Anthony Q. Ellington

The special joint meeting commenced with the adoption of the agenda. The primary focus was a discussion and presentation of staff corrections and updates for the Comprehensive Plan 2026, covering sections from Introduction through Economy. Updates included correcting the spelling of Farmville, updating flood zones with 2019 FEMA data, removing a Confederate monument reference due to relocation, updating cultural resources maps by removing Longwood University from Longwood Village and the fairgrounds, and incorporating 2020 census and 2023 American Community Survey data for population, housing, and economic metrics. Discussions also touched upon potential infrastructure costs (Venable Street cave-in, pumping station replacement) potentially impacting the use of bond funds allocated for the new fire station. Further deliberation centered on economic drivers, including data center interest and solar projects, and the need to align housing aspirations, particularly regarding affordable housing and zoning regulations like setbacks and lot sizes, with practical implementation pathways.

The work session included a review of the September financial reports for fiscal year 2026, noting that revenues were slightly higher than the prior year, although the general fund appeared behind budget due to collection timing. Expenses were below the benchmark, despite increases in capital and equipment purchases for the fire and police departments. Key discussions centered on two major items: amending the budget to incorporate a reimbursable $900,000 grant for consolidating dispatch centers between the town and Prince Edward, and planning for the adoption of the Emergency Operations Plan, which is currently being updated to align with a forthcoming joint plan with the county. Furthermore, an extensive presentation was given regarding a proposal for the town to become its own Virginia Erosion Storm Water Management Program (VESMP) authority, streamlining plan reviews, enforcement, and maintenance responsibilities currently split across multiple jurisdictions (Prince Edward County and DEQ). Finally, the ABM project was reported as closed out, resulting in a $215,000 reduction to the loan balance.

The meeting commenced with a moment of silence honoring the father-in-law of the Town Clerk, who was a veteran, served on the planning commission, and was a life member of the volunteer fire department. Key discussions included the presentation of the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 financial audit by Brown Edwards and Company, which resulted in a clean, unmodified opinion on financials, with the federal compliance testing to be reported separately later. The finance report for October, the fourth month of Fiscal Year 2026, showed total revenues slightly behind budget due to revenue timing, while overall spending was well below the benchmark. A significant portion of the session was dedicated to the discussion regarding adopting a local ordinance for stormwater erosion and sediment control, taking over responsibilities from Prince Edward County and Cumberland County to gain in-house control over plan review, permitting fees, and site monitoring. It was noted that this would primarily involve existing staff receiving necessary DEQ certifications, with no direct financial cost to the town, and that the agenda item would proceed to public hearing before adoption.

The meeting included discussions and decisions regarding a public hearing for CUP25 tax 006, concerning an amendment request by Thorn Hav on behalf of the Rosemire Corporations to an existing conditional use permit. The proposed amendment involves allowing two additional mini warehouse units and removing a 1-acre outdoor parking storage area. The staff recommended approval of the amendment with specific conditions. Additionally, there was a discussion regarding the sidewalk ordinance, including background information, potential revisions, and related data such as crash data and sidewalk inventory maps.

The meeting included discussions and a public hearing regarding the proposed comprehensive plan and zoning ordinance. Topics included comments on Article six of proposed amendments to TANF Carmel zoning map, the future land use map, transportation and utilities master plan.