[This transcript was generated automatically from audio using AI and hasn't been reviewed by a person -- it can contain mistakes, including plausible-sounding sentences that were never actually said. Treat it as a starting point, not a verbatim record.]

[3:14] All the meeting to honor for the August 27th, 20th, 26th Board of Supervisors meeting. Will you all please stand and join me as Bill Smith leads us in the pledge. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for
[3:37] under God.
[3:52] Before we start our public input session tonight, I'd like to ask you all to please join the board in a moment of silence.
[4:00] for former Board of Supervisor, member Lloyd B. Hubbard, Jr., who passed away on August 15th.
[4:08] Mr. Hubbard served on the Board of Supervisors from January 1, 1994 until December 31, 1997.
[4:28] Thank you.
[4:32] All right, our next item on the agenda is our public input session.
[4:37] I'd like to remind everybody that this is a time that anything can be discussed
[4:43] discussed and brought to our attention that is not on the agenda tonight and you have
[4:51] three minutes to present if you want. Do we have anybody on the list? No, I did not
[4:58] put a sign of sheet. Okay, no sign of sheets. Is there anyone who would like to address
[5:02] the board at this time?
[5:10] Okay, see you then. Is there any online left?
[5:21] Public input session
[5:22] is closed at this point. All right, our next item is our V dot report and we
[5:31] ask David Beale and Mike Bryant to come up. Give us their report.
[5:40] Good evening
[5:41] it's good to be with you all. Good evening. Mike and his crew have been busy. We've
[5:46] cleaned pipes on Greentown Road, Wemes Road, Wemile Point and Tom Lentres. We've
[5:51] patched potholes throughout the county and Mary Point Road, Nutsville on River
[5:55] Road and Fleet's Bay. I've cut brush on James B. Jones, boys camp, Waverly,
[6:01] Irvington and Christ Church. I've done some shoulder repairs on old Salem and
[6:05] Irvington. I made a drainage improvement on Route 3 at the bridge and the
[6:12] mowing and litter removal on the primary routes is complete. We've been mowing
[6:17] site distance at intersections, county wide and address work orders county
[6:21] wide and the stock bar at Old Salem and Christ Church has been relocated. Both of those were relocated.
[6:32] Upcoming we have some ditch cleaning planned. We're starting to work on our snow season prep.
[6:40] We have some pipe cleaning at Mosquito Point to do. Cutting brush on beauty road. We have some
[6:51] and then we'll keep up with work orders throughout the county.
[6:56] The secondary routes will start that mowing,
[6:58] their final mow for the season also starts mid-September.
[7:04] Plant mix schedules under construction,
[7:07] Cape Seal is complete, surface treatment is complete.
[7:11] Trial way trail, I have another project to add there.
[7:14] You have two separate Trial way trail projects,
[7:17] so I'll add that to your next report.
[7:19] but the one that's on your report that kick off meeting is scheduled next week.
[7:27] Smart scale projects, the 615-605 intersection improvements, that public hearing was last
[7:34] night, and V.1 that one, we had more people there than the county did, but needless to say
[7:41] the people we did talk to, I was glad they came and we were able to get their questions
[7:46] was answered. That was last night. That one goes to advertisement in 2028. Oyster Creek Bridge
[7:55] replacement is under construction. Retargeting made 27 completion on that. The cranes
[8:01] should mobilize in there next week.
[8:05] 354. That one's almost done. So I have a final walk-through
[8:10] to do on September 1st and we're planning to have the road open September 2nd.
[8:16] And so that's next week, that road will be back open.
[8:20] And then at the North Bridge, the crew here finished up some demolition work down at
[8:26] the old Willoughby site, and then we began prepping that site for advanced contractor
[8:30] mobilization.
[8:32] So that's everything I had.
[8:34] It has been a lot of talk about the school zone on 200, and I am meeting with the school
[8:38] and others next week to see what changes we need to make there.
[8:43] That's everything I have for you all, if you have any questions for me, I'm happy to take
[8:48] them.
[8:51] Yes.
[8:52] Thank you for giving me a stop sign.
[8:54] I'll move that.
[8:55] Pit was calling.
[8:56] Mm-hmm.
[8:57] Did I read that the traffic study on route 200 was done and there was no need to lower the
[9:06] speed limit?
[9:07] Yeah.
[9:07] Or that agreement.
[9:08] No, you read it.
[9:09] Okay.
[9:10] I read it.
[9:10] So I understand the way that works, but can we look at it again, maybe in the near future?
[9:19] It just seems extremely busy, I'm just surprised that you're studying it and show that.
[9:25] Yes, we will look at it again, I was talking to Mr. Lee before the meeting.
[9:30] Right now, the 85th percentile speeds are right at 55, northbound, and so it's been studied twice.
[9:39] The northbound section was studied by a consultant when we did the star study
[9:44] between Old St. John's and Harris Road. We did a speed study as part of that
[9:48] star study and the northbound direction was 55 Southbound was 54. That's the 85th
[9:56] percentile speed. Okay. And that's typically where we set this speed limit. It's
[10:01] only going to be a matter of time for there's an accident there because when I was
[10:03] over there the other day trying to turn into the dump and the dump road and there
[10:08] there was another person trying to turn into Hillscorder.
[10:10] There was a person in front of me
[10:12] and they almost got hit trying to turn into the dump
[10:14] because it's pretty blind when you're like that
[10:16] because you can't see the cars coming down
[10:18] behind the cars that are lining up
[10:20] behind that turned the car.
[10:22] So it's gonna be quite dangerous there
[10:23] when traffic continues to build up.
[10:25] So even at 45.
[10:27] Even at 45, it's gonna be dangerous.
[10:29] But at 55, it's highly dangerous.
[10:31] Took me a while to make that turn
[10:32] and I made it come in then.
[10:34] I was like, someone's gonna get hit here
[10:36] sooner rather than later doing this exact same thing either on that side
[10:40] turning that way they can't see or turning into the dome okay just to finish
[10:47] the the V dot staff looked at the southern end you all made a request a couple
[10:52] months ago for us to look at it so from old St John's back to Irvington we
[10:56] studied that section and the 85th percentile speeds were 57 and 55 so
[11:03] So everything's tracking that the speed limit should be 55.
[11:08] However, we have not measured the speeds since the school traffic has been there.
[11:13] And so to your point, we continue to look at it, yes.
[11:17] I think it would be prudent that we measure it again after we get into a normal rhythm schools
[11:23] there, either later this fall or next spring, and measure the traffic again and see.
[11:28] Because as development occurs, and I think they're what, 50 more lots planned in old St.
[11:32] John is just going to add more development, add more traffic on 200. We'll keep our eye
[11:37] on it because as more development occurs, the speeds are going to start to slow down.
[11:43] And as the 85th comes down, we would lower the speed limit.
[11:51] The other items I had was on Chasis Road. There's a large limb that's fallen in the ditch and
[11:56] there's several trees that are leaning and about to fall onto the road. That should probably
[12:01] be addressed. And I noticed the notice about the design for Norse Bridge posted in the newspaper
[12:11] today. I'm not sure if the newspaper got the link wrong or whatever, but when you click on
[12:16] that link, it doesn't take you anywhere. It gives you an error. So I'm not sure if that's updated
[12:20] yet or what's going on. That was the notice to Mariners, the Coast Guard posting. Yeah. And I don't know
[12:28] not how far we are in the design yet, but I don't want us to get into another situation
[12:32] where like we were with the dominion towers when all of a sudden toward the end of the
[12:36] design and it's gone too far to do anything, then they spring that is going to be fenders
[12:41] protecting the channel and all this other additional stuff that no one really knows about right
[12:45] now.
[12:46] So I encourage us to get as much information out about the design, preliminary designs as soon
[12:54] as possible rather than it being like just a defunct
[12:57] or a process of public input at the end of all these phases
[13:01] taking place because public comment doesn't do any good
[13:04] if it doesn't really have any input into the process
[13:07] and it's just sort of like something you just check the box
[13:09] and do.
[13:11] Understood. So the notice to mariners just to spill the beans
[13:16] on that. There's no there's no proposed change
[13:19] but it's still being advertised. So it's still 300 foot span,
[13:22] and 110 foot height, and that's what's in the paper,
[13:25] that's what's there now.
[13:26] So there's no new news on that,
[13:28] but that's just a process that we go through.
[13:32] I would also just encourage BDOT to continue
[13:35] to think about the bridge design elements
[13:37] just beyond just being a transportation element,
[13:41] but elements that can also be a tourist attraction
[13:45] or a single quality infrastructure basically.
[13:55] I mean, we build better infrastructure like we did with their schools, and bridges can
[14:01] be more than just a transportation artery.
[14:03] This is once in a lifetime chance we're doing a major crossing of a river to do something
[14:09] that's more than just born concrete like I've said before.
[14:12] We need to develop our workforce for advanced engineering in this country.
[14:18] The only other thing I said, I'm not ready to announce the date yet, but I'll say in the next 60 days we're going to have another public hearing on the bridge.
[14:25] So I'd encourage you to comment, make comment.
[14:28] All right.
[14:29] Thank you.
[14:30] That's all I have.
[14:32] Thank you.
[14:34] Thank you.
[14:35] All right.
[14:36] Thank you.
[14:36] Thank you.
[14:37] Thank you.
[14:37] All right.
[14:45] Our next item on the agenda are our presentations.
