Claremont public meetings in 2021

General

The Planning Commission will review a proposal for a 20 megawatt solar energy facility. The project involves approximately 225 acres located near Colonial Trail West and SR 10. A public hearing is scheduled for January 24, 2022.

• Surry Solar Center LLC solar energy generation proposal
• 20 megawatt photovoltaic facility on approximately 225 acres
• Project location near Colonial Trail West/SR 10 and Hog Island Road

The Surry County Planning Commission held a work session to review the proposed Surry Solar LLC project, a 20-megawatt solar facility on about 225 acres off Colonial Trail West/SR 10. No formal decisions were made; the public hearing is scheduled for January 24, 2022. Commissioners discussed buffers, tax revenue, and the need to update the solar ordinance and comprehensive plan.

• No formal votes or decisions taken at work session
• Public hearing for Surry Solar LLC scheduled for January 24, 2022
• Discussion held on electing chair and vice chair for 2022
• Discussion held on appointing subcommittee members

Board of Supervisors

The Board of Supervisors will discuss the 2020 Census and redistricting updates. The agenda includes requests for public hearings regarding Align RNG and a polling place change in Bacon’s Castle District. The board will also review November 2021 payables amounting to $794,479.94.

• Approval of November 2021 payables totaling $794,479.94
• Public hearing request for Align RNG
• Ordinance to change the Bacon’s Castle District polling place
• $7,981 FY22 Litter Prevention and Recycling Grant award
• 2020 Census & Redistricting update

The Board approved all consent items, including minutes, payables, a reassessment extension petition, surplus property, and two public hearing requests. It also approved a public hearing to adopt an ordinance retaining current election districts based on 2020 census data. The Board voted 3-2 to write a letter of support for a Petersburg casino, and reappointed James Harpine to the Board of Zoning Appeals for the Carsley District. The appointment for the Dendron District was tabled to the next meeting.

• Approved consent items including minutes, payables, reassessment extension petition, surplus property, and two public hearing requests.
• Approved a public hearing to adopt an ordinance retaining established election districts in response to 2020 census data.
• Approved writing a letter of support for a Petersburg casino (3-2 vote).
• Reappointed James Harpine to the Board of Zoning Appeals for the Carsley District.
• Tabled the appointment to the Board of Zoning Appeals for the Dendron District until the next meeting.
• Adopted the meeting agenda unanimously.
• Adjourned to January 7, 2022, at 7 PM.

Planning Commission

The Surry County Planning Commission approved Conditional Use Permit No. 2021-02 for Align RNG to build a regional renewable natural gas facility, with a condition requiring the applicant to return if gas volume increases beyond 150% of the approved design. The approval was unanimous (9-0). The matter will be forwarded to the Board of Supervisors for their January 2022 meeting.

• Approved minutes of September 27, 2021, with a correction to Ms. Cheek's name and a note about her statement on the solar farm.
• Approved Conditional Use Permit 2021-02 for Align RNG's biogas facility, with added condition number nine requiring the applicant to return if additional farms increase gas volume beyond 150%.
• Forwarded the approved permit to the Board of Supervisors for a January 2022 public hearing.
• Discussed a draft update to the Planning Commission bylaws, with review ongoing by the County Attorney.
• Noted FEMA-required floodplain ordinance update, with a draft due to the state by December 2021 and adoption targeted for March 2022.
• Discussed a new solar development application adjacent to Bacon