Albemarle County Board of Supervisors Meeting - November 5, 2025

The Albemarle County Board of Supervisors met on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at 1:00 PM in Lane Auditorium. The meeting included the adoption of the agenda, proclamations, public comments, consent agenda, action items on a private sewer/water extension and two special exceptions for building height and stepback requirements, a transportation planning quarterly report, a MicroCAT program update, a closed meeting, and appointments to community advisory committees.

Consent Calendar

• Approved unanimously (6-0) the consent agenda consisting of: approval of minutes (multiple dates), FY26 appropriations, scheduling a public hearing on real estate tax relief for elderly/disabled, notice of eminent domain hearing, 2026 TJPD legislative program, development fund performance agreements for Afton Scientific expansion, abandonment of a portion of Oak Street in Crozet, a homestay special exception at 2163A Scottsville Rd, proclamations designating Albemarle as a Purple Heart County and supporting Operation Green Light for Veterans, and informational reports (Broadband Authority quarterly report and School Board report).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Dan Gritzko (Scottsdale, but speaking generally) expressed support for honoring Barbara Johns with a new statue in the U.S. Capitol, encouraging the county to embrace this moment in Virginia history.
• Sarah Bleach (White Hall) and Steve Leach Calder (Rio) spoke on behalf of a resident with a mobility impairment, detailing accessibility barriers with MicroCAT after fleet changes. They stated that newer wheelchair-accessible vans lack a ramp and seating configuration allowing ambulatory riders with canes to board. They requested a reliable process (in-app or via dispatch) to request low-profile vans.
• Susan McCaulay (Samuel Miller) urged the board to pass a resolution requiring ICE agents to be unmasked, present warrants, and drive marked vehicles. She cited concerns about data sharing and surveillance, and referenced the recent election results as a mandate for principled leadership.
• Stuart Overby (Samuel Miller) advocated for a biosolids ordinance, citing a complaint from a resident near Fleetwood Farm where sewage sludge was spread. He reported that the smell persisted for weeks and noted that the DEQ said the farmer could not spread for three years. He promoted a public event on November 20 to discuss PFAS research.

Discussion Items

• Miller School Extension (Private Central Sewer and Water Supply) – County Engineer Frank Pohl presented the request to upgrade and extend existing systems to serve four new buildings (three dormitories and a gymnasium) under a phased plan. Conditions included annual compliance documentation. Supervisor Andrews moved approval; Supervisor Mallek seconded. Approved unanimously.
• Rivanna Futures Building Height and Stepback Special Exceptions – Development Process Manager Bill Fritz presented two requests: a height exception to 140 feet and a stepback reduction from 15 feet to zero for a proposed building in the Rivanna Futures area. Staff noted this was a first impression for height exceptions. Discussion centered on lack of specific criteria and potential precedent. Supervisors expressed concerns about consistency but supported the projects given the site’s location near Route 29 and industrial zoning. Both special exceptions were approved unanimously separately.
• Transportation Planning Quarterly Report – Staff presented updates on VDOT funding (Smart Scale, revenue sharing), specific projects (Barracks Road right-turn lane and median, Old Trail roundabout, Ivy Road roundabouts, and studies for US 29 corridor and Emmet Street interchange). Supervisor Galloway criticized Smart Scale as underfunded and creating a cycle of band-aid fixes. Supervisor Mallek raised concerns about Park Ridge Road speeding and Eastern Avenue adoption. Supervisor McKeel underscored the need for better city-county coordination and robust transit funding. No formal vote was taken.
• MicroCAT Program Update – Deputy Director Kevin McDermott reported on the two-year demonstration grant ending October 2025. Key statistics: over 120,000 rides completed (~190 per day on average), 92% five-star ratings, 71% of riders do not own a car, 40% reported a disability, and top destinations include Walmart and the Albemarle High School area. Demand exceeded capacity, with unmet rides showing as “seats unavailable.” Staff recommended extending the contract through FY26 and integrating with fixed-route transit via GTFS feeds. Discussion included potential cost, ridership demographics, and the need for holistic transit decisions during the upcoming budget process. Supervision of the program will continue.

Key Outcomes

• Approved Consent Agenda (unanimous).
• Approved Miller School Private Central Sewer and Water Supply Extension (unanimous).
• Approved Rivanna Futures Building Height Special Exception (SE-2025-00033) (unanimous).
• Approved Rivanna Futures Stepback Special Exception (SE-2025-00034) (unanimous).
• Held Closed Meeting (moved by Supervisor Pruitt, seconded by Supervisor Mallek, unanimous) under Code of Virginia sections for appointments discussions, consultation with legal counsel on the June 2025 cybersecurity incident, and discussion of security plans related to that incident. The closed meeting was certified unanimously.
• Appointments Made (moved by Supervisor McKeel, seconded by Supervisor Mallek, unanimous): Reginald Woods to the Pantops Community Advisory Committee; Michael Geyser to the Places29 Rio Community Advisory Committee.
• Adjourned to November 19, 2025, at 1:00 PM in Lane Auditorium.