Charlotte County public meetings in 2023

Regular Meeting & Public Hearings (1) Charlotte Solar 1, LLC - Gibson & (2) Char

The Commission held public hearings regarding conditional use permit applications for Charlotte Solar 1, LLC and Charlotte Solar 2, LLC. Members also discussed updates to the Comprehensive Plan, including a new requirement for solar project buffers and the potential implementation of a solar cap.

• Deferred action on CPV County Line Solar application pending further information on grading and watershed impacts
• Approved conditional use permit for Israel Fisher Sawmill on Maloney’s Shop Road
• Agreed to change solar policy to require buffers and screening for project proximity to residences and historic resources
• Reviewed a tiered approach for a potential solar cap based on County land area
• Lavender Solar - 2232 review for Comprehensive Plan compliance

The Planning Commission recommended that the Board of Supervisors approve conditional use permits for three solar energy facilities. Each recommendation included conditions to mitigate impacts and a request for the Board to authorize density increases beyond the current Zoning Ordinance.

• Recommended approval of CPV County Line 150-megawatt solar facility with conditions (Passed; Miller Adams voted no)
• Recommended approval of Charlotte Solar 1 (Gibson Project) 1.9-megawatt facility with conditions (Passed; Miller Adams voted no)
• Recommended approval of Charlotte Solar 2 (Goldman Project) 3-megawatt facility with conditions and 100' wetland buffers (Passed; Miller Adams voted no)
• Approved meeting agenda (Unanimous)
• Approved November 16th work session and meeting minutes (Unanimous)

Regular Meeting & Public Hearings (1) Relocation of Polling Places; (2) Conditio

The Board of Supervisors will hold public hearings regarding new polling places in Charlotte Court House, Bacon/Saxe, and Phenix. The meeting also includes consideration of a conditional use permit for a sawmill and Sunday hunting in Charlotte State Forest.

• Public hearing for Conditional Use Permit for a sawmill (Israel Fisher)
• Public hearing for relocation of polling places in Charlotte Court House, Bacon/Saxe, and Phenix
• Public hearing regarding Sunday hunting in Charlotte State Forest
• Consideration of a Burn Ban Ordinance
• Review of Planning Commission findings for Gibson Solar and Austin Goldman 5 Solar

The Board of Supervisors approved resolutions honoring the service of Supervisors Will Garnett, Garland Hamlett, Jr., and Anthony Reeves, as well as retiring Sheriff Royal Freeman. Public hearings were held regarding polling place relocations, a conditional use permit for a sawmill, and Sunday hunting at Charlotte State Forest, though no decisions were recorded for these items.

• Approved resolution of appreciation for Supervisor Will Garnett (unanimous)
• Approved resolution of appreciation for Supervisor Garland Hamlett, Jr. (unanimous)
• Approved resolution of appreciation for Supervisor Anthony Reeves (unanimous)
• Approved resolution of appreciation for Sheriff Royal Freeman (unanimous)
• Approved November 2023 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved meeting agenda as amended (unanimous)

Work Session with Commonwealth Regional Council regarding the Comprehensive Plan

The Board of Supervisors held a work session to review updates to the Comprehensive Plan presented by the Commonwealth Regional Council. The session included discussions on solar energy caps and data inclusions, but no formal votes were taken.

• Reviewed proposed Comprehensive Plan updates including transportation, land use, and school accreditation
• Discussed Planning Commission recommendation for a 5% cap on solar development acreage
• Proposed adding Chase City and Campbell County airports to the Plan
• Suggested County Attorney Slayton review the document for next steps

Regular Meeting / Public Hearing on Conditional Use Permits for (1) CPV County L

The Planning Commission will hold a work session on Comprehensive Plan updates and solar policy. The regular meeting includes public hearings for conditional use permit applications regarding a sawmill and CPV County Line Solar.

• Public Hearing: Israel Fisher Conditional Use Permit - Sawmill
• Public Hearing: CPV County Line Solar Conditional Use Permit
• Review of Charlotte Solar 1, LLC (Gibson Project) for Comprehensive Plan Compliance
• Review of Charlotte Solar 2, LLC (Austin Goldman 5 Project) for Comprehensive Plan Compliance
• Comprehensive Plan Work Session regarding solar policy and plan updates

The Planning Commission recommended approval for a conditional use permit for the Israel Fisher Sawmill. The commission also found the Charlotte Solar 1, LLC Gibson Project to be in accord with the Comprehensive Plan, while deferring action on the CPV County Line Solar application.

• Recommended approval of Israel Fisher’s conditional use permit for a sawmill (unanimous)
• Deferred action on CPV County Line Solar application (unanimous)
• Determined Charlotte Solar 1, LLC Gibson Project is substantially in accord with Comprehensive Plan (approved, 2 votes against)

Regular Meeting - PLEASE NOTE CHANGE IN MEETING SCHEDULE DUE TO VACO CONFERENCE

The Board of Supervisors will discuss several items including a budget amendment for the FY 2024 school budget and a request for a county match for a Tobacco Commission Grant. The agenda also includes updates on broadband, tax bills, and potential new polling locations.

• Appropriation/Budget Amendment for School’s FY 2024 Budget
• CRC Request for County Match for Tobacco Commission Grant
• Public Hearing setup for Israel Fisher Sawmill CUP
• Public Hearing setup for New Polling Locations
• Discussion regarding Historic Marker at Greenfield & Edgehill

The Board of Supervisors approved several funding allocations, including a budget amendment for public schools and a grant match for the CRC. Members also extended the county tax due date to January 5, 2024, and scheduled a public hearing to discuss banning Sunday hunting in the State Forest.

