Town Council 2022

The monthly Town Council meeting was held on December 13, 2022. The meeting agenda can be viewed here.

Town Council welcomed a new Main Street business, The Happy Goat. Owner Vince D’Amato introduced manager Joe and gave insight on their tasty menu that offers delicious soups, sandwiches, and wraps. Located at 216 Main Street, they also stock a great assortment of supplies for your outdoor recreation needs, from apparel to hammocks and hiking sticks.

Town Council also welcomed new business Dragon’s Den Coffee & More. Owner Ron Spain shared that he hoped to open in January and is currently in the process of renovating the 104 Carline Avenue location. The shop will offer both drive through and walk-up service, with an excellent selection of coffees and teas. Recipe development is also an exciting work in progress, and you can follow along with updates on their Facebook page here.

Mayor Hoops recognized outgoing Councilmembers Dr. Terry Mullins and Dr. Chris Brown by presenting each with tokens of appreciation for their dedication to our community. After completing several terms, both Councilmembers opted not to seek re-election for the upcoming term. Dr. Mullins and Dr. Brown expressed their gratitude to Town Council and to the constituents of Tazewell,  and offered encouragement to incoming Councilmembers. 

Mayor Hoops was sworn into office by Tazewell’s Clerk of the Circuit Court, Tammy Allison, after being re-elected to the position. 

Also sworn in, were Town Council incumbent Emily Davis and newly elected members Zach Cline and Jonathan Hankins.

Mayor Hoops read a resolution of honor in memory of Robert Brooks “Bobby” Altizer, Sr. Bobby previously served as prosecuting attorney of the Tazewell Police Department and held a career in law for over forty years, along with many community roles and contributions. 

Adrenaline Off-Road, a local group of Jeep enthusiasts, represented by its President Rick Rose and Vice President Johnny Ratliff, presented Police Chief David Mills, Mayor Michael Hoops, and Town Manager Todd Day with plaques in recognition of their support for the organization. Adrenaline Off-Road frequently coordinates fun mountain rides and scenic tours, often supporting local charities with donations and proceeds from these events.

The monthly Town Council meeting was held on November 9, 2022. The meeting agenda can be viewed here.

April Morefield, Executive Director of the C.A.R.E. Center of Southwest Virginia, shared the history of the of the child advocacy C.A.R.E. Center and her vision for Harper’s Home. Harper’s Home will be located in Tazewell and will provide temporary housing for children transitioning into foster care, which can often take several days to find placement. April stated that during this period, children are often at their most vulnerable point. Frequently in need of a bath, meal, and warm bed, Harper’s Home will meet those needs and provide a safe, nurturing haven.

Mayor Michael Hoops recognized new business Shepherd’s Deli. Shepherd’s Deli is located at 1661 Fincastle Turnpike and offers delicious made to order sandwiches and subs, along with a great selection of sides and specials. For more information, you can follow them on Facebook.

Town Council welcomed special guests this month as Boy Scouts Pack #92 attended the meeting to help meet the requirements for the Communication merit badge, along with leaders Jerry Buchanan and Charles Bland.

The monthly Town Council meeting was held on October 11, 2022. The meeting agenda can be viewed here.

Mayor Michael Hoops recognized new business T-Town Florist, recently opened by Laynett Morgan. T-Town Florist is located at 631 Freedom Avenue in North Tazewell and offers beautiful florist designed arrangements. For more information, you can follow them on Facebook.

Additionally, Town Council voted to reschedule next month’s Town Council meeting from Tuesday, November 8, to Wednesday, November 9, due to Election Day.

The monthly Town Council meeting was held on September 13, 2022. The meeting agenda can be viewed here.

There were no special presentations/requests at the September meeting.

The monthly Town Council meeting was held on August 9, 2022. The meeting agenda can be viewed here.

Mayor Michael Hoops recognized new business Freddie’s Barbershop which was recently launched by Freddie Smith. Freddie’s Barbershop is located at 291 Main Street and offers a wonderful variety of services, from haircuts to hot shaves. For more information, follow them on Facebook.

