LYNCHBURG, Va. – Tensions flared as multiple Lynchburg city council members challenged one another at Tuesday night’s meeting at City Hall. The arguing began after Councilmember Chris Faraldi motioned to combine the approval of previous meeting minutes under one consideration.
Councilmember Marty Misjuns objected to the motion, claiming that the rules and procedures require that each item on the consent agenda be considered individually.
Misjuns cited Section 5-2 D, which states that “Upon request of a Councilmember, an item shall be removed from the Consent Agenda. The item shall be considered separately after adoption of the Consent Agenda.” Misjuns argued that since the considerations were listed separately under the consent agenda, they must be considered and discussed separately.
Lynchburg City Attorney Mattthew Freedman was quick to point out his interpretation of the rules and procedures, arguing that the considerations can be placed under a bloc at the discretion of the council members.
Councilman Faraldi backed Freedman’s remarks, stating that the rules and procedures provide the council with the ability to make decisions that allow them to conduct business as they see fit.
As the sides exchanged remarks, Councilman Misjuns turned his attention to the council’s discussions on the city’s real estate tax rate, which is currently set at $0.89 cents per $100 of assessed value.
Councilman Misjuns felt that he and his colleagues were misled to believe that the tax rate would remain at $0.89 cents if a vote was not acted on, which he believes was the result of ill-advice from Freedman and Deputy City Manager Greg Patrick.
Freedman responded to the claims by shouting that they were “not true.” Freedman’s attempt to comment further was immediately shut down by Councilman Misjuns as he attempted to continue his argument and refer to state code § 58.1-3321.
“I’m being interrupted by a staff member Mr. Mayor, and I don’t appreciate that,” stated Councilman Misjuns.
“Because you’re an ass,” shouted Councilman Faraldi in response.
Lynchburg Mayor Larry Taylor then began gaveling in an attempt to restore order to the meeting, which was ignored as council members began engaging with citizens who disagreed with the remarks and directing comments towards one another.
After nearly 30 more minutes of arguing amongst the council and city staff, which included additional comments from Councilwoman Stephanie Reed, Councilwoman Jacqueline Timmer, Vice Mayor Curt Diemer and Councilman Faraldi, Mayor Taylor called for a recess after Diemer began confronting Freedman for his previous legal advice at past meetings.
After the five-minute recess concluded, the council was finally able to vote on the initial motion proposed by Councilman Faraldi, which passed 4-3.
Shortly after, the meeting was adjourned at approximately 9 p.m. after a 4-3 vote.
“Remember who walked out again,” Councilman Misjuns exclaimed to the audience as the meeting closed. The next city council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 14.
For more information, visit City Council Meeting Agendas.