Middleburg council reappoints committees, adopts procedural rules and names planning commissioners

The Middleburg Town Council used its January reorganizational meeting to swear in newly elected and returning members, elect a vice mayor, adopt updated meeting rules and to make two planning commission appointments following a closed session.

After the swearing-in, council held nominations for vice mayor; a motion to nominate “Chris” for the post passed by voice vote with one member recorded as abstaining. Council then ran through committee assignments for the coming year and encouraged members to attend public committee meetings.

Town staff presented a short set of minor updates to the council’s rules of procedure — mostly clarifications about public comment and how to address disruptive behavior. Council member Cindy Pearson moved to adopt amendments recommended by staff with an effective date of Jan. 8, 2026; the motion was seconded and adopted by voice vote.

Later in the meeting council voted to enter closed session under the Code of Virginia §2.2-3711 to discuss appointments to the planning commission and an employee-related bonus. After reconvening, council appointed Carolyn Hirsch and Paul Drew McMahon to three-year terms on the Middleburg Planning Commission, with terms to expire Dec. 31, 2028; one member recorded an abstention during the roll call.

Council also reviewed a number of staff reports, including utilities and public safety updates, and set several discussion items for future agendas.