decision that was framed as a way to save three million dollars. She said it seems less about fiscal responsibility and more about personal agendas. She asked why they haven't collaborated or had basic communication with the Loudoun County Sheriffs Department, as that shows that they don't have any understanding about the real impact of this move. Ms. Copeland said that what was even more alarming was how out of step this decision seemed to be with the will of the people oft the town. She stated that week after week, residents came forward asking to be heard, asking for transparency, and asking for accountability. She said that instead of addressing these concerns, the council continued to push through drastic changes that would permanently alter their town. She stated that their local police department knew the town well and was 12 part ofthe community. Ms. Copeland said that dismantling the department without a clear, thoughtful, and community-supported plan was not leadership but pure recklessness. She stated that she urged the council to stop, to listen, and to do the work the town had elected them to do. She said that this was not about a budget line but about the future and safety of their town. Ms. Copeland said that she was standing up for what she believed was right, and four members of the council were abusing their power and position. Ms. Copeland said that, due to the 4-3 split within the council, the majority could always dictate decisions, regardless oft the community's voice. She stated that such a dynamic was unfair and that the town's future should not rest in the hands of four people deciding whether or not to dismantle the police department. Ms. Copeland said that proceeding with this decision would not benefit the town, and she reminded the council that their responsibility was to act in the town's best interest. She stated that the positions they held demanded integrity, and she questioned whether they were pursuing personal agendas. Ms. Copeland said that the town trusted the council with their roles, but the trust was being abused. She stated that defunding the police department, an institution that kept the town extremely safe, was a poor choice. She remarked that the town' 's ranking as one of the safest in Virginia was a testament to the police department's effectiveness, and she expressed her disapproval of taking away the officers' jobs. Ms. Copeland said that she appreciated the opportunity to speak and hoped that by the time the council decided to dismantle the police department, a recall effort would already be underway. She stated that she and her sister could not sign but urged those present to sign the petition to recall the four council members. She concluded by saying that those sitting at the council table should act in the community's interest and not misuse their power. Jeff Hedrick, 433 Chase Court, stated that during Mr. Nett's campaign, he liked to tout his grandiose accomplishments and background, most of which people have rightly raised a skeptical eye to. He said that one thing that he correctly promoted, however, was the work of the Purcellville Police Department, as he talked about the police department's role in catching a student bringing a gun to Blue Ridge Middle School. Mr. Hedrick said that as a parent oftwo middle-schoolers, he thanked Mr. Nett and the Purcellville Police Department for their role in this. Mr. Hedrick said that Councilmember Khalil said the police department is a drain on their resources- -and that is just horribly wrong. He added that she should be ashamed to even say that. He asked what discussions have been conducted about this ban the police and what consultants reviewed it. He said ift there is a report on the police department, that's something that should be shared. He asked why they would hold a vote on such an important topic when Councilmember Stought was absent. He also asked why Mr. Nett was included on this, as the Commonwealth. Attorney had correctly stated. Mr. Hedrick stated that there was an obvious conflict of interest, which he described as yet another example of unethical behavior displayed by Team Mayberry. He said that Mr. Nett mentioned during the meeting that he was the last to come to the decision that the police department should be disbanded. Mr. Hedrick stated that this gave the impression of ongoing discussions between Mr. Nett and the council members. He pointed out that Mr. Nett had been terminated on April 4th, while the decision regarding the Police Department was made on April 8th. Mr. Hedrick said that this timeline suggested either discussions took place within those four days or Mr. Nett was included in discussions on matters from which he should have been excluded. He stated that either scenario reeked of corruption and supported the perception that Mr. Nett acted with a conflict of interest. Mr. Hedrick said that Mr. Nett should never have been allowed to put forth a motion to fire the town manager, Mr. Bremseth, and hire Mr. Fraser, who Mr. Hedrick claimed acted more like a mayor than Mr. Nett himself. He stated that this behavior further underlined the lack of ethics in the situation. Finally, Mr. Hedrick expressed his gratitude to Councilmembers Stought, Wright, and Rainer. He said that these three individuals exemplified leadership, honor, and integrity, none of which, he stated, were present in the actions oft the other council members. Daniella Harris stated that she is a 22-year resident of Purcellville, and her comments were directed to the Mayberry Town Council and the town manager. She said she stood not only as a concerned citizen but as a voice for many who felt the weight of recent decisions affecting the heart and soul of their 13 community and the small town they cherished. She urged each council member to take a moment for profound self-reflection, emphasizing that true leaders serve others and, most importantly, listen. She said the choices made by the council had deeply impacted the citizens, affecting friends, families, and the community as a whole. Ms. Harris said the damage inflicted upon Purcellville was not a fleeting issue but a profound disturbance that would likely take years to mend. She pointed out the staggering level of short-sightedness exhibited in recent decisions and remarked that it was beyond comprehension. Ms. Harris stated that week after week, a troubling pattern continued, compounding mistakes of the past. She said that doubling down on these actions, instead ofl listening to the community, had left many bewildered. She likened the situation to a "made-for-TV movie" and said it was sad to witness. Ms. Harris said that facts seemed to be twisted to fit a narrative detrimental to the community the council was supposed to serve. Ms. Harris stated that this relentless pursuit not only ignored the voices of the people but actively worked against the very fabric holding the town together. She stated that the actions ofthe council seemed determined to dismantle rather than build the community. Ms. Harris implored the council to return to the basics of common sense and integrity, which were noticeably absent. She urged them to remember the weight of responsibility and the trust placed in them by the community. She concluded by stating that if they can't do their job, they should resign. Caitlin Serotkin, a resident of Pencoast Drive, stated that she lives with her husband and two teenagers. She said that her two teenagers work in town, and her family is engaged in their neighborhood and in the community. Ms. Serotkin stated that their decision to dismantle the Purcellville Police Department is personal to her and rooted in practicalities, not politics. She said her family moved to Purcellville primarily because ofi its safety and convenience for walking, biking, working, shopping, and getting around town. She stated that the Purcellville Police Department has helped her family on more than one occasion, such as when one of her daughter's younger friends went missing in the neighborhood and was quickly located within 10 minutes. Ms. Serotkin said the department also assisted when her family received threats from unknown individuals on the dark web, including threats to harm her daughter. She stated that the Purcellville Police Department covered shifts when the sheriff's office could not, ensuring their neighborhood was monitored and secure. She added that in March, she was involved in a live shooting incident out of state. She said her life and her daughter's safety were preserved due to the quick response of the police in that city. She stated that she had barricaded herself in a closet for 30: minutes while her daughter ran for her life. Ms. Serotkin stated that she cannot imagine what would happen in their high schools, of which there are two in town, during a live shooting incident if there were: no quick response. She said that when residents move to Purcellville, they accept paying more to live there, knowing they will receive the services the town provides, including a local police department. She said ifthe service is removed, there is little reason for the town to exist independently, as living there would be more expensive without the benefits of local services. She said her teenagers are currently able to safely shop, work, bike, walk around town, and attend high school sporting events, sometimes requiring police presence. She stated that this is possible because the Purcellville Police Department prioritizes safety and well-being for residents. She said the town's residents pay more for this security and expect the council to uphold these services, and ift taxes or water rates need to be raised to ensure these essential services, then those measures should be considered. Dustin Herman, 316 Locust Grove, stated that Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote, "A foolish consistency is a hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines. 7 He stated this suggests that a