Rocky Mount public meetings in 2021
30 substantive meetings from 2021, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Town Council
The Town Council approved increases to solid waste rates, raising residential from $6.30 to $10.00, commercial from $12.60 to $20.00, and Adopt-a-Truck from $10.00 to $30.00, all by a 6-0 vote. The council also approved several contracts and grants, including a $147,696 window replacement bid and a $98,155 wastewater treatment upgrade bid. All decisions were unanimous.
- Approved solid waste rate increases (6-0)
- Approved KNA Contracting bid for Emergency Services Building window replacement at $147,696 (6-0)
- Approved American Mine Research bid for Wastewater Treatment Plant PLC/SCADA upgrades at $98,155 (6-0)
- Approved supplemental appropriation for Byrne Justice Assistance Grant of $3,912 (6-0)
- Approved grant application for Comprehensive Economic Development Plan (6-0)
- Approved Vietnam Veterans Day Ceremony request with firearm blanks and traffic control (6-0)
- Approved Eagle Strut Race on September 17, 2022 (6-0)
- Referred food truck zoning amendments to Planning Commission (6-0)
Economic Development Authority
The Rocky Mount Economic Development Authority met on December 7, 2021, and approved a $7,350 payment to Robinson, Farmer, Cox & Associates PLLC for the EDA's portion of the town audit. The payment was approved unanimously. No other substantive decisions were made.
- Approved agenda as presented (unanimous)
- Approved $7,350 check to Robinson, Farmer, Cox & Associates PLLC for EDA audit portion (unanimous)
- Adjourned at 5:20 p.m. (unanimous)
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission held a regular meeting with no public hearings or new business. Members discussed Town Council's concerns about utility trailer restrictions but decided to leave the ordinance amendment as approved for now. The commission also approved the agenda and the November 3, 2021 meeting minutes unanimously.
- Approved agenda as presented (unanimous)
- Approved November 3, 2021 regular meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Decided to leave utility trailer ordinance amendment as approved for now
- Adjourned at 6:28 p.m. (unanimous)
Board of Zoning Appeals
The Board of Zoning Appeals unanimously approved a variance for Greg Walker to build a 40x30 accessory structure (garage) at 65 Circle Drive, which exceeds the 50% footprint limit. The board also approved the agenda and the May 6, 2021 meeting minutes. No other business was conducted.
- Approved the agenda as presented (unanimous).
- Approved the May 6, 2021 regular meeting minutes (unanimous).
- Approved the variance for Franklin County Tax Map Parcel 2040021800 (65 Circle Drive) to allow an accessory structure exceeding 50% of the primary structure's footprint (unanimous).
- Adjourned at 6:15 p.m. (unanimous).
Economic Development Authority
The Rocky Mount Economic Development Authority approved the 2022 meeting dates and tabled discussion on a $7,350 audit invoice from Robinson, Farmer, Cox Associates PLLC until more information is provided. The board also heard updates on grants, local business openings, and planning discussions.
- Approved agenda as presented (unanimous)
- Approved September 28, 2021 minutes (unanimous)
- Approved 2022 EDA meeting dates (unanimous)
- Tabled discussion on $7,350 audit invoice from Robinson, Farmer, Cox Associates PLLC
Town Council
The Rocky Mount Town Council approved amendments to the zoning ordinance regarding commercial vehicle parking and home occupations, both recommended by the Planning Commission. The council also tabled a proposed increase in solid waste collection fees to allow for more public notification. Additionally, the council voted to request VDOT withdraw the US 220 Business/SR 40 intersection realignment project and approved several contracts and appointments.
- Approved commercial vehicle ordinance amendments (6-0)
- Approved home occupation ordinance amendments (6-0)
- Tabled solid waste collection fee increase (6-0)
- Approved request for VDOT to withdraw intersection realignment project (6-0)
- Awarded water treatment plant backwash valve replacement to WGK Construction, LLC for $64,285 (6-0)
- Approved Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) document (6-0)
- Approved engineering services agreements with five firms (6-0)
- Approved generators for Municipal Building and Water Pump Stations (6-0)
Planning Commission
The Rocky Mount Planning Commission unanimously recommended two ordinance amendments to the town council: one updating home occupation rules to allow indirect sales, and another revising commercial vehicle definitions and off-street parking regulations. The commission also approved the final plat for The Oaks at Rakes Tavern Section 3, contingent on staff comments being addressed, with a 5-1 vote.
