The monthly Town Council meeting was held on April 16, 2019. The meeting agenda can be viewed here.
Presentations and Requests
Matthew Blankenship, of Boy Scout Troop #93, requested approval from Town Council to construct a hammock village at Lincolnshire Park as part of his Eagle Scout project. Town Council approved funding half of the project with a $425 donation to match the funds Matthew will raise.
Amanda Hoops, Claudine Blankenship, and Beth Clemons update the Town of Tazewell on upcoming events slated for Main Street.
First Fridays kick off on June 7 from 6 pm – 9 pm, and features retail and popup shopping, dining and music from The Worx.
Music on Main & Cruise In kicks off on May 25, starting with a parade of Cruise In autos to Main Street. Music begins at Altizer Stage at 6:00 pm.
Main Street Moments will be held on Friday, July 26 and Saturday, July 27 on Main Street.
Full video of the April 16, 2019 Town Council meeting:
The monthly Town Council meeting was held on March 20, 2019. The meeting agenda can be viewed here.
Presentations and Requests
Mayor Michael Hoops recognized the Tazewell Middle School Girls Basketball Team for their undefeated season of 2018-2019 and the Tazewell High School JV Girls Basketball Team for their win of the Southwest District title for 2018-2019.
Derrick Mays, the Program Manager of the Virginia Center for Accreditation for the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services, presented the Police Department Accreditation Award to the Town of Tazewell Police Department. Derrick, along with Rick Arnold, who is Chief of Police for the Wytheville Police Department and the Virginia Law Enforcement Standards Commissioner, outlined the difficult process in becoming accredited and maintaining it. Town of Tazewell Chief of Police Dave Mills accepted the award and expressed his sincere gratitude at the honor and his pride in his department for their efforts in achieving this goal.
Peggy Hurley updated Town Council on the upcoming 2020 federal census. As a partnership specialist with the U.S. Census Bureau, Peggy outlined how important census data is for allocation of federal monies. She made recommendations to the Town of Tazewell for forming a local committee to assist in informing the public of the importance of participating. The Census Bureau has began hiring workers, from office related positions to enumerators who visit each uncounted residence.
Mike Abel, President of the Tazewell County Historical Society, presented the Town of Tazewell with a check for $15,000.00 Tazewell County Historical Society was the recipient of a grant from the Dilston Foundation and donated those monies received to the Tazewell Train Station to pay a large portion of the cost of the new mural. The mural will be unveiled during the May 18th grand opening ceremony at the Tazewell Train Station and will feature Tazewell through the eyes of Louise Leslie. Louise was a founding member of the Tazewell County Historical Society and wrote many books on the history of Tazewell, so this project is of particular importance to them to honor her memory.
Alexis Ball came before Town Council to request the closure of Main Street on September 21, 2019, for the annual Farm to Table dinner, along with permission to serve alcohol at the event, and the continued financial support from the Town of Tazewell by waiving the street closure fee. Their goal is to raise enough funds from dinner proceeds to eventually build a permanent structure for the Farmer’s Market.
Shawn Durham, CEO of the Four Seasons YMCA, updated Town Council on the great events planned at the YMCA. From a new spur of the Appalachian Trail linking the YMCA to Burke’s Garden, to an adult Prom, to sponsoring the upcoming local Scripps Spelling Bee for Tazewell County, the YMCA is kicking off its 10th anniversary by rapidly approaching its millionth member scan in.
Ben Rosado, Recreation Director for the Town of Tazewell, updated Town Council on plans for Lincolnshire Park for the year. Ben is planning a great number of events, that include night swims, luaus, movie nights on the water, fishing competitions, Spartan-style trifecta races in conjunction with other communities, a park-wide Fun in the Sun event to wrap up summer, in addition to the Aqua Park and Swimming Pool.
Full video of the March 19, 2019 Town Council meeting:
The Town Council meeting regularly scheduled for March 12 has been moved to March 19, 2019. Additionally, the April 9 meeting has been moved to April 16, 2019.
The monthly Town Council meeting was held on February 12, 2019. The meeting agenda can be viewed here.
Special Presentations and Requests
Mayor Michael Hoops recognized Louise Bland Leslie and presented Sarah Cromer with a certificate in her memory. Louise wrote many books on Tazewell County, many featuring Tazewell, which she called home. Over the years she volunteered with many local organizations, including the Tazewell County Historical Society. She also served as the Grand Marshal for the 2016 Sesquicentennial celebration.
Regina Sayers, of the Appalachian Agency for Senior Citizens, provided Council with an annual update on her agency.
Amanda Hoops, Claudine Blankenship, and Beth Clemons, of the Tazewell Area Chamber of Commerce, made an event request for First Fridays. First Fridays will run May through August on Main Street and will feature a fun music, shopping, and dining experience, which builds on their Oktobrewfest success.
Full video of the February 12, 2019 Town Council meeting:
The monthly Town Council meeting was held on January 8, 2019. The meeting agenda can be viewed here.
Special Presentations and Requests
Mayor Michael Hoops welcomed new Town Council member Nancy Brooks. Nancy was nominated to serve in the council member position vacated by Jennifer Boyd.
Mayor Hoops and the members of Town Council had special recognition in memory of Edith Jackson. Edith was a great supporter of the Town of Tazewell, volunteering on committees for the Sesquicentennial celebration, Community Thanksgiving, and the Veteran’s Day festivities. Edith also served as the Vice Chairperson for the Planning Commission.
The Town of Tazewell also recognized Kasey Addair for her dedication to her community and her talent. She began the study of Tae Kwon Do at the age of 7, earning her first degree black belt at the age of 10. Competing at the age of 11, she began a competitive career where she has earned many awards at the regional, state, and national level, such as the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame four times, grand championships in Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee, along with a First Place World Title at the 29th National Blackbelt League Super Grands World Games held in Buffalo, New York, in December 2018. Town Council voted to proceed with placement of signs to recognize Kasey and her accomplishments.