rigid adherence to a set of beliefs or actions, even when they no longer seem appropriate, is a characteristic of small-mindednes. He said it implies that true intelligence and greatness lie in the ability to adapt, learn, and change one's thinking in light of new information or circumstances. Mr. Herman stated to the council majority that they have the ability to change their mind. He said they should take a look around the room and outside, asking whether this is what they imagined would be the case when they campaigned a year ago. He said that one ofthe council majority members had stood on his front porch while campaigning as a neighbor, as someone who walked their 14 kids to school past his house, and convinced him of his plan to reduce water and sewer rates, like the majority of voters. He said he believed it then but no longer does; he changed his mind. Mr. Herman commented that at no point did this person bring up defunding the police department to make that happen, and it was not surprising that this person had been named Purcellville Police Officer of the Year. Mr. Herman said that he changed his mind and that the council majority can change theirs too. He stated they should listen to their constituents and asked whether they truly want to be the largest town in Virginia without a police force. Mr. Herman said that the council majority, specifically Ms. Luke and Ms. Khalil, do not have to remain in their campjust because they joined the council as the majority. Mr. Herman stated that they should vote their conscience, vote their heart, and vote the wishes of their neighbors and friends. He said they should not vote just because the mayor and vice mayor tell them what to do. He stated they should have a backbone and, for the love of God, do the right thing. Kirsten Shields, 417 Gatepost Court, allowed some silence to pass as a statement on what their town feels like in the context of council's lack of responses. She urged them to do better and listen to their constituents. Sue Ellen Merlot, 517 Canterbury Circle, stated that she is an elementary school teacher in town and a soccer coach, as well as a parent of two kids that go to school here. Ms. Merlot said that one of the great things in the town is their police department and the way they work with the community, schools, and sheriff's department on behalf ofthe community. She stated that a few reasons her family moved to the town were its safety, the schools, and the small-town feel. Ms. Merlot said she loved the parades and the fact that her kids could safely walk to school, ride to school, and walk around both school and town. She stated that this sense of safety was due not only to the vigilance of the police force but also to the relationships the police officers built with kids, demonstrating care and exercising responsibility in the community. Ms. Merlot said that to haphazardly pull the rug out from under the police was to also pull the rug out from under the community. She stated that she found it absolutely ridiculous to get rid ofthe police. Stephanie Keeney, a Purcellville resident for over 25 years in Locust Grove, addressed the council. She said that she wanted to make sure the three council members in particular were listening and expressed frustration about attending meetings in the conference room, where it was difficult to discern whether they were paying attention. Ms. Keeney stated that she was speaking on behalf of concerned citizen's alarmed by a pattern of lack of ransparency, questionable decision-making, and the exclusion of voices, including those of minority council members, town employees, and the citizens they were elected to represent. She stated that since January, major decisions, including the defunding ofthe police, had been made without proper consultation with minority council members and the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office. She said there had been no feasibility study, no plan for continuity ofservice, and no public input-which she described as irresponsible and dangerous. Ms. Keeney stated that the decision to fire the town manager without cause in January and to hire an unqualified replacement had only deepened concerns. She said this hire, compounded by a clear conflict ofinterest, has undermined the integrity of the entire council. Additionally, she said, the vice mayor, who was a recently fired police officer, had been allowed to vote on defunding the department from which he was terminated. While she acknowledged that the decision may have been legally permissible, she stated that the optics were damaging to public trust and raised serious concerns about conflicts ofi interest. She noted that these concerns were now central to a newly authorized investigation by the attorney general. Ms. Keeney said she did not intend to speculate on outside influences but mentioned circulating rumors about the editor ofthe Blue Ridge Leader allegedly influencing decisions made by the council's majority. Ms. Keeney urged the four majority members of the council to reflect on their actions and ask themselves whether they were making decisions they believed in or simply following external directives. She said these actions did not align with the values they had promised during their campaigns. She stated that the town was paying attention and that the widespread support for the local police department should be a clear 15 signal that the majority was out of step with the community. She said that the citizens were asking for transparent and inclusive decision-making, honest dialogue among all council members, and genuine public involvement before decisions were finalized. She thanked the three council members who she described as reasonable and reminded the speakers that they had been elected to serve the entire town, not just the majority. She concluded by stating that the public expected leaders to act with integrity, fairness, and respect. Harvey Flynn, 220 West F Street, addressed the council and stated that the current acting town manager was unfit in his eight years as mayor. He said that he was not qualified for the position and had cost the town millions of dollars during their previous term as mayor. Mr. Flynn asked whether such a person should be entrusted with the business oft the town. Mr. Flynn then shared a series of anecdotes about the police. He said that at a local grocery store, two individuals were seen filling a cart with meat, and an employee noticed the unusual behavior and contacted the police. Mr. Flynn said the town's officers arrived within minutes, apprehended the suspects as they attempted to leave with nearly $900 worth of meat, and arrested them. Mr. Flynn recounted another incident that took place at his house. He explained that a situation had escalated involving two town police officers, a school security officer, the principal, and a child who had been bullied. He described how the child had come home, and one of the officers, Officer Kakol, addressed the situation. Mr. Flynn stated that Officer Kakol approach was more effective than seeing a psychiatrist, as the officer listened, talked, and showed understanding oft the family's struggles. Mr. Flynn also mentioned the presence of another officer that day, though he could not recall their name. Hei noted that these were the kind of officers the town had. He expressed his appreciation for the police department while simultaneously criticizing the council for what he perceived as a lack of acknowledgment. He said the police had been praised during an investigation for their accomplishments, yet the council had dismissed this recognition, which he described as a "slap in the face." Mr. Flynn thanked the council. Paul Kakol stated that the path chosen by four council members was deeply unfortunate, and they have chosen to draw a line in the sand. He emphasized that elections have consequences; voting matters, and its impact should not be underestimated. He said he hoped the council members were beginning to understand the significance of these consequences. Mr. Kakol said that he had previously explained in another meeting a fundamental truth about democracy, which he believed the council members often overlooked. He stated that this truth was grounded in the principle of"we the people. > He said he was grateful for those courageous individuals who stood together and firmly declared that they would tolerate no more of the council's destructive path. He stated that these individuals had given the council countless opportunities to pause, reflect, and choose a better way forward, but the council had instead persisted in their decisions, which he described as arrogant and hubristic. Mr. Kakol stated that the vice mayor had threatened "to pursue charges to the fullest extent of the law and civil action against those who dared to voice dissent. " He said the vice mayor had questioned whether these measures were effective, but he believed the actions demonstrated clear disunity and disregard for the community. Mr. Kakol said that he wished the council had chosen a path of unity, community, and humility instead of continuing on their current course. He stated that he truly wished they had embraced the principle of "we the people. > He concluded by expressing gratitude to Councilwoman Rainer and Councilman Wright for their service and dedication to the community, stating that their contributions were appreciated. Hooper McCann of Round Hill addressed the council stated that she had worked for the town for 25 years, and it was an absolute honor and privilege to work with the finest group of local government professionals in the Commonwealth. Ms. McCann stated that local government at this level should be the very best, as it is the closest to the people and offers the opportunity to make the biggest impact. She said that the decisions made by the council had created significant impact but noted that the impact had not been positive. Ms. McCann stated that the people