• Appropriated $368,000 to Charlotte County Public Schools for FY2024 budget
• Extended county tax due date to January 5, 2024
• Approved $137,500 December payment to CCRS (5-2)
• Approved $10,600 payment to Attorney Russell Slayton for corrected deeds
• Approved $5,000 county match for CRC's AFID Planning Grant
• Retracted obligation to pay for replacement historic markers at Greenfield and Edgehill
• Approved MOU between Charlotte County and Prince Edward County for Fire & EMS
• Scheduled public hearing for December 11th to discuss banning Sunday hunting in State Forest

Electoral Board

The Electoral Board met across several dates to verify election results, process provisional and mail-in ballots, and certify official state forms. The board conducted a closed session to review provisional ballots and completed the final tally on November 14.

• Approved October 2023 meeting minutes
• Approved November 2, 2023 agenda
• Verified signatures and tapes in Envelope 2A on November 7
• Approved motion to enter closed session for provisional ballots (3-0)
• Certified closed session conducted in uniformity with Virginia Law (3-0)
• Completed final vote tally and signed official state forms on November 14

Special Called Meeting & Public Hearing - Tall Pines Solar Amendment

The Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing and consider actions regarding the Tall Pines Solar project. The meeting includes a public hearing for a Siting Agreement Amendment and consideration of a CUP Amendment and a Siting Agreement Resolution.

• Public Hearing: Siting Agreement Amendment - Tall Pines Solar
• Consider Action: CUP Amendment for Tall Pines Solar
• Consider Action: Siting Agreement Resolution - Tall Pines Solar

The Board of Supervisors approved an amendment to the Conditional Use Permit and the siting agreement for Tall Pines Solar, LLC. The changes add Parcel #17-1-4-A to the project to improve layout efficiency without increasing the fenced-in area.

• Approved Tall Pines Solar, LLC’s Conditional Use Permit Amendment application (7-0)
• Approved Siting Agreement Amendment for Tall Pines, LLC (7-0)

Regular Meeting - Note Change from Regular Meeting Schedule / Public Hearing - D

The Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing regarding the Charlotte County Comprehensive Plan. The meeting also includes a procedural statement for a previously held Tall Pines Solar, LLC public hearing and a review of solar density policies.

• Public Hearing: Charlotte County Comprehensive Plan
• Tall Pines Solar, LLC application to amend Conditional Use Permit to add 52 acres at 4879 Bethlehem Road
• Review of solar density recommendations and potential for an annual policy review
• Discussion regarding the removal of renewable energy references in the Battery Storage section of Chapter 5

The Planning Commission recommended that the Board of Supervisors approve a Conditional Use Permit amendment for Tall Pines Solar, LLC. The Commission deferred action on the draft comprehensive plan until November 16th following a public hearing.

• Recommended Board of Supervisors approve Tall Pines Solar, LLC’s Conditional Use Permit amendment (all present yes except Miller Adams)
• Deferred action on draft comprehensive plan until November 16th (all present yes except Kerwin Kunath)
• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved September 21st work session and meeting minutes (unanimous)

Financial Planning Work Session - 5:00 PM

The Board of Supervisors held a work session to discuss how to allocate solar revenue. Members debated prioritizing tax reductions, teacher salaries, quality of life improvements, and fire and EMS funding. No formal votes or final decisions were made during the session.

Joint Public Hearing - Tall Pines Solar Conditional Use Permit Amendment

The Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors held a joint public hearing regarding a conditional use permit amendment for Tall Pines Solar. One member of the public expressed opposition to adding approximately 52 acres of farmland to the project. No formal decisions were recorded in the minutes.

Regular Meeting - PLEASE NOTE CHANGE IN MEETING SCHEDULE DUE TO HOLIDAY / Public

The Board of Supervisors will hold a work session regarding solar revenue priorities and consider several zoning amendments. The agenda also includes budget amendments for the 2023-2024 fiscal year and various county reports.

• Amendment to Tall Pine Solar Project
• Amendment to Poultry Zoning Regulations
• Amendment to Charlotte/Lunenburg/Prince Edward Counties Enterprise Zone 48B
• Budget amendments/appropriations for FY 2023-2024
• School request for sales tax funds for gang toilets at Phenix Elementary

The Board of Supervisors approved amendments to poultry zoning regulations and expanded the boundaries and incentives for Enterprise Zone #48. They also appropriated funds for Phenix Elementary School and appointed a new member to the Social Services Board. Action on the Tall Pine Solar Project was delayed.

• Appropriated $93,381.00 for bathroom installation at Phenix Elementary (Passed)
• Approved amendments to Poultry Zoning Regulations (Passed)
• Approved resolution to amend boundaries and incentives for Enterprise Zone #48 (Passed)
• Appointed Margaret Ann Elder to the Social Services Board for the Keysville District (Passed)
• Approved budget amendments for Public Safety Director vehicle, Drakes Branch FD generator, and Unclaimed Body (Passed)
• Approved FY 2024 invoices totaling $328,077.93 (Passed)
• Approved invoices totaling $154,445.72 (Passed)
• Tabled action on Tall Pine Solar Project amendment

Electoral Board

The board accepted the minutes from the September 5, 2023, meeting. The General Registrar provided updates on early voting and absentee ballot status, and the board discussed upcoming officer training dates.

• Approved September 5, 2023, meeting minutes

Comprehensive Plan Work Session

The Commission reviewed updates to the Comprehensive Plan and recommended removing references to renewable energy in the Battery Storage section. Members discussed implementing a solar density cap but did not reach a consensus on its necessity. By consensus, the Commission recommended adding language to the plan for an annual review of the solar policy.

• Recommended removal of renewable energy references in the Battery Storage section of Chapter 5
• Recommended adding language to specify an annual review of the solar policy to evaluate the need for limitations

Regular Meeting - Note Change from Regular Meeting Schedule

The Planning Commission will hold a work session regarding solar energy land use policy and density limits. The meeting also includes a review of the CPV County Line Solar 2232 project for compliance with the Comprehensive Plan.

