South Hill council holds closed session on proposed regional industrial authority; certifies no action taken

The South Hill Town Council met in a special session on March 10, 2025, and entered a closed session to consult with legal counsel about the possible creation of a Regional Industrial Facilities Authority, Mayor Mike Moody said at the start of the meeting.

Vice Mayor Gavin Honeycutt moved that the council go into Closed Session under Virginia Code § 2.2-3711(A)(8) for legal consultation on the authority’s creation; Councilor Delores Luster seconded the motion, which "carried unanimously," the minutes state. Town Manager Keli Reekes and Town Attorney Jesse Bausch were present during the Closed Session alongside council members.

After reconvening in Open Session, Councilor Delores Luster moved, and Councilor Michael Smith seconded, that the minutes reflect no formal action was taken in the Closed Session and that the council adopt a resolution certifying compliance with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act. The resolution passed on a roll-call vote with each council member recorded as "Aye": Councilor Lillie Feggins-Boone; Councilor Randy Crocker; Councilor Jenifer Freeman-Hite; Councilor Ashley Hardee; Vice Mayor Gavin Honeycutt; Councilor Delores Luster; Councilor Carl L. Sasser, Jr.; and Councilor Michael Smith.

The council’s minutes note specifically that discussions in Closed Session were limited to matters lawfully exempted from open meeting requirements under the Freedom of Information Act and to matters identified in the motion that convened the Closed Session. The minutes say no formal action was taken in Closed Session on the subject of the Regional Industrial Facilities Authority.

Mayor Moody adjourned the special meeting at 6:22 p.m. The minutes were validated for approval on April 14, 2025.