Deborah Sewing

The board administered an oath of office to a new member and conducted an informational public hearing regarding a potential reduction in the minimum lot size for the A-1 Agricultural District. Discussions included state statutory updates regarding solar, wind, and battery energy storage systems, a review of member appointments and terms, the 2026 meeting schedule, Open Meetings Act compliance, and departmental budget clarifications. Additionally, the board deliberated on a specific variance request for a property in the A-1 Agricultural District, ultimately voting to deny the request based on findings that it failed to meet the required zoning ordinance standards.

The agenda includes a public hearing for a variance request regarding the placement of a used mobile home and a discussion regarding a proposed community solar energy facility. Old business items include a procedural review of a remanded corrective action order involving Larry Sayler, a discussion on a potential reduction of minimum lot size in the A-1 Agricultural District, and an overview of recent state legislation affecting zoning authority. The meeting also covers Open Meetings Act training compliance.

The meeting focused on planning for the VACBC Grand Opening, discussing promotional strategies such as a spring information seminar, organization tours, radio advertisements, and distributing physical materials like signs and brochures. Discussions also covered obtaining system access and accreditation with NACVSO and DAV. A significant portion of the new business involved the selection of delegates and alternates for CY 2026 based on VACBC By Laws, noting reelections from several posts and deadlines for others to submit their selections. Announcements from the IACVAC winter meeting included topics such as reallocating unobligated unused funds, ensuring full voting membership per MVAA guidelines, completing OMA training, reviewing commission by-laws, conducting an annual evaluation of the Superintendent, and researching requirements for filing a statement of economic interest.

The main focus of the meeting was the consideration of Variance Request BC-2025-46 regarding the construction of a dwelling on a 7.2-acre parcel that already contained an existing dwelling. The Board reviewed the variance against six standards, finding multiple criteria not met, specifically noting the self-created hardship and the availability of alternative remedies such as subdivision or a Special Use Permit. The variance request was ultimately denied by a vote of 3 ayes to 1 nay. Additionally, the board addressed the initial review of the 3-Points subdivision, which required requesting additional information. The meeting also included discussions with Wendy Pfeil, the new Executive Director of SIMAP, concerning organizational direction and county priorities, resulting in Chairman Timmermann appointing new delegates for Pocahontas and Mike McCormick to the executive board.

The meeting included four public hearings: a variance request to place a pre-owned mobile home at 516 White Oak Lane, a request to rezone property from A-1 to C-2 for the continued development of an RV park, a request to rezone property from A-1 to R-1 to create a three-lot residential subdivision named Three Points Estates, and proposals for amendments to the Bond County Zoning Ordinance. The ordinance amendments covered allowing ZBA variances for minimum lot area (A-1 parcels), expanding definitions to include Wind Energy Systems and Battery Energy Storage Solar Systems (BESS), and allowing the Zoning Administrator to issue Siting Plan Permits prior to building permits for commercial projects. New business involved Ranger Power presenting a fee review request concerning the large solar energy facility, discussion of FAA lighting requirements for wind turbines, and acknowledgment of a communication sent to the State's Attorney regarding proposed zoning ordinance amendments.