[14:48] and our first one is our school construction and activity
[14:54] update from Jessica and Travis.
[15:01] Good evening, everyone. Good evening. We got the year kicked off, sports started obviously over the summer and are rolling at the new building. We had our, we welcomed our new staff back July 27th, and they spent a week before all of our staff came back August 3rd, and then all of our students joined us on August 10th. It's been an exciting start to the year at all the schools, and our staff and administration has been extremely organized.
[15:30] and well-prepared and flexible and really kicked the year off in a positive
[15:35] manner had to work out some first week kinks as we always do so getting
[15:41] through some of those I did want to share with you a couple of numbers our
[15:45] enrollment right now is at one thousand fifty which is up thirty six from last
[15:51] year at this time that's a that's a that's a larger jump than we've seen in
[15:56] in several years. So I wanted to share that with you are 480 students in our elementary
[16:02] school. I'm sorry.
[16:04] Do you have an indication of where those students came from?
[16:06] So I still need to like go dig. I've just surfaced touched it real quick whether they're coming
[16:14] from other counties or they're coming, they're moving to the area. Quite a few of them have
[16:21] actually move to the area. So that's good.
[16:27] Our total number, but Jason, I am going to
[16:29] do digging because I want to know, and I'll let you all know what I find. Our elementary
[16:35] school is 483 students enrolled this year. Early childhood has 97 and our high school has
[16:41] 480. We currently have 30 out of county students enrolled with us right now. About half of those
[16:48] are staff, staff, students, their kids.
[16:53] This year we're staying true to our strategic plan and getting our kids on one of the three
[16:58] e-path ways early on, starting, we're starting the exposure early on in our early childhood
[17:05] center, but then we are very meaningfully and intentionally exposing them and giving them
[17:10] different experiences throughout elementary school too.
[17:12] So by the time they leave seventh grade they have a 3E pathway chosen that they've worked on strategically with the school counselors and some teachers through their career investigation course and then in the high school we continue to dig in we started that four year plan but we need to do it at a much deeper level so we're continuing all of those visions that go along with our strategic plan for our kids to better prepare them for life after school continuing with the internships and
[17:42] and everything else that's involved in that.
[17:44] So I could go on and on talking to you about it,
[17:46] but I won't.
[17:47] Some exciting things we'll see this year coming in.
[17:50] We're bringing in some hydroponics towers
[17:52] into our schools so our kids can start learning
[17:55] about hydroponics and alternative ways to grow.
[17:59] And then our kitchen will be using what they grow as well.
[18:05] So this will start getting kids interested
[18:07] in early age for some different pathways.
[18:09] is aquaponics, hydroponics.
[18:12] And we are bringing in virtual reality goggles
[18:15] to six of our high school classrooms.
[18:18] It's not, it doesn't cover their whole curriculum,
[18:20] but it helps kids learn in a real-world setting.
[18:23] If you've ever tried them on, it's pretty amazing.
[18:26] You feel like you're there.
[18:27] So they can learn math, concept, science.
[18:32] So we have six teachers who are kind of taking that
[18:34] on this year to learn it.
[18:35] So we're excited to see how the kids do with that.
[18:38] And then we are starting our student-based enterprises this year.
[18:42] So those are student-run businesses in our high school.
[18:47] So we will delve into that and start small and build a good foundation that we can sustain,
[18:53] and then hopefully grow that program and have more and more kids learning the aspects of
[19:01] running a business, working in a business.
[19:03] And so there are a lot of things that kids can gain from those experiences too.
[19:06] So we're super excited about that.
[19:08] And I'll just share some other numbers and dates with you.
[19:12] We have been working hard to make sure our kids are all enrolled in a program,
[19:19] if it meets their plan for after high school graduation,
[19:23] and also involved in additional activities.
[19:27] So some of our numbers, our counselors have worked hard for this,
[19:31] our administrators, our teachers, this has been a team effort.
[19:34] We have been increasing our numbers in enrollment.
[19:38] So our Northern Tech Technical Center, we have 33 juniors enrolled this year in 18 seniors.
[19:44] So that number is up and we have one of the highest enrollments there.
[19:48] Our early college academy, we have between our juniors and seniors, 36 kids on track in that right now.
[19:55] Which is, I've been told by the counselors, that's our largest group also.
[19:59] So there's 19 juniors and 17 seniors on track this year to graduate.
[20:03] with our associates, our Chesapeake Bay Governor School.
[20:07] We dip down to about nine in 2022.
[20:10] So we've been working to make sure kids know
[20:13] that these programs are available.
[20:15] We have 21 enrolled in that this year
[20:17] and the Chesapeake Bay Governor School.
[20:19] And then we have four seniors enrolled
[20:21] in the RCC welding program.
[20:24] Total though, dual enrollment, we have 64 kids
[20:27] enrolled in dual enrollment courses.
[20:29] So, although there are 36 in the Early College Academy, there are still a large number of them that are enrolled in dual enrollment classes.
[20:39] And we have, I believe, eight in our teachers for tomorrow program.
[20:43] You don't happen to know that number.
[20:45] I'm sorry to put you on the spot.
[20:46] I think it's eight in the teachers for tomorrow program.
[20:49] So, that's our third year with that program.
[20:52] And now we have part two going at the high school as well.
[20:54] So, a couple big dates coming up, our community open house.
[20:58] Unfortunately, we didn't get to have our one this summer before school opens in September
[21:02] 12th.
[21:03] We'll be ready to invite the entire community in to see the building as a whole.
[21:08] And then our first home football game is September 18th, and we've got some special things planned
[21:13] for that night, so that should be a fun night too.
[21:17] So, we're just rolling week three.
[21:21] Any questions?
[21:22] questions?
[21:24] Or the finishing of this
[21:26] culture process?
[21:28] Well, this is a daily
[21:30] conversation.
[21:32] They are, we just got a new
[21:35] finalized plan from them just
[21:37] within the past two days.
[21:38] So I don't have a date, but
[21:40] we're holding them to dates
[21:42] for everything so that we can
[21:43] keep track of it.
[21:44] They're finishing up the track
[21:46] this weekend and then some
[21:48] of the striping on September
[21:49] number 7th and then the auditorium is supposed to finish by September 18th and everything
[21:56] else we're kind of, you know, pulling in a lot of work as you know happened in the
[22:01] past three, four, five weeks, so we're pushing it.
[22:09] Jessica is the hydroponics through the Healthy Harvest.
[22:12] So we, we partner with Healthy Harvest with our school nutrition program now.
[22:18] But the hydroponics is not, although taming up their nose, we're getting it and she's going
[22:25] to help us with curriculum as well, but we're doing it through a company called Fork Farms
[22:30] and they come in and they provide the curriculum, the training, all the materials and supplies
[22:36] and then we'll put one of those in our steam room for K-36 kids so they can start to just
[22:43] experience it and learn about it and then we have one in our eighth grade science classroom
[22:47] to.
[22:50] There's a treat meeting your safety personnel officer today. What's that?
[22:56] There's a treat meeting your new safety officer today. Oh, everybody's very
[23:00] excited that we have a two-time Super Bowl winner with us. I don't have a
[23:06] question but I would like to give you kudos in your strategic plan working for
[23:12] career pathways. Your hometown heroes is amazing. It is. It is. Do you mind if I explain it?
[23:21] No, go ahead. Miss Mary Katherine Jones does a lot of work in that to coordinate it on.
[23:26] The hometown heroes is their program that they start with first graders and introducing
[23:32] them to careers. And when Mary Katherine invited me last year and she told me I would have the first
[23:39] grade. I was like, what am I going to tell first grade is about Korea. But I did come up with a
[23:45] plan and their descriptions of Korea are amazing. So it's just kudos that you're getting that started
[23:55] like in first grade. Yeah, I mean we're really we're trying to be very intentional about it and even
[24:00] starting in the preschool. They're they're they can start taking it in and seeing what's out there.
[24:06] So thanks for being there and it's amazing. They understand careers. Yeah, they know what they want to do and what they don't want
[24:14] That's good. And so we want them to do and then fine tune it and get the experiences in high school.
[24:21] Thank you
[24:23] Anything else?
[24:25] You know the question
[24:26] All right, thank you, Jessica. Thank you
[24:32] All right, our next item is their county parks project update from job
[24:42] Good afternoon.
[24:45] Glenn, could you advance side please?
[24:51] This is not the right presentation.
[26:00] I apologize we're having some technical difficulties. We may have to wait a few minutes to get the presentation up and going.
[26:08] You
[26:13] want to come back after we finish our public hearing, would that help you?
[26:22] I mean, we can do that.
[26:23] If that's what you'd like to do, sir.
[26:26] If that works for you?
[26:28] It does.
[26:28] Yes.
[26:29] That'll work, but let's wait till Glenn gets back for the public hearing.
[26:35] That's going to be integral to find out who's online.
[26:38] We got a
[26:54] brief intermission.
[27:14] Land game 10 yard penalty.
[27:37] If you're ready, we're going to go to the public hearings, and then come back to him if
[27:43] that works.
[27:45] Okay.
[27:45] Are you ready?
[27:49] Okay.
[27:50] All right.
[27:51] All right.
[27:51] Next item on our agenda, and you all bear with us.
[27:56] This is the first time since I've been here that we've done this is a joint public hearing
[28:02] with the Planning Commission tonight.
