Pearisburg confirms appointments, swears in two officers and authorizes permanent ban from town facilities

At its Jan. 13 meeting the Pearisburg Town Council confirmed multiple routine appointments, swore in two newly hired police officers and authorized a permanent ban from Town recreational facilities for an individual described in a confidential agenda addendum.

Council confirmed appointments of James A. Hartley as Town Attorney; Adam Poser as Town Manager; Regina H. Harless as Town Clerk; Hope Harrell as Town Treasurer; and Steven Fisher as Fire Chief. The motion to approve these appointments carried 7-0. Council also nominated and approved Kristi Eaton to serve as Vice Mayor; Eaton abstained on that confirmation. Separately, Council approved the appointment of Richard Gautier as Chief of Police; that vote recorded an abstention by Councilmember Zach Smith and otherwise passed.

Police Chief Richard Gautier introduced Officers Brandon Agee and James Frisk as the department's newest members; Town Clerk Regina H. Harless administered their oaths of office.

On a motion by Councilmember Cathy Clark, seconded by Amanda Davis, Council authorized Chief Gautier to issue a permanent ban from all Town of Pearisburg recreational facilities and property to an individual whose identity is described in a confidential addendum to the Jan. 13 agenda. The ban covers the Pearisburg Community Center, all ballfields, volleyball and basketball courts, Town Park, Town Pool, and the Pearisburg Public Library, effective immediately. The recorded vote shows six voting yes (Mayor Dickerson; Vice-Mayor Eaton; Councilmembers Fields, Sharp, Davis and Clark) and one abstention (Councilmember Smith); the motion carried.

What happens next: Chief Gautier is authorized to issue the ban; the Town will proceed with administrative steps described in the confidential addendum.