• Work session on solar density limits, including a proposal for a 4% countywide density limit
• Review of CPV County Line Solar 2232 for Comprehensive Plan compliance
• Setting a joint public hearing for the Tall Pines Solar Conditional Use Permit Amendment for October 10th
• Discussion of solar development tiers: 3% for projects 100MW+, 0.75% for 5-99 MW, and 0.25% for 1-5 MW

The Planning Commission determined that the CPV County Line Solar 150-megawatt facility is substantially in accord with the county's comprehensive plan. The commission also scheduled public hearings for the draft comprehensive plan and a Tall Pines Solar permit amendment.

• Found CPV County Line Solar 150-megawatt facility substantially in accord with Comprehensive Plan (Approved, 2 votes against)
• Set public hearing for draft comprehensive plan for October 19th meeting (Approved, 1 vote against)
• Set joint public hearing for Tall Pines Solar Conditional Use Permit Amendment for October 10th at 6:00 PM (Approved)
• Approved meeting agenda (Unanimous)
• Approved August 17th work session and meeting minutes (Unanimous)

Regular Meeting & Public Hearings for (1) Budget Amendment for Solar Revenues (2

The Board of Supervisors will hold public hearings regarding a Solar Tax Credit Ordinance and unbudgeted solar revenue for FY2023-2024. The meeting also includes discussions on financial planning and the establishment of a 250 Celebration Committee.

• Public Hearing: Solar Tax Credit Ordinance FY2023-2024
• Public Hearing: Proposed Budget Amendment for Unbudgeted Solar Revenue
• Resolution to correct solar tax credit payout for FY2022-2023
• Appropriation of VDEM Grant for a generator
• Zoning ordinance amendment hearing for a poultry facility

The Board of Supervisors approved an ordinance to return surplus solar development tax revenues to qualified real estate taxpayers as credits. They also approved budget amendments to facilitate these credits and adopted the 2024 personal property tax relief resolution.

• Adopted Solar Tax Credit Ordinance (Unanimous)
• Approved $691,500 in budget amendments for solar revenue credits (Unanimous)
• Approved PPTRA Resolution for Tax Year 2024 personal property tax relief (Unanimous)
• Approved August 2023 meeting minutes (Unanimous)
• Scheduled Poultry Facility Zoning Ordinance public hearing for October 10
• Scheduled polling place relocations public hearing for December
• Approved joint public hearing for Tall Pines Solar permit amendment on October 10

Electoral Board

The board approved the use of .gov email addresses for its members. It also set the schedule for the election night canvas and provisional meetings and confirmed the continued use of the current Wylliesburg polling location.

• Approved acquisition of .gov email addresses for members
• Approved August 3 meeting minutes with 1 correction
• Set election night canvas meeting for 7:30 PM
• Set provisional meeting for 9:00 AM the morning after the election
• Decided to continue using the present Wylliesburg polling location

Work Session - Financial Planning with Davenport

The Board of Supervisors received a financial report from Davenport Public Finance showing a general fund balance of $14.6 million as of fiscal year 2022. No formal actions were taken; the Board intends to hold a future work session to develop a priority list for using new solar project revenues.

• Reviewed financial overview including debt, revenue, and cash flow
• Discussed proposal to create a Fund Balance Policy for the general fund
• Tabled priority list for solar revenue pending a future work session

Regular Meeting & Public Hearing on Proposed Poultry Zoning Amendments - Note Ch

The Charlotte County Planning Commission will discuss and vote on proposed changes to poultry facility regulations, including acreage requirements and setbacks. The meeting includes a public hearing.

• Proposed amendment to reduce minimum acreage requirement for poultry facilities from 490 acres to 15 acres for the first 200 animal units
• Public Hearing on Proposed Poultry Zoning Amendments

The Planning Commission voted to recommend amendments to poultry regulations. These changes would reduce animal unit thresholds for CAFOs, adjust acreage requirements, remove a specific residential setback, and mandate poultry house installation within 36 months.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved July 25th work session and meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Recommended zoning amendments to poultry regulations as presented (unanimous)

Comprehensive Plan Work Session

The Commission discussed a tiered approach to solar density but tabled the issue until September for further review. Members recommended minor revisions to Chapter 6 and requested a change to the road damage examples in Chapter 7 of the draft comprehensive plan.

• Tabled solar density recommendation until September work session
• Recommended minor revisions to Draft Chapter 6 (Goals, Objectives, and Strategies)
• Requested removal of Halifax County road damage examples from Chapter 7 (Implementation Plan)

Regular Meeting & Work Session with Department of Wildlife Resources & Public He

The Board of Supervisors will hold public hearings regarding FY 2024 budget amendments and a real estate tax revenue refund method. The meeting also includes discussions on timber sales revenue, broadband updates, and school placement costs.

• Public hearing for Reuben Stoltzfus Conditional Use Permit (sawmill)
• Amendments to the FY 2024 Budget
• Ordinance regarding Real Estate Tax Revenue Refund Method FY2023-2024
• Line of Duty Act (LODA) Resolution Request
• RiverStreet Broadband update

The Board of Supervisors approved several budget appropriations, a Conditional Use Permit for Reuben Stoltzfus, and a resolution supporting the Virginia America 250 Commission. A public hearing on the real estate tax rebate ordinance was cancelled and rescheduled for September 11.