[28:05] What we're going to do is here, and I'm sure that's why a lot of you are here to hear
[28:10] about the legacy are two districts and what's being considered there.
[28:16] So I am going to ask that Chairman Brent convene his planning commission at this time.
[28:26] Thank you Chair Wigith.
[28:29] Thanks for your kind of athletic mission.
[28:30] Will we convene it's earlier session?
[28:33] All right.
[28:34] Thank you.
[28:35] All right.
[28:36] We were ready, Andrea, for you to explain to us about the proposed amendment to part one zoning ordinance of Lancaster County,
[28:46] Land Development Code to create a legacy residential district, LR2, and to consider placing all parcels from the previously repealed R2 district into this legacy district.
[29:03] Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
[29:04] Thank you.
[29:05] Okay. Hopefully this will work.
[29:09] The R2 zoning district was adopted as part of the original zoning ordinance in 1975.
[29:14] and was designed as a higher density zoning district that allowed apartment-style residential
[30:04] All right.
[30:07] Okay. It went through various amendments throughout the years leading up to its repeal in 2005 in order to manage higher than expected shoreline density and ensure all developments fully comply with the residential waterfront overlay, W1 protections. The county later created the residential community are for zoning district to accommodate and encourage higher density workforce in affordable housing.
[30:35] Pre-existing R2 parcels remain
[30:37] in a holding zone governed by previously approved master plans and the regulations of their
[30:42] original R2 zoning ordinance they were approved under. This has become problematic as the permissible
[30:48] uses for the repealed zoning cannot be updated. County staff also frequently field questions from
[30:55] real estate agents and potential buyers regarding the implications of parcels which are located in
[31:00] a repealed R2 zone. Staff have also experienced issues with the repealed R2 zoning district as properties
[31:06] originally zoned our two were not rezone to a different district when it was repealed.
[31:13] To address these concerns, effectively enforce county zoning code requirements.
[31:20] County staff are proposing the creation of a legacy zoning district.
[31:24] A legacy zoning district is a zoning district created to manage and protect an established
[31:29] area that was developed under a previously repealed ordinance.
[31:32] No other property in the county can be re-zoned into a legacy zoning district.
[31:37] Based on this, the legacy zoning district would only apply to parcels that are already zoned R2.
[31:43] Rather than serving as a proactive development tool to open up new high-density projects,
[31:50] the new legacy R2 zoning district acts as a protective shield.
[31:54] By establishing a new zoning district the necessary mechanism to update permissible uses,
[31:58] It allows the county to modernize regulations and step with the current standards, evolving
[32:04] community needs, and long-term land use trends.
[32:07] This approach formalizes and safely governs existing developments without allowing outward
[32:12] expansion while reinforcing critical environmental protections over the county's shorelines.
[32:19] The proposed legacy R2 zoning ordinance includes select language from the repealed ordinance, updates
[32:25] It's permissible uses and includes the definition of a legacy zoning district.
[32:29] The proposed ordinance also adds street design regulations which would require future modifications to master plans to require all streets and rights of way to conform to V dot standards for street acceptance, including a minimum right of way of 50 feet and width for connecting streets.
[32:46] The language is included to address public safety concerns regarding the ability of fire trucks to utilize the roads and turn around where necessary.
[32:55] Also included are the changes recommended by county administrator Don Gale, the planning commission members at a previous meeting and community members.
[33:04] A total of 535 individual parcels comprising approximately 1,450 acres in total would be affected by the proposed zoning amendments.
[33:16] While these developments in localized areas are located throughout the county, the majority
[33:20] are within close proximity to the county's incorporated towns.
[33:25] Our two areas are shown in orange on this county map as well as on the following maps.
[33:30] These developments are as follows.
[33:34] High bank, rivers landing, and rapid-handic landing located near the Norris Bridge just outside
[33:39] of the town of Whitestone.
[33:41] Hill's quarter, the middle high school campus, the Golden Eagle area, and
[33:45] Rappahannock, Weston, St. Canterbury, located within the county's plan
[33:49] growth area. Harbor Run Indian Creek located just outside of the town of
[33:54] Kimarnock. Slute Point located near the village of Maratica.
[34:01] The green condominiums
[34:04] and the old ties lodge area located off Wemes Road and across Carter's
[34:08] Creek from the town of Irvington. Western Branch Preserve located near the
[34:13] County Courthouse area and finally the landing and the Windmill Point Marina
[34:17] area which includes the new Windmill Point County Maritime Recreational
[34:21] campus. In preparation for this joint meeting and public hearings staff
[34:26] conducted several outreach efforts to inform and engage the community. These
[34:30] efforts included discussions at prior county meetings coverage in the
[34:33] handic record, letters to property owners and the governing boards of community associations
[34:39] and a community informational meeting held at the Lancaster Community Library.
[34:44] These additional engagement efforts supplemented the formal public hearing notice and advertising
[34:48] requirements established by the Code of Virginia, and were intended to provide effective property
[34:54] owners and other interested parties with multiple opportunities to learn about the proposed amendments,
[34:59] questions and provide input. Staff has received comments regarding the specific
[35:05] language in the ordinance and those suggestions have been incorporated into the
[35:09] proposed ordinance amendments. In addition, staff has responded to questions
[35:13] regarding the proposed ordinance, provided clarification, and addressed concerns as
[35:18] they were received. At the March 19, 2026 Planning Commission meeting, the
[35:22] Planning Commission initially reviewed the requests and held a public hearing at
[35:26] that time, resulting in a recommendation of approval 6-0 and a finding of good zoning
[35:32] practice. A joint public hearing and meeting of the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors
[35:37] is now being held to ensure a comprehensive and coordinated review by both boards and receive
[35:42] input from the community. Immediately after which, if deemed appropriate, the Planning Commission may
[35:48] forward its recommendation to the Board of Supervisors and the Board of Supervisors may take formal action
[35:53] on the request. As a finding of good practice staff recommends the proposed legacy R2 ordinance
[36:00] be adopted and all parcels currently zone R2 should be rezoned into that newly created
[36:05] legacy R2 district. Your memo packets included the repealed ordinance and the proposed legacy R2
[36:12] ordinance along with the map shown here and a list of the affected properties. This issue has been
[36:17] An advertised and effective property owners notified as required was required by law.
[36:22] The county has received public comments and questions as briefly said mentioned.
[36:26] Thank you.
[36:28] Thank you, Andrew.
[36:30] Does anybody have any questions before we open it up to the public here?
[36:36] I have a question or comment.
[36:38] Okay.
[36:39] Just in general, I didn't really see it defined well in the packet.
[36:43] But what was the premise of doing this sort of blanket rezoning versus allowing individuals
[36:52] affected in this zone and to come before the board and ask for a particular rezoning
[36:56] for a particular project or entity they were doing?
[37:00] Some of the reasoning behind it is because of, in particular, just for an example, we have
[37:09] the short-term rentals, of course.
[37:11] And we cannot update permissible uses within the R2 because it was repealed.
[37:18] So in some, in regards to permissible uses, things of that nature, we felt it was easier
[37:24] to do it as a blanket so that we could address that as a whole.
[37:30] We thought it might be more efficient to do that but at the same time if particular developments
[37:38] or individuals would like to explore something being re-zoned differently?
[37:45] Of course that is up for discussion, for sure.
[37:49] I'd like to add one thing, if I could, Mr. Bellows,
[37:53] we currently do not have any zoning district
[37:56] that would allow the multi-family waterfront properties
[38:03] that are currently zoned or too.
[38:05] So there is no other district that they could rezone to, so the purpose here would be to give
[38:11] these parcels that exist currently with no home a zoning district that could be enforceable.
[38:20] So then any issue that would say not be permissible now that would become permissible such as special
[38:26] uses would come back as a special use permit within those zones, within the new legacy?
[38:30] So in the revised use of permitted uses, there are a couple new uses in the LR2 and correct
[38:40] me if I'm wrong, Andrea, but one is obviously a county sanctioned public facility.
[38:46] That exists in every one of our zoning districts, but for some reason it was not listed in
[38:50] the old R2, so it seems reasonable to include that in the new LR2.
[38:55] and the LR2 also includes unhosted short-term rental with a special exception.
[39:02] That's correct.
[39:03] Are there any other issues?
[39:05] We did add hotels and ends, I believe, were added to that as well with a special exception.
[39:13] Would be permitted uses of what you're saying with a special exception.
[39:16] With a special exception.
[39:17] Thank you.
[39:18] That's all I have.
[39:19] Thank you.
[39:20] Anyone else have any questions?
[39:22] Anyone on the plan?
[39:24] Okay.
[39:29] Thank you. We shall now open the session up for the public input session for the public
[39:38] hearing and we're welcome any public input. Yes, sir.
[39:46] Please state your name and district
[39:48] and then you've gotten three minutes.
[39:53] I'm Bill Novajoski, district, Mr. Smith's district five.
[39:59] I didn't remember, but I didn't know this was going to be a test.
[40:05] I am Bill Novajoski and I live in the green,
[40:07] and I'm also the Greens board president.
[40:11] So I have just a couple of comments.
[40:13] Probably set the speed record here for you all.
[40:15] So we are in favor of the proposed new ordinance.
[40:20] It seems to get us to a proper classification versus the holding zone, which you all have been talking about.
[40:28] It preserves what we have in our master plan and
[40:31] our declaration and our bylaws that are filed with the county, so that all hangs together.