who worked for the town were dedicated to their 16 jobs and to serving the community, emphasizing that their motivation was not a paycheck or glory. She said that when these individuals were treated without consideration for their families or their dedication, it would ultimately reflect poorly on those who made these decisions. She stated that such treatment reduced employees to mere numbers, which she found unacceptable. She said that in 2017, she was entrusted with leading the town for a month as they searched for an interim town manager. Ms. McCann stated that during that time, a news release was issued outlining the recruitment process for the town manager position. She said that Mayor Kwesi Fraser had commented on the comprehensive nature of the process, which included input from department heads to identify the candidate best suited for the job. Ms. McCann stated that this approach prioritized the alignment of the candidate's skills and abilities with the community, council, and staff. She concluded by saying that she had dedicated 25 years to the town and remained committed to honoring its legacy through her work. Scott Kinney, 812 Woodbine Court, stated that he owns Shamrock Music Shop on Main Street. He said that his family, including Alyssa and their children, have lived in Purcellville for sixteen years and operated a business for fifteen years. He stated that his life is deeply rooted in the community and expressed that he has much at stake regarding recent developments. Mr. Kinney said that one ofthe key factors that attracted him to Purcellville was the sense of community. He stated that he appreciated the structure of having a mayor and at town council, noting how such leadership added character to the town. He said he had hoped to add a playful element to community engagement, referencing his unsuccessful attempt to convince Bob Lazaro to dress as Mayor McCheese. He stated that the police department and firefighters also appealed to him, as their dedication to keeping the community safe stood out. He said he wanted to share an off-topic reflection as he had seen his old friend and business colleague, Michael Oaks, who had started the Halloween Black Party tradition. Mr. Kinney stated that the police volunteered their time for this community event, refusing payment to ensure safety. He said the event continues today in Dillon's Woods and shared an anecdote about an officer who expressed enthusiasm for the event's positive impact on the community. Mr. Kinney stated that the police are more than first responders- -they are integral parts ofthe community, He said that the recent motion to defund and dissolve the town's police department jeopardized safety for everyone, including residents, business owners, minority council members, and the sheriff's department. He said the assumption the sheriff's department could absorb the town's policing needs without proper planning or cost analysis was misguided. He said this decision, along with abruptly firing a competent town manager without consulting the minority town council members, violated state open meetings laws. Mr. Kinney stated that council members had taken oaths to uphold state laws, and breaking those laws to force their agenda was not a good start. He said there was hope to reverse course that evening and urged the council not to be on the wrong side of history. He stated that ifthe council corrected its path, he would respect them for their decision, but he warned that failure to act would result in a continued recall movement-a tsunami-until those responsible were removed from office. William Hicks expressed concern about the actions of certain individuals in the town, emphasizing their lack ofregard for commitment and service. He noted that during the previous meeting, the council members moved to eliminate the town's police department. He refrained from discussing the merits of the decision but highlighted thei implications for town employees. Mr. Hicks emphasized that the town employees, including police officers, have lives, families, and obligations, and he criticized the lack of compassion shown by council members. He pointed out that despite receiving commendations, the police department faced visible contempt from some council members. He added that the officers, including Chief Lombrana, would still prioritize the safety of these individuals despite their treatment. Mr. Hicks mentioned that Mr. Fraser had advocated for privatizing the water and sewage department, which could severely impact long-standing employees. He noted that these employees, vested in the Virginia Retirement System and planning to work until retirement, were not being given due consideration. He stressed the dedication oft town employees, whom he described as a valuable asset to 17 the community. He urged two council members to step down, believing this would allow the remaining members to prioritize the welfare of the town and help restore honor and integrity to the town council. Beth Goldsmith, 301 West School Street, addressed the council and stated that she is moved by the turnout and all the people in the room who were frustrated and fed up, noting that it is standing room only. She said she was pro-police and did not want to see the police department dissolved. She stated that she wanted to speak briefly about the Purcellville Main Street Program. Ms. Goldsmith expressed hope that Councilmember Luke had taken the time to read about the program. She thanked the council for listening to her and for postponing their decision to this week, adding that she hoped they were better educated on the matter. She stated that she had recently joined the committee because she believed in the program, emphasizing that it was a positive initiative for business owners in Purcellville that would cost the town no money. Ms. Goldsmith said that she was excited to attend the meetings every time because she believed it was important to get involved. She mentioned seeing middle and high school students stand up and talk, highlighting the council's opportunity to turn the train around. She commented on the petitions that were signed and urged for resignation, stating that the council was in more than a little bit oft trouble. She said that once the town crossed over to the other side, the train could not be turned around. She concluded by urging the council to make better decisions and listen to their citizens, questioning how they could sleep at night. Amy Shul, 120 North 18th Street, stated that she has heard several times from some of the majority that those who have spoken up at these meetings only represent the perceived minority opinion and are always the same voices, are only a small portion oft the population, and do not represent the larger majority of citizens. She said that this evening, the community has already proven that that is not the case- -and it is really just a way of saying their voices don't matter and to discredit any of their concerns. She stated that their voices do count; they are part of the community in this town that we are all proud to call home. Ms. Shul said that whether council agrees with them or not is not the point, emphasizing that the public is entitled to clear, transparent communications that does not take place behind closed doors in secret meetings, is not inclusive of the entire town council, and does not include last-minute additions, promotions, and agenda items without opportunity for due public comment and discussion with fellow council members and supporting documentation. Ms. Shul reiterated that their voices have continued to be ignored- -and over the last week, several other voices have joined their concerns, with even more this evening. She said that these voices include the Coalition of Loudoun Towns, and the mayors are part oft that. She said that other voices have included Kelly Burke, Bridge Littleton, Ken Wynne, Chris Hornbaker, Scott Ramsey, Roger Vance, and Sheriff Chapman as well as the commonwealth's attorney and the state attorney general. She emphasized that these are noteworthy voices that shouldn't and can' 't be ignored. Ms. Shul expressed that it's a shame they didn'ttake the concerns voiced during these previous meetings into consideration, and perhaps it's not too late. She urged them to start working as a full town council where all viewpoints were considered fully and not splintered into the majority/minority model they have now. She said that while she may not agree with all the decisions made, it was how they're being made up to this point that she objects with. She thanked council members Stought, Rayner, and Wright for their strong moral compass and their integrity in continuing to fight. She added that the Purcellville Police Department is part of the fabric oftheir community, and they can't put aj price on that. Medhi Sabil said that he was proud to have been a member of the Purcellville Police Department and emphasized his experience with the agency's integrity, dedication, and heart. He stated that from his first day, he was treated like family by everyone, including the chief and administrative staff. He said that the welcoming culture and mutual respect within the department spoke volumes about the agency's values. Mr. Sabil stated that during his tenure, he witnessed the department's strong commitment to serving the people of Purcellville. Mr. Sabil said that Chief Barry Dufek prioritized visiting local businesses, listening to their concerns, and building relationships, making him a visible and approachable leader. 