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Record of Proceedings

Albemarle County Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting – November 6, 2024

Board of Supervisors — Wednesday, November 6, 2024
BodyAlbemarle County, Virginia
SessionBoard of Supervisors
DateWednesday, November 6, 2024
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 7:33:52

Original source
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0:00

Okay.

0:02

I am pleased to call to order this regular meeting of the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors on the sixth day of November at 1 p.m.

0:08

in Lane Auditorium.

0:10

I'll note that at the day we have Supervisor Ann Malik of the White Hall District, Supervisor Ned Galloway of the Rio District, Supervisor Diantha McKeel of the Jack Jewett District, Supervisor B.

0:20

Lapisto Kirtley of the Ravenna District.

0:23

A quorum is present.

0:24

I we do expect uh Supervisor Mike Bruitt to join us shortly from the Scottsville District.

0:30

And I'm Jim Andrews from the Samuel Miller district.

0:34

We're also joined by our county executive, Mr.

0:36

Jeff Richardson, and our interim county attorney, Mr.

0:39

Andy Herrick, and our clerk, Ms.

0:41

Claudette Borgerson and Senior Deputy Clerk, Mr.

0:43

Travis Morris.

0:45

Also, let me please welcome and thank our Albemarle County police officers present, uh, Master Police Officer Dana Reeves and Lieutenant Angela Jamerson.

0:53

We thank you for your service today and every day on behalf of the citizens of uh Alborough County for our safety and security.

0:59

Uh if all present could now stand as you are able to join us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

1:11

And to public under God with the liberty.

1:23

Thank you.

1:47

Uh board, our first action is to, of course, adopt the final agenda.

1:51

I want to note uh minor changes from the original packet uh on November 1st.

1:55

Uh the Item 17, our Lady of Peace special uh exceptions on the online resolution were corrected to refer to both SE 2024-6 and SE 2024-7.

2:06

It was in the warehouse clauses that one had been repeated.

2:10

Um and we also are swapping the order of the two presentation proclamations under uh agenda item six today.

2:16

I'm not aware of any other changes to the proposed agenda.

2:20

Uh is there a motion to accept the agenda?

2:22

So moved.

2:22

Second.

2:23

So we have a motion from Supervisor Malik, second from Supervisor McKeel.

2:26

Without objection, if the clerk will call the roll.

2:28

Ms.

2:29

McKeel.

2:30

Yes.

2:30

Mr.

2:31

Andrews.

2:31

Yes.

2:32

Mr.

2:32

Galloway?

2:33

Yes.

2:33

Ms.

2:33

Lapisto Kirtley.

2:34

I Ms.

2:35

Malik.

2:36

Yes.

2:37

Thank you.

2:38

Uh board.

2:39

We'll now move to item five, which is a uh brief announcements by board members, and we do this in our cha ever-changing speaking order.

2:48

And today, first uh Supervisor Galloway.

2:51

I have no announcements today.

2:53

And Supervisor Lapisto Kurtley.

2:55

I do.

2:57

Free Bridge Lane was finally closed, and that is a big boon to actually all of Abalmoral, along with the Ribana district, uh Pan Tops area, but all of Abalmoral, so that people can run, they can walk, they can stroll, they can bike ride, teach their kids how to bike ride in an area that's uh over half a mile that is protected, that is no cars, no cars whatsoever.

3:24

So we close that street.

3:26

It's a pilot program for a year.

3:28

And I know that um I don't have the all the figures, but I do know uh that right everyone's using it, a lot of people are using it.

3:37

So this is really thank you, board, for encouraging this, doing this.

3:41

And I need to give a shout out to one person in particular, because uh since I took office, she had her foot gently in my backside uh to do this.

3:51

This was part of the Pan Tops master plan, and that's Sarah Robinson, who is a really good community person, works for everybody.

4:01

So um a big shout out to her and a big thank you to her.

4:05

Um but a thank you to all of us because we made this happen.