[40:37] It provides an updated use, environmental and safety requirements for
[40:43] all the new builds under these existing master plans that are all in R2 as I understand
[40:49] it. And in the end, it seems like a common sense approach to solve the R2 holding zone
[40:57] problem and it is not onerous or difficult to understand. So thank you for all you do.
[41:04] Thank you. Yes, sir.
[41:09] Good evening. My name is George Calvert. I'm a part-time resident in the Golden Eagles.
[41:14] Other than his association, which of course is right across the street from the golf course,
[41:19] across from the west coast of Rappahannock. All of the streets down in there are privately maintained
[41:28] and the Golden Eagle has 22 houses. It's fully built. I guess it's been fully built out for 40 years.
[41:37] The only point would be that we want to make sure we're not subject to the parking component.
[41:45] Every heart sitting there has a driveway.
[41:48] Some are big enough to hold three or four cars already.
[41:51] Some can only hold two.
[41:53] It's a very steep spot.
[41:56] And I think we're okay on that anyway, because there's no plans to do anything in that neighborhood or do any other development.
[42:03] But we'd like to be sure that there's no requirement that parking be added increased in some of the smaller houses
[42:11] where the driveways just weren't made big enough.
[42:14] And then the second piece would be the impracticality of having that little circular neighborhood
[42:21] have to be redone to V dot standards on that little bit of roadway and there on that hillside.
[42:27] But otherwise we concur with the proposal.
[42:34] Thank you, sir.
[42:37] Yes, sir.
[42:44] Good evening.
[42:46] I'm Bruce Julian represented on this board by Supervisor Bill Smith in District 5.
[42:51] I also live in the Green Condominium Community.
[42:54] I own 124th of 8 acres.
[42:57] in our association was developed in the early 1970s, prior to county zoning,
[43:04] ordinances and even prior to any of the Virginia condominium laws.
[43:09] Recently, our association has amended all of our governing documents to comply with the current code of Virginia
[43:15] and bring all of our documents to the current status and enforced by the Commonwealth.
[43:21] The green has fully implemented its master plan with all buildings,
[43:25] roads and community docs completed. I support the rezoning, and I want to thank the county staff
[43:31] and the planning commission for taking this matter and putting it to bed. Thank you.
[43:36] Thank you.
[43:40] Yes, sir.
[43:45] I have a kind of distance to read.
[43:49] I'm not for me with this zoning ordinance,
[43:52] excuse me, but the lady went through it so quick, I might have scratched for a little bit of it,
[43:58] But in any way, the only thing I need when I see carved out
[44:02] properties in the paper, such a long for me, what's going on
[44:07] and carved out properties.
[44:09] I didn't realize that R2 had been repealed whenever.
[44:13] And you're trying to put something around it, but I don't
[44:17] know why it's a different district.
[44:18] But in any way, the only thing I want to know, any of these
[44:22] carved out properties in the future, down the road, going
[44:26] to receive any special attention.
[44:31] What I mean by that, are there any privileges they're going to have that the rest of the property
[44:35] owners may or may not have in the future?
[44:39] Is that the reason for the, that's not going to be in this?
[44:46] I can try to address that for you, Mr. Kaiser.
[44:49] are the existing R2 properties were all approved under their own master plans for their own neighborhoods.
[45:00] If they wanted to change something to revise that master plan, they would have to come back to the Board of Supervisors and request a revision to that master plan. So, this is, this is, this is incoming all the master plan. This is it, this is okay. Yeah. Okay. I'm, I'm just understood the whole thing. I would just want to, if this was a new district that's somewhere down the road, stand alone, like with the rest of the districts, and it is a new district.
[45:29] different set of rules and rest of it. It is a new district but no
[45:32] properties can ever be zoned into this district other than the existing R2
[45:38] properties today. So it's a new new district but it gives it gives us a
[45:45] district that's enforceable because the old R2 was repealed back in 05 and as
[45:52] Andres stated it's in a holding pattern.
[45:54] This legacy zoning district gives us an enforcement
[46:00] mechanism for that district.
[46:04] But no new parcels can be resumed there.
[46:07] No new uses can take place without revisions
[46:11] to existing master planes.
[46:14] Thank you, sir.
[46:17] Yes, sir.
[46:23] Yes, I'll be very brief.
[46:25] I came here because I didn't feel
[46:27] We had gotten could you state your name and district? Oh, yes, my name is Robert smart. I live in district 1
[46:35] And you are my representative
[46:37] I knew that
[46:38] I appreciate the opportunity to speak today and I just wanted to say that I believe that the
[46:49] presentation by
[46:51] Olivia Pratt was excellent. We got the information that we wanted I
[46:56] I was concerned that we were not getting that information.
[47:00] I didn't know what LR2 was that R2 had been put out of commission, and it would have been
[47:08] helpful to have something in the rapid-handic record to define why this was being done.
[47:15] That's not your responsibility.
[47:17] I'll talk to the rapid-handic record about it, but I appreciate the information that we've
[47:21] gotten tonight.
[47:22] Thank you.
[47:23] Thank you.
[47:23] Anyone
[47:27] else?
[47:31] Yes, ma'am?
[47:39] Good evening.
[47:40] Gail Berkart-Kalley, I'm not sure what district I'm a part of by live in Hills quarter.
[47:46] That's how it is for you. Thank you.
[47:49] Is I'm not sure if it's appropriate to ask questions at this point or if this was just four comments?
[47:57] You can ask questions. Okay.
[48:02] Why was it necessary to create is the legacy
[48:07] the zoning district rather than, and I'm not sure what the general zoning is just outside of these particular properties.
[48:19] Why was it necessary to create something so specific rather than?
[48:28] This just takes the place of the repealed R2 district.
[48:35] As I mentioned earlier, we don't have a zoning district currently that multifamily waterfront
[48:44] homes could be rezoned to.
[48:47] Now we do have a district R4 where off-water properties, multifamily, off-water properties
[48:54] could be rezoned to.
[48:55] But as was as has been stated the R2 district was repealed in O-05
[49:04] It's troublesome for staff to enforce
[49:09] Anything with a repealed ordinance and this just creates an enforcement mechanism for us to to do business
[49:20] Not that there's not a whole lot of difference between the LR2 and the R2
[49:24] other than no properties can ever be re-zoned to LR2, other than the existing R2 properties that exist today.
[49:36] And so, to me, it's more of a housekeeping issue than anything else.
[49:42] Okay. And I was curious in the section of apartment houses, townhouses, 6-1-1,
[49:50] Different types of dwellings were eliminated, one, two, three, four, five, six, eight.
[49:59] Could you explain what was eliminated and why?
[50:04] I'm going to defer to Andrea or Olivia.
[50:19] Most of the language was the existing R2 language.
[50:22] So
[50:33] the original are two reference code sections from the Virginia code that stated what multifamily,
[50:41] you know, different family housing under a certain code section that no longer exists.
[50:47] So this is from an old, the language was from an older version of the Virginia code.
[50:54] So it's being eliminated because that no longer exists any longer.
[50:59] Okay, so those weren't targeted as buildings.
[51:02] No, it's desirable, it's just this piece of that code no longer exists.
[51:06] That's correct.
[51:08] So the language, any of their type of multi-family dwelling unit,
[51:12] kind of is the umbrella that everything falls on.
[51:16] Okay, okay, that makes sense.
[51:22] Yep, okay.
[51:25] I just wanted some information.
[51:27] Thank you very much.
[51:29] Thank you.
[51:31] anyone else
[51:37] going once, going twice. All right.
[51:45] All right.
[51:48] Yes, sir.
[51:55] I'm ready to do that. Okay. Thank you. But thank you for recognizing me. Yes, sir.
[52:05] Thank you. Anyone else, Clint?
[52:18] Then the public hearing is now closed. Yes, ma'am.
[52:23] Yes, Mr. Chairman, I just wanted to address a couple of the comments, so the Mr. Calvert
[52:30] I think from the golden eagle asked about the parking component and the VDOT roadways.
[52:37] And that is more of a requirement if there was a revision to that plan, so we are not going
[52:46] to retroactively ask existing developments to upgrade or they're parking or roadways.
[52:55] This is going forward with any new development.
[52:59] And then I think most of them were answered.
[53:05] The gentleman, oh, Mr. Smart asked about or made a comment about it being in the having
[53:13] more information and being in the rapid-handic record.
[53:15] it just to clarify to it was there was a press release that was released in the
[53:23] rapid-handic record. I think it was July 30th in that addition.
[53:31] So I think that's I
[53:33] think that that's it. Thank you. All right. Thank you. All
[53:39] right. With the public
[53:41] hearing closed, Chairman Brent, we turn it back to your commission for your
[53:47] Your recommendation, thank you Chairman Gacy, as you know, noted from the earlier comments from this crew, this has been in front of the Planning Commission in March, our March meeting, and we passed it with unanimous support, or excuse me, we recommended it for approval to the Board with unanimous support, anything change that the Commission members know of that, I'd like to make a recommendation. All right, to forward to you guys.
[54:17] I would like to uphold our previous recommendation and make a motion that we forward the approval of all parcels from the previously repealed R2 district into this legacy residential district LR2 forwarded to the board of supervisors with the approval.
[54:37] Thank you.
[54:38] We've got a motion on the 4th, on the favor.
[54:41] Aye.
[54:42] Opposed?
[54:43] Motion carries.
[54:44] Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
[54:45] Thank you, sir.