18 Mr. Sabil stated that supervisors encouraged officers to respond to calls proactively, showing their dedication to quick and reliable service for residents. He said the department's proactive mindset and the officers' love for their work created an environment ofhigh morale and enthusiasm. Mr. Sabil stated that such positivity radiated throughout the community, reinforcing the bond between the department and the town. He said it saddened him that discussions about abolishing the department were taking place and warned that this decision would be ai regrettable mistake. Mr. Sabil stated that the department was built on trust, service, and community, reflecting the values and spirit of Purcellville. He said Chief Dufek led by example, creating a department that embodied Purcellville's identity. Mr. Sabil stated that losing the department would represent a loss of this identity, urging council members and residents to support the local police department and its dedicated members. He concluded by saying that the department had always supported the town and deserved the support ofits residents in return. Eric Bridge, a Loudoun County resident, said he had a vested interest in the town he cherished deeply. He stated that his family shopped there, he had friends who worked there, and he had served nearly eight years as a police officer with the town's police department. He said he had originally planned to emphasize to the council, the town staff, and the citizens the significant level of service they would lose ifthey proceeded to eliminate the police department and relied solely on the sheriff's office for public safety. Mr. Bridge stated that he intended to discuss the staffing levels ofthe Western Loudoun Station, the response times of deputies covering 313 square miles of western Loudoun compared to the response time of the Purcellville Police Department, even at reduced staffing levels covering only three and a half square miles. He said that after reading the sheriff's response to the 13-page briefing document published for the council agenda, he decided to address other matters instead. He stated that he would leave discussions of ethics violations and criminal conspiracies to others. Mr. Bridge said he was uncertain who among the council majority authored the document but asserted that Sheriff Chapman would not agree to any contract or memorandum of understanding promising to keep eight deputies dedicated to the town, ensuring 24/7 coverage, or continuing numerous community policing initiatives already established. He stated that such provisions were not offered to other towns like Hamilton, Lovettsville, Hillsborough, or Round Hill. He said the council had jeopardized its own plans by prematurely publishing their manifesto and attempting to compel commitments from Sheriff Chapman. He stated that the sheriff likely found the conditions, demands, and expectations surprising, as did Mr. Bridge himself and others. Mr. Bridge said that Sheriff Chapman's response, published in Loudoun Now, made the situation clear. He stated that while the Loudoun Sheriff's Office was willing to provide law enforcement support to Purcellville, the town council lacked jurisdiction to impose conditions or requirements on the sheriff's office should the police department be dissolved. He said he questioned the council's sources for subject matter expertise and stated that, in his 38 years of law enforcement experience, he had never seen an elected sheriff pressured by a town council. He concluded by stating that such an attempt would not succeed now. Doug Gilbert, 249 East King James Street, said that he and his family have been here for 21 years. Mr. Gilbert said he had emailed to inquire about the situation, wondering about the defunding and recall efforts. He stated that his email received no response, unlike previous correspondence with mayors, which had been answered. He said he had not heard anything about defunding the police, only about solving water problems, and stated that he had voted for solutions, not problems. When hearing about the proposal to eliminate the town police, Mr. Gilbert said he thought the suggestion was as unreasonable as eliminating the Purcellville Fire and. Ambulance Service and relying on services from Leesburg instead, despite the critical importance of response times. He said that the presence of aj police and fire department was one of the reasons his family chose to live in a small town like Purcellville. Mr. Gilbert stated that the town, once affectionately referred to as Mayberry" for its charm, was now the subject of ridicule in the news, with colleagues questioning the happenings within the town. He said that if the proposal to defund the police had been raised earlier for public discussion, it would have received overwhelming opposition, prompting reconsideration. Mr. Gilbert stated that the approach taken by the council, introducing the idea 19 at the last moment without the opportunity for public comment, was not how governance should function. He said that governance should be oft the people, by the people, and for the people. Finally, Mr. Gilbert stated that if the council could not fulfill the responsibilities for which they were elected, they should either resign or face removal. Council member Rayner stated that she had the comments handed to her by Linda Jackson King, 420 South 12th Street, to read on her behalf: "The subject, disbanding oft the town of Purcellville Police. I do not favor and I strongly oppose the town of Purcellville government disbanding the town of Purcellville Police. Of note, the Town of Purcellville has not held a public hearing regarding the disbanding of their own police. Towns in Virginia must comply with the Code ofVirginia. The Code ofVirginia is the official compilation of laws enacted by the General Assembly and signed by the governor, and it applies to all residents and entities within the Commonwealth, including towns. While towns, i.e., the town of Purcellville, have certain powers to enact local ordinances, these ordinances cannot contradict or supersede the Code of Virginia. Notice, one or more public hearings shall be given in accordance with 15.2-1427. Number two, as you disband their police force, how much longer can the town actually be viable as a town? Three, statistics are misleading. Purcellville does not have violent crime. Now major cities and small municipalities that have disbanded their police departments are feeling thel loss oft their police departments as crimes soar: in their cities without a police department. Four, further, as the town of Purcellville saves 3.1 million in the budget by disbanding or rescinding the police department, the citizens in a very soon to be realized future date after Loudoun County Sheriff's Departments take over the town's police department responsibilities, their tax bills will more likely increase. Five, ironically, at the town council meeting at. April 8th, the town council sat in their seats as the town of Purcellville Police Department received accolades and an award for their wonderful police department, noting that the town of Purcellville is one of-if not the-safest towns in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The town council, while listening to these accolades, knew very well they were going to do, go into a work session and then come out with the idea of disbanding or rescinding the local police department. Certainly shows where the allegiance of the town council lies in regard to the hardworking police officers of the town of Purcellville, both past and present." 9> Casey Chapman said that he had never seen the situation unfold like this before and expressed pride in the town and its citizens for standing up when it mattered, particularly in support of their police department. He stated that he often spoke at these meetings about personal property rights for residents and businesses but acknowledged that such discussions paled in comparison to standing up for the police force, which consistently showed up to serve the community regardless of circumstances. Mr. Chapman stated that the police department demonstrated unwavering commitment, responding to issues as varied as firearm concerns or bike thefts-no matter the weather. He said that the way Mayor Bertaut conducted himself during the meeting was inappropriate and uncalled for, criticizing the mayor's demeanor as emblematic of why he was unfit for his position. He stated that the mayor's condescending attitude toward residents expressing concerns reflected an unjustified ego, which he believed was detrimental to the community. He said that the mayor's behavior was smug and disrespectful, and he called it out as unacceptable. Mr. Chapman stated that significant resources were being drained under the mayor's leadership and suggested that removing the mayor could benefit the town. He said that over the past decade, the mayor had failed to address community problems effectively, relying on borrowed ideas instead of original thought, and lacked the qualities of a natural leader. Mr. Chapman concluded by saying that the mayor should resign and allow the town to recover from the harm caused under his tenure. He stated that the officers, town staff, citizens, and businesses deserved better leadership and urged the mayor to step down for the betterment oft the community. K.J. Ritter, a student at Blue Ridge Middle School, stated that he is 12 years old, and the fact that he is here says a lot. Mr. Ritter says he knows people just like the council at his school-hypocritical. He said he sees right through those people, just like he sees right through council. He said as a black kid, he's 20 always looked up to his grandfather, Stanley Milan, who taught him how to be a leader, a role model, and a downright good person. He said that he thought it could be the same for council. He said that when he steps into school, he feels safe, because he sees a police officer. He said ifthey're not there, the likelihood of bad behavior not being held accountable increases, just like theirs. He stated that he was tired of grown-ups making bad choices, and actions have consequences, which everyone learned in preschool. Tanisha Ritter addressed council and commented that "the mighty have fallen." She expressed her disappointment in them, and noted that her father was the mayor last year, adding