- Recommended home occupation ordinance amendments to council (unanimous)
- Recommended commercial vehicle and Article 7-1-3 amendments to council (unanimous)
- Approved final plat for The Oaks at Rakes Tavern Section 3, contingent on staff comments (5-1)
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Town Council
The Rocky Mount Town Council voted 5-0 to uphold the Planning Commission's denial of a Special Exception Permit for Cooke Towing & Recovery, LLC to operate a towing storage yard at 10 Pell Avenue. The Council also approved a standardized process for economic development performance agreements, tabled a water treatment plant valve replacement bid, and approved several event permits and administrative items.
- Denied towing storage yard special exception at 10 Pell Avenue (5-0)
- Approved economic development performance agreement process with changes (5-0)
- Tabled Water Treatment Plant Backwash Valve Replacement RFP (5-0)
- Amended Solid Waste Chapter of Town Code (5-0)
- Approved Miracle Hope Memorial 5K for May 14, 2022 (5-0)
- Approved Breast Cancer Fighting Flamingos Walk for Oct 17, 2021 (5-0)
- Approved 2022 Town Council meeting dates calendar (5-0)
- Referred commercial vehicle/home occupation zoning amendment to Planning Commission (5-0)
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission voted 5-2 to recommend denying Cooke Towing & Recovery's special exception permit for a towing storage yard at 10 Pell Avenue. The recommendation will go to Town Council for a final decision. The commission also approved the September minutes, the 2022 meeting calendar, and received updates from the Town Planner.
- Recommended denial of special exception for towing yard at 10 Pell Avenue (5-2)
- Approved September 7 regular meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Approved 2022 Planning Commission meeting calendar (unanimous)
- Approved agenda as presented (unanimous)
Economic Development Authority
The Rocky Mount Economic Development Authority approved three checks: $12,500 for Phase 2 to Access, $116,047.82 quarterly accounting to Harvester Performance Center LLC, and $21,300 rent to the EDA. The board also approved the agenda and July 27, 2021 minutes. Staff updates noted the Harvester received a Shuttered Venue Operators Grant, and new businesses are opening or expanding in town.
- Approved $12,500 check to Access for Phase 2 (unanimous)
- Approved $116,047.82 quarterly accounting check to Harvester Performance Center LLC (unanimous)
- Approved $21,300 rent check to EDA (unanimous)
- Approved agenda as presented (unanimous)
- Approved July 27, 2021 minutes as presented (unanimous)
Town Council
The Rocky Mount Town Council approved an amendment to increase the maximum building height in residential districts from 25 to 35 feet, following a public hearing and a 5-0 Planning Commission recommendation. The council also approved several other items, including a $4,000 safety grant, a new FOIA policy, and contracts for website and agenda management services. A proposed amendment to M1 manufacturing uses was postponed to the next meeting.
- Approved residential building height increase to 35 feet (6-0)
- Approved consent agenda including sale of Police K9 Dog Britt (6-0)
- Accepted $4,000 VRSA safety grant for Davit harness system (6-0)
- Appointed Amy Worley to EDA Board for 4-year term (6-0)
- Rejected sole bid for water plant backwash valve replacement and re-advertised (6-0)
- Approved Celeste Park deed dedication to VOF for $100,000 grant (6-0)
- Awarded Celeste Park trail work to Eastern Trail Company for $25,330 (6-0)
- Approved new Town FOIA policy (6-0)
Planning Commission
The Rocky Mount Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend that Town Council approve an ordinance amendment allowing buildings up to 35 feet in height from street grade or lot grade at the setback line in Residential Districts RA, R1, R2, and RPUD. The recommendation followed a public hearing and staff report; no zoning map changes are involved. The commission also approved the agenda and August 3, 2021 minutes unanimously. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting included only staff updates and committee reports.