[54:48] All right.
[54:49] Gentlemen, you've heard that the Planning Commission has forwarded this legacy, our two
[54:56] district, to us, for our consideration and action by the board.
[55:01] work. I can now entertain a motion if someone wishes to determine I move that with Dr.
[55:10] Pose, LR2 on this and rezone all causes currently zone R2 into the newly created LR2 district
[55:21] with a finding of good zone of practice.
[55:25] All right gentlemen you've heard the motion. All in favor signify by saying aye. All opposed motion carries. All right that handles this item before us and the planning commission is now you can be adjourned or you can stay with us whichever you like.
[55:54] I want to thank you guys for exceptional work, thank you all, it seems like we had
[56:00] to give you a budget for a gable, I want to thank you, I want to give you a budget
[56:43] Thank you all for being here.
[56:50] I don't know what the other, we had to rearrange it.
[56:52] Did they hurt us?
[56:53] That's the other thing.
[56:54] What are you doing?
[56:56] Okay, you guys just close in.
[56:58] I don't know how.
[57:01] I don't know.
[57:01] There's a 40 column?
[57:02] Yes, there is.
[57:04] Ooh.
[57:08] That's he.
[57:15] Um.
[57:17] I don't know if he did that.
[57:18] I don't know. Glenn and John are y'all set to resume the presentation.
[57:25] Yes sir. Okay. All right. Good. I have the correct presentation. Mr. Chair and members
[57:31] of the board, some park updates. Westland Beach, you'll hear a little bit later that the
[57:38] school system has partnered with volunteer river counties to do 9-11-DSA service. Many
[57:44] Many of the volunteer river counties organizations, including Lancaster County are doing a project
[57:48] on that day.
[57:50] With high school students, ours is the Oyster Reef Restoration and Beatscaping Project
[57:54] at Wesson Beach.
[57:55] It's going to include friends of the rabbit hammock, docks of the bay, steamboat, or oyster
[57:59] company, and Miss Mary Seafood.
[58:02] Ninth and twelfth graders from the high school, roughly 20 or so, participate in the Oyster
[58:06] Restoration by laying shell off the end of the pier.
[58:09] They'll learn about Oyster Heritage in Lancaster and the ecological and economic impact Oysters
[58:14] have. They'll also learn about the beach and dune restoration project and why the county
[58:18] chose to do that as a resilience to protect public and private property. So I just wanted
[58:22] to let you guys know about that. Next slide. Upgrades to the Fredricitution boat ramp are
[58:29] completed. Docks of the Bay laid composite decking. Put some new caps on and it looks great
[58:37] and should last us a good long while much better than the salt treated lumber. Next slide.
[58:42] All right, Taylor Creek Park update.
[58:45] Next slide.
[58:46] Yes sir.
[58:47] The parking lot for freighter's issues.
[58:49] What has been done today?
[58:51] No improvements have been made to it that I'm aware of.
[58:58] Taylor Creek, Mr. Pell in that regard is something we might
[59:01] want to look at because there is a little bit of drainage
[59:03] issues down there.
[59:05] OK, we'll take a look at that.
[59:07] Thank you.
[59:08] Docs of the Bay, completion of marine improvements
[59:12] This will happen in early this next month.
[59:17] Franklin Mechanical is going to be doing the building's paving and landscaping roughly October, early November, and we expect substantial final completion November, early December.
[59:29] Next slide.
[59:30] Here you can see some of the shoreline work being done by docs of the bay.
[59:34] Next slide.
[59:35] Here you can see the sand being brought in to go behind the break waters that have been installed.
[59:39] next slide. Here's a larger picture of the sand in place. There's still a lot of sand to be placed
[59:47] and some grooming to occur. Next slide. This is just another view of their barge and where they've
[59:54] been placing stone along the shoreline. Next slide. Just another
[1:00:00] Other view of the beach, of the beach nourishment placement. Next slide. This is a stormwater outfall. And you can see the rip wrap that's been installed along the shoreline all the way around the corner to the property lines to protect the shoreline. Next slide.
[1:00:16] Moving on to Carter Cove. Next slide. Peer improvements and canoe kayak launch are complete. Comfort station and curbing is underway. Marine improvements are underway with an expected
[1:00:29] effective substantial final completion target of February, excuse me, that's a mistake.
[1:00:35] February, 2027, next slide.
[1:00:40] Here's a view of the upper roadway area near the comfort station that's being put in the gravel beds in.
[1:00:49] And you can see the curbing being installed, next slide.
[1:00:53] Here's a closer view of that curbing being installed, next slide.
[1:00:57] down near the cul-de-sac, where it curves off towards the 88 canoes kind of launch,
[1:01:04] next slide, and this is where our storm war outfall is for that road that comes down the hill,
[1:01:09] next slide. This is a view of the footers and roughen plumbing for the comfort station,
[1:01:18] next slide. And this is the updated fishing pier. Again, they added a leg to the left
[1:01:26] using fiberglass pilings and added cobb-posit decking to the fishing pier.
[1:01:33] It looks fantastic. This is a view of our new ADA canoe kayak launch, next slide.
[1:01:41] So you come down the ramp and then there's a gangway out to the floating platform,
[1:01:49] Next slide. And this is the launch. It's meant to be easy for folks with disabilities
[1:01:57] or movement disabilities to be able to launch their kayaks and enjoy our public space.
[1:02:04] There's plenty of room for staging of multiple kayaks. And I was out there today jumping
[1:02:09] up and down on it. It's really, really, that's really solid.
[1:02:12] Do you have a video of that?
[1:02:15] I'll have a video for you next month.
[1:02:19] If Tom's willing to pay me to go out on a kayak,
[1:02:21] I'll do it. Next slide. All right, moving on to Chesapeake Trail. So we have some more,
[1:02:27] we're getting some movement on this project. It's out to bid currently. And a pre-bid meeting
[1:02:32] was held just last week. Bids will are expected to be received by the county on September
[1:02:39] September 17th, it anticipated County Award at the Normal Board of Supervisors meeting
[1:02:44] next month.
[1:02:47] Construction contract prep between September and November with anticipated
[1:02:52] final completion of construction somewhere between July and August of 2027. Took us a
[1:02:58] while to get through the NEPA and get this project going, but it's off the ground and run
[1:03:02] it. And hopefully we'll have a groundbreaking ceremony in the near future. We'll have
[1:03:09] to talk about that. Next slide.
[1:03:12] Triway Trail. We've had some good movement on Triway Trail.
[1:03:16] The phase from between Middlegate and Compass, the county went through a bit of
[1:03:20] a procurement process and selected Kimlee Horn
[1:03:24] as its on-call engineer, a contractor for
[1:03:28] that phase. Right-of-way acquisition and NEPA is underway
[1:03:32] and progressing nicely. We anticipate both of those to be completed by the end of the calendar year.
[1:03:36] And we have a kickoff meeting on September 3rd for our preliminary engineering phase.
[1:03:41] As for phase 1c, Hillscorder to middle gate, the TAP award was announced at a Senator Warner event that was heavily attended about 200 to 250 people attended.
[1:03:51] It was very well received and right away acquisition is complete and NEPA is underway with NEPA anticipated to be completed by the end of the calendar year.
[1:04:00] It's our intention to conduct preliminary engineering and construction of both of these phases in tandem so that they would overlap to save time, that's our intention.
[1:04:16] We'll see if that actually happens, but that's the goal.
[1:04:20] As for phase 2A and 2B, right away planning with Bay Design Group and preliminary engineering is underway and we've actually begun
[1:04:29] presenting preliminary right-of-way alignment to the affected property owners and also to the town of
[1:04:38] Kilmornick. And so far we've gotten very positive response. You know some questions but very positive
[1:04:45] response. So we'll keep that up. We'll keep you updated as to how that right-of-way acquisition process
[1:04:51] goes. Again the tri-way trail is a volunteer river counties partner and they've created a 9-11
[1:04:58] a service project. They're going to have about 40 students, 9th, 12th grade, come out and conduct
[1:05:04] maintenance and clean up of the trail. They'll learn about what we're trying to accomplish
[1:05:09] with the trail, with community connectivity and outdoor active lifestyles. So we're really
[1:05:15] looking forward to that.
[1:05:16] So John, a quick question here is eventually, I guess, the goal is to connect this to White
[1:05:23] stone as well. Phase three would be the leg that connects the white stone and the master plan
[1:05:30] has it right in the vicinity, in the vicinity of when it comes through Westminster Canterbury,
[1:05:37] that that peeling off and heading towards white stone. But as you know, for phases one and two,
[1:05:45] we had about 70 to 75% of our right of ways verbally donated and we're in the process of getting those.
[1:05:50] Phase 3 is going to be a much more difficult lift. There's many more property owners or
[1:05:57] affected properties between where we want to get and where we want to go. And so that's
[1:06:02] going to be a challenge. I anticipate once this right-of-way and preliminary engineering
[1:06:08] is done for two A and two B. That's what we'll get incorporated into the top scale or something.
[1:06:14] Then we would really in earnest start with the right-of-way and preliminary engineering
[1:06:18] for Phase 3. We want to get Phase 2 implementable and procure funding for it and get that going
[1:06:24] before we turn our attention to Phase 3.
[1:06:30] That's the end of my presentation. Are there any questions?
[1:06:32] Any other questions?
[1:06:36] Thank you all for being patient. I appreciate it.