that she knows and has worked with every one ofthem. Ms. Ritter said that she was here because of her son, and she was exhausted by all ofthis. She said that he wanted to come here because he's SO disappointed in the grown- ups and how they all behaving. She stated that her son is here because her father was mayor last year, and her son looked up to not only my father, but also Mr. Fraser as an African-American person, as they are the only black people here. She asked the mayor if he was familiar with Mayberry and knew the era in history when Mayberry was featured, noting that it was during the. Jim Crow era. Lieutenant David Camp of the Purcellville Police Department addressed the council and said he didn't come to speak to them tonight to be rude or direct anything ill toward them. Lieutenant Camp said that he had listened to everyone speak during the meeting and wished to address a specific matter. He said his intent was to provide perspective on the importance of response time, a topic that had been consistently highlighted throughout the discussions. Lieutenant Camp said that response time held particular significance when considering the schools and facilities within the town, including Loudoun Valley, Woodgrove, Blue Ridge Middle, Emmerich, Mountain View, LBCC, Patrick Henry College, various daycare facilities, and extended care services. He emphasized the potential risks associated with incidents like active shooter situations, noting the critical value of rapid intervention. He stated that such a reality had personally impacted him recently, recounting an incident involving his daughter at Florida State University. He explained that she had been in the: same: room as the individual posing a threat and expressed gratitude to the Florida State Police Department for their timely actions in eliminating the danger. Lieutenant Camp said that this experience underscored the importance of response time and urged the council and citizens to consider its significance carefully. He asked everyone to reflect on whether response time was worth assigning a monetary value or ifit was, in fact, priceless. He concluded by expressing confidence in the Purcellville Police Department, stating that its members were prepared to risk their lives for the community and its children, and he thanked the council for their attention. Stephanie Marut, 421 Crossman Court, stated that she has lived here for 10 years and doesn't usually do public speaking, but this was really important to her. She thanked councilmembers Wright, Rainer, and Stout for all of their hard work. Ms. Marut expressed her concern by stating that what was happening in their town did not reflect democracy. She said that she had been observing with shock as critical decisions were being made hastily, without feedback from the public and without full council participation. She stated that this approach to governance was not only misrepresentative and presumptive but also irresponsible. Ms. Marut went on to share a personal incident from her neighborhood that occurred in broad daylight a few years ago. She stated that a man in an altered state, possibly due to drugs or mental illness, attempted to break into a home just three houses down from hers. She said that before officers arrived, the man managed to damage the front windows and tried to loosen the door. She stated that the prompt response oft the Purcellville Police Department prevented the individual from completing the break-in. Ms. Marut noted that her neighbors' security camera captured the man walking in front of her own house, where her children often played outside. She said that what worried her most was the council majority's stance on dissolving the PPD without consulting the Loudoun County Sheriff's Department for insights on the impact such a decision might have on the town. She stated that the Sheriff's Office had issued a statement indicating there was no agreement on dissolving the. PPD. Ms. Marut emphasized that one council member, who claimed a close relationship with Sheriff Chapman, and another council member, who lived in her same neighborhood, should understand the potential consequences of their 21 actions. She further stated that the same level of safety and prompt response times could not be guaranteed when officers might be occupied elsewhere within Loudoun County, which spans 421 square miles. Addressing Vice Mayor Nett, she said that while his statement about elections having consequences was accurate, his actions had lost him the support of those who had initially backed him. Ms. Marut concluded by stating that the people of the town were speaking up and deserved better leadership. MAYORAND COUNCIL COMMENTS: Councilmember Rayner expressed her gratitude to everyone who attended, emphasizing how remarkable it was to see the community come together, even under difficult circumstances. She said she was proud to represent all the residents and stressed the importance of everyone sharing their concerns, as this was their town. She acknowledged that while there might be disagreements on various issues, she was always open to discussions and willing to reconsider her stance if presented with compelling facts. She stated that this openness and dialogue were fundamental to democracy and encouraged continued participation from the community through meetings and emails. Councilmember Rayner said that the safety of residents, particularly children, was a top priority, mentioning her own two daughters in elementary school and the importance of] living in a safe community. She stated that the town's police force played a significant role in maintaining that safety and thanked them and the residents for their contributions to the community's well-being. She reflected on the recent statements by the Loudoun County Sheriff's Department and the Commonwealth's. Attorney, noting that they highlighted the consequences of individuals acting above the law and acting as autocrats. Councilmember Rayner stated that such actions had disrupted the town's governance and created challenges in policy making and budget decisions. She said that the current budget was nowhere near ready to be passed, and activity at recent meetings had not allowed the council to conduct business as effectively as they should. She stated that a pause was needed to regroup and determine the next steps, as she and two other council members had not been included in budget discussions or authorized changes. Councilmember Rayner called on the mayor to convene an emergency strategy meeting within the next week or two, including all seven council members, financial staff, and town leadership, to collaboratively address the budget and these challenges. She stated that waiting until June for thej proposed strategy meeting would be too late, as the budget needed to be passed by law and was not in a satisfactory state. She concluded by emphasizing the urgency of the situation, stating that the council must make serious decisions in the coming weeks and could not continue operating in silos, as had been the case. Councilmember Wright stated that he would go out on a limb and speak for Erin and Caleb, and he stated that it is the people that deserve the applause is their town citizens. He thanked them for coming and for standing up. He said that council members may be the faces and tend to get the credit but the credit is really to the citizens. He said that this is the town he grew up in, and this is the town he sees today--with people coming together when they' re in crisis. He said that this is what makes a true small town, that's what he's seeing, and that's s what he's sO happy to see has developed. Councilmember Kahlil stated that it is really hard to sit here week after week and just be constantly criticized. She said that she doesn't want to stand up because she doesn't want to let her guard down. She said that when they were running for office, they never had a conversation about transitioning the police to the county. She said that it wasn' 't until senior members of staff brought up the subject of the police department and the toll that it takes on their finances--and that's when she started to take a look at what it does. She emphasized that this is nothing at all against their officers or their police force, and she has lived in this town for 25 years. Mayor Bertaut said as the chair ofthis meeting, he'd like to ask when the Purcellville Police Department is going to help maintain public order: in aj public meeting. Lieutenant Camp indicated that the Purcellville police were here and ready to serve, but the public turnout was sO large, they were standing outside. 