4:09

So thank you.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural██████████████████████████████████34%
Land Use Planning███████████████15%
Zoning And Land Use███████████11%
Workforce Development█████████9%
Affordable Housing██████6%
Personnel Matters████4%
Public Transportation████4%
Veterans Day███3%
Public Engagement███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Albemarle County Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting – November 6, 2024

The Albemarle County Board of Supervisors held a regular meeting on November 6, 2024, at 1:00 PM in Lane Auditorium, chaired by Supervisor Jim Andrews. The meeting included proclamations, a consent agenda, an annual human resources and workforce presentation, a work session on the AC44 development area land use tools and policy, a closed meeting, and three public hearings. Key actions included unanimous approval of all consent items, approval of three public hearing items, and direction to staff on the AC44 framework.

Consent Calendar

  • Unanimous Approval (recorded vote): Minutes from multiple dates (Dec 7, 2022; Jan 4, Jan 11, Jan 18, 2023; Jul 17, 2024), Fiscal Year 2025 appropriations, 2025 TJPD Legislative Program, tax refunds, amendments to Fire Rescue and Sheriff's Office FY25 pay scales, Rivanna Futures land use agreement for federal training, letter of support for VDOT acceptance of Hunterstand Court, road acceptance in Hyland Park Phase 2, Victorian Heights rear yard setback reduction, Crozet Wastewater Pump Station 3 and 4 special exceptions.
  • For Information: Albemarle Broadband Authority Quarterly Report.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Emily Smith (Housing Attorney, Legal Aid Justice Center, on behalf of Charlottesville Low Income Housing Coalition): Urged the board to implement substantial upzoning in the urban ring, eliminate or redefine the neighborhood residential category to allow more density, preserve manufactured housing, and include strong inclusionary zoning. Stated that 60% of the county lives on 5% of the land and that increasing density primarily through special use permits will have minimal impact. Left a memo.
  • Emily Johnson (Social worker, former Jack Jouett District resident) with her daughter Eva: Eva described their eviction after five years due to rat infestation, flooding, and mold, leading to homelessness at Christmas 2023. She spoke about the anxiety of searching for housing and knowing other children who would be on the streets. Requested that the board improve housing conditions and affordability.
  • Neil Williamson (President, Free Enterprise Forum): Criticized the shrinking of the development area, citing 1,200 acres removed by Biscuit Run State Park and large stream buffers. Noted that 58% of density approved by previous boards and argued that the development area lacks sufficient development potential. Urged the board to face the scarcity rather than continuing the same path.

Proclamations & Recognitions

  • VACo Achievement Award (6:00 PM session): Presented to the Albemarle County Health Services Alternative Response Team (HART) program. Jeremy Bennett (VACo) noted 145 entries with only 45 winners (31% success rate). County Executive Jeffrey Richardson praised the cross-departmental collaboration and the board's investment doubling the program's footprint. Supervisors commended the leadership of Police Chief Sean Reeves, Fire Chief Dan Eggleston, and Human Services Director Khaki Dimick.
  • Veterans Day Proclamation (6:00 PM): Recognized November 11, 2024 as Veterans Day. Colonel Eric Haas (Commander, National Ground Intelligence Center) accepted, highlighting the county's history of military service. Supervisor Mike Pruitt, a Navy veteran, gave a personal statement about the ongoing challenges veterans face, including mental health crises and reintegration struggles.

Annual Human Resources and Workforce Presentation (1:40 PM – 2:30 PM)

  • Presented by: Jessica Rice, Director of Human Resources – Local Government, and Ryan Lipscomb, Assistant Director.
  • Key Statistics: The HR department serves over 1,100 employees (including 830 full/part-time permanent staff). Workforce demographics: 80% Caucasian (community 74%), 11% Black/African American (community 8%), and 6% Hispanic (community 6%). 51% of staff have worked for the county for 4 years or less. 69 employees are eligible for VRS retirement. Vacancy rate dropped from 15% to 6.4% (goal 7.5%). Turnover rate at 12.8% (national average 12.8%).
  • Initiatives: Launched employee health clinic (early 2025), sign-on incentives (112 awarded), pay equity analysis, performance management training, and diversity recruiting.
  • Discussion: Supervisors asked about frozen positions (budget decision), remote work, workforce demographics, training for supervisors, and partnerships with schools. Supervisor Ann Mallek suggested reinstating County Palooza for morale. Supervisor Diantha McKeel noted the need for pay scales separate from the school division. Supervisor Mike Pruitt inquired about degree barriers and recruitment from diverse institutions.