• Approved Conditional Use Permit for Reuben Stoltzfus
• Approved budget amendments and appropriations including $104,978.73 transfer from General Fund Balance
• Approved resolution supporting the Virginia America 250 Commission and formation of a local committee
• Approved Treasurer's request to write off $28,280.23 in delinquent taxes
• Approved Treasurer's request to write off $14,833.82 in 2018 personal property taxes
• Approved $5,700.28 tax refund to Eastern Engineered Wood Products Inc.
• Approved write-offs for parcel 077-1-5-C totaling $312.42 plus penalty and interest
• Cancelled real estate tax rebate ordinance public hearing; rescheduled for September 11

Electoral Board

The board approved moving the Phenix, Charlotte Court House, and Bacon/Saxe polling locations to their respective fire departments. The General Registrar will now begin the process with the Board of Supervisors. The board also accepted the July 12 meeting minutes.

• Approved relocation of Phenix polling location to Phenix Fire Department
• Approved relocation of Charlotte Court House polling location to Charlotte Court House Fire House
• Approved relocation of Bacon/Saxe polling location to Drakes Branch Fire House
• Approved July 12 meeting minutes with one typing correction

Comprehensive Plan Work Session

The Planning Commission reviewed updates to the Draft Comprehensive Plan. No further changes were recommended for Chapter 5, while several additions and revisions were proposed for Chapter 6 regarding land use, housing, natural resources, and utilities.

• Recommended moving litter strategy to Section D (Land Use)
• Recommended adding a manufactured housing strategy to Section E
• Proposed establishing a local contractor list using the DPOR database
• Recommended revising Keysville Reservoir goal to focus on recreational opportunities
• Recommended rewording Section H to clarify town roles in water and sewage treatment
• Recommended removing 'and amend' from Strategy 1 in Section H and Section J
• Recommended removing Strategy 2 under Objective 2 in Section J (Utilities)
• Recommended adding a strategy to increase recycling convenience

Planning & Zoning

The Planning Commission held a public hearing regarding a conditional use permit for a proposed sawmill by Reuben and Veronica Stoltzfus. The Commission voted to recommend approval of the application with specific operational conditions. Additionally, the Commission discussed reviewing zoning regulations for poultry facilities and battery storage.

• Recommended approval of conditional use permit for sawmill at 8288 Red House Road
• Review of zoning regulations for Poultry Confined Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs)
• Discussion regarding potential future use of battery storage in the County
• Update on Keysville’s Historic District addition to the National Register of Historic Places

The Planning Commission voted to recommend several amendments to poultry facility zoning to align with state permitting and local requirements. These changes affect animal unit quantities, acreage requirements, and setback rules.

• Recommended amending poultry facility animal quantity to 200 animal units (Unanimous)
• Recommended reducing minimum acreage for poultry facilities to 15 acres for the first 200 animal units or as required by nutrient management plan (Unanimous)
• Recommended revising additional acreage requirement to reference 200 animal units instead of 300 (Unanimous)
• Recommended requiring one poultry house be placed in service within 36 months of site plan approval (Unanimous)
• Recommended removing the one-mile setback requirement from the Residential District (Unanimous)

Electoral Board

The Board approved the creation and posting of a candidate list for public review. Members reviewed primary election costs totaling $10,769.93 and discussed potential polling location changes. The board also entered a closed session for a personnel performance review.

• Approved June 1, June 21, and June 23 meeting minutes
• Approved preparation and posting of candidate list to website, Facebook, and office
• Entered closed session for General Registrar performance review (3-0)
• Certified closed session was conducted in uniformity with Virginia Law (3-0)

Board of Supervisors

The Board will discuss the FY2024 budget amendment, real estate tax revenue refund methods, and a rezoning application. Other items include financial planning and public comment periods.

• Amendment to FY2024 Budget
• Real Estate Tax Revenue Refund Method for FY2023-2024
• Reuben Stoltzfus Conditional Use Permit Application on Sawmill Road

The Board accepted an Emergency Medical Services Agreement with the Charlotte County Rescue Squad and approved its first quarterly payment. Other key actions included hiring a financial planning firm and restricting funds for broadband services.

• Accepted Emergency Medical Services Agreement with Charlotte County Rescue Squad (unanimous)
• Approved $137,500 first quarterly payment to CCRS (4-1)
• Approved hiring Davenport Financial Services for financial planning, not to exceed $10,000 (unanimous)
• Restricted $404,250 from General Fund for 2023 VATI broadband match for RiverStreet (unanimous)
• Approved $1,000 payment to any Charlotte County Dixie Youth team reaching National Tournament (unanimous)
• Approved $474 to correct error on Confederate monument interpretive sign (unanimous)
• Approved FY 2024 invoices totaling $1,251,389.04 (unanimous)
• Set public hearings for August 14, 2023, regarding budget, tax refunds, and a sawmill CUP application (unanimous)

Comprehensive Plan Work Session

The Commission reviewed updates to the Land Use and Special Policy Areas chapters of the draft Comprehensive Plan. Members recommended additions regarding manufactured housing and local business contributions. The review of the Goals, Objectives, and Strategies chapter was started but not completed.

• Recommended adding manufactured housing information to the plan per §15.2-2223.5
• Recommended adding information regarding Cardinal Homes' work with Habitat for Humanity
• Recommended replacing 'areas designated for residential use' with 'Residential and Village Center Zoning Districts' in Strategy 1
• Tabled completion of Chapter 6 review due to time constraints

Regular Meeting & Public Hearing for R. Stoltzfus Conditional Use Permit for a S

The Commission will hold a public hearing regarding a conditional use permit for a sawmill proposed by Reuben Stoltzfus near Red House Road. Additionally, the meeting includes a work session with the Commonwealth Regional Council to review updates to the Draft Comprehensive Plan.

