Katie Davis

The meeting began with addressing technical difficulties related to remote participation by Supervisor Clinton, who was subsequently approved to participate electronically. The Board paused the meeting to resolve the connection issues and then proceeded to allow public comment, specifically regarding the agenda item that had been tabled from the December 16th meeting, which involved Change Order Number Three. Public commentary focused heavily on the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) radio communications upgrade, with one speaker raising concerns that the infrastructure specification mirrored designs for large corporate data centers, potentially creating long-term debt for private benefit, and requesting full technical specifications and public workshops before proceeding. Another speaker, representing the Blue Ridge Soil and Water Conservation District, expressed concern over the potential strain of a large data center on the county's water supply, referencing the 2 to 8 million gallons of water a day usage, and advocated for exploring newer, less resource-intensive data center technologies. A third speaker expressed strong support for the radio system upgrade, emphasizing its necessity for law enforcement, fire, and EMS lifeblood communications, and urged the board to approve the associated change order before the end of the year to realize significant cost savings and maintain the project schedule. Following public comment, the Emergency Communication Systems Manager presented on the change order options, highlighting cost savings of approximately $650,000 if executed by year-end and stressing the importance of adhering to the schedule to meet foliage-dependent coverage testing windows that could otherwise delay testing until May 2027. The options presented included a split frequency system utilizing VHF for the north and 700 MHz for the south to ensure interoperability with neighboring counties, and noted a beneficial arrangement with the Virginia State Police radio network (STARS) to cover coverage gaps in Arcadia, saving both state and county funds.

The meeting included the certification of the close session, welcoming new members, and a board reorganization process to elect the chair and vice chair, followed by appointments to various board committees and commissions. Key discussions during citizen comment periods involved a request to change the meeting time from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. for better public attendance, and serious concerns regarding the safety of a gas line adjacent to the Orchard Lake Dam, including reports of a water leak and erosion, with a stated interest in preserving the lake over draining it. The board also ratified a declaration of local emergency related to storm conditions.

Botetourt County's comprehensive plan for Greenfield Recreation Park outlines a long-term vision for the park's development over the next 10 to 15 years, informed by extensive community feedback. The plan focuses on enhancing existing infrastructure, introducing new recreational amenities, and creating diverse outdoor experiences. Key initiatives include the installation of lighting for sports fields, the construction of permanent restrooms, and the development of dedicated pickleball and tennis courts. Furthermore, the plan aims to establish a multi-purpose community center, dredge and activate Preston Pond for water activities, and expand the network of walking, biking, cross-country, and equestrian trails. Unique features such as an aronasium, a pump track, and an RC car track are also envisioned. The overarching goal is to transform Greenfield Recreation Park into a versatile destination offering a blend of sports tourism and community recreation, ensuring accessibility and engagement for all citizens while seeking alternative funding to minimize taxpayer impact.

The meeting included transactional business, specifically closing and certifying a closed session. Key agenda items involved recognizing new staff members: Mr. Jude Wilson, the new planner, and new community development employees, Matt Corvin (Combination Building Inspector/Plan Reviewer) and Matt Cooper (Erosion and Sediment Control Administrator). The board also recognized numerous employees for milestone anniversaries ranging from five to thirty years of service across various departments. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to recognizing construction industry representatives (Apex Clean Energy, Faulner Construction, and Mountain Crane) for their crucial, immediate assistance following a major rainfall event on July 31st, which washed out a culvert pipe on the privately-owned section of Ballpark Road, isolating 30 homes. The discussion highlighted the coordination between county departments, VOTE, and VDEM to restore access within 18 to 20 hours, a complex effort complicated by the bridge structure nearby. The board also recognized personnel involved in responding to a brush fire on Dagger Springs.

The board meeting included public comments on several pressing issues. A resident requested approval for lighting at Greenfield for soccer fields, suggesting the consideration of wind turbine integration for energy savings based on a model used at William Fleming High School. Another major topic involved concerns regarding Agenda Item 16 concerning Aqua Virginia rate increases and the environmental and cost impacts of the Google data center project, with citizens expressing concern over transparency and long-term effects on air and water quality. Significant discussion was dedicated to Agenda Item 13 concerning the Orchard Lake Dam, a high-pressure gas line running underneath it, and whether the dam should be rebuilt or removed, with citizens opposing removal and citing safety concerns and conflicting information from state agencies. Additionally, the board considered a five-year, $1 per year lease agreement for the Rebecca Furnace property for historical preservation, and approved a contract phase with AECOM for the design and engineering of a historical museum for Botetourt County.