[1:06:39] Good things come to those that wait.
[1:06:45] All right, our next item on the agenda is our public hearing.
[1:06:49] on the proposed amendment to the Lancaster County Code of Ordnances, Chapter 62, Taxation,
[1:06:58] Article 10, Transient Occupancy Tax, Section 62-231 Levy. To increase the transient occupancy
[1:07:09] tax from the current rate of 2% to a proposed rate of 8% effective January 1, 2027.
[1:07:20] So we'll turn this over to Dodd.
[1:07:23] Mr. Chairman, as you know, this idea was introduced during your FY27 budget discussions.
[1:07:30] The reason behind it was to help fund the economic development authorities existing and proposed
[1:07:37] grant programs at your April 9 budget work session the board unanimously passed a
[1:07:43] motion to proceed with increasing this top tax to 8% and by the way that
[1:07:49] matches what the town of Kilmonna currently charges. Air top tax is set by
[1:07:54] ordinance so that's why we have to have a public hearing to change the rate.
[1:08:05] The
[1:08:05] specific requirements if you go above 2%, so it mandates that 3% of the total
[1:08:13] tax be designated and spent solely for tourism and travel, marketing of
[1:08:19] tourism or initiatives that as determined after consultation with local
[1:08:24] tourism industry organizations, including representatives of lodging
[1:08:28] properties located in the county, attract travelers to the county, increase
[1:08:33] occupancy at lodging properties and obviously generate tourism revenues to the county.
[1:08:39] That 3% exceeds what the county currently gets the 2%, so we will be receiving 1% more
[1:08:48] than what we currently receive the county will.
[1:08:52] And that will offset tourism related expenses, could be the annual contribution the county
[1:08:59] towards the river realm group and other tourism related ideas.
[1:09:06] The remaining 5%, it was talked about during the budget discussions that that could be transferred
[1:09:12] to the economic development authority to fund their existing and proposed grant programs
[1:09:16] as you discussed at that time.
[1:09:20] So that's pretty much it in a nutshell, and I'd ask that you adopt this ordinance as
[1:09:28] presenting. Thank you, sir. All right, any other questions before we open the public hearing?
[1:09:37] Okay, if not, we should now open the floor to the public hearing on this proposed amendment to
[1:09:44] the ordinance. Anyone like to speak?
[1:09:52] Please state your name in your district. Sure, good evening.
[1:09:55] My name is Maria Gadoff, and I live on Pickard's Build Road in District 2.
[1:10:00] And I also own Harmonice Getaways, which is a local vacation rental management company.
[1:10:04] We manage short-term rentals in Lake District County, including Irvington, as well as Northumberland, Middlesex, and Westmoreland.
[1:10:13] And I understand fully like District counties need for additional revenue for economic development, and fully support that.
[1:10:21] I live here, I do business here.
[1:10:22] I have had great interactions with your economic development office, and they're a very helpful office, and we just want to be clear that I really support their goals here.
[1:10:39] And certainly bringing more people here and encouraging them to stay longer, and giving them more reasons to spend money in the community is helpful to all of us and to the county and to the business owners, etc.
[1:10:51] My concern, however, is that we're going from a 2% tax to an 8% tax, which is a quadruple tax, and if you take a look at, for instance, $1,500 in taxable lodging charges for a property, currently that's about $30 to the guest and under this plan, it would then go to $120.
[1:11:17] That's and I have some properties in my portfolio where $1,500 is close to the nightly rent some of the more expensive homes in a waterfront and white stone, for instance, so if you look at a seven night rental, you're looking at about $600 extra to the guests to come and stay at that property versus some other local counties where the tax is, for instance, Northumberland 2% middle sex, 5% West
[1:11:46] more than 3% Irvington is 4% and you know people have choices as to where they stay right and they
[1:11:54] are looking at the bottom line more and more and they're doing more last minute booking and when
[1:11:59] they take a look at the difference between a price for property in Lancaster County where you know
[1:12:04] there's no town center they it's not walkable they can't walk to restaurants they can't walk to shops
[1:12:09] and then they compare that with some of the neighboring communities where they can do that Irvington
[1:12:13] And for instance, that's going to factor into the decision
[1:12:17] as to where they stay.
[1:12:20] I support an increase.
[1:12:21] I think 2% is low.
[1:12:23] And I appreciate the need for revenue.
[1:12:26] I would just like you to take a look
[1:12:28] at maybe more incremental increase.
[1:12:32] I know Kilmarnick has 8%.
[1:12:34] But Kilmarnick, again, is like Arvington
[1:12:36] in that it's a walkable town.
[1:12:38] There's more amenities.
[1:12:39] There's more things for people to do.
[1:12:41] And I think that factors into where people stay.
[1:12:46] I'd be interested if there's room for our participation on any group or committee that might help with the issues around lodging and the economic development issues that you might have.
[1:13:05] We might be able to participate in it.
[1:13:09] Okay, that's all.
[1:13:10] Thanks.
[1:13:10] Thank you.
[1:13:14] Anyone else?
[1:13:16] Okay.
[1:13:22] I see.
[1:13:22] You've done any online live?
[1:13:32] Charlie Castello.
[1:13:34] Okay.
[1:13:36] Anyone else?
[1:13:38] I'll tell you that.
[1:13:40] He made his mind out.
[1:13:53] He made his mind out.
[1:13:54] He made
[1:13:57] his mind out.
[1:13:57] He made his mind out.
[1:14:02] He made his mind out.
[1:14:03] He made his mind out.
[1:14:03] out of other taxes and so on. It's
[1:14:13] all factored into how we do it. And I think 8% is
[1:14:21] appropriate and should be done. And when we're saying the thing above the 3% is possible
[1:14:33] to go to development, but it also could help your other activities within the
[1:14:43] counting. I don't think it's unreasonable myself, so I would keep your 8%. Thank
[1:14:50] Thank you. Thank you.
[1:14:53] Anyone else?
[1:15:00] No, sir. Yes, sir.
[1:15:06] First, Julian district five, I just want to also express my support for raising it to 8%. I think the visitors to the county should help support our county amenities. Folks that come in rep properties, don't stay in those properties. They want to enjoy our new county parks. They want to enjoy the economic development that we are fostering in this county. So as we look to folks who come here to enjoy things,
[1:15:34] I'd like to see more than the residents helping pay the bill.
[1:15:38] Thank you.
[1:15:43] Anyone else?
[1:15:49] Yes, ma'am.
[1:15:54] I'm Jennifer Bowie.
[1:15:55] I don't know the district, but I live in the Hills quarter.
[1:15:57] And I just wanted to support what the lady said.
[1:15:59] I thought it made complete sense to have it be stepped up,
[1:16:02] according to the value of the property or the nightly cost of the property.
[1:16:07] I think that's reasonable.
[1:16:09] Thank you.
[1:16:15] Anyone else?
[1:16:22] Last call.
[1:16:24] All right.
[1:16:25] right? We will close the public area,
[1:16:29] all right gentlemen? What's your wishes on this?
[1:16:44] I've heard both sides, and I was ready to vote for eight percent, but after listening
[1:16:53] to the lady, talking about the business aspect of it, maybe we should, this is me thinking.
[1:17:02] Maybe we should lay this a little bit more, have discussion, have her be part of the
[1:17:06] committee or whatever to be part of that discussion.
[1:17:10] And maybe we can end up laying on raising the taxes, but doing it in increments, that's
[1:17:16] my thoughts.
[1:17:18] So if I'm here and you would like to table with right now, well, I want to hear from mother.
[1:17:24] Okay.
[1:17:24] I would just say that we discussed a pretty in-depth and at the budget process, and I would be comfortable moving forward with it tonight, given that most of the money's going to future economic development and the things that we've invested money in here is actually going to attract people to our Airbnb's not be a detriment.
[1:17:42] So I don't think it's unreasonable to ask them as other folks to help pay for these things that we're enticing people to come here for.
[1:17:49] So I'm going to go ahead and put a motion on table that we approve and ask for
[1:17:54] Senate. All right gentlemen. There's a motion. You heard the motion. All in favor signify by saying I.
[1:18:04] All right. All opposed. Motion carries.
[1:18:11] All right. Next thing on our agenda is the consensus
[1:18:14] the stock it. I moved it since we approved it. All right you've heard the motion all in
[1:18:22] favor signify by saying aye aye all opposed motion carries. Consideration
[1:18:30] docket salaries and invoices. I move that we approve the expenses for the
[1:18:36] month of August in the split as follows total invoices three million seven hundred
[1:18:42] in $2,182.44 with a total payroll of $570,040.28 for a total of $4,209,222.72.
[1:18:57] Lone payments, $0.00 capital improvements, $2,875,691.5.
[1:19:04] sense. All right gentlemen all in favor signify by saying on all opposed motion carries.
[1:19:15] All right next on our agenda is a resolution recognizing September 11th as 9-11 day of service
[1:19:23] and remembrance in Lancaster County Mr. Vaigman.
[1:19:31] Thank you thank you.
[1:19:38] As I mentioned earlier
[1:19:41] and I'll invite somebody up from volunteer river counties to explain it, but
[1:19:46] yes, that's what I was looking for.
[1:19:47] Thank you, Don.
[1:19:50] All right, the federal government has designated September 11 as National Day of Service
[1:19:54] and Remembrance, inviting Americans to participate in community service.
