Elizabeth Franklin

The Board of Supervisors meeting covered various administrative and community topics. Key discussions included the presentation and acceptance of the Fiscal Year 2025 independent audit, and planning for the 2026 organizational meeting, including town hall locations and future board retreats. The Board granted an exemption from LEED certification for the new Gloucester Volunteer Fire and Rescue building and approved an additional four hours of holiday leave for staff on Christmas Eve. Additionally, the Board made several appointments to committees, including the Community Policy and Management Team, the Local Emergency Planning Committee, the Middle Peninsula Juvenile Detention Commission, and the Tri-River Alcohol Safety Action Program. Presentations were held to commend the service of three outgoing Board members.

The Board meeting included several agenda items such as the confirmation of a local emergency declaration, receipt of the Planning Commission's annual report, and discussions on utility department operations and future community development authority possibilities. Additionally, the Board reviewed plans for the county's 375th anniversary and America's 250th birthday celebrations. A presentation on the SMART Scale transportation project ranking system was provided. Public comments covered support for an Arts District ordinance and concerns regarding infrastructure. A public hearing was held for amendments to the zoning ordinance addressing livestock, stables, and other land-use definitions, which was subsequently adopted. Finally, a presentation was conducted regarding the proposed FY2027-2031 Capital Improvement Plan.

The Board conducted its organizational meeting, which included the adoption of rules of procedure, a code of ethics, and standards of conduct. Board officers, including the Chair and Vice Chair, were elected for 2026. The meeting also addressed the appointment of members to various regional boards, commissions, and committees. Further discussions focused on the status of the Gloucester Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squad Station One project, fee structures for county departments, a leave policy proposal for hybrid employees, and the establishment of the 2026 board meeting schedule.

The Board adopted the agenda and approved the consent agenda, which included resolutions to commend the service of outgoing board members Phillip N. Bazzani, Kenneth W. Gibson, and Kevin M. Smith. Items presented by the Board included updates on a girls field hockey championship and the Virginia Association of Counties conference. The County Administrator introduced a new Deputy County Administrator, provided updates on VDOT meetings and the Board retreat, and addressed public comments regarding the Tidemill Road project. A work session was held to discuss a historic building preservation report detailing condition assessments and restoration recommendations for several structures within the Court Circle, including the Colonial Courthouse, Clayton Building, Roane Building, Old Jail, Debtors Prison, and the Botetourt Building. Additional discussions touched on historical site tourism and the status of Werowocomoco.

The retreat focused on a comprehensive review of the County's revenue outlook, economic development strategies, and infrastructure growth. Key discussions included an analysis of revenue sources and vulnerabilities, the potential impacts of economic conditions on local taxes, and the management of personnel policies. The Board explored economic development initiatives, including tourism expansion, the management of County-owned properties, and potential incentives for business growth. Extensive discussions were held regarding the development of a community center, extension of utilities, and infrastructure capacity needs. Additionally, the Board addressed the financing and procurement processes for a new fire station, reviewed growth projections for the County, examined transportation and Route 17 capacity, and discussed long-range planning for water and sewer systems.