- Recommended Town Council approve 35-foot building height allowance in residential districts RA, R1, R2, RPUD (unanimous)
- Approved agenda as presented (unanimous)
- Approved August 3, 2021 regular meeting minutes as presented (unanimous)
- Adjourned at 6:20 p.m. (unanimous)
Town Council
The Rocky Mount Town Council approved an ordinance to move town elections from May to November, aligning with Senate Bill 1157. They also awarded a $515,228 water line construction contract to Wells Construction Company, Inc., and approved a $70,000 School Resource Officer grant supplemental appropriation. The council agreed to have the Planning Commission review building height requirements for two-story houses.
- Approved ordinance moving town elections to November (6-0)
- Awarded $515,228 water line project bid to Wells Construction Company, Inc. (6-0)
- Approved $70,000 supplemental appropriation for School Resource Officer grant (6-0)
- Agreed to refer building height amendment to Planning Commission for public hearing
- Approved consent agenda including Center Stage Catering Expansion (6-0)
- Approved July 12, 2021 meeting minutes (6-0)
- Approved agenda with added item (6-0)
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission held its regular meeting on August 3, 2021, with no public comment, public hearings, unfinished business, or committee reports. The only substantive discussion was a review of a zoning map for Leanor Street and surrounding residential business districts, referred from the Board of Zoning Appeals, with a possible downzoning to Residential District R2 to protect neighborhood character. No formal action was taken on this matter; the next step is a parcel-by-parcel review. The commission also received updates from the Town Planner on various town projects and events.
- Approved agenda as presented (unanimous)
- Approved June 1, 2021 regular meeting minutes as presented (unanimous)
- Discussed possible R2 rezoning on Leanor Street; no action taken
- Adjourned at 6:35 p.m. (unanimous)
Economic Development Authority
The Rocky Mount Economic Development Authority approved a $120,825 check to the Harvester LLC, replacing a town payment to the EDA. The board also approved the agenda with a correction and the May 25, 2021 minutes. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting included updates on branding, staff, and events.
- Approved $120,825 check to Harvester LLC (unanimous)
- Approved agenda with correction to move Branding Update to item 4 (unanimous)
- Approved May 25, 2021 regular meeting minutes (unanimous)
Town Council
The Town Council voted 6-0 to return utility fee, disconnect, and credit card payment policies to their pre-pandemic status starting September 1, 2021, with an exception allowing delinquent customers to enter six-month payment plans. The Council also approved the agenda, draft minutes, consent agenda, and appointed Lucas A. Tuning as a citizen representative to the West Piedmont Planning District Commission. A closed session was held for personnel and a prospective business discussion, with no action taken.
- Approved returning to pre-COVID utility policies effective September 1, 2021, with six-month payment plans for delinquent accounts (6-0).
- Approved the meeting agenda with the addition of a closed session item (6-0).
- Approved the June 14, 2021 regular meeting minutes as presented (6-0).
- Approved the consent agenda, including departmental reports (unanimous).
- Appointed Lucas A. Tuning as citizen representative to the West Piedmont Planning District Commission (6-0).
- Approved entering closed session under Virginia Code sections 2.2-3711(A)(1) and (A)(5) (6-0).
- Certified the closed session complied with Virginia law; no action was taken in closed session.
- Adjourned the meeting at 8:05 p.m. (unanimous).
Town Council
The Rocky Mount Town Council approved a budget true-up for fiscal year 2021 to cover deficits in various accounts, ensuring the town's books close properly. They also approved Town Manager Robert Wood's appointment to the Roanoke Valley Alleghany Regional Commission (RVARC) to complete the former town manager's term. Additionally, the council granted a wastewater service waiver for a property on Highway 122, as extending service was not financially feasible. All votes were unanimous (6-0).
- Approved the agenda with the addition of a closed session for the Town Manager's office (6-0).
- Approved draft minutes from four prior meetings (6-0).
- Approved the consent agenda, including moving the October regular meeting to October 12, 2021 (unanimous).
- Approved the FY2021 budget true-up to cover account deficits (6-0).
- Approved Town Manager Robert Wood's appointment to RVARC (6-0).
- Granted a wastewater service waiver for a property on Highway 122 (6-0).
- Entered closed session under Virginia Code 2.2-3711(A)(1) for personnel matters (6-0).
- Certified the closed meeting complied with Virginia law; no action taken in closed session.