22 Councilmember Kahlil challenged the public to review the budget online and come up with budgetary solutions that don't involve eliminating the police department. She said that with all the time they are spending with this recall, perhaps they could find a place to meet and all go over the budget together. She claimed that they were having an exodus out of Purcellville right now because people can't afford their water bills and are saddled with a water treatment plant that was far beyond capacity. She said that they are currently in a dire financial situation, and the answer that the minority on council came up with was to do double-digit rate increases, which was not sustainable. She said that people move her knowing they're going to pay higher taxes, and she did not agree with that. Councilmember Kahlil stated that they would continue to fund their officers, but the department had not been sustainable. She suggested that they reverse their previous course. Tony Buffington said that he was a member of the Loudoun Water Board but was speaking as an individual resident of Purcellville. He stated that water and sewer was the problem, and they couldn't figure out how to fix it and were thus devouring themselves. He stated that the more local government is, the better it is, and he encouraged council to begin talks with Loudoun County on a feasibility study for them to take over-perhaps at varying levels- -the water and sewer for the town. He said that maybe they could just run it, or maybe they would take the whole thing over, giving them everything including the authority over rates. He stated that it would need further discussion, but it could not be done in a single motion at a meeting. He said that he was not talking about a new waterline from Loudoun but instead having them take over the entire water system and structure, which would relieve the burden from the town. Mr. Buffington stated that this would at least give them something to talk about and potentially give them high-quality water and sewer with a system that's maintained as it should be, with better rates for everyone. Councilmember Stought thanked all of those who came out to speak the truth tonight. He said that they were all here to support the Purcellville Police Department, and he asked attendees to not undermine their own: message or put them in a difficult position tonight. He emphasized that the public has been heard. Councilmember Stought apologized for being absent from the previous town council meeting. He said that while he had participated in the first part of the meeting, work obligations had prevented him from joining the discussion and action items. He stated that he had reviewed the agenda packet beforehand and had turned off his phone after council comments, confident that the rest of the agenda was routine. Councilmember Stought said he was shocked to discover, upon turning his phone back on, a stream of text messages indicating that the police department was set to be eliminated and Kwasi Fraser had been named permanent town manager. He stated that actions of such magnitude should have been considered publicly for months, with all key stakeholders given opportunities to weigh in. Councilmember Stought said it was an egregious oversight to exclude the chief of police from consultations and expressed disappointment with the four council members responsible for the decision. He added that the mayor had admitted to bulletproofing" the idea with some council members prior to the meeting and rhetorically asked which members, stating that the answer was already evident to everyone present. He stated that other towns without their own police departments had learned that LCSO does not have sufficient manpower to dedicate deputies solely to one particular town. He said this was a compelling reason to maintain their police department, noting the argument had even appeared in the vice mayor's campaign literature six months ago. Councilmember Stought said the claim that the decision was motivated by financial concerns, such as "double taxation, - was oversimplified and flawed. He stated that living in an incorporated town involves paying taxes for services provided by the town and argued that PPD and LCSO do not offer identical services or levels of service. Councilmember Stought concluded by stating that the decision to eliminate the police department was politically driven. He said it was clear that four council members, having campaigned on cutting wasteful spending, found no such spending to reduce during budget deliberations. He added that they were now prioritizing public safety to fulfill their campaign promise of lowering water rates and criticized this approach as improper. He said that they were playing politics with public safety- -and it's not right. He stated that none of the council members had 23 campaigned on eliminating the police department and argued that they should not present this measure as fulfilling campaign promises, calling into question their integrity. Mayor Bertaut said that additional public meetings would be necessary to engage a broader cross-section of the community and move forward with discussions. He stated that assertions regarding unauthorized budget changes in the agenda were inaccurate, clarifying that all changes had been previously authorized by votes of the town council. Mayor Bertaut said that the packet included discussions of potential budgetary impacts stemming from past votes taken by the council. He stated that he wished to make a proclamation on behalf of a citizen, declaring the week of April 21-28, 2025 as International Dark Sky Week. " He said that this proclamation encouraged residents and businesses to observe the night sky, learn about light pollution, and practice responsible outdoor lighting. Mayor Bertaut stated that he intended to read parts of a letter he had written to the State Attorney General's office earlier that day, which expressed his concern regarding the criminal investigation authorized into Councilmember and Vice Mayor Nett by the Virginia State Police. He stated that the investigation appeared politically motivated, procedurally improper, and contrary to democratic principles within the Commonwealth. He said the letter outlined several issues, including a violation of procedural rights, noting that Officer Nett had been placed on the Brady List by the Commonwealth Attorney's Office without due process, violating the Virginia Law Enforcement Officer's Procedural Guarantee. Act. He stated that politically motivated witnesses were involved, highlighting the role of Councilmember Erin Rayner, a political opponent, and the Deputy Chief of Police, whose position Officer Nett had proposed eliminating during his campaign. Mayor Bertaut said there was evidence of an orchestrated recall effort driven by political adversaries, citing unsubstantiated claims such as FOIA violations and procedural concerns about hiring a town manager. He stated that the recall included testimony from Stan Millon, a failed mayoral candidate, further underscoring the political nature oft the attacks. He said there was a conflict ofi interest in the Commonwealth, Attorney's Office, as Nicole Whitman, a high-ranking member, had previously served as Councilmember Erin Rayner's campaign manager. He stated that this constitutes a direct conflict of interest, undermining the integrity of any prosecutorial actions involving Officer Nett. Mayor Bertaut stated that the investigation appears to criminalize a lawful vote taken by Officer Nett on April 8, 2025, to direct the town attorney to draft a proposal for eliminating the local police department. He said the vote was a legitimate policy decision debated and confirmed publicly with the town attorney confirming that Mr. Nett was not barred from participating. He concluded by emphasizing that this vote contributing to a criminal inquiry was alarming and threatening to the democratic process. ACTION ITEM(S): There were none. DISCUSSIONINFORMATIONAL: ITEM(S): 11. a. Rescinding Town Code Chapter 42 and Disbanding the Purcellville Police Department and Transferring General Law Enforcement Authority for the Town to the Loudoun County Sheriff Town Attorney John Cafferky stated that he was not present at the Town Council meeting of April 8, but his understanding is that council adopted a motion requesting that staff prepare for consideration a draft ordinance moving and deleting Chapter 42 ofthe Purcellville Town Code, the chapter that authorizes the police department and directing that law enforcement responsibility be referred to the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office. He said they have complied with that request and directive, and there is a draft ordinance to that effect in the agenda packet. Mr. Cafferky said that he sees his name on the staff report but wanted to make it clear that this was not something his staff had proposed or requested or suggested, but they were asked to prepare an ordinance 24 and have done that. He stated that as the materials in the packet indicate, there are a variety of issues and concerns associated with that, both legal and practical, particularly. given the time involved with a proposed July 1 date. He said that some of those were outlined in the staff report and further outlined in the other materials council has. Mayor Bertaut said that in addition to that report, there is also a list included in the agenda packet from town staff and asked if there was a member of town staff that wanted to go through what was included in that. Mr. Fraser stated that when this came before them in their staff meeting, he asked them to be frank and blunt about the impacts of such a move on each department. He said that in their packets, they have impacts on administration, parks and rec, all department IT, and HR. He stated that all oft this information is in the packet to help inform their decisions, and he offered to answer any questions about issues that staffi identified. Councilmember Wright asked what the proposed budget was for the town police department for FY26 as presented at the first meeting. Director ofFinance Liz Krens stated that the budget for public safety is $3.397 million; ofthat, $93,000 was for fire and emergency services, $45,000 is for rescue services, and the remaining $3.2 million is for the police department. She said that there is a revenue component as well, and they get state funding, 599 funding, and ticket/e-citation revenue totaling about $220K. She stated that those were offsets, leaving a net of about $3 million. Councilmember Rayner asked Amie Ware, Parks and Recreation, to read the list of all the great things the town would lose ifthey didn'thave a police department to support parks and rec. Ms. Ware stated that the town parades, including the Independence Day and Holidays in Purcellville parades, would not be possible without law enforcement. She stated that these events rely heavily on the support oftheir police department to ensure they can take place. She said that annual festivals, such as the Purcellville Music and Arts Festival, depend on the police department to maintain order and ensure everything runs smoothly. She stated that this festival, happening soon, requires a noticeable police presence. She also said