Town Council

The monthly Town Council meeting was held on March 14, 2023. The meeting agenda can be viewed here.

Town Council held a tribute in memory of Cecil Johnson, a retired Town of Tazewell employee serving for thirty-seven years and Fire Department member for thirty-two years. Mayor Hoops remarked on the extraordinary way that Cecil touched the lives of each of us during his tenure and hoped that their efforts came close to the tribute that Cecil truly deserves. Mayor Hoops expressed his condolences and presented Cecil’s son, T.J., an honorary plaque to a standing ovation and also read a resolution of honor commending Cecil for his community service. Additionally, the Town of Tazewell Fire Department presented T.J. with an order of promotion for Cecil to Lieutenant, with full membership support.

At the request of Jaden Redd and Taryn Stiltner, Town Council awarded assistance to support their attendance of the 2023 DECA National competition in Orlando, Florida. Jaden and Taryn qualified for event by placing first for their Bulldog broadcast at the State DECA competition held in Virginia Beach.

Rick Chitwood, a Senior Project Manager at Thompson & Litton, provided Town Council with an update for the proposed wastewater treatment plant project, reporting on the impact of the current market conditions and material availability.

Alicia Bales, President of Tazewell Today, provided Town Council with an update on their progress made in 2022. Accompanied by Executive Director Vanessa Rebentisch, Alicia shared that Tazewell Today recently received re-accreditation as a Virginia Main Street. Tazewell Today’s primary initiative is to revitalize the Main Street community. In 2022, they focused on website development, supporting the arts, building volunteer committees, hosting events, operating The Rink, and many other activities.

The monthly Town Council meeting was held on February 14, 2023. The meeting agenda can be viewed here.

As part of the celebrations for Black History Month, Brittany Davis shared with Town Council the history of the Shake Rag/Carline community in Tazewell. Located on the original path the trolley travelled from the Tazewell Train Station to Main Street from the 1890s – 1930s, which then followed Tazewell Avenue and Fincastle Turnpike, the area developed into an African American community that remains through today. The origins of the name for the Shake Rag neighborhood, officially named Carline for its location on the trolley “car line,” has multiple accounts – from the practice of shaking a rag to flag the trolley for service to the wash days when laundry would be hung from clotheslines to dry. Brittany explained that though it was historically an offensive and derogatory expression, residents have taken that negative connotation and turned it into a positive one showing pride in their roots. The neighborhood hosts frequent fun events for both residents and the general public, such as reunions and block parties, celebrations for Juneteenth, Independence Day, Easter, Halloween, and Christmas.

Luke Allison and Jarrod Burton introduced Town Council to their development project for the property at 320 Main Street. The extensive renovations to the former Tazewell Equipment & Motor Corporation building will result in multiple commercial spaces and up to 18 apartments. A Tazewell native, Luke is excited to bring the skills in redevelopment that he has honed in Pulaski to his hometown.

Mayor Michael Hoops read a resolution in support of “Twin Community” status with fellow “Tazewell” community, Tazewell County, Illinois.  John Ackerman, Tazewell County Clerk & Recorder of Illinois, proposed the partnership after a visit to Tazewell. In Twin Community programs, each locality shares information about their partnering community to help build a relationship fostering growth and understanding. The resolution stated there are only 4 counties/communities named Tazewell in the United States, each named for either Senator Henry Tazewell or his son, Governor Littleton Waller Tazewell, both of Virginia. The shared naming creates a unique historical bond between the locales. In 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower inaugurated a peace program to advance this bond, also known as “Sister Cities” or “Twin Towns”, with his citizen diplomacy initiative that was developed to strengthen and build world-wide connections through exchanges of cultural and educational communications between communities. Town Council voted unanimously in support of this resolution and looks forward to partnering with Tazewell County, Illinois, in this process.

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.