• Public Hearing: Conditional Use Permit for a sawmill adjacent to 8288 Red House Road
• Comprehensive Plan Work Session: Review of Chapter 4 (Land Use), Chapter 5 (Special Policies), and Chapter 6 (Goals, Objectives, and Strategies)
• Discussion on timelines for solar application reviews and Comprehensive Plan approval
• Review of Board of Supervisors' request regarding poultry facility regulations

The Planning Commission held a work session to review updates to Chapters 4, 5, and 6 of the Draft Comprehensive Plan. Commissioners recommended specific wording changes and additions regarding manufactured housing and zoning districts. No formal votes were recorded.

• Recommended replacing 'areas designated for residential use' with 'Residential and Village Center Zoning Districts' in Chapter 6
• Recommended adding information on manufactured housing and Cardinal Homes' work with Habitat for Humanity to Chapter 4
• Requested CRC staff review American Community Survey migration numbers for the next meeting

Canvass Meeting

The Charlotte County Electoral Board processed one provisional ballot in a closed session and conducted a canvas of votes from precincts and the Central Absentee Precinct. The board tallied and recounted all votes, completed official state forms, and delivered the records to the Clerk of the Circuit Court for storage.

• Approved entry into closed session to process one provisional ballot (3-0)
• Certified that the closed session was conducted in uniformity with Virginia Law (3-0)
• Completed the canvas of votes and submitted official state forms to the Clerk of the Circuit Court

Board of Supervisors

The Board of Supervisors will review several items including a reassessment contract and the USDA building lease agreement. The meeting also includes updates on the Historic Courthouse Project and the Comprehensive Plan regarding solar energy.

• Reassessment Contract Consideration
• USDA Building Lease Agreement
• Historic Courthouse Project Update
• Comprehensive Plan Update (Solar)
• FY2024 County/School Appropriations

The Board of Supervisors approved over $72.6 million in appropriations for Charlotte County Public Schools and general funds. They also contracted Pearson Appraisals for property reassessment and extended a USDA building lease. A resolution was passed honoring former Clerk of Court Nan Colley.

• Approved $72,613,603.00 in appropriations for Charlotte County Public Schools (unanimous)
• Approved contract with Pearson Appraisals for property reassessment at $23.00 per parcel (unanimous)
• Approved 3-year extension of USDA Building Lease Agreement (unanimous)
• Approved opening a new checking account for Virtual Virginia (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution in Appreciation of Service for Nan Colley (unanimous)
• Approved $734,320.41 and $48,095.75 in FY 2023 invoices (unanimous)
• Approved $26,645.00 in FY 2023 appropriations (unanimous)
• Approved extension on 2232 reviews for solar projects if needed (unanimous)

Electoral Board

The board approved the use of security seals on voting machines during transport to polling places to improve public perception of security. The board also referred a question regarding observer access to e-poll book screens to the VA Dept. of Elections.

• Approved motion to place seals on voting machines during transport to and from polling places
• Approved May 4 meeting minutes as amended

Planning & Zoning

The Planning Commission will hold a work session with the Commonwealth Regional Council regarding Chapters 4 and 5 of the Draft Comprehensive Plan. The meeting also includes a discussion on potential amendments to solar policy.

• Work session on Chapter 4 (Land Use) and Chapter 5 (Special Policies) of the Draft Comprehensive Plan
• Discussion regarding potential Comprehensive Plan Amendment for Solar Policy
• Review of land use map updates including wetlands, Village Center Districts, and Residential Zoning Districts

The Planning Commission voted to continue reviewing solar applications without amending the current comprehensive plan to include solar policy. Staff reported that the Board of Supervisors approved all recommended zoning amendments.

• Voted to continue application reviews without amending the current comprehensive plan (4-3)
• Approved the meeting agenda
• Approved minutes for March 28th and April 25th sessions

Work Session - Emergency Medical Services

The Board of Supervisors held a work session featuring presentations from Campbell County officials regarding the absorption of volunteer rescue squad agencies. No formal decisions or votes were recorded during this session.

Regular Meeting & Public Hearing for Zoning Amendments and VDOT Six-Year Plan

The Board of Supervisors will consider the advertised consolidated budget for fiscal year 2023-2024, including setting tax levies. The meeting also includes actions on the VDOT 6-Year Plan and updates to the Zoning Ordinance.

• Approval of FY 2023-2024 Consolidated Budget and tax levies
• Approval of VDOT 6-Year Plan Resolution
• Approval of Zoning Ordinance Amendments
• Public hearing for VDOT 6-Year Plan
• Public hearing for Zoning Ordinance Amendments

The Board of Supervisors approved the FY 2023-2024 Consolidated Budget and set tax levies for the 2024 tax year. The Board also approved the VDOT Six-Year Plan and amendments to the county's Zoning Ordinance.

• Approved FY 2023-2024 Consolidated Budget of $72,613,603 (7-0)
• Set FY 2024 Real Estate & Mobile Homes tax levy at .62 per $100 assessed value (7-0)
• Set FY 2024 Personal Property tax levy at 3.25 per $100 assessed value (7-0)
• Approved VDOT Six-Year Plan for Secondary Roads 2024-2029 (unanimous)
• Approved Zoning Ordinance amendments (unanimous)
• Approved $2,500 for Confederate Monument Sign (unanimous)
• Approved up to $5,000 budget for Courthouse 200-year anniversary celebration
• Approved invoices totaling $532,650.11 and appropriations of $32,811.00 (unanimous)

Electoral Board

The Charlotte County Electoral Board unanimously reappointed General Registrar Virginia Booth to a four-year term beginning July 1, 2023. The board also approved minutes from prior meetings and discussed election preparations, including a polling location relocation in Drakes Branch and training plans for officers of election. No public comment was received.

• Reappointed General Registrar Virginia Booth to a four-year term starting July 1, 2023 (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from March 2, 2023 and March 30, 2023 meetings (unanimous)

Solar Policy Work Session with the Berkley Group

The Planning Commission held a work session to review draft Comprehensive Plan policy language regarding utility-scale solar energy generation facilities. The presentation by The Berkley Group included proposed guidelines for siting, screening, and setbacks for solar projects.

