Farmville Town Council Welcomes 2015

Another year of municipal business began last Wednesday evening as the Farmville Town Council convened for the first meeting of 2015. Jan Cox of Longwood University began the public participation with an announcement of upcoming activities planned by the University in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Special activities are, in fact, scheduled for the entire week. Monday will begin the observances as the MLK Service Challenge; a day of local community service projects that will finish that afternoon with students congregating and sharing at the Moton Museum. See accompanying story: “Longwood University and Moton Museum plan week for Martin Luther King Jr. Observance.”

Morgan Dunnavant, President of the Experimental Aircraft Association, Chapter 1202, took the opportunity Wednesday evening to thank Council for the upcoming runway extension project that is slated for Newman Field. The runway extension will give larger airplanes access to the airport, potentially increasing recreational activity and business potential for the generally quiet airport.

Town resident Carl Eggleston followed Mr. Dunnavant, but spoke to Council on a topic a little closer to home. Mr. Eggleston voiced legitimate concerns about a house and property across from his own. The property, located on Hylawn Avenue, has fallen into severe disrepair. Although the Town has made more than adequate efforts to deal with the owner of the rundown property with patience and diplomacy, no improvements have been made to it by the owner. The situation is frustrating for neighboring homeowners as the property is unsightly and a potential liability in its current condition. Town Manager Spates, familiar with the situation already, agreed that it was time to “take the matter to the next level” regardless of the sentimentality of the property to its absentee owners. Another issue Mr. Eggleston brought up was the layout of Hylawn Ave. It is currently a one way street with no outlet. He asked that Council consider options to change the route.

Acting Farmville Police Chief Andy Ellington introduced two new officers to the Farmville Police Force. Robert Allen Cox spent 29 years with the Virginia State Police. He has certifications in Narcotics and Diversion, which incorporates pharmaceutical drugs and arson and bomb detection. He is also certified in gang detection. The other new officer is Timothy Holtz from Chase City. Officer Holtz served seven years with the Chase City Police Department.

Chief Ellington also recognized Officer Chris Moss for his efforts and outstanding dedication to the Town’s community outreach programs. Officer Moss was also recognized for an award the Town received for National Night Out, the annual community/local law enforcement “get together” that does much to strengthen the relationship between Town residents and the Police Department and has steadily gained popularity in Farmville. For the last four years Farmville has ranked in the top 25 for town participation in National Night Out in its category. In 2014 Farmville’s ranking rose to 21st   in the nation among towns with populations under 15,000 residents. It is an impressive recognition.

In a somewhat brief Town Manager’s report Mr. Spates announced that the Fireman’s Sports Arena is ready for interior painting. Local painting contractor Robert Chapman was awarded the bid for the work. Mr. Spates also updated Council on the progress of the Longwood Visitors Center site plan. Additionally, he gave a short report regarding the ICA impact study performed ahead of the proposed expansion project that is planned for the Farmville facility.

Finally, Personnel Committee chairman and Vice Mayor A.D. “Chuckie” Reid updated Council on the continuing process to hire a new police chief for Farmville. The number of candidates for the position has been narrowed to five. A motion to continue the process at the February 4th work session was approved.