OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Albemarle County Board of Supervisors Meeting - June 25, 2025

Board of Supervisors — Wednesday, June 25, 2025
BodyAlbemarle County, Virginia
SessionBoard of Supervisors
DateWednesday, June 25, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 7:08:11

Transcript — Verbatim
0:03

Good afternoon.

0:05

I'm pleased to call to order this meeting of the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors, the 18th of June, 1 p.m.

0:10

in Lane Auditorium.

0:12

I'd like to note that today as we have Supervisor Ann Malik of the White Hall District.

0:17

Supervisor B.

0:18

Lapisto Kirtley of the Ravenna District.

0:22

Supervisor Mike Bruitt of the Scottsville District.

0:26

And Supervisor Diantha McKeel of the Jack Jewett District and Supervisor Ned Galloway of the Ohio District.

0:32

Myself, Jim Andrews representing the Samuel Miller district.

0:35

Aquorum is present.

0:37

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

0:39

Jeff Richardson, and our county attorney, Mr.

0:41

Andy Herrick, or Clerk, Ms.

0:43

Claude Orgerson and Senior Deputy Clerk, Mr.

0:46

Travis Morris.

0:47

Welcome.

0:48

Please let me also welcome Almoral County Police Officers present.

0:52

Lieutenant Angela Jamerson and Sergeant Matthew Riley, thank you for your service today and every day on behalf of the people of Albemarle County for our protection, safety, and security.

1:02

If all present could now stand as you are able and join us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

1:07

Thank you.

1:10

My pleasure of the United States of America.

1:15

And to the public for which it stands, one nation under God.

1:20

Indivisible with one of the straw.

1:25

Thank you.

1:26

And if you now ask that you join us in a moment of silence.

1:56

Before doing so, I'd like to note the uh removal of item 12 or review of the 2025 legislative priorities and initial discussion of 2026 legislative legislative priorities, which will be postponed to a later date.

2:08

And adding and adding a discussion regarding the Hardware River, possible designation as a scenic river and the appointment of Supervisor Ned Galloway as a voting delegate to the 2025 National Association of Counties Annual Conference as part of item 24 matters from the board later this evening.

2:25

With those amendments, uh do we have a motion to accept the final agenda?

2:28

So moved.

2:29

Second.

2:29

We have a motion from Supervisor McKeel, second from Supervisor Malik without objection if the clerk will call the roll.

2:34

Mr.

2:35

Pruitt.

2:35

Aye.

2:36

Mr.

2:36

Andrews.

2:37

Yes.

2:37

Mr.

2:37

Galloway?

2:38

Yes.

2:38

Ms.

2:39

Lapisto Kirtley.

2:40

Aye.

2:40

Ms.

2:40

Malik.

2:41

Yes.

2:41

Ms.

2:41

McKeel.

2:42

Yes.

2:43

Thank you.

2:45

Board, our uh time now for brief announcements by board members and our order for today's meeting begin with Supervisor Malik.

2:52

Thank you very much.

2:54

And it is Independence Weekend time a week, I guess, uh, this time in July, and a time for people of all perspectives to come together in support of our country and its history.

3:07

There are three parades in the White Hall district, and I would just like to invite people to attend if you can.

3:12

Let's see, they're all mixed up in order this year.

3:15

The first one is free union starting at 4 p.m.

3:18

Church of the Brethren on June 29th.

3:21

They have theirs the Sunday before the 4th of July.

3:25

Earliesville, the 29th edition of the Earliesville Parade is July 4th at 10 a.m.

3:30

right in the center.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Fire And Rescue███████████████████████23%
Zoning And Land Use████████████████16%
Public Hearing██████████10%
Public Safety█████████9%
Agricultural Regulation█████████9%
Procedural████████8%
Transportation Safety████4%
Public Schools████4%
Scenic River Designation███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Albemarle County Board of Supervisors Meeting - June 25, 2025

This meeting of the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors was called to order at 1:00 p.m. in Lane Auditorium. The board addressed a wide range of topics including public comments, special exception requests, an open burning ordinance update, land use revalidation, public hearings on easements and compensation, a scenic river designation request, and other administrative matters. Key decisions included approval of a homestay special exception, denial of a gas easement relocation, approval of permanent financing for the regional jail renovation, and a vote to request a study of the Hardware River for scenic river designation.

Consent Calendar

  • The consent agenda was adopted unanimously. It included routine approvals and the appointment of Battalion Chief Sean Maddox as Fire Marshal.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Gary Grant (Rio District) requested an additional condition for the open burning ordinance: requiring notification to adjoining property owners 48 hours in advance of a permissible open burn. He also thanked the Rivanna District supervisor for reimbursing taxpayers for snow cones and criticized the lack of FOIA proof regarding snow cone expenditures. He noted that his property taxes increased by $60 per month and that a gravel road on Bleak House Road has gone unmaintained since February.
  • Randy Fleetman (Scottsville District) spoke about the safety of Jewish families and students in the region, citing concerns about anti-Semitic incidents and the trauma of the 2017 Unite the Right rally. He described security measures at Congregation Beth Israel and urged the county to uphold its comprehensive plan goals of equity, inclusion, public safety, and resiliency.

Discussion Items

  • SE 2025-94158 Millington Road Homestay: The board approved a special exception for a resident managing agent to fulfill owner occupancy requirements for a homestay on a rural parcel. The applicant, Mr. Galvin, resides at the property and has updated his voter registration and driver's license. Staff recommended approval, and the motion passed unanimously.
  • SE 2025-16 Old Dominion Village Gas Easement Relocation: The board denied a request to relocate a 50-foot gas easement within a conservation area and WPO buffer. Staff found the proposal inconsistent with the comprehensive plan, would increase development intensity, and was not minor in nature. The county engineer also recommended denial. The board voted 6-0 to deny the variation.
  • Open Burning Ordinance Update Work Session: Fire Rescue Deputy Chief Emily Alicia and Battalion Chief Sean Maddox presented proposed revisions to the open burning ordinance, including clarifying categories of burning, adding definitions, enhancing enforcement, and increasing penalties. The board discussed various issues: notification to neighbors, setback distances, the use of MOBI maps, mandatory minimum fines, and the definition of recreational fires. Supervisor Pruitt raised concerns about mandatory minimum fines, and the county attorney suggested a minimum fine that could be suspended. The board did not vote; staff will incorporate feedback and bring back a revised ordinance.
  • Calendar Year 2026 Land Use Revalidation Process Introduction: County Assessor Peter Lynch presented the process for the 2026 land use revalidation, which will occur in 2025. The revalidation is required for properties in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, and open space programs. The process involves mailing forms, with deadlines for submission to avoid late fees. The online version of the forms will not be available this year; paper forms will be used. The board discussed the open space category, the use of soil and water conservation programs, and the importance of maintaining accurate land use data.
  • Closed Session: The board convened a closed session under Virginia Code sections 2.2-3711(A)(8) and (A)(19) to consult with legal counsel regarding a recent cybersecurity incident and to discuss plans to protect public safety related to cybersecurity threats. The board certified that only public business matters lawfully exempted from open meeting requirements were discussed.
  • Extreme Heat Preparedness Report: Deputy County Executive Trevor Henry briefed the board on expected extreme heat conditions starting the weekend of June 28, with temperatures approaching 100 degrees. The county is monitoring the situation and will consider opening cooling shelters and waiving fees at swim parks if needed. The board received this information for awareness.

Key Outcomes

  • SE 2025-94158 Millington Road Homestay: Approved unanimously.
  • SE 2025-16 Old Dominion Village Gas Easement Relocation: Denied unanimously.
  • Open Burning Ordinance Update: No vote; staff will revise and return.
  • Land Use Revalidation: Process to begin with mailings before end of June; paper forms only this cycle.
  • Closed Session: Completed; board certified compliance with open meeting laws.
  • Extreme Heat: County will monitor and communicate with the public.
  • Public Hearings (all approved):
    • Easement across county-owned parcel for new school water line (unanimous).
    • Authorized condemnation of portions of 2118 and 2121 Dominion Drive for sidewalk project (unanimous).
    • Increase in Board of Supervisors compensation by 3% (to $20,805 annually) (unanimous).
    • Increase in Planning Commission and other appointed board compensation by 3% (Planning Commission to $7,916; board members to $88 per meeting) (unanimous).
    • Extension of special use permit for Field School of Charlottesville, extending the construction commencement deadline to August 28, 2026 (unanimous).
  • Hardware River Scenic River Designation: The board voted 5-1 to send a letter to the Department of Conservation and Recreation requesting a study of the Albemarle County portion of the Hardware River for potential scenic river designation. Supervisor McKeel voted no, citing concerns about future land use restrictions.
  • Appointment of Ned Galloway as Voting Delegate to 2025 NACo Annual Conference: Approved unanimously.
  • Board Reports: Supervisor Malik noted the workforce center's annual report and potential federal funding cuts for youth training. Supervisor Galloway mentioned a regional housing study and hazard mitigation plan update. Supervisor McKeel reported on the SWAC committee's request regarding HOLO requirements and a letter about biophilic cities designation.

Meeting Transcript

Good afternoon. I'm pleased to call to order this meeting of the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors, the 18th of June, 1 p.m. in Lane Auditorium. I'd like to note that today as we have Supervisor Ann Malik of the White Hall District. Supervisor B. Lapisto Kirtley of the Ravenna District. Supervisor Mike Bruitt of the Scottsville District. And Supervisor Diantha McKeel of the Jack Jewett District and Supervisor Ned Galloway of the Ohio District. Myself, Jim Andrews representing the Samuel Miller district. Aquorum is present. We're also joined by our county executive, Mr. Jeff Richardson, and our county attorney, Mr. Andy Herrick, or Clerk, Ms. Claude Orgerson and Senior Deputy Clerk, Mr. Travis Morris. Welcome. Please let me also welcome Almoral County Police Officers present. Lieutenant Angela Jamerson and Sergeant Matthew Riley, thank you for your service today and every day on behalf of the people of Albemarle County for our protection, safety, and security. If all present could now stand as you are able and join us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Thank you. My pleasure of the United States of America. And to the public for which it stands, one nation under God. Indivisible with one of the straw. Thank you. And if you now ask that you join us in a moment of silence. Before doing so, I'd like to note the uh removal of item 12 or review of the 2025 legislative priorities and initial discussion of 2026 legislative legislative priorities, which will be postponed to a later date. And adding and adding a discussion regarding the Hardware River, possible designation as a scenic river and the appointment of Supervisor Ned Galloway as a voting delegate to the 2025 National Association of Counties Annual Conference as part of item 24 matters from the board later this evening. With those amendments, uh do we have a motion to accept the final agenda? So moved. Second. We have a motion from Supervisor McKeel, second from Supervisor Malik without objection if the clerk will call the roll. Mr. Pruitt. Aye. Mr. Andrews. Yes. Mr. Galloway? Yes. Ms. Lapisto Kirtley. Aye. Ms. Malik. Yes. Ms. McKeel. Yes. Thank you.

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