As the proceeding closed a roughly two-hour-long, "special work session" on September 16, the Town Council also discussed matters related to the rental and management of the Town-owned "Health Center" building, probably best known locally as the former site of Middleburg's Police Headquarters.

What to do with the property since the departure of the Police Department has long been a matter of discussion.

Departing Council Member Cathy Jo Shea, who had once before leased space in the building for her Solstice Healing Center, had sought space there again to relocate Second Chapter Books, established by Shea and Jilann Brunett.

Because Virginia law requires a public hearing before the Town can lease Town-owned property, however, the availability of space in the building had been duly advertised.

At its regular September 8 session, Town Staff notified Council that "another business may also be interested in leasing" the same space sought by Shea and Brunett. That business, Charter Technologies, currently leases space across the hall from the old Police Department Headquarters, and is seeking to expand.

Council approved the Second Chapter Books lease on September 8. What, if anything, will come of Charter Technologies' request remains a mystery, though there are rumors of a compromise.

The details of the Council's September 16 closed work-session discussions remain secret under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act Section 2.2-3711(A)(7).

According to Council records, however, it is clear that Council Member Shea insisted that nothing regarding her and Brunett's proposed Second Chapter Books lease be discussed during a wider discussion limited by law to "legal advice and the performance of a Town employee(s) regarding the lease of a portion of the Health Center property."

By council vote Town Administrator Martha Semmes and Town Attorney Angie Plowman were also present.