Thompson and Litton representatives presented results from their parking study performed on the Main Street area. The study assessed the impact of the planned parking garage on current parking issues. One proposal features 110 spaces, which represents one space per the 55 potential hotel rooms, along with 55 additional spaces.
Chris Wilkes, the Adult Services Librarian for Tazewell County Public Library, updated Town Council on recent developments. He announced that Erica Hall has been named the interim Director for the library after the previous director’s departure. For more information on their offerings, which include a wide range of kid’s activities and offerings for all ages, visit their website at www.tcplweb.org
Full video of the January 8, 2019 Town Council meeting:
Town Council reconvened on December 18, 2018 for a special meeting to swear in the newly elected Mayor and Council Members. The meeting agenda can be viewed here.
Special Presentations and Requests
Tammy Allison, Clerk of the Circuit Court for Tazewell, swore in newly elected Mayor Michael Hoops and Council Member Emily Davis, along with re-elected Council Members Dr. Terry Mullins and Dr. Chris Brown.
During an executive session following the meeting, Town Council voted to appoint Nancy Brooks to fill the vacant Town Council position left by Jennifer Boyd, after Jack Murray declined.
Full video of the December 18, 2018 Town Council meeting:
The monthly Town Council meeting was held on December 11, 2018. The meeting agenda can be viewed here.
Special Presentations and Requests
Robinson, Farmer, Cox Associates presented their audit report and recommendations.
Vice Mayor Dr. Terry Mullins recognized outgoing Mayor Donald Buchanan and outgoing Councilmember Jack Murray. Mayor Buchanan served the Town of Tazewell for a total of 16 years, beginning as a Councilmember, then as Vice Mayor, and later as Mayor for the past 7 of those years. Councilmember Jack Murray served as a Councilmember for the past 8 years. Councilmember Mullins thanked them for their service and contributions in helping Tazewell make great strides.
During their executive session, Town Council selected Jack Murray to replace Councilmember Jennifer Boyd, who gave her resignation recently. Councilmember Murray will serve until a special election is held in November 2019.
Full video of the December 11, 2018 Town Council meeting:
The monthly Town Council meeting was held on November 13, 2018. The meeting agenda can be viewed here.
Special Presentations and Requests
Mayor Donald Buchanan thanked the Veterans Day parade committee for a job well done on the November 11th event. He also recognized the passing of Edith Jackson, who served as Vice Chairperson of the Planning Commission, along with serving on many other committees for the Town of Tazewell over the years.
Tom Keene and the Tazewell High School Cross Country Club came before Town Council, with member Matthew Blankenship speaking to thank the Town of Tazewell for allowing them to use Lincolnshire Park for practices and meets.
Greg Mulkey provided an update to Town Council on the progress of the hotel on Main Street. The core drilling was completed on site and initial plans were presented.
Pam Meade, Claudine Blankenship, and Beth Clemmons provided an update on the Tazewell Area Chamber of Commerce events and their Fall Home to Tazewell campaign. They also thanked the Town of Tazewell Public Works and Police Department for their contributions in the success of their events, such as Oktobrewfest and the Trunk-or-Treat.
Full video of the November 13, 2018 Town Council meeting:
The monthly Town Council meeting was held on October 9, 2018. The meeting agenda can be viewed here.
Special Presentations and Requests
Town Council recognized Jack Repass for his recent donation to the Tazewell Train Station. He contributed the “Tazewell” signs that originally hung on the eaves of each end of the depot.
Vickie Boothe, of Between Friends, and Amanda Hoops, of Bliss on Main, updated Town Council on their plans for the Christmas Market. The event will be held on Saturday, December 1, before and after the Christmas parade. They requested assistance from the Town of Tazewell for opening and closing the street, and financial help to offer a unique experience for visitors – an ice skating rink.
Andy Cecil then updated Town Council on the Recreational Access Grant and the status of the updates needed for the Little League Field area.
Full video of the October 9, 2018 Town Council meeting:
The monthly Town Council meeting was held on September 11, 2018. The meeting agenda can be viewed here.
Special Presentations and Requests
Mayor Donald Buchanan spoke in remembrance of the 9/11 attacks on this 17th anniversary of that day.
Town of Tazewell EMS Administrator, Syndee Saleem, updated Town Council on the local preparations for Hurricane Florence. Some projections indicate 6-8 inches of rainfall on our already saturated grounds (*projections as of 9/11/2018 – this is subject to change as the storm continues to form and make landfall, so please check local weather for up-to-date information as the storm may have shifted southward). All regions in the area are on standby as no declaration has been made at this point, with shelters available as needed. Tazewell County has indicated that for this incident, the Department of Social Services will serve as the local shelter for our area as it has a generator and is of sufficient space. Area businesses have donated over 50 cases of water, the National Guard donated several cases of MREs, the Union mission in Bluefield indicated that could also provide additional food supplies, and the Appalachian Agency for Senior Citizens are prepared to assist with food as needed. The Town of Tazewell EMS has ordered extra supplies of portable oxygen tanks, as there are 1,600 Medicaid recipients in our area that may need this in the event of power outages. The Town of Tazewell EMS is making preparations, having provided 26 transports earlier in the year during a deluge, along with the Police Department and Fire Department. Syndee is coordinating our plans by communicating directly with FEMA daily.
Town Council also recognized September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month by reading a proclamation to Jill Rasnick, who lost her son TJ to cancer and founded the TJ Rasnick Foundation to fight cancer in his memory, along with several brave area children who have fought or are currently fighting this battle, and their families.
Full video of the September 11, 2018 Town Council meeting:
