In a significant move to enhance governance, the Purcellville Town Council approved an updated version of the “Committee, Commissions, and Board (CCB) Member Handbook” in May 2024. The revised handbook received a solid endorsement, passing with a vote of 5-2, thanks to the support of Mayor Milan, Council members Williams, Rayner, Stought, and Wright. However, Council members Luke and Bertaut voiced their opposition to the changes.
This updated handbook is more than just a set of guidelines; it includes a comprehensive Council Vision and Mission statement, outlines valuable training opportunities, details the appointment process, and clarifies the powers and responsibilities of various committees. It emphasizes the critical importance of training, meeting attendance, confidentiality, and the need to avoid personal interests that could interfere with official duties.
A standout feature of the handbook is the “Code of Conduct,” which aims to ensure that CCB members, staff, and citizens are treated with the professionalism and respect they deserve. This code provides vital safeguards for conducting meetings that adhere to legal requirements and allows staff to offer essential advice on matters that could impact decisions or are legally mandated.
During the Town Council meeting on February 11, 2025 concerns were raised by both citizens and several Council members regarding adherence to the Code of Conduct in a recent Planning Commission meeting.
On February 6, 2025, during the Planning Commission meeting, town staff attempted to notify the Chair about an improperly made motion. Despite the staff’s respectful efforts to ensure that a legally valid motion was put forth, the Chair repeatedly struck the gavel, dismissing the staff member’s attempts to speak and insisting that any corrections should be addressed after the meeting. This incident exemplified the very issues the Code of Conduct was designed to prevent. It is crucial to ensure that the Town’s business—and particularly its motions—are conducted correctly to maintain the legality of town operations during official meetings.
Purcellville is fortunate to have a team of highly knowledgeable and professional department directors with decades of expertise. While it may not be realistic to expect our elected and appointed officials to be experts in every area, it is crucial that they heed the recommendations and advice of these professionals. Incorporating their guidance into decision-making is essential; neglecting to do so could lead to liabilities for the town and, ultimately, for taxpayers.
For those interested in exploring the full guidelines, you can view the updated handbook here: Committee, Commission, and Board Member Handbook (https://purcellvilleva.gov/DocumentCenter/View/12378/Town-of-Purcellville-Committee-Commission-and-Board-Member-Handbook).
