Albemarle County Board of Supervisors Organizational Meeting - January 8, 2026
Albemarle County Board of Supervisors Organizational Meeting - January 8, 2026
This was the annual organizational meeting of the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors for 2026. The meeting was called to order by outgoing chair Jeff Richardson, who presided over the election of a new chair. The board unanimously elected Ned Galloway as chair and Fred Missel as vice chair. The board also appointed the clerk and senior deputy clerk, adopted the 2026 meeting calendar, re-adopted rules of procedure, board policies, and operating guidelines, and approved the final agenda. Board members gave brief announcements, and the board heard public comment before moving into closed session to discuss appointments. Note: The provided metadata indicates the meeting took place on January 8, 2026 at 6:45 p.m., but the transcript states the meeting was called to order on January 7, 2026 at 1 p.m. This discrepancy is noted.
Organizational Items
- Election of Chair: Ned Galloway was nominated by Supervisor Malik, seconded by Supervisor LaPisto-Kirtley, and elected unanimously (6-0) to serve as chair for 2026.
- Election of Vice Chair: Fred Missel was nominated, seconded, and elected unanimously.
- Appointment of Clerk: Claudette Borgerson was unanimously appointed as clerk.
- Appointment of Senior Deputy Clerk: Travis Morris was unanimously appointed.
- Adoption of 2026 Meeting Calendar: The board adopted the calendar with two noted changes: February 4 meeting moved to 1 p.m., and February 18 meeting moved to 3 p.m. Approved unanimously.
- Adoption of Board Rules of Procedure: After discussion about the phrase "actually disrupts" in Rule 6F1C (public speakers during meetings), County Attorney Andy Herrick offered to amend to "actually disrupts or significantly threatens to disrupt" due to First Amendment concerns, but the board adopted the rules as drafted without amendment. Unanimously approved.
- Adoption of Board Policies: Unanimously re-adopted.
- Adoption of Operating Guidelines: Unanimously adopted after comments from supervisors Malik, Pruitt, LaPisto-Kirtley, and Missel praising the guidelines as a best practice framework.
- Adoption of Final Agenda: Unanimously adopted.
Board Member Announcements
- Supervisor Malik: Welcomed new members Sally Duncan and Fred Missel; emphasized unity and resisting division. Highlighted several issues: implementation of the comprehensive plan, zoning modernization, inventory of private cemeteries, sign-ups for emergency alerts, a sidewalk shoveling ordinance, and strengthening the county's safer chemical policy. Expressed hope for the year.
- Supervisor Pruitt: Observed that the balance of power on the board has shifted, noting a 3-3 split (likely referring to his earlier comment about "I versus yes" votes). Encouraged the public to engage with the board as new members develop their positions.
- Supervisor LaPisto-Kirtley: Announced that the Albemarle County Fire Rescue Foundation now has 501(c)(3) status, enabling fundraising. Expressed excitement for zoning modernization, economic decisions, and improving constituent connectivity.
- Supervisor Missel: Thanked colleagues and the community; outlined priorities: smart growth, expanding housing partnerships, and fostering communication and transparency. Noted upcoming decisions on land use, AstraZeneca, and budget season.
- Supervisor Duncan: Expressed gratitude and excitement for the work, acknowledging staff preparation and her commitment to local government.
- Supervisor Galloway (Chair): Thanked the board, highlighted the importance of regional cooperation with neighboring counties, and noted that local issues often transcend partisan divides.
Public Comments
- Gary Grant (Rio District): Expressed disgust over an unnamed supervisor's use of the F-word during a joint meeting with the Albemarle School Board, stating no apology has been issued. Also criticized the county executive for sending a form letter regarding a data security breach, shifting responsibility to residents. Questioned the board's enthusiasm for economic development projects (INGIG, DIA, AstraZeneca) while property taxes rise and the county partners with the "war department and big pharma."
- Alicia Lenahan (Scottsville District): Presented a resolution condemning non-transparent federal immigration enforcement tactics and affirming community safety principles. Urged the board to protect immigrant and refugee neighbors, stating that actions against them are morally indefensible. Noted that the Albemarle County Police and Sheriff's departments have not entered into 287(g) agreements with ICE and that policies generally align with federal requirements.
Key Outcomes
- All elections and appointments were unanimous.
- The board adopted the 2026 meeting calendar, rules of procedure, board policies, operating guidelines, and final agenda.
- The board moved into closed session to discuss and consider appointments to various boards and commissions (including the Albemarle Conservation Easement Authority, Planning Commission, and others) and the appointment of the fire and rescue chief. The motion was made and seconded, and the roll call was unanimous (all six supervisors voted yes/aye).
Meeting Transcript
It's a call to order for the January 7th, Albemarra County Board of Supervisors meeting. Today is January the 7th. It is 1 p.m. My name is Jeff Richardson. And I am calling the meeting to order today to announce that this meeting is the annual organizational meeting of the Albemar County Board of Supervisors. I will be presiding over this meeting until the election of a chair after which time after which time I will pass the meeting over to the newly elected chair for the calendar year 2026. I'd like to take a moment to recognize Andy Herrick, our county attorney who is also with us today, as well as Claudette Borgerson and Travis Morris from the clerk's office, who is with us today. In addition to that, as always uh the case with Albemar County, we'd like to recognize our police officers or who are here today from the Albemar County Police Department. With us today is Officer Dylan Schifflet, thank you for being here, as well as Lieutenant Angela Jamberson. Thank you so much for being here today. At this time, I'd like to ask our members of the audience and our organization to join me. Stand if you can for our Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. And to the Republic for which it stands under God Indivisible with liberty and justice for all. If you if you would please join me in a moment of silence at this time. Thank you. At this time, we will go into the annual organization work of this board. Item four is the election of the chair. We do have all board members here today. Uh included in that is Fred Missel, newly elected to the board. Welcome, sir, to the Almore County Board of Supervisors and Sally Duncan, thank you, Ms. Duncan, for your service. Welcome to the Board of Supervisors. Okay, Board, at this time we will conduct the election of the Chair, and I open the floor for nominations for the Chair of the Board of Supervisors for Calendar 2026. I would like to nominate Ned Galloway as Chair for 2026. Is there a second? Second. Okay, we have a nomination from Ms. Malik, a second from Ms. Lapisto Curtley. Board, at this time, I would ask, are there any other nominations for chair of the board for 2026? Board, there being no further nominations, the nominations are now closed. Is there a motion to elect Supervisor Galloway as chair? So moved. Second. There's a motion and a second. Would you please call the roll? Ms. Duncan? Yes. Mr. Galloway? Yes. Ms. Pisa Curtley. Aye. Ms. Mallet. Yes. Ms.
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