[1:19:58] Volunteer river counties in serve Virginia are asking the Board of Supervisors to take action
[1:20:02] recognizing September 11th, 2026 as 9-11 Day of Reservice and Remembrance.
[1:20:09] in Lancaster County. This day of service will mark the launch of a partnership between Lancaster High School and Volunteer River Counties,
[1:20:17] whereby the student body will take part in distinct volunteer projects, as I described earlier with the Lancaster and Tri-Way Trail projects,
[1:20:25] with local nonprofit organizations. This day of service will support students, community service, graduation requirements, and create a foundation for civic engagement.
[1:20:34] Reflecting on the sacrifices made on 9-11 and volunteering provides an opportunity for our community to work together for the common good.
[1:20:43] At this time, I'd like to invite some folks from volunteer river counties and their partners to come on up.
[1:21:03] Thank you, if you could describe the impetus behind working with this person.
[1:21:09] Good evening, Kathy Spangler, I live in Kilmarnock, but I'm an Northumberland county resident,
[1:21:14] but I work for the Commonwealth of Virginia, Virginia's served Virginia, which is part of the
[1:21:19] Virginia Department of Social Services. Two years ago, we started Volunteer River Counties with a
[1:21:25] grant from the Robert B. Lance Foundation. We have almost 100 organizations who are now engaged in
[1:21:32] putting their opportunity listings for volunteering on the hub, and we have over 200 opportunities
[1:21:39] for people to volunteer. So we are really a collaborative, government, nonprofit, working
[1:21:45] together. And we're just so excited. When we first started last year, we did a survey
[1:21:52] of the nonprofits and government organization. They said we want younger volunteers. The
[1:21:56] first thing they said was we need 50-year-olds.
[1:22:01] Then we really kind of unpacked it a little
[1:22:03] bit. And they said we really want to create opportunities for young people to learn that
[1:22:07] that service is a pathway that service learning is an opportunity for young people to learn
[1:22:13] skills, to be engaged in community and to make a difference.
[1:22:16] And so working with Superintendent Davis and almost 20 organizations, we are on 9-11 manifesting
[1:22:25] a county-wide strategy where high school students will be at all of these organizations across
[1:22:33] the county learning, serving, and being engaged in earning their graduation
[1:22:38] requirement of 10 hours a year for their high school years.
[1:22:45] 40 hours, 10 hours a
[1:22:46] year, 40 hours for their graduation requirement. So we're just really thrilled
[1:22:51] the county is involved, the town of Kamanik is involved, the school has been
[1:22:55] phenomenal, school district, and all of our nonprofit partners from the Haven, Northern
[1:23:01] the neck orchestra, universalist church,
[1:23:05] you're the school, you're the high school,
[1:23:06] and the county, we're just really excited to be here
[1:23:09] and to have the whole county embrace young people
[1:23:13] in a very dynamic way through service.
[1:23:16] And I'll say, I'm sure the superintendent would agree
[1:23:19] with me, this gives our students an opportunity
[1:23:21] to really experience their community.
[1:23:23] And that's what your master plan's trying to do,
[1:23:27] so if you wanna say it.
[1:23:28] I would love to say thank you to all of you
[1:23:31] for finding ways for our kids a couple years ago you know we asked for we so
[1:23:35] we were putting in our strategic plan that we wanted kids to get this this
[1:23:39] volunteer time and when we met with volunteer river counties we said this is
[1:23:44] what we want to do and then kind of made it happen so it's amazing it's so we're
[1:23:50] looking so forward to our kids getting out there and being immersed in the
[1:23:54] community so thank you thank you all
[1:23:59] Thank you all.
[1:24:00] Thank you.
[1:24:01] Thank you.
[1:24:01] Thank you.
[1:24:07] Jessica, thanks for your leadership and spearheading this program to the rest of the schools.
[1:24:11] It means a lot for our children.
[1:24:16] Mr. Chairman, I don't know if you're going to read the rest of the books, but I did
[1:24:21] make a plaque with the resolution on it to present to them with the board for a photo opportunity.
[1:24:27] if you all are willing to do that.
[1:24:29] Okay.
[1:24:32] I thought Dom was going to read that.
[1:24:34] I mean, I'm here.
[1:24:38] I guess we got it.
[1:24:40] I guess you got past it first, right?
[1:24:41] Yeah.
[1:24:43] Do you want to read it?
[1:24:44] I'll be happy to read it.
[1:24:46] All right, great.
[1:24:48] Whereas the federal government has designed September 11th
[1:24:53] as National Day of Service and Remembrance,
[1:24:55] inviting Americans to participate in community services
[1:24:58] is a meaningful way to reflect and give back.
[1:25:00] And, whereas Lancaster County, Lancaster County Public Schools, and 20 other local nonprofit
[1:25:07] organizations have joined together to mark the day with an event intended to foster
[1:25:11] civic responsibility and community care among our youth.
[1:25:15] And whereas, on September 11th, 2026, the Lancaster High School student body will take part
[1:25:22] in a 25 distinct volunteer projects across the area, dedicating their time
[1:25:27] to support local community needs, and whereas this day of service will mark the launch of a
[1:25:33] partnership between Lancaster High School and volunteer river counties to promote and support
[1:25:38] students community service graduation requirements, establishing a thoughtful foundation for lifelong
[1:25:44] civic engagement, and whereas purposeful volunteering provides our community with an opportunity to connect,
[1:25:52] reflect and work together for the common good.
[1:25:55] Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Lancaster County Board of Supervisors does hereby recognize September 11th,
[1:26:03] 2026 as 9.11 day of service and remembrance in Lancaster County, Virginia.
[1:26:09] Be it further resolved that the board commends our local students, schools, and
[1:26:14] nonprofits for their dedication to community care and reflection through service.
[1:26:18] Mr.
[1:26:21] Chair, my move that the resident will be approved.
[1:26:24] All right, gentlemen, you've heard the motion.
[1:26:26] All in favor of signify by saying aye.
[1:26:28] Aye.
[1:26:29] All opposed, like so.
[1:26:31] Thank you.
[1:26:32] All right, thank you all.
[1:26:34] Yeah, quick.
[1:26:35] That's your time.
[1:26:38] Yeah, you guys.
[1:26:40] It's a lot of y'all, sir.
[1:26:43] Good, I can help.
[1:26:45] Yes, we can.
[1:26:46] No.
[1:27:53] I had cut that down, and it's still my own, I don't get it, I don't get it, I don't
[1:28:02] get it.
[1:28:02] I mean, look at the volume. It's all the way down. Why is it ringing?
[1:28:08] It's the emergency standoff.
[1:28:11] Right.
[1:28:14] I don't see the volume. It's all the way down.
[1:28:16] I don't see the volume.
[1:28:20] It's all the way down.
[1:28:21] All right.
[1:28:24] Thank you all again.
[1:28:26] I guess.
[1:28:27] No, I meant...
[1:28:28] Oh, sorry. Yeah. I gotta give it to you.
[1:28:30] All right, next on air agenda is
[1:28:32] This is Andrea to present a ward of contract for on-call engineering services for the driveway trade.
[1:28:40] Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
[1:28:43] To date, the county has received commitments of $988,000 in Federal Highway Administration,
[1:28:50] Congressional Designated Spending, and $2,121,100 from V.O.S Transportation Alternatives
[1:28:58] set aside program for the design and construction of various phases of the tri-way trail.
[1:29:03] These funds will provide a maximum of 80% of total eligible project costs with the county
[1:29:08] obligated to contribute the 20% match in any additional funds for ineligible project
[1:29:13] costs and or cost overruns.
[1:29:16] The board previously adopted resolutions authorizing the county to accept and administer these
[1:29:20] funds as well as agree to provide its local share of the total cost.
[1:29:24] To support the Efficient Administration of State, Federal, and County funds and advancement of the project, the County reserve the ability to select one or more
[1:29:32] engineering firms on an on-call basis allowing services to be authorized as needed without conducting a separate procurement for each phase or segment of the trail while also allowing flexibility to maintain project schedules and meet critical deadlines.
[1:29:46] And RFP was issued on January 22nd of this year requesting proposals from qualified engineering
[1:29:53] firms.
[1:29:54] The successful offerer or offerer would be awarded a contract with an estimated contract
[1:30:00] Third value, not to exceed $390,000, for all requested services for a period of one year, with an option to renew for up to three one year extensions. The county received two responses to the RFP and agreed both firms on May 27th, with both firms subsequently asked to provide fee proposals for review. The selection panel consisted of County Administrator Don Gil, Assistant County Administrator John Bateman, Director of Planning and Lane used to live you home,
[1:30:28] with Clerk of the Board of Supervisors,
[1:30:31] Crystal, Wei, President, as an impartial observer
[1:30:34] in County Planner, Andrea Pruitt,
[1:30:36] present as the Procurement Coordinator.
[1:30:39] The selection panel unanimously
[1:30:40] recommends that Kim Lee Horne and Associates
[1:30:43] be awarded a contract as the top ranked firm.
[1:30:47] Thank you.
[1:30:48] Thank you.
[1:30:50] Are there any questions anybody?
[1:30:55] If not, I entertain a motion to accept this contract.
[1:31:00] So
[1:31:04] move. All right gentlemen, you've heard the motion. All in favor signify by saying aye.
[1:31:09] Aye. All opposed. Motion carries.
[1:31:16] All right, our next section is board reports and we have it.