AC44 Development Area Land Use Tools and Policy Work Session (2:45 PM – 4:45 PM)

  • Presented by: Tonya Swartzendruber, Planning Manager; Jody Fillardo, Community Development Director; Michael Barnes, Planning Director.
  • Key Topics: Future land use categories (12 standard + 3 legacy), activity centers (reduced from 50 to 30), density ranges, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), neighborhood residential vs. middle residential, parking minimums, and integration with transportation and capital improvement plans.
  • Staff Direction Topics for Board Feedback:
    1. Allowing ADUs in all residential districts (by-right vs. administrative vs. legislative review).
    2. Raising minimum density in community mixed-use from 6 to 12 units/acre.
    3. Mapping public vs. private open space (already agreed).
    4. Considering middle residential as the lowest density category instead of neighborhood residential.
    5. Encouraging higher density near activity centers.
  • Board Discussion Highlights:
    • Supervisor Ned Gallaway: Emphasized that the majority of new residents (projected 31,000 by 2044) should go into the development area, not just a bare majority. Called for a per-application scorecard to track development area performance. Questioned viability of retail in activity centers given low density. Supported ADUs with performance standards, but expressed concern about blanket by-right approval. Requested maps showing walkability barriers (e.g., Route 29). Advocated for prioritizing infrastructure in the development area.
    • Supervisor Bea LaPisto-Kirtley: Expressed concern that past centers (Pantops, Brookhill) failed to attract expected commercial. Questioned whether activity centers are realistic. Supported ADUs but with caution.
    • Supervisor Ann Mallek: Emphasized that many existing neighborhoods lack sidewalks and cannot support higher density. Suggested that ADUs are expensive and may not solve affordability. Favored fewer centers to avoid oversaturation. Supported structured parking and using legitimate proffer authority.
    • Supervisor Diantha McKeel: Supported ADUs with performance standards, not by-right. Concerned about UVA students dominating ADU supply. Supported reducing number of activity centers. Questioned the effectiveness of form-based code (noted only one application). Called for better signage rules to help businesses.
    • Supervisor Mike Pruitt: Called the Village of Rivanna a policy failure and suggested exploring swapping its development area designation. Questioned the conflict between the comprehensive plan and master plans. Supported ADUs with minimal review (administrative or by-right with guardrails). Argued that nearly all new construction should be in the development area. Proposed eliminating commercial parking minimums, calling them unnecessary. Supported raising density floors from 6 to 12.
    • Chair Jim Andrews: Agreed with reducing number of centers. Supported ADUs by-right or administrative review in appropriate locations. Noted the need for a crosswalk of master plans. Encouraged consideration of manufactured housing and tree conservation.
  • Next Steps: Staff to incorporate board direction and bring back goals, objectives, and actions on November 20, 2024. Rural area land use chapter to follow.

Public Hearings (6:00 PM Session)

1. Knight Berkshire Mixed Use (SP202400015, SE202400011, SE202400012) – Rio District

  • Proposal: Special use permit to allow 15 residential units above commercial on a 1.05-acre C-1 parcel at 615 Woodbrook Drive, plus two special exceptions for stepback waiver and disturbance in use buffer. Existing dental office to remain on ground floor.
  • Applicant: Kendra Moon (Line and Grade Civil Engineering) and Dr. J. Knight (owner).
  • Discussion: Staff recommended approval. Supervisor Gallaway raised concern about the school division's refusal to allow a pedestrian path connecting the site to Agnor-Hurt Elementary School. Applicant willing to include path. Board amended the special exception to allow the path and added a condition requiring 20% affordable units (3 of 15) for units over 10.
  • Vote: Unanimously approved (6-0) for all three applications.