that the Purcellville Wine and Food Festival, held in July, relies on law enforcement, especially as it involves large crowds, high temperatures, and alcohol. She further stated that command centers have been set up during this festival for better coordination. She said the Celebrate Purcellville festival also benefits from similar measures due to the availability of alcohol. She stated the police department' 's presence is crucial for ensuring the smooth operation of community events, including the Halloween parade, as stated by Michael Oaks. She added that they also rely on PD for their Memorial Day celebration, which involves road closures. Councilmember Rayner stated that they would also not have the Homework Club for the kids, who love to interact with the police officers in that setting. Councilmember Stought asked to hear from Ms. Thompson. Director of. Administration Darya Thompson stated that she has been speaking with VRSA every day for the past two weeks and keeping them informed. She said that as risk manager for the town in her role as director of administration, they have to analyze property, facilities, and services as well as staff, the liabilities associated with them and without them, and all the risks involved and what steps they would take and what steps and liabilities with each action they take. Ms. Thompson stated that the town's insurance company is very concerned and has requested daily updates since it's ever evolving, which she has been providing, often based on news stories. 25 Councilmember Stought asked if the timeline opened them up to liability, as this decision seemed a little rushed to him. Ms. Thompson said that VRSA has many sections as a large insurance pool company for localities, and the law enforcement division, which she has been speaking with, does not believe the timeline is feasible. She stated that the insurance company cannot tell the town what to do, they canj just give us recommendations and say which of those recommendations can affect insurance coverage. Councilmember Stought stated that the staff report notes that VRSA has said premiums could be reviewed. He asked if that was the town' S premiums to VRSA, individual homeowners' home insurance premiums, or both. Ms. Thompson responded that this refers to the town's insurance premiums. She noted that VRSA has a team of underwriters, insurance companies that insure all citizens here, and while they won'tspeak directly to town officials about it, underwriters do take into consideration law enforcement presence within a community and crime rates. Councilmember Stought said the town's rates could go up, which is paid by the taxpayers, and then the taxpayers' own rates could also go up. Ms. Thompson responded that the underwriters have alluded to that. Councilmember Stought asked about the lease agreement and wasn't sure if this was a question for Ms. Krens, Mr. Cafferky, or the Chief. He said the current lease agreement expires April 30, 2026. He said that by his math, they are obligated to that because they have a notification period for early termination, and that's about $138K. He said that whether they terminate the police department or not, they're on the hook for that $138K. Ms. Thompson said that is something staff has identified; however, legal would need to review the contract and speak to the contract and their liability associated with it. She added that the same could be said with the vehicle leases the town has. Mayor Bertaut stated that on Page 90, there is a template for considerations that may need to be taken under advisement if they decide to transition services over a period of time. Mayor Bertaut said that a Rice University study, which analyzed over 500 American towns between 1972 and 2019 with populations exceeding 20,000 people-all of which transitioned to county law nforcement-showed no increases in crime rates after transitioning to county sheriff services between. Mayor Bertaut stated his support for Council Member Rayner's S suggestion to hold additional budget sessions and added that the town should organize further community discussions outside the typical town hall format. He emphasized the need for sessions without rigid time limits for speakers to encourage a broader range of perspectives. Mayor Bertaut said that transitioning to a structured sheriff's service would require numerous meetings over a year or more. He stated the importance of engaging with Sheriff Chapman, Loudoun County's executive leadership, and elected officials. He added that structured public meetings would be necessary to address public safety impacts and service quality. He said the town should evaluate how to maintain service quality if sheriff services were adopted and consider alternatives for activities like road flagging that town officers currently handle. Mayor Bertaut stated that the community expects concierge-like services, which must be factored into discussions. Mayor Bertaut said that school safety had been raised as a concern multiple times during the meeting. He stated for the record that sheriff s officers already 26 provide security at schools during operational hours, while Purcellville police officers are not there on a standing basis and are only available on call. Councilmember Wright made the motion to fully fund, as prescribed in the town manager's budget for the Purcellville Police Department, $3.2 million for Fiscal Year 2026. Councilmember Stought seconded the motion. Councimember Rayner said that Mayor Bertaut': S comments just now showed that he was not listening to the people and what they were trying to say. She said that having more rigid, time-allotted listening sessions is not what they need. She stated that they want their police department to -and this came out of the blue. She said that all the questions he brought up needed to be addressed earlier and should have been done before this even came to a vote. She emphasized that everything has been done backwards since the moment you guys took office January 8 and she is tired ofit. She said this is why they needed a strategy meeting right out of the gate. Councilmember Rayner stated that she wholeheartedly supports their police department and funding it next year, and her vote is yes. Councilmember Wright said that if the process had been conducted correctly, the necessary steps would have been taken before wasting resources, as the attorney's involvement clearly incurred costs. He stated that money was spent due to misdirection. He said that the correct approach, which involves gathering data and public input up front, had been entirely neglected. He stated that the reverse method used demonstrated a disregard for proper procedures and an assumption that no one would care. Councilmember Wright said this assumption was incorrect and emphasized that citizens had voiced their opinions clearly during the meeting. He stated that there was no need for an additional session, as the public had already made their stance evident-and no one with viewpoints opposing the masses here had come out to speak. Councilmember Wright said that delaying action would only continue to strain the police officers, create uncertainty about their job security, and affect their families. He stated that the morale of the police force was suffering due to the ongoing indecision. Councilmember Wright said that thei issue needed to be resolved immediately and argued that voting to maintain the current system was the only way to provide clarity and support for the officers and their families. He stated that further delays would only exacerbate the situation. Councilmember Wright stated, "By putting this off one day longer does nothing but continue, continue to put a strain on the police officers, knowing whether they're going to have a job or not. Continue to put a strain on their families, and it also takes a big hit on morale. We need to end this right now, and the way to end it is for you guys to vote to keep this in place. 93 Councilmember Stought said that if the proposal were to be considered in the future, it could be revisited the-but funding for the Purcellville Police Department in FY26 was necessary at present. He stated that no alternative option was available that could be implemented operationally, coordinated with the sheriff: S office, or prepared for use within the nine weeks remaining before FY26 begins. He emphasized that expecting such readiness within this timeframe was unrealistic. Councilmember Stought said the merits of the decision needed to be set aside for now, with a pause placed on further discussion until a later date. He stated that the immediate priority was to fully fund the Police Department in FY26 to prevent chaos and consternation for their officers leading up to July 1st. Councilmember Kahlil stated that not cutting the $3.2 million means that other cuts are going to have to be made, and until the council can discuss where those cuts have to be made, she cannot support the 27 previous decision. She said that it's hurting the officers now, and it could hurt other areas in the future. She said that until they have decided on where the cuts have to take place in order for them to address funding, they were where they were. Mayor Bertaut said that there was insufficient information available to make an informed decision. He stated that he was pleased the council had reached this stage in the discussion but emphasized that it did not address the budget concerns raised, which had been recurring. He said the council needed a dedicated session, as Ms. Rayner had suggested, where they could collaboratively review the budget instead of attempting to resolve issues in isolation. He stated that the matters at hand extended beyond the scope of police-related issues. Mayor Bertaut said he was not in favor of supporting the motion because council needed to convene with the finance staff to thoroughly examine potential budget cuts and establish a balanced financial plan. He