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission held a regular meeting with no public hearings or substantive decisions. Members unanimously approved the meeting agenda and the May 4, 2021 minutes. Staff reported on various projects, including the Carilion rezone, asphalt plant site plan, Starbucks, and a proposed brewery, but no formal actions were taken on these items.
- Approved meeting agenda as presented (unanimous)
- Approved May 4, 2021 regular meeting minutes as presented (unanimous)
Economic Development Authority
The Rocky Mount Economic Development Authority unanimously approved a resolution and operating agreement amendments to replace Beth Simms and Gary Jackson with Mark Moore and James Ervin as co-managers of the Performance Center Manager, LLC, Performance Center Development, LLC, and Harvester Performance Center, LLC. The board also approved a $12,500 payment to Access for Phase 2 work, with a request for itemized invoices. Additionally, the board eliminated the barn quilt logo option from consideration.
- Approved resolution and operating agreement amendments to replace Beth Simms and Gary Jackson with Mark Moore and James Ervin as co-managers (unanimous)
- Approved $12,500 payment to Access from EDA funds (unanimous)
- Eliminated barn quilt logo option from branding considerations (consensus)
- Approved agenda as presented (unanimous)
- Approved March 23, 2021 regular meeting minutes (unanimous)
Town Council
The Rocky Mount Town Council approved the FY2022 budget and tax rates with no changes, and approved a rezoning request from Carilion Franklin Memorial Hospital for two parcels on Taliaferro Street. The council also accepted a $25,000 grant for a co-working incubator space feasibility study and entered a closed session to discuss the town manager position.
- Approved FY2022 budget (6-0)
- Approved FY2022 tax rates and fees with no changes (6-0)
- Approved rezoning of 55 and 75 Taliaferro Street from R1 to CBD (5-1)
- Accepted $25,000 DHCD grant for co-working incubator space feasibility study (5-0)
- Approved agenda with additions (5-0)
- Approved April 12, 2021 meeting minutes (5-0)
- Approved consent agenda including departmental reports (5-0)
- Entered closed session to discuss town manager employment (5-0)
Board of Zoning Appeals
The Board of Zoning Appeals unanimously denied a variance request by Greg Walker for property at 250 Leanor Street to allow an accessory structure exceeding 50% of the primary structure's footprint. The denial was based on concerns that the variance would be a substantial detriment to adjacent properties and negatively affect neighborhood character. The board also approved the agenda and the April 1, 2021 minutes, and discussed zoning concerns for the Leanor Street area.
- Approved agenda as presented (unanimous)
- Approved April 1, 2021 minutes as presented (unanimous)
- Denied variance for accessory structure at 250 Leanor Street (unanimous)
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission voted 5-2 to recommend that Town Council approve rezoning two parcels at 55 and 75 Taliaferro Street from Residential (R1) to Central Business District (CBD) with proffers offered by Carilion Franklin Memorial Hospital. The recommendation follows a public hearing where neighbors raised concerns about screening, setbacks, and access, while an adjoining property owner spoke in favor. The commission also approved the agenda and April minutes unanimously, and heard staff updates on ordinances.
- Recommended approval of Carilion rezoning at 55 & 75 Taliaferro St (5-2)
- Approved agenda as presented (unanimous)
- Approved April 6, 2021 minutes as presented (unanimous)
- Adjourned at 6:55 p.m. (unanimous)
Planning Commission
The Rocky Mount Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend Town Council approve a special use permit for Living Proof Beer Company to operate a craft brewery at a property on West Court Street. The commission also unanimously recommended approval of the 5-year Capital Improvement Plan as presented by staff. Both items were approved after public hearings and discussion.
- Approved the agenda as presented by unanimous vote.
- Approved the March 2, 2021 regular meeting minutes as presented by unanimous vote.
- Recommended Town Council approve the 5-year Capital Improvement Plan as presented by staff, by unanimous vote.
- Recommended Town Council approve the special use permit for Living Proof Beer Company for a light manufacturing facility on West Court Street, by unanimous vote.
- Approved adjournment at 6:52 p.m. by unanimous vote.
Board of Zoning Appeals
The Board of Zoning Appeals unanimously approved a variance allowing a freestanding sign on a lot with less than 100 feet of frontage at 591 Old Franklin Turnpike. The applicant, LFSLC, LLC, plans to develop the parcel with two quick-service restaurants. The board also approved the agenda and February minutes, and noted a Walker variance was moved to May 6.
