Northumberland County public meetings in 2022
34 substantive meetings from 2022, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Board of Supervisors
The Board of Supervisors approved a contract for pump improvements at the post office sanitary district. The project will be funded using ARPA funds. The board also convened a closed session to discuss personnel matters.
- Approved $50,364.52 estimate from Power & Flow for post office pump improvements (5-0)
- Approved motion to convene into closed meeting for personnel discussions (5-0)
- Approved motion to reconvene into open session (5-0)
- Certified that only lawful exempt business was discussed in closed session (5-0)
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on proposed revisions to the zoning ordinance for solar energy facilities. The changes would prohibit solar facilities in R-1 and R-2 residential zones, require a siting agreement and environmental impact statement, and adjust decommissioning timelines.
- Prohibition of solar energy facilities in R-1 Residential General and R-2 Residential Waterfront zones
- Requirement for a solar siting agreement and environmental impact statement
- Reduction of decommissioning plan review from every five years to every two years
- Increase of decommissioning time from six to twelve months
The Planning Commission voted to send solar energy facility zoning ordinance revisions to the Board of Supervisors. The commission also recommended adding a solar energy revenue share ordinance. Members discussed future evaluations of short-term rentals and camping regulations.
- Approved recommendation to add a solar energy revenue share ordinance to the Board of Supervisors (unanimous)
- Approved sending solar energy facility zoning ordinance revisions to the Board of Supervisors (unanimous)
- Approved agenda (unanimous)
- Approved November 17, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)
Electoral Board
The Northumberland County Electoral Board met on December 13, 2022, to approve minutes from September through November, review a draft FY23-24 budget, and organize new officers effective January 1, 2023. The budget includes proposed purchases of two new PollPads, 30 traffic cones, and a 6-bay battery charger. The board also approved December 27 as a holiday for Registrar’s Office personnel.
- Draft FY23-24 budget reviewed; due to County Administrator by January 31, 2023
- Proposed purchase of two new PollPads for training use
- Proposed purchase of 30 traffic cones for precincts
- Proposed purchase of 6-bay battery charger from Hart
- Board elected new officers effective January 1, 2023: Chairman Ed Johnson, Vice-Chairman Austin Schmidt, Secretary Bob Heller
Board of Supervisors
The Board of Supervisors approved a zoning ordinance revision limiting non-compensated camping to seven days and requiring permits for commercial camping. A conditional use permit was granted for a private school in Callao, while a solar facility siting agreement and another dwelling permit were tabled.
- Approved zoning revision limiting non-compensated camping to 7 days and requiring permits for commercial camping in A-1, R-2, and C-1 districts (3-2)
- Approved conditional use permit for a private school at 226 Village Green Drive in Callao (5-0)
- Approved $19,312 purchase of IamResponding emergency dispatch software (5-0)
- Approved acquisition of old school board property at 2172 Northumberland Highway (5-0)
- Approved $2,275 and $123.90 supplemental appropriations for the Sheriff's Department (5-0)
- Tabled solar energy facility siting agreement and conditional use permit until Jan 12, 2023 (5-0)
- Tabled conditional use permit for a dwelling on Lake Road until Jan 12, 2023 (5-0)
- Requested Planning Commission evaluate short-term rentals and commercial vs. private camping (5-0)
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on a zoning ordinance revision to limit recreational camping on properties to seven days or less and make commercial camping a conditional use in A-1 and R-2 districts. Commissioners will also finalize work on revisions to the Solar Energy Facilities zoning ordinance.
- Public hearing on zoning ordinance § 148-153 to limit recreational camping to 7 days
- Commercial camping (with compensation) would become a conditional use in A-1 and R-2 districts
- Commercial camping prohibited in all other zoning districts
- Finalize revisions to Solar Energy Facilities zoning ordinance
The Planning Commission recommended revisions to the zoning ordinance regarding commercial and non-compensated camping, including new sanitation requirements. The commission also recommended updates to the solar energy facility ordinance for the Board of Supervisors' approval.