2. Our Lady of Peace Amendments (SP202400009, SE202400006, SE202400007) – Rio District

  • Proposal: Amendment to expand assisted living facility by 54 new units (34 skilled nursing beds, 20 memory care units), adding a three-story wing with below-ground parking. Requires boundary line adjustment and modification to PUD plan.
  • Applicant: Lori Schweller (Williams Mullen) for Our Lady of Peace.
  • Discussion: Staff recommended approval. No public comment. Supervisors praised the need for senior housing and the parking/stormwater design.
  • Vote: Unanimously approved (6-0) for the special use permit and both special exceptions.

3. Easement for County-Owned Parcel 09100-00-00-002E0 – Scottsville District

  • Proposal: Convey temporary construction, sanitary sewer, and drainage easements across county-owned parcel (Fire Station 11) to support new elementary school at 133 Galaxie Farm Lane, plus right-of-way dedication for Founders Place widening and sidewalk.
  • Presenter: Bill Strother, Chief of Facilities and Operations.
  • Discussion: Staff recommended approval. No public comment. Supervisors noted cost savings.
  • Vote: Unanimously approved (6-0).

Key Outcomes

  • Consent Agenda: Approved by recorded vote.
  • HART Program: Received VACo Achievement Award.
  • Veterans Day: Proclamation adopted.
  • HR Report: Received; board directed deeper dives on demographics, remote work, and workforce needs.
  • AC44 Direction: Board provided clear direction on ADUs (support with performance standards), density ranges (raise floor to 12), reduction of activity centers, prioritization of infrastructure in development areas, and further study of parking minimums and commercial feasibility. Staff to return on November 20 with revised policies.
  • Knight Berkshire Mixed Use: Approved with conditions for affordable housing (20% of units) and pedestrian path to Agnor-Hurt Elementary.
  • Our Lady of Peace Expansion: Approved.
  • School Easement: Approved.
  • Appointments: Approved for Agricultural and Forestal District Advisory Committee (Antoinette Brewster, Hamilton Moses), Architectural Review Board (Dave Van Der Dorf, Taro Massuno), and JAUNT Board (Christie Hagan).
  • Closed Meeting: Certified for performance evaluation and prospective industry discussions.
  • Next Meeting: November 20, 2024, at 1:00 PM in Lane Auditorium.

Meeting Transcript

Okay. I am pleased to call to order this regular meeting of the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors on the sixth day of November at 1 p.m. in Lane Auditorium. I'll note that at the day we have Supervisor Ann Malik of the White Hall District, Supervisor Ned Galloway of the Rio District, Supervisor Diantha McKeel of the Jack Jewett District, Supervisor B. Lapisto Kirtley of the Ravenna District. A quorum is present. I we do expect uh Supervisor Mike Bruitt to join us shortly from the Scottsville District. And I'm Jim Andrews from the Samuel Miller district. We're also joined by our county executive, Mr. Jeff Richardson, and our interim county attorney, Mr. Andy Herrick, and our clerk, Ms. Claudette Borgerson and Senior Deputy Clerk, Mr. Travis Morris. Also, let me please welcome and thank our Albemarle County police officers present, uh, Master Police Officer Dana Reeves and Lieutenant Angela Jamerson. We thank you for your service today and every day on behalf of the citizens of uh Alborough County for our safety and security. Uh if all present could now stand as you are able to join us in the Pledge of Allegiance. And to public under God with the liberty. Thank you. Uh board, our first action is to, of course, adopt the final agenda. I want to note uh minor changes from the original packet uh on November 1st. Uh the Item 17, our Lady of Peace special uh exceptions on the online resolution were corrected to refer to both SE 2024-6 and SE 2024-7. It was in the warehouse clauses that one had been repeated. Um and we also are swapping the order of the two presentation proclamations under uh agenda item six today. I'm not aware of any other changes to the proposed agenda. Uh is there a motion to accept the agenda? So moved. Second. So we have a motion from Supervisor Malik, second from Supervisor McKeel. Without objection, if the clerk will call the roll. Ms. McKeel. Yes. Mr. Andrews. Yes. Mr. Galloway? Yes. Ms. Lapisto Kirtley. I Ms. Malik. Yes. Thank you. Uh board. We'll now move to item five, which is a uh brief announcements by board members, and we do this in our cha ever-changing speaking order. And today, first uh Supervisor Galloway. I have no announcements today. And Supervisor Lapisto Kurtley. I do.

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