- Approved variance for freestanding sign on lot with 57.29 ft frontage (unanimous)
- Approved agenda as presented (unanimous)
- Approved February 4, 2021 meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Adjourned at 6:10 p.m. (unanimous)
Economic Development Authority
The EDA approved a $25,000 payment to Access for Phase 2 of the branding project, funded from EDA funds. The board also reviewed new logo concepts and discussed next steps. Director Beth Simms announced her departure on April 2nd, with Assistant Town Manager Mark Moore as the new staff liaison. The meeting was otherwise procedural, including agenda and minutes approvals.
- Approved agenda with a change to move Old Business above Secretary's Report.
- Approved January 26, 2021 regular meeting minutes as presented.
- Approved a $25,000 check to Access for Phase 2 of the branding project from EDA funds.
- Adjourned at 6:41 p.m.
Town Council
The Rocky Mount Town Council approved a supplemental appropriation of $85,000 to complete the Water Treatment Plant Flocculator Project, funded from the Utility Capital projects fund balance. The Council also approved a $100,000 grant for Celeste Park development, and approved permits for the Kingdom Run 5K and Chug for the Jug 5K. A request to use CARES money for Microenterprise loan payments was referred to the Finance Committee.
- Approved supplemental appropriation of $85,000 for the Water Treatment Plant Flocculator Project
- Approved resolution accepting a $100,000 grant from the Virginia Outdoors Foundation for Celeste Park
- Approved the Kingdom Run 5K event scheduled for August 7, 2021
- Approved the Chug for the Jug 5K event scheduled for April 24, 2021
- Referred the Microenterprise loan forgiveness request to the Finance Committee
- Approved the agenda with additions
- Approved the minutes from four prior meetings
- Approved the consent agenda
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission held its regular meeting and approved the agenda and February minutes. Town Planner Jessica Heckman reported on several development updates, including a Carilion site plan, a potential development at 591 Old Franklin Turnpike, and a grant for Celeste Park. The commission discussed proposed revisions to the sign ordinance but took no formal action, asking members to review and comment. No substantive decisions were made beyond routine approvals.
- Approved the meeting agenda as presented by unanimous vote.
- Approved the February 2, 2021 regular meeting minutes as presented by unanimous vote.
- Discussed proposed revisions to the sign ordinance; no action taken, members to review and comment.
- Heard updates on development projects and grants; no formal action taken.
Board of Zoning Appeals
The Board of Zoning Appeals unanimously approved a variance for Kawaja Corp. to reduce the transitional yard requirement at 255 North Main Street, allowing a +/-11'x25' addition for a deli and quick-pick-up items. The board also elected officers for 2-year terms and approved prior meeting minutes. No other substantive decisions were made.
- Approved variance for Kawaja Corp. at 255 N Main St (unanimous)
- Elected C. Holland Perdue, III as Chairman (unanimous)
- Re-elected Susan Hapgood as Vice Chair (unanimous)
- Re-elected Cherie Compton as Secretary (unanimous)
- Approved April 4, 2019 meeting minutes (unanimous)
🗳️ How they voted (2 roll-call votes)
Planning Commission
The Rocky Mount Planning Commission unanimously recommended that Town Council approve a special use permit for Chasity S. Wade to place a manufactured home at 470 Byrd Lane. The commission also approved the meeting agenda (with a public hearing removed) and the January 5, 2020 minutes. Staff updates were provided on various administrative matters.
- Approved agenda with removal of Living Proof Beer Company public hearing (unanimous)
- Approved January 5, 2020 regular meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Recommended Town Council approve special use permit for manufactured home at 470 Byrd Lane (unanimous)
Economic Development Authority
The EDA meeting was largely informational, with no formal votes on substantive matters. Members approved the agenda and prior meeting minutes unanimously. The main discussion centered on branding survey results presented by Access, covering community perceptions and opportunities, and staff updates on the Harvester and local business moves.
- Approved agenda with change to move Old Business above Staff Updates (unanimous)
- Approved December 22, 2020 regular meeting minutes (unanimous)