Due to scheduling conflicts, the August 9th Town Council meeting was recessed until August 16th, when it will resume at 6 p.m.

The monthly Town Council meeting was held on July 12, 2022. The meeting agenda can be viewed here.

Mayor Michael Hoops, along with Town Council and Manager Todd Day, recognized Irma Mitchell for her contributions to the community by reading a resolution in her honor and presenting her with a key to Tazewell. Irma is a founding member of local grassroots organization Tazewell Today and served as its President until recently. She works diligently toward the goal of a revitalized Main Street, dedicating countless hours to its growth, and is the owner of the Front Porch on Main restaurant.

Danny Willis, representing partners Lisa Harry and Kim Wolfe, was recognized by Town Council for opening their new business The Buston House. The Buston House is a newly renovated bed and breakfast located at 269 Pine Street. Located just off Main Street, it provides a great accommodation option for visitors of Tazewell. 

Amanda Killen, owner of the Sleepin’ Dog Galleria, was recognized by Town Council for her new business. Located at 145 Main Street, Sleepin’ Dog Galleria features a wonderful assortment of artisan made jewelry, apparel, home decor, art, gourmet foods, along with wine tastings.

Town Treasurer, Leeanne Regon, provided Town Council with an overview of her department. The update was part of a continuing plan developed by Town Manager Todd Day to have each department head give a presentation explaining typical duties within their department and a summary of its status on various projects. Leeanne reviewed the Treasurer’s report, explained the audit process used to meet the GASB guidelines, and offered Town Council insight on regional rate comparisons for utilities and taxes.

The monthly Town Council meeting was held on June 14, 2022. The meeting agenda can be viewed here.

Members of the Tazewell High School  Marching Band program, led by Drum Major Macie Alford, asked Town Council for their continued financial support as they begin preparations for their Fall program.

Shawn Durham, Chief Executive Officer of the Four Seasons YMCA, updated Town Council on the latest happenings at the YMCA. The Town of Tazewell and the YMCA recently partnered to provide a spring soccer program at Lincolnshire Park, which Shawn stated had been successful.

Rick Chitwood, of Thompson & Litton Engineering, advised Town Council to consider delaying updates to water/sewer lines based on the extreme rise of costs for components needed for municipal water projects and anticipated delays in parts deliveries due to supply chain issues.

Mayor Michael Hoops introduced Donna Owens and her new business D & A Country Variety. The retail outlet is located at 2169 Fincastle Turnpike and offers a selection of home decor, clothes, electronics, health and beauty, and more. 

Donny Pruitt, Director of Public Works, provided Town Council with an update on the department’s budget. Rising costs and a lack of job applicants have had a direct impact on the budget, along with current and future projects.

The monthly Town Council meeting was held on May 10, 2022. The meeting agenda can be viewed here.

Sarah Cooke, lead advisor for SkillsUSA at Tazewell County Career and Technical Center, came before Town Council to request support for the students as they compete at the 2022 National Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta, GA in June. The students will compete against over 6,500 other state contest winners in various trade, technical, and leadership fields.

Students competing at SkillsUSA Nationals: 
💚 Tiffany Childress, 1st place in State for Barbering
💚 Adam Justice, 1st place in State for Cabinetmaking
💚 Avery Keene, 1st place in State for Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair
💚 Patrick Rowe, 1st place in State for Diesel Equipment Technology
💚 Jonathan Sullivan, 1st place in State for Power Equipment Technology

Town Council recognized new business owner Violet Asbury, who recently opened The Violet Studio. The Violet Studio is located in North Tazewell at 2835 Fincastle Turnpike and offers a variety of classes, parties, and private art lessons. Violet offers services on site at the studio or at your location. For more information, you can visit The Violet Studio’s website or find them on Facebook.

John Thomas, Chief of the Town of Tazewell’s Fire Department, introduced their newest acquisition for their fleet – an aerial ladder truck to replace one that was decommissioned due to age and wear. The aerial ladder provides an important asset to the community by assisting the fire fighters in containing large or multi-story fires.