- Approved requirement for VDH approved sanitation facility for camping without compensation (8-0)
- Recommended zoning ordinance revisions for commercial camping to the Board of Supervisors (8-0)
- Recommended adding conservation (C-1) zoned land as a district where commercial camping is allowed by conditional use permit (8-0)
- Recommended revised solar energy zoning ordinance to the Board of Supervisors (8-0)
- Approved agenda (unanimous)
- Approved October 20, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)
Wetlands Board
The Northumberland County Wetlands Board unanimously approved five permit applications at its November 15, 2022 meeting. The most notable was a commercial pier at 517 Deep Water Lane on Cockrells Creek. The board also approved four riprap revetment projects at locations on Lowes Pond, the Great Wicomico River, the Potomac River, and Owens Pond. All permits were granted for three-year terms.
- Application 22-2244: Blaine Altaffer – commercial pier at 517 Deep Water Lane, Cockrells Creek (three-year permit approved)
- Application 22-2037: Linda Duvall – 90 linear feet of riprap revetment at 328 White Sand Drive, Lowes Pond (three-year permit approved)
- Application 22-2404: Robert Hawkins – 110 linear feet of riprap revetment and two 40-foot gapped stone sills at 53 Knights Run View, Great Wicomico River (three-year permit approved)
- Application 22-2234: Timothy Lovain – 75 linear feet of riprap revetment and replacement of three failing groins with two new timber groins at 789 Virmar Beach Road, Potomac River (three-year permit approved)
- Application 22-2330: William P. Rieck, Jr. – 65 linear feet of riprap revetment at 721 Twin Harbor Road, Owens Pond (three-year permit approved)
Board of Supervisors
The Board approved an $85,575 contract for the school division's bus garage roof and voted to join the upper middle peninsula regional radio system. Other actions included extending a conditional use permit for a health care facility and amending the county code regarding golf cart use in Reedville.
- Approved $85,575 contract with Twin Rivers Roofing & Construction for bus garage roof (5-0)
- Approved $1,338.75 supplemental appropriation for Sheriff's Department ball games (5-0)
- Approved joining the upper middle peninsula regional radio system via letter of intent (4-1)
- Approved extension until 2025 for health care facility conditional use permit on Hampton Hall Road (5-0)
- Approved County Code amendment for golf cart and utility vehicle use on Main Street in Reedville (5-0)
- Approved resolution to honor Reverend Lee Scripture (5-0)
- Approved November 2022 check register (5-0)
Electoral Board
The Northumberland County Electoral Board met to review voting precinct documents and process provisional ballots. The board reviewed same day registration applications and late-arriving absentee ballots before completing the final vote tallies for the US House of Representatives race and the Mayor of Kilmarnock race.
- Review of November 8 General Election Statement of Results, Ballot Record Sheets, and Pollbook Summaries
- Processing of provisional ballots from Precincts 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5
- Processing of late-arriving absentee ballots from the Central Absentee Precinct
- Submission of election abstract for the Mayor of Kilmarnock race
Board of Supervisors
The Board of Supervisors approved an application for the ARPA Tourism Recovery Program. They also hired a Wastewater Operator/Maintenance worker and a part-time interim Chief of Emergency Services. The meeting included a joint report from the School Board on facilities and enrollment.
- Approved application to Virginia Tourism Cooperation for ARPA Tourism Recovery Program (5-0)
- Hired Patrick Palmiotto as Sanitary District Wastewater Operator/Maintenance at $34,532.57 starting Nov 1, 2022 (5-0)
- Hired Darren Clegg as part-time interim Chief of Emergency Services at $32.50 per hour (5-0)
- Scheduled next joint quarterly meeting for February 22, 2022 at 5:30 p.m.
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission will continue work on revisions to the Solar Energy Facilities zoning ordinance and consider a Remote Participation Policy for future meetings. No public hearings are scheduled.
- Continue work on revisions to the Solar Energy Facilities zoning ordinance
- Consideration of a Remote Participation Policy for future Planning Commission meetings
Electoral Board
The Northumberland County Electoral Board met to prepare ballots for precincts and review officer assignments for the November 8 election. The board also scheduled training and logic and accuracy testing.
- Prepared ballots for distribution to precincts for the Nov 8 election
- Activated one reserve officer each for Precincts 3 and 4
- Scheduled Chief Training for Oct 18 and Officer of Election training for Oct 25
- Scheduled Logic and Accuracy Testing for Oct 18
- Scheduled a webinar on Same Day Registration for Oct 20
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission is working on revisions to the Zoning Ordinance. Discussions include regulations for tent camping and potential changes to solar energy facility requirements.
- Revision of Tent Camping language in the Zoning Ordinance
- Potential exclusion of R-1 and R-2 residential zones for Large (Utility) Solar Energy Facilities
- Revisions to Solar Energy Facilities ordinance regarding decommissioning, bonding, and revenue sharing
- Update on Proposed Canoe/Kayak Launch VDOT Land Use Permit
Wetlands Board
The Northumberland County Wetlands Board reviewed and approved four applications for shoreline protection and erosion control. Each approved permit was granted for a duration of three years.
- Approved Application No. 22-1785: armor stone breakwaters, beach nourishment, and plantings at 135 and 136 Smith Point View
- Approved Application No. 22-1975: 146 linear feet of riprap revetment on Sculling Oar Lane
- Approved Application No. 22-1442: 58 linear feet of riprap sill and 65 linear feet of riprap revetment at 592 Highland Point Road
- Approved Application No. 22-1852: riprap sill, riprap revetment, and vinyl bulkhead at 43 Harveys Neck Road
- Rescheduled November meeting to November 15, 2022
Electoral Board
The Northumberland County Electoral Board met to prepare for the November 8 general election. The board assigned election officers for all precincts and conducted equipment testing.
- Assignment of Chiefs, Assistant Chiefs, and Officers of Election for all precincts
- Logic and Accuracy testing of VerityScan, Verity TouchWriter, and VerityPrint machines
- Review of training materials for early voting personnel
Electoral Board
The Northumberland County Electoral Board determined the number of ballots to order for each precinct for the November 2 General Election. The board also scheduled training for election officers and discussed a split precinct waiver for Precinct 4 town voters.
- Ballot orders set for Precincts 1-5 and Precinct 4-TOWN
- Absentee by-mail folded ballot orders set for all precincts
- Chiefs and Asst Chiefs training scheduled for Oct 18 at St. Stephens
- Officers of Election training scheduled for October 25
- Request submitted for split precinct waiver for Precinct 4 town voters
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission will consider a revision to allow administrative approval of chickens or livestock in R-1 districts. The Commission will also study proposed changes regarding commercial tent camping and solar energy facility regulations.
- Revision to allow administrative approval of chickens/livestock in R-1 districts
- Study on commercial rental of tent spaces for camping on residential lots
- Study on excluding R-1 and R-2 land from Large (Utility) Solar Energy Facilities
- Revision of Solar Energy Facilities ordinance components
- Update on the Proposed Canoe/Kayak Launch VDOT Land Use Permit
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing regarding a zoning change for a 3-acre portion of a parcel on Rt. 200. The body will also conduct a work session to study potential changes to the Zoning Ordinance and discuss a VDOT land use permit for a canoe/kayak launch.
- Public hearing for rezoning 3 acres of parcel #42-(1)-174B from Agriculture (A-1) to Business General (B-1) for a 10,640 sq. ft. retail building
- Study of commercial rental of tent spaces for camping on private residential lots
- Review of livestock criteria for R-1 Residential, General zoning
- Examination of excluding residential land from Large (Utility) Solar Energy Facilities
- Update on Proposed Canoe/Kayak Launch VDOT Land Use Permit
Wetlands Board
The Northumberland County Wetlands Board reviewed and approved five applications for shoreline protection and pier construction. The board granted permits for riprap revetments, breakwaters, and a commercial pier.
- Approved Application No. 22-1416: 300 feet of riprap revetment and two 60-foot armor stone breakwaters at 21 Fort Point Lane
- Approved Application No. 22-1186: Commercial pier at Deep Water Lane (Tax Map Parcel #45-B(1)-11-B)
- Approved Application No. 22-1009: 90 feet of riprap revetment at Deep Water Lane (Tax Map Parcel #45-B(1)-11-B)
- Approved Application No. 22-1245: 463 feet of riprap revetment at 471 Hatches Avenue
- Approved Application No. 22-1401: Two timber groins and four riprap flank protection sections at 281 Rogers Creek Road
Electoral Board
The Northumberland County Electoral Board met to manage personnel and equipment for upcoming elections. The board decided on a new ballot printing system and reviewed voter redistricting communications.
- Decision to purchase Hart Intercivic Hart Print for early voting precincts
- Appointment of Gloria Salas-Kos as Precinct 5 Chief
- Approval of FOIA response regarding ballot orders, printers, and shipping
- Review of redistricting letters to voters scheduled for mid- to late-August
- Completion of General Registrar Kathy Davenport’s 2021-2022 evaluation
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing regarding a request to rezone a parcel from Residential, General (R-1) to Agriculture (A-1). The body will also receive an update on a VDOT land use permit for a proposed canoe/kayak launch.
- Public hearing for rezoning Tax Map Parcel #27-(1)-127 at 1092 Hull Neck Road from R-1 to A-1 to raise livestock
- Discussion on Proposed Canoe/Kayak Launch VDOT Land Use Permit
Electoral Board
The Northumberland County Electoral Board met to discuss election equipment and staffing. The board viewed a demonstration of the Hart Verity Print ballot-on-demand system and contacted candidates for the Precinct 5 Chief position.
- Appointment of Gloria Salas-Kos as Precinct Chief for Precinct 5
- Demonstration of Hart Verity Print ballot-on-demand system by Hartintercivic
- Request for quote for two ballot-on-demand units
- Approval of May minutes
Planning Commission
The commission will review Chapter 5 of the Comprehensive Plan regarding water quality and shoreline protection. The meeting also includes an update on the Great Wicomico Canoe/Kayak Launch.
- Comprehensive Plan Review: Chapter 5, Water Quality and Shoreline Protection
- Great Wicomico Canoe/Kayak Launch Update
Electoral Board
The Northumberland County Electoral Board met to review precinct staffing and GIS access for voter notifications. The board discussed a quote for a new ballot-on-demand system. They also approved the minutes from the April 14 meeting.
- Quote of $4,925 from KnowINK for a ballot-on-demand system
- Appointment of Lynn Balderson as Chief for Precinct 3
- Discussion of GIS information access from the County Planning Department for precinct redistricting notifications
Wetlands Board
The Northumberland County Wetlands Board reviewed and approved several applications for shoreline stabilization and repair. The board granted three-year permits for projects involving armor stone and riprap along the Coan River, Chesapeake Bay, and Potomac River.
- Approved Application 22-0871: Refurbish armor stone sill, revetment, and spur at 1244 Honest Point Road
- Approved Application 22-0649: Install armor stone and timber groins at 115 Leming Avenue
- Approved Application 22-0653: Replace timber groins with armor stone groins at 493 and 503 Judith Sound Road
- Approved Application 22-0567: Install riprap sill and breakwater at 1578 Cowart Road, pending revised drawings
- Approved permit extension for Joshua and Dawn Parrish (V.M.R.C. # 19-0621) to September 5, 2023
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission is meeting to continue its review of Chapter 4 of the Comprehensive Plan regarding public facilities and services. The body will also receive updates on the Capital Improvement Committee and the Great Wicomico Canoe/Kayak Launch.
- Comprehensive Plan Review, Chapter 4, Public Facilities and Services
- Capital Improvement Committee update and public hearing scheduling
- Great Wicomico Canoe/Kayak Launch update
Electoral Board
The Board reviewed March minutes and discussed potential precinct changes related to redistricting. Members also viewed a demonstration for a ballot-on-demand system intended for early voting.
- Redistricting GIS access discussion
- KnowInk ballot-on-demand equipment quote of $4,925
- Vacant Chief positions at Precincts 2, 3, and 5
Wetlands Board
The Northumberland County Wetlands Board reviewed several applications for shoreline stabilization and dredging. The Board approved four shoreline projects with three-year permits, including a marina expansion requiring a specific buffer, while tabling one application pending payment and clarification.
- Approval of riprap revetment and coir logs at 24 Bay Point Court
- Approval of armor stone revetment at 288 Great Wicomico Light Lane
- Tabling of a riprap sill and breakwater application for 1578 Cowart Road until May 10, 2022
- Approval of marina dredging and expansion at 2379 Jessie Dupont Memorial Highway with a 4X buffer requirement
- Approval of armor stone groin and revetment at 105 Shoreline Drive
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission will meet to continue its review of Chapter 4, Public Facilities and Services, of the Comprehensive Plan. No public hearings or work sessions are scheduled for this meeting.
- Discussion of Comprehensive Plan Review, Chapter 4, Public Facilities and Services
Electoral Board
The Board reviewed the progress of redistricting and upcoming computer installations. The Registrar is awaiting street files or GIS access to complete vote transfers to new districts. Additionally, the Board is working to fill vacant precinct chief positions.
- Redistricting status update pending County Planner street files or GIS access
- CodeBlue scheduled to install new computers and workstations starting Wednesday morning
- Detailed computer training scheduled for March 16 at 10:00 AM
- Search for new precinct chiefs for precincts 2, 3, and 5
Wetlands Board
The Northumberland County Wetlands Board reviewed and approved four applications for shoreline protection. Each approved project was granted a three-year term.
- Approved 25 linear feet of riprap revetment at 715 Marshalls Beach Road (App No. 22-0202)
- Approved 50 linear feet of riprap revetment and armor stone over two 60-foot timber groins at 125 Pine Shore Drive (App No. 22-0280)
- Approved 140 linear feet of riprap revetment on Barnes View Lane (App No. 22-0255)
- Approved 102 linear feet of riprap revetment on Neumans Road (App No. 22-0208)
Electoral Board
The Board reviewed upcoming cybersecurity compliance deadlines and the status of redistricting. The Registrar reported that voters will receive new voting cards due to changed State Senate and House of Delegates districts.
- Cybersecurity compliance checklist due Feb 28
- Plan of Action and Milestones due March 31
- NCSR and EIAT surveys due June 1
- Mailing of new voting cards to all county voters
- Notice of precinct changes to be sent on colored paper
Wetlands Board
The Northumberland County Wetlands Board approved two shoreline construction applications and a permit extension. The board reviewed requests for a community pier and boat ramp at Prentice Point Drive and riprap revetment at Lawrence Cove.
- Approval of Application 22-0128: 40’x5’ community pier and 12’x40’ boat ramp on Prentice Point Drive
- Approval of Application 22-0001: 260 linear feet of riprap revetment at Lawrence Cove and 159 Otter Cove Lane
- Approval of a three-year permit extension for White Sands Harbour POA (VMRC #16-0177)
Electoral Board
The Electoral Board approved December minutes and reviewed the draft FY22-23 budget. The board discussed filling precinct chief vacancies and coordinating voting arrangements for Kilmarnock Town residents. The General Registrar detailed the materials needed to notify voters of redistricting changes.
- Draft FY22-23 budget pending addition of cybersecurity firm contract cost
- Search for new precinct chiefs for precincts 2, 3, and 5
- Coordination of separate ballot styles for Kilmarnock Town voters in Precinct 4
- Purchase of 10,000 envelopes and printing supplies for redistricting notices
Wetlands Board
The Northumberland County Wetlands Board reviewed and voted on several applications for shoreline protection and commercial expansion. The board approved two residential shoreline projects and one commercial marina expansion.
- Approved Application 21-1298 for 228 linear feet of riprap sill and 3,400 square feet of plantings at 408 Lake Landing Drive
- Approved Application 21-2559 for 40 linear feet of armor stone at 144 Ingram Bay Drive
- Approved Application 21-2311 for Afterwork, LLC to expand a commercial marina at 312 and 410 Church Lane
- Approved a two-year permit extension for John Warren (VMRC #15-1805) with no further extensions allowed
- Re-elected Harry Towne as Chairman and George Rew as Vice-Chairman