stated that the council had been reviewing the budget for six weeks and noted that the opposition had had access to it for only two weeks since its proposal. Councilmember Rayner said that the mayor and the majority had surprised them with this budget cut two weeks ago; they surprised town staff two weeks ago with this, which was not fair. She said they cannot pull this off in nine weeks; it was reckless. Councilmember Stought asked what would happen if1 they did not pass this ordinance repealing Chapter 42 oft the town code and also didn't fund the police department in the FY26 budget. Ms. Krens responded that they must pass a budget before July 1, or they have no appropriation and cannot expend any dollars per state code. Mr. Cafferky stated that his initial reaction is that this is the worst of all possible worlds, because they still have the obligation to provide police services and the authority to do that, but no budget to do it. Councilmember Stought said that his concern is that this ordinance appeal would not be passed by Town Council, which would put them in exactly the worst case scenario that Mr. Cafferky just outlined, whereby Chapter 42 of town ordinance remains in place with no funding allocated to it in the budget. Mayor Bertaut said that he had already voted. Councilmember Stought said they are barreling toward catastrophe. Councilmember Wright said, "And you're driving the train, mayor. (Failed: 3-3-1, Stought: Aye, Khalil: Nay, Luke: Nay, Rayner: Aye, Wright: Aye; Bertaut: Nay; Nett: Absent) Mayor Bertaut proposed that they hold a special meeting next week to do a deep dive in the budget and find those cuts otherwise. Councilmember Stought said if he thought those officers weren't already applying for other jobs, he was wrong. He said they have families to feed, and the damage being done tonight was going to fast become permanent ifthey don't fix themselves. Councilmember Wright stated that Vice Mayor Nett cannot vote on this in any way, shape, or form-so that leaves six. He said there were three with common sense who are thinking this through, and then the other three. He asked what exactly Mayor Bertaut felt was going to come out of a meeting in a week that' S not going to come out right now. He said ift they were playing a strategy to just keep this deadlocked sO they won't get the blame for it, somebody else will get the blame for it, you're wrong. He 28 urged the council members to do the right thing, knowing that there is no other alternative. He said their only option right now: is to do the right thing for the citizens, do the right things for the town. Councilmember Wright said, "Let's vote to keep their police force and get this off their agenda." He said to the mayor that if they want to have a talk about budget big time, which he hasn't done with them before, council would be willing to sit down with him and have that talk, but ifhe's going to do this game where he thinks he's going to monopolize stuff, it's not going to happen. Mayor Bertaut said he had heard their concerns, and they were moving on to 11b. Town Manager Fraser said there was an opportunity before the mayor and town council, and the voice of the people had been clearly heard during the discussions that evening. He said if a decision was to be made that night from the dais, it could be done confidently. Mr. Fraser said he had not heard any opposing views and believed the council could act decisively. He stated that, from his perspective, as someone who always prioritized the people, the council had an opportunity to conduct the strategic and operational meeting they had been seeking. He said the council could achieve this by voting that night. Mr. Fraser stated he encouraged them to take a moment, even five minutes if necessary, to reconsider their approach. He said the council should make their decision based on the voices and sentiments expressed by the people. He stated this was the vote the council needed to make and urged them to act accordingly. Councilmember Rayner made a motion to fully fund the Purcellville Police Department for FY26 and then, post fully funding it, agree to have a full strategy meeting about moving forward about their financial issues and have clear discussions with the county regarding the police department. Councilmember Stought seconded the motion. Councilmember Stought said that he didn'ti think they had any choice but to do this, and he was all on board for a strategic budget session, suggesting that they have it next week. He said that in the interim, it is unfair to make the officers of PPD wonder if they're going to have ajob in two months. He stated that it is clear from everything in this packet, Sheriff Chapman' S statement, and a host of other inputs and comments they have received, as he stated earlier, they cannot do this transition in two months. He said it was not going to happen by FY26; regardless of what their position on it is-for or against-it can't be done in two months. Councilmember Stought said that as to the motion made by Councilmember Rayner, he supports immediate full funding oft the Purcellville Police Department for FY26 sO that their officers are not worried about where the next paycheck is coming from. He also agreed with the provision in Councilmember Rayner' S motion to have a strategic budget session as soon as possible to work out the rest of the implications this has on the budget. He said that ifthey want to begin discussions with the sheriff's department about a possible transition, about all the options mentioned that are on the table and available to them, they could have those once the money was allocated and the officers are sure that their jobs are safe. Councilmember Rayer stated that they cannot do this in this short, allocated time. She said that it is irresponsible, and from what they all just discussed, they can't send themselves into a government shutdown because they're going to be deadlocked. She said that it was absolutely asinine and unfair to their hardworking staff and their PD and probably cause undue stress on the director of finance. She reiterated that she is in support of fully funding their PD. Councilmember Wright said that he would like to make a friendly amendment to that motion, which was a trust issue: The strategic budget session shall include no less than the six members that are 29 here tonight. He urged the three majority members to take one of the many life rings that had been extended to them. Council member Kahlil said that, trusting that all members of council will take a hard look at the budget and negotiate honestly, she will support it. Mayor Bertaut said that he specifically does not favor the motion that's on the table and would urge fellow members ofthe Town Council to read from pages 91 through 98, and claimed that it does not lay out an immediate, as of July 1, elimination ofthe Purcellville Police Department. Councilmember Stought said that it does outline a transition period of multiple months between PPD and LCSO. He asked how that transition would occur ift they removed all the funding for PPD. Mayor Bertaut said that the answer: needs to be arrived at by this Town Council in a strategic budget session to be held next week. Council member Rayner said in addition, Chair Randall had said it's going to cost the town and would not save them money. She said there was a lot to be considered before their budget was due, and they cannot do this in the next few weeks, despite their Al-generated document. Council member Kahlil said she would vote for this, with the trust that all the members of this council can sit down and take an honest look at the budget and come up with something that makes sense. She said that she will trust that what they are discussing tonight will be a factor in their discussions next week or whenever they happen--and because of that, she would support it. Council member Luke stated that the budget before them right now is $5 million more than last year, and that is without all the other little incremental things that they haven't finished looking at. She said that tortunately, they have an excellent accounting department that will help walk them through that. She emphasized that it is important that they learn how to live within their budget because Purcellville is not a growing town, iti is a shrinking town. She said that citizens are paying $1,200 a month for the county and $900 for the police, and Purcellville was one of three towns in Loudoun County that has police. She said that Ashburn does not have a police department and has been fine. Attendees reminded her repeatedly that Ashburn is not a town. Councilmember Luke said that did not matter and said it had become incredibly obvious that the citizens don't care about solutions. Mayor Bertaut said that as a final point, he would add that without this strategic budget session, they as a council do not have the information in front of us. He said that they did not have the capability ofvoting on an individual part oft the budget, and there was no need to vote on that individual part of the budget this week without that strategic budget session. Mayor Bertaut stated that they have nine weeks. Mr. Cafferky asked that the motion be restated sO they have a clear record of what folks are voting on. Councilmember Rayner restated her motion that they fully fund thel Purcellville Police Department for FY26 for the amount of $3.2 million, and after they fund the Purcellville PD, they hold a strategic budget meeting with all members of council present to fully discuss the entire budget moving forward. (Carried: 5-0-1-1, Stought: Aye, Khalil: Aye, Luke: Aye, Rayner: Aye, Wright: Aye; Bertaut: Abstain; Nett: Absent) 30 ADJOURNMENT: Councilmember Wright made a motion to defer the remaining items and adjourn the meeting at 9:39 p.m. Councilmember Stought seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. CAEL m1 Christopher Bertaut, Mayor Kimberly Bandy,Tèwn Clerk binlbaryg 31