• Presentation of draft policies for utility-scale solar energy generation
• Review of six approved solar projects in Charlotte County totaling 1,377 MW capacity
• Proposed 125-foot wide buffer zone of natural vegetation and landforms for screening
• Proposed setbacks of 400 feet from adjacent residences and 125 feet from state roads
• Discussion on limiting total solar development acreage to 3% or 5% of the County

The Planning Commission reviewed a draft solar policy provided by the Berkley Group. Commissioners reached consensus on several revisions regarding buffers, setbacks, and wildlife corridors, but deferred the decision on countywide solar development limits to the Board of Supervisors.

• Recommended addressing total megawatts required under the Virginia Clean Economy Act for clarification
• Recommended replacing specific buffer widths with a requirement for 'sufficient screening'
• Recommended changing wildlife corridor language from 'should be incorporated' to 'will be evaluated'
• Determined that the Board of Supervisors must decide on a 3% or 5% countywide solar development limit
• Recommended removing specific setback widths in favor of consistency with zoning ordinance regulations
• Recommended adding 'other uses' to the list of potential allowed property uses

Public Hearing-Proposed Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Budget

The Board of Supervisors met for a work session to discuss the proposed Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Budget. No formal votes were taken on budget appropriations, though the meeting agenda was approved.

• Approved the meeting agenda (unanimous)

Regular Meeting & Public Hearings for the Drakes Branch Polling Place Relocation

The Charlotte County Board of Supervisors will hold public hearings and take action on several conditional use permits for satellite and telecommunication towers. The Board will also vote on the relocation of the Drakes Branch Polling Place.

• Action on Drakes Branch Polling relocation
• Public Hearing and action on Viasat/Forest Pro Conditional Use Permit for a satellite dish site
• Public Hearing and action on Verizon/Mason Conditional Use Permit for a telecommunication tower
• Public Hearing and action on US Cellular/Reeves Conditional Use Permit for a telecommunication tower
• MBC Tower land and lease transfer involving J. Murray Jeffress and Bacon Elementary

The Board of Supervisors permanently moved the Drakes Branch polling place to 4801 Drakes Main Street. They also approved conditional use permits for three telecommunications sites and accepted title to surplus land for a cellular tower. Additionally, the Board agreed to draft a letter supporting the hiring of a new doctor at Centra's Brookneal practice.

• Relocated Drakes Branch Polling Place to 4801 Drakes Main Street (7-0)
• Approved Viastat Conditional Use Permit for satellite dish site (7-0)
• Approved Verizon Conditional Use Permit for telecommunication tower (7-0)
• Approved US Cellular Conditional Use Permit for telecommunication tower (6-0-1)
• Accepted title to surplus land for cellular tower near Jeffress Elementary School (7-0)
• Approved resolutions of appreciation for Clark Poindexter and Heather Harding (7-0)
• Approved FY 2023 invoices totaling $438,618.55 (7-0)
• Approved post-February invoices totaling $13,275.26 (7-0)

Special Called Meeting - Cybersecurity

The Charlotte County Electoral Board met in a special session to discuss cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities. The board entered a closed session and later approved a resolution certifying the meeting complied with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.

• Approved motion to enter closed session for cybersecurity discussion (2-0)
• Approved Certification Resolution regarding closed session legality (2-0)

Regular Meeting & Public Hearing on Miscellaneous Zoning Amendments

The Charlotte County Planning Commission held public hearings regarding conditional use permits for new telecommunication towers and a satellite dish site. The Commission also conducted a work session with the Commonwealth Regional Council to discuss solar policy updates.

• Recommended approval of U.S. Cellular telecommunication tower near 334 Thorntons Mill Road
• Recommended approval of Verizon telecommunication tower near 13363 Patrick Henry Highway
• Recommended approval of Viasat commercial satellite dish site near 230 Heartland Drive
• Work session regarding solar policy, including discussions on community solar and density requirements

The Planning Commission recommended approval of several zoning amendments, including changes to residential facilities, civil penalties, and use matrices. The Commission also adopted a new policy for remote participation in meetings.

• Recommended approval of proposed zoning amendments (unanimous)
• Adopted Remote Participation Policy and associated Resolution (7-0)
• Approved meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Approved February 28, 2023, meeting minutes (unanimous)

Budget Work Session

The Board of Supervisors held a budget work session to discuss the 2023-2024 budget. The minutes record attendance and the start of the session, but no substantive decisions or votes were made.

Work Session-VDOT Six-Year Improvement Plan

The Board of Supervisors held a work session to review the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Six-Year Improvement Plan. The session consisted of a presentation and discussion regarding planned transportation projects.

Budget Work Session with School Board

The meeting served as a budget work session with no formal votes taken. Superintendent Mason provided updates on enrollment, facility improvements, and student SOL scores. The proposed school budget will be submitted to the County Administrator by March 31.

FY 2023/2024 Budget Work Session

The Board of Supervisors held a work session to hear budget requests from various county departments and organizations. No formal votes were taken or decisions finalized during this session.

Board of Supervisors

The Charlotte County Board of Supervisors will hold a work session and regular meeting, including a public hearing and discussion/action on the CPV siting agreement and conditional use permit. The board will also consider a resolution on Salem School preservation, receive updates on broadband and VDOT, and handle routine business such as approving invoices and setting a budget work session.

• Public hearing and action on CPV Siting Agreement
• Discussion and action on CPV Conditional Use Permit
• Salem School Preservation Resolution
• Consider invoices for payment FY2024
• Set time for March 21st Budget Work Session

The Board of Supervisors voted to immediately lift the moratorium on Conditional Use Permit applications for solar facilities. They also established a Department of Public Safety and approved a real estate tax exemption for surviving spouses of certain personnel killed in the line of duty.