The monthly Town Council meeting was held on April 12, 2022. The meeting agenda can be viewed here.

Members of the Tazewell High School DECA program asked Town Council for their support as DECA members attend Nationals in Atlanta, Georgia on April 23rd. Sisters Katie and Haleigh Church were State finalists in the Business Services Operations Research category. THS Marketing instructor, Gretchen Cline, also shared that rising DECA officers Taryn Stiltner and Jaden Redd will attend a Leadership Academy at the conference 💚

Randy Ann Davis, Director of 911 & Emergency Communications at the Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office, shared with Town Council that 2022 marks the 25th anniversary of 911 service in Tazewell County. From its small beginnings, Randy Ann recounted the evolution of the program that has now expanded to support developments such as Text 2 911, that allows contacting 911 via text message when communication by voice is not an option. Captain Jonathan Hankins spoke of the dedication the 911 team demonstrates daily and said on behalf of law enforcement officers that “Dispatchers are the true first responders.”

Donny Yates, President of the Tazewell County Fair Association, approached Town Council to request a representative be nominated by the Town to serve as a liaison to communicate between the two. Donny stated that 2022 marks the 150th anniversary of the Tazewell County Fair and will be celebrated the week of August 2nd through the 6th. The Tazewell County Fair is known as the longest continuously running county fair, starting in 1872, with the only interruption in its historic run being for COVID-19.

Town Manager Todd Day recognized and congratulated staff members Treasurer Leeanne Regon and Tracie Lewis for their hard work and accomplishments. Leeanne recently received certification as a Master Governmental Treasurer and Tracie received certification as Master Deputy Governmental Treasurer, through the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service program.

The monthly Town Council meeting was held on March 8, 2022. The meeting agenda can be viewed here.

Mayor Michael Hoops and Council recognized Tazewell High School freshman Talan Hall on winning the title of Virginia state champion in VHSL’s Class 2 Wrestling.

Council also recognized the Tazewell High School Track Team. The girls indoor track team finished 4th in the state and the boys team placed 9th. Lauren Keene won State Champion in the 3200m run and Abigail Rhudy won State Champion in the 500m run. Other placements for the girls and boys teams were:
– Ethan Mills 3rd in high jump, All State
– Cassius Harris 6th in 55m, All State
– Abigail Rhudy 4th in triple jump, All State
– Boys 4×200 relay 6th place, All State (Jackson Duty, Chase Noel, Logan McDonald, and Cassius Harris)
– Lauren Keene 2nd in 1600, All State
– Cassius Harris 3rd in 300m, All State
– Ian Rhudy 10th in mile
– Bella Davis 10th in shot put
– Cassius 9th in long jump
– Jackson Duty 10th place in 500m
– Abigail 5th in 300m, All State
– Alayshia Griffith 12th in 300m
– Chase Noel 9th in 300m
– Girls 4×400 relay 10th (Alayshia Griffith, Josie Whitt, Sage Dagout, Katie Large)
– Boys 4×800 relay 11th place (Jackson Duty, Nick Taylor, Ambrose Tyson, Ian Rhudy)
– Girls 4×800 relay 2nd place All State (Josie Whitt, Lauren Keene, Sage Dagout, Abigail Rhudy)
– Abigail Rhudy 8th in long jump, All State
– Cassius Harris 9th in long jump
– Brock Alley 11th in shot put

Town Manager Todd Day introduced new Tazewell County Board of Supervisors member Aaron Gillespie to Council. Aaron represents our Southern District and will serve as chairman of the board.

Tazewell County Chamber of Commerce Director Lori Stacy spoke with Council about the 2022 Oktobrewfest planning and sought Council’s approval for the festival. Oktobrewfest will be held on October 1, 2022 on Tazewell’s Main Street. More information is available on the Chamber’s website here.

Andy Cecil, of the Cecil Engineering, updated Council on the status of the Recreational Access Project. 

Curt Breeding, of the Tazewell County Recreational Development Authority, spoke with Council about tourism trends and potential partnerships to improve our recreation opportunities.