[1:31:19] We have two additional things. Jason Bellos would like to present to ceremonial motions.
[1:31:29] Then he's pulled and I will turn it over to him for that.
[1:31:32] Thank you very much. Members of the Board, I have shared drafts of these resolutions with you earlier.
[1:31:38] The first I spoke to you about project green light and honoring our veterans during the week of November 4th through the 11th.
[1:31:47] So I'd like to officially put this proclamation forward for us to do that.
[1:31:52] And I will read that resolution first and put for the motion for adoption.
[1:31:57] For Operation Greenlight, for Veterans 2026, whereas the residents of Lancaster County have great respect, admiration and utmost gratitude for all of the men and women who have selflessly served our country in this community and the Armed Forces, and whereas the contributions and sacrifices of those who served in the Armed Forces have been vital in maintaining the freedoms in way of life, enjoyed by our citizens, and whereas Lancaster County seeks to honor individuals who have made countless sacrifices for freedom,
[1:32:25] by placing themselves in harm's way for the good of all.
[1:32:28] And whereas veterans continue to serve our community in the American Legion, veterans
[1:32:32] of foreign wars, religious groups, civil service, and county veteran service offices, and
[1:32:38] 29 states to help fellow former veterans service members access more than 52 billion in federal
[1:32:45] health, disability, and compensation benefits each year.
[1:32:49] And whereas approximately 200,000 service members transitioned to civilian communities annually
[1:32:54] and where as active military service members transitioning for military service or a high risk for suicide during their first year after military service.
[1:33:04] And we're as a national association of counties encourages all counties, parishes, and burrows to recognize operation green light for veterans.
[1:33:13] Whereas Lancaster County appreciates the sacrifices of our United States military personnel and beliefs,
[1:33:18] Decidic recognition should be granted.
[1:33:21] Now therefore be it resolved with designation as a green light for veterans county,
[1:33:28] Lancaster County here by declares November 4th through 11th,
[1:33:32] 2026, as a time to salute and honor the service and sacrifices of those transitioning from active service.
[1:33:40] Be it further resolved that the Lancaster County Board of Supervisors encourage its citizens
[1:33:44] and patriotic tradition to recognize the importance of honoring all those who have made
[1:33:49] in measurable sacrifices to preserve freedom by displaying green lights in a window of
[1:33:55] their places of business or residence for November 4th through the 11th, 2026.
[1:34:02] Adopted this 26th day of August, so moved.
[1:34:06] All right, you've heard the motion, gentlemen, all in favor signify by saying aye.
[1:34:11] All opposed, motion carries.
[1:34:15] My second motion is to honor a national treasure and legend that passed away this year,
[1:34:21] Dali Parton, who also has contributed much to localities across the community with her efforts
[1:34:27] through the Imagination Library and giving the gift of knowledge to so many.
[1:34:34] For claiming August 28, 2026 as Dali Parton Day in Lancaster County, Virginia, whereas
[1:34:40] As Dolly Parton, throughout her lifetime of artistry, philanthropy, and advocacy for
[1:34:44] literacy, inspired millions around the world, and whereas the Imagination Library found
[1:34:49] it by Dolly Parton in 1995, as gifted millions of age-appropriate books to children, fostering
[1:34:55] early childhood literacy, the love of reading, and improved educational outcomes.
[1:35:01] Whereas Lancaster County values the power of reading in early childhood education as foundational
[1:35:06] to lifelong learning, civic engagement, and well-being for citizens, whereas the imagination
[1:35:12] library and similar local literacy efforts have benefited children and families in
[1:35:17] Lancaster County by expanding access to high quality books and encouraging parental and
[1:35:22] community involvement in early learning, whereas Dolly Parton Generosity exemplifies the
[1:35:28] spirit of community service and investment in future generations that Lancaster County seeks
[1:35:33] to celebrate and encourage.
[1:35:36] Now therefore be it resolved by the Board of Supervisors
[1:35:39] of Lancaster County, Virginia,
[1:35:40] that the Board hereby proclaims Friday, August 28th,
[1:35:44] 2026 as Dolly Parton Day and Lancaster County.
[1:35:47] In recognition of Mrs. Parton's extraordinary contributions
[1:35:51] to literacy, culture, and children's education
[1:35:53] throughout the imagination, library,
[1:35:56] and related philanthropic efforts.
[1:35:59] The Board encourages all citizens, school libraries,
[1:36:02] schools, libraries, community groups, and businesses of Lancaster County to join in observing
[1:36:07] this day with programs, events, and activities that promote reading, support early childhood
[1:36:12] literacy, and celebrate the transformative power of books and storytelling.
[1:36:17] The board urges continued local support for partnerships with Imagination Library and
[1:36:23] other literacy initiatives to ensure that every child in Lancaster County has the opportunity
[1:36:28] to receive books and to develop a lifelong love of reading.
[1:36:32] Be it further resolved that this resolution
[1:36:35] shall be recorded in the official minutes
[1:36:37] of the Lancaster County Board of Supervisors
[1:36:39] and that a copy shall be presented
[1:36:41] to the representatives of the Imagination Library
[1:36:44] and to the Dolly Parton Foundation
[1:36:46] as a token of the county's appreciation.
[1:36:49] Adopted this 27th day of August, so moved.
[1:36:52] All right, gentlemen, you've heard the motion all in favor.
[1:36:55] Signify by saying aye.
[1:36:57] All opposed. Motion carries. Thank you gentlemen. Thank you. Next item on our agenda are our
[1:37:07] appointments. As you all can see we have a couple of openings. Are there any appointments to be
[1:37:15] presented at this time?
[1:37:19] Okay. Hearing none we shall move to the County Administrators report.
[1:37:25] Mr. Chairman, I just got one announcement to make, as you all know, from prior person
[1:37:31] health discussions that we've had, I deemed it necessary to do a little restructuring
[1:37:38] within our department of planning and land use, trying to more equalize the job duties within
[1:37:45] that department.
[1:37:46] So that's a tough job that director of planning and land use, and so I basically split
[1:37:51] that into two directorships. Olivia Hall, who's our current director of
[1:37:58] planning and land use, will become our director of environmental codes. And
[1:38:02] Andrea Pruitt will become our director of planning and zoning. What does that
[1:38:07] mean for you all? It means you'll probably see more of Andrea at these meetings
[1:38:11] and less of Olivia. But if you miss Olivia, you can stop by any day from 9 to 5 and see
[1:38:35] I know that we have the need for a closed meeting, so we'll turn it over to Jason for that.
[1:38:45] I move that the Board of Supervisors enter into a closed meeting for one personnel per section 2.2, 37.8, 37.11.1 of the Code of Virginia as amended, two acquisition disposition of real property per section 2.2, 37.11.8 of the Code of Virginia as amended and three legal matters per section 2.2, 37.11.8 of the Code of Virginia as amended.
[1:39:11] All right gentlemen, you've heard the motion all in favor signify by saying aye, aye, all opposed.
[1:39:18] Motion carries, we shall recess to close meeting.
[2:27:41] I move that the Lancaster County Board of Supervisors adopt the following certification resolution,
[2:27:47] whereas the Lancaster County Board of Supervisors convened in a closed meeting on August 27, 2026,
[2:27:55] pursuant to an affirmative recorded vote on the motion to close the meeting to discuss personnel,
[2:28:02] legal matters, and acquisition of real property. In accordance with sections
[2:28:10] 2.2-3711-8.1, 2.2-3711-8.8, and 2.2-3711-8.3 of the Virginia Freedom of Information
[2:28:32] and where as Section 2.2-3712D of the Code of Virginia requires a certification by the Board
[2:28:44] of Supervisors that such close meeting was conducted in conformity with Virginia law.
[2:28:51] Now therefore be it resolved that the Lancaster County Board of Supervisors hereby certifies
[2:28:57] that to the best of each member's knowledge, one, only public business matters lawfully exempted from open meeting requirements
[2:29:06] under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act were heard, discussed, or considered in the close meeting
[2:29:14] to which this certification applies, and two, only such public business matters as were identified in the motion
[2:29:23] by which the closed meeting was convened were heard, discussed, or considered in the meeting to which the certification applies.
[2:29:33] Before a vote is taken on this resolution, is there any member who believes that there was a departure from the requirements of number one and number two above?
[2:29:45] If so, identify yourself and state the substance of the matter and why in your judgment it was a departure.
[2:29:55] What was number one and two? Can you read that again?
[2:29:58] Jason, we got to talk.
[2:30:00] All right, I don't see anybody looking other than Jason one day, say anything. Hearing no statement,
[2:30:10] I call the question. Vote Mr. Bellos. I certify. Mr. Lee. I certify. Mr. Palin. I certify.
[2:30:18] Mr. Smith. I certify. Mr. Geese. I certify. The certification resolution is adopted. Is there
[2:30:26] motion to adjourn.
[2:30:28] So moved.
[2:30:28] I'm going to adjourn a final five.
[2:30:30] Yeah.
[2:30:31] Oh, OK.
[2:30:32] adjourned to the five o'clock on the 10th of 24th.
[2:30:35] September 24th.
[2:30:36] September 24th.
[2:30:37] Are you going to move down?
[2:30:38] OK.
[2:30:39] All right, so move.
[2:30:40] Is it all in favor of signify by saying aye?
[2:30:43] Aye.
[2:30:44] All opposed.
[2:30:45] Motion carries.
[2:30:46] Thank you.