• Rescinded solar facility application moratorium (7-0)
• Approved Public Safety Ordinance establishing Department of Public Safety (7-0)
• Adopted Real Estate Tax Abatement Line-of-Duty Ordinance (7-0)
• Approved $199,748.84 appropriation to Charlotte County Public Schools (7-0)
• Approved invoices totaling $678,345.56 (7-0)
• Adopted Emergency Management Professionals’ Week Proclamation (7-0)
• Scheduled public hearings for April 10, 2023, regarding three communication towers and one satellite dish
• Approved February 2023 meeting minutes (7-0)

Electoral Board

The Electoral Board approved the Charlotte County election security plan and the minutes from the February 9 meeting. The board also entered a closed session to discuss cyber security and terrorist activity threats.

• Adopted Charlotte County election security plan (approved without objection)
• Approved February 9 meeting minutes with corrections (approved without objection)
• Entered closed session to discuss cyber security and terrorist activity (3-0)

Solar Policy Work Session

The Charlotte County Planning Commission is holding a work session to discuss and develop policies and standards for solar facilities. The discussion will cover whether to define and regulate community solar differently from utility-scale solar, maximum project and combined area limits, setbacks and buffers, distances from historical sites and natural resources, and potential incentives like agrivoltaics. The county currently has several approved solar projects totaling over 26,000 acres and 1,377 megawatts of capacity.

• Discussion on defining community solar separately from utility-scale solar, referencing Virginia's Shared Solar Program and electric cooperative programs
• Review of current setbacks: 125' from state-maintained roads, 75' from property lines, 400' from off-site residential structures, and 25' buffers
• Consideration of maximum individual project area and combined area for all utility-scale solar projects
• Debate on minimum distances from historical sites, natural resources, and transmission lines
• Approved solar projects total 26,367 acres with 1,377 MW capacity and $355 million in anticipated county revenue

The Planning Commission conducted a work session to discuss potential updates to solar regulations. No formal votes were taken; the session served to collect input for The Berkley Group to develop a draft policy for future review.

• Added a public comment period to the agenda by consensus
• Recommended encouraging community solar (defined as projects 5 megawatts or less)
• Recommended no change to existing density requirements and retaining the Board of Supervisors waiver
• Recommended incorporating current density regulations and waivers into the comprehensive plan
• Recommended adding a statement to the plan to encourage setbacks that protect visual beauty and allow for future commercial/industrial development
• Recommended a general statement supporting buffers for historic sites
• Opposed policies limiting solar development on forested land or prime agricultural soils
• Recommended a general statement encouraging multi-purpose uses where feasible

Regular Meeting & Public Hearings - Conditional Use Permits US Cellular/Reeves T

The Charlotte County Planning Commission will hold public hearings on three conditional use permit applications: a U.S. Cellular tower on the Reeves property, a Verizon tower on the Mason property, and a ViaSat satellite dish site on the Forest Pro property. The Commission will also consider recommending approval of these permits and review them for compliance with the Comprehensive Plan.

• Public Hearing 1: Conditional Use Permit for U.S. Cellular tower (Reeves property)
• Public Hearing 2: Conditional Use Permit for Verizon tower (Mason property)
• Public Hearing 3: Conditional Use Permit for ViaSat satellite dish site (Forest Pro property)
• Comprehensive Plan compliance review for all three applications
• Consideration of recommendations on all three conditional use permit applications

The Planning Commission recommended approval of conditional use permits for US Cellular, Verizon, and Viasat. All three projects were found to be in accord with the Charlotte County Comprehensive Plan.

• Recommended approval of US Cellular telecommunication tower near 334 Thorntons Mill Road (All yes)
• Recommended approval of Verizon telecommunication tower near 13363 Patrick Henry Highway (All yes)
• Recommended approval of Viasat commercial satellite site near 230 Heartland Drive (All yes)
• Found US Cellular proposal in accord with Comprehensive Plan (All yes)
• Found Verizon proposal in accord with Comprehensive Plan (All yes)
• Found Viasat proposal in accord with Comprehensive Plan (All yes)
• Approved agenda (All yes)
• Approved minutes for January 24 and February 2, 2023 (All yes)

Regular Meeting / Public Hearing-School Budget Amendment

The Board will hold a public hearing and consider appropriations for the amended FY2023 school budget. Other items include the FY2022 audit presentation, a Dominion project update, and a RiverStreet Broadband project update. The Board will also discuss and consider a gateway sign, the rescue squad budget, and an opioid resolution for settlement funds.

• Public hearing and consideration of FY2023 school budget amendment
• FY2022 audit presentation
• Dominion project update
• RiverStreet Broadband project update
• Opioid resolution for settlement funds

The Board of Supervisors voted to immediately lift the moratorium on conditional use permit applications for solar facilities. They also established a new Department of Public Safety and approved a real estate tax exemption for surviving spouses of certain first responders killed in the line of duty.

• Rescinded solar application moratorium (7-0)
• Approved Public Safety Ordinance establishing Department of Public Safety (7-0)
• Adopted Real Estate Tax Abatement Line-of-Duty Ordinance (7-0)
• Appropriated $199,748.84 to Charlotte County Public Schools (Unanimous)
• Approved FY 2023 invoices totaling $671,759.73 and $6,585.83 (Unanimous)
• Adopted Emergency Management Professionals’ Week Proclamation (Unanimous)
• Scheduled public hearings for April 10, 2023, for three communication towers and one satellite dish

Electoral Board

The Board approved the January 5 minutes and scheduled a budget workshop for February 13. Members discussed a proposed relocation of the Drakes Branch polling place and reviewed security contingency planning with the Sheriff's Department.

