Richard Opett

The meeting featured a consent agenda discussion regarding a new auditing contract with PB Mares LLP. Special resolutions were passed to honor the distinguished service of two retiring members of the Economic Development Authority. The board received reports on road maintenance and bridge construction progress from VDOT. Additionally, the Board Chairman led a discussion opposing the adoption of a technology overlay district, citing concerns over potential data center development, and citizens provided public comments on the proposed district.

The Board of Supervisors discussed an update from Rappahannock Community College regarding student enrollment growth, welding and health science facility developments, and plans for marine electrical training. The Board also approved the annual rabies clinic to be held at New Kent Middle School, authorized a change order for the Tallysville wastewater pump station improvements, and approved historical marker applications for Iden Meadow Farm, Shuttlewood, and Spring Hill. Additionally, the Board authorized a budget transfer to renovate the former animal shelter for use as a workshop and storage facility.

The meeting commenced with an executive session to discuss real property acquisition and potential litigation. Key agenda items addressed included the approval of the Consent Agenda. The Treasurer's Report for April 1995 was reviewed, noting ongoing collection efforts for outstanding debts. The Board approved grant funding for the Sheriff's department for a Crime Analysis/Computer Operator position and a Business Crime Prevention Office, approving the necessary local match from contingency funds. A significant portion of the discussion focused on unifying the county's volunteer fire departments, with the Board expressing opposition to any attempts by Company #2 to separate and directing the County Attorney to investigate jurisdiction over a controversial sign. The Board adopted Ordinance O-04-95 and the Fiscal Year 1995/96 budget, including a detailed appropriation for the School Fund, after extensive debate regarding quarterly reappropriation accountability. Policy was established for the disbursement of Fiscal Year '96 Fire Department contributions. The Board approved the renewal of a Conditional Use Permit for competitive paintball games and subsequently approved another CUP for a temporary borrow pit operation related to the Waste Water Treatment Plant construction, imposing specific time and safety conditions. Appointments were made to the Transportation Safety Commission, Agricultural & Forestal Advisory, and Planning Commission. The schedule for upcoming meetings and the process for the School Board's surplus property disposition hearing were also set.

The work session covered several significant matters. The Board approved FY07 appropriations and inter-departmental budget transfers, including questions regarding DMV collection fees. They adopted a resolution adding Homestead Road to the Rural Rustic Roads Program. Ordinances were adopted concerning an increase in the Courthouse Security Fee (from $5.00 to $10.00, effective July 1, 2007), amendments to the county fee schedule, and tax levies for the 2007/2008 tax year. The Board also adopted the proposed Capital Improvement Plan for FY08-2012 and the Fiscal Year 2007/2008 budget totaling $87,034,618. Approval was granted for an agreement with Diversified Ambulance Billing, Inc. for ambulance transport billing services. Discussions were held regarding proposed performance standards for business and industrial uses and the first draft of an Inclusionary Dwelling Ordinance (Workforce or Affordable Housing), with the Board directing staff to coordinate further with the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee on less administration-heavy alternatives. The Board reviewed proposed residential driveway standards, designed to ensure unimpeded access for emergency vehicles. They also reviewed proposed traffic impact safety requirement ordinances mandated by state law, with staff recommending a more restrictive threshold of 100 peak hour trips for all uses. Other business included negotiations with Infrastructure Corporation of America regarding leasing former VDOT salt barns, confirmation that tax collections were on track, decisions regarding water storage tank colors, and a resolution authorizing a land exchange with New Kent Courthouse Village for utility project purposes, contingent on resolving a deed reversion clause.

The primary agenda item addressed during this meeting was a closed session to discuss a personnel matter involving candidates for employment and for consultation with legal counsel, pursuant to specific sections of the Code of Virginia. Following the closed session, the Board proceeded with the required certification that the discussion conformed to Virginia law. The meeting concluded with an adjournment.