The recent Purcellville Town Council meeting ended without resolving the appointment of a new chief of police, amid clear divisions and procedural debates among council members.
The council was divided on entering a closed session to receive legal counsel concerning the police chief appointment. Council Member Caleb Stought pushed for a closed session, stating, “Mayor, I would strongly suggest that before we take a vote on the motion I just made, we go into closed session.” However, Mayor Bertaut opposed this move, asserting, “And I am not going into closed session.”
Efforts to initiate a closed session failed, and subsequent attempts to openly discuss legal advice were equally divisive, as Erin Rayner remarked: “Give the people a reason why you will not listen to legal advice.”
Tensions were palpable as council members and attendees expressed dissatisfaction, calling for more transparency. Erin Rayner critiqued, “You’re refusing to hear it because you’re covering your ears and putting your head in the sand.”
Procedural questions arose during the meeting, with discussions about agenda handling and adherence to Robert’s Rules of Order. Caleb Stought observed, “By ordinance, this meeting will go to at least 9:30 without a motion to adjourn. So are you planning to sit here for the next hour?”
Mr. Cafferkey, the town attorney, provided procedural clarification, although his guidance was overshadowed by the Commonwealth Attorney’s directive that Ben Nett should not be present during police matters.
In a surprising turn, Ben Nett returned 10 minutes after being dismissed, despite the Commonwealth Attorney’s advice for him to avoid police-related discussions. He claimed ignorance of the ongoing deliberations. Accusations arose that the mayor was texting Ben Nett to facilitate his return, allegedly to adjourn the meeting and avoid police chief appointment discussions.
Ultimately, the meeting underscored the complexities and varying perspectives within the council, with the appointment of Purcellville’s new chief of police remaining unresolved.