Russell Lee Peaden

The Board of Supervisors discussed several key topics including the FY27 tax levies on real and personal property, amendments to the county code for general government fees, and public utility fee adjustments. Additionally, the Board reviewed the capital improvement program, focusing on funding for a new courthouse, elementary school, and fire station. Concerns regarding the site selection for the new elementary school and the necessity of a new fire station building were also deliberated.

The Board conducted its annual reorganization meeting, electing new officers and establishing the 2026 meeting schedule. Key discussions involved the approval of various consent agenda items, a VDOT residency administrator report, and a public comment period focusing on the need for a new elementary school. The Board deferred an exception request for a private roadway to a future meeting. They also approved a budget transfer for sponsorship of the 2026 Virginia Derby and discussed, but ultimately failed to approve, a supplemental funding request for the design phase of a new elementary school. Additionally, the Board held a public hearing regarding a conditional use permit for a telecommunications tower.

The meeting included reports on the zoning ordinance rewrite, department updates regarding local infrastructure projects including the Pine Fork Road roundabout, and an in-depth public hearing regarding a rezoning application for the Pine Fork Ridge subdivision. The commission discussed the addition of single-family residential lots, voluntary proffers by the developer for utility connections and roadway improvements, and the results of the traffic impact analysis.

The Board of Supervisors discussed various administrative and community development matters. Key items included the recognition of New Kent University graduates, the VDOT Residency Administrator's report on road projects, and an update on regional tourism efforts. The Board approved funding for the renovation of the George Watkins Elementary School baseball field and a supplemental appropriation for emergency repairs at the Parham Landing Wastewater Treatment Plant. Additionally, the Board granted a sign exception request for Bottoms Bridge Tire and Auto, authorized an access agreement for potential courthouse property, adopted new design-build and construction management procurement guidelines, and approved a change order for the broadband expansion project to include additional service locations.

The joint session featured an annual economic development review and update, covering progress on major projects such as Colonial Downs, the Buc-ee's development, AutoZone's distribution center, CarMax facilities, LaRS Group, and the New Kent City Center logistics site. Discussion also included department growth, training initiatives, EDA grant support for local businesses, marketing and tourism strategies, and the timeline for the upcoming Technology Overlay District. Additionally, the Board adopted a resolution to extend the Christmas holiday for county employees and conducted facility tours at CarMax and the LaRS Group.