• Approved January 5, 2023 minutes with two corrections
• Set budget workshop for Feb. 13, 2023 at 7PM
• Approved $100 donations to four community organization polling locations

Special Called - Appropriation of Funds - Rescue Squad

The Charlotte County Board of Supervisors will hold a special meeting on February 7, 2023, at 8:30 a.m. to consider an appropriation of funds requested by the Charlotte County Rescue Squad. This is the only item on the agenda.

• Consider appropriation of funds requested by the Charlotte County Rescue Squad

The Board of Supervisors approved funding to help the Charlotte County Rescue Squad meet payroll for three full-time crews. The Board also directed staff to support state legislation regarding fire and rescue assistance.

• Allocated $60,195.00 to Charlotte County Rescue Squad (Passed; Supervisor Bowman Smith voted No)
• Approved staff to write a letter to the House of Delegates in support of House Bill 2175 (All members voted aye)
• Approved the agenda as amended (All members voted aye)

Solar Policy Work Session - The Berkley Group

The Planning Commission is holding a work session to discuss solar land use policy as part of the Comprehensive Plan update. The session includes a presentation by the Berkley Group, followed by questions, public comment, and discussion of next steps. No votes or decisions are scheduled.

• Presentation by the Berkley Group on solar land use policy
• Public comment period on solar policy
• Review of next steps for Comprehensive Plan update

The Planning Commission held a work session to discuss solar development policy for the new comprehensive plan. The session consisted of a presentation by The Berkley Group, public comments, and a discussion on potential regulations. No formal decisions or votes were made.

Comprehensive Plan Work Session

The Charlotte County Planning Commission will hold a work session with the Commonwealth Regional Council to review updates to Chapters 3 and 4 of the Comprehensive Plan, followed by a regular meeting to elect officers, adopt rules, and review zoning text amendments. The agenda includes a review of a conditional use permit for a multi-family dwelling at 125 Garden Road, Red Oak, and a staff report on solar projects and the Butler Farm Transmission Line.

• Review of Comprehensive Plan Chapter 3 and 4 updates with Commonwealth Regional Council
• Election of 2023 officers (Chairman, Vice-chairmen, Secretary) and adoption of Rules of Order
• Zoning Text Amendment Review for compliance with VA Code 15.2-2291.B
• Review of Conditional Use Permit for multi-family dwelling at 125 Garden Road, Red Oak (Tax Parcel #90-A-44)
• Staff report on solar projects and Butler Farm Transmission Line

The Planning Commission held a work session to review updates to Chapter 3 and the Future Land Use Map of the Draft Comprehensive Plan. Commissioners discussed forestland data, conservation easements, and watershed mapping. No formal votes were taken during this session.

• Recommended adding a growth corridor at the intersection of Highway 360 and Route 92
• Requested CRC add data tracking changes in forestland acreage
• Requested CRC perform additional research on watersheds and mapping areas

Board of Supervisors

The Board of Supervisors is setting a public hearing date for school appropriations and adopting the 2023 budget schedule. They will also consider appointments to committees and boards, the 2023 county holiday calendar, and appropriations for the library. Several reports and a citizen refund request are on the agenda.

• Set public hearing for School Appropriations on February 13 at 6:05 pm
• Appropriations for Federal and State funds (13 items)
• Adopt 2023 Budget Schedule
• Consider 2023 Appropriations for Library
• Consider Citizen Refund Request from Vickie Wright

The Board approved several payments, including $1.04 million in FY 2023 invoices. Members also adopted the 2023 budget schedule and set a public hearing for school appropriations on February 13.

• Approved $1,043,510.65 in invoices for FY 2023
• Approved $14,339.68 in invoices received after December meeting
• Appropriated $3,090.17 for the Charlotte County Library
• Approved $200.00 refund request to Vickie Wright
• Adopted 2023 Budget Schedule
• Set School Appropriations public hearing for February 13 at 6:05 pm
• Approved December 2022 minutes as amended
• Confirmed 2023 committee appointments remain the same as 2022

Electoral Board

The Electoral Board voted to continue the existing policy of billing towns for ballots used in town elections. The board also voted to maintain its current leadership structure. Members discussed polling place changes and ADA compliance expenses.

• Approved continuing the policy of billing towns for town election ballots (Passed without objection)
• Approved maintaining current board structure: Mr. Baker (Chairman), Mr. Foster (Asst. Chairman), and Mr. Fane (Secretary) (Passed without objection)
• Approved minutes from December 1, 2022 (Passed without objection)
• Decided to treat the move of the Bacon/Saxe Polling Place as a separate issue to be addressed after the Drakes Polling Place move
• Decided to contact surrounding county Electoral Boards regarding election day contingency plans

Organizational Meeting

This is a procedural organizational meeting where the Board of Supervisors will elect a chairman and vice-chairman for 2023, adopt rules of order, and set the regular meeting schedule for the year. No substantive policy decisions or public hearings are on the agenda.

• Election of Chairman for 2023
• Election of Vice-Chairman for 2023
• Adopt rules of order (Robert's Rules of Order for Small Groups, amended to require a second for all motions)
• Set day, time, and place of regular meetings for 2023

The Board of Supervisors held an organizational meeting to elect leadership and establish meeting procedures. Gary Walker was elected Chairman and Will Garnett was elected Vice-Chairman. The Board also adopted modified parliamentary rules and a monthly meeting schedule.

• Elected Gary Walker as Chairman for 2023 (4-3 on substitute motion, then 7-0)
• Elected Will Garnett as Vice-Chairman for 2023 (7-0)
• Adopted Robert’s Rules of Order for Small Groups ‘Boards’ with a requirement for a second for all motions (7-0)
• Approved agenda as amended (7-0)
• Set regular meetings for the second Monday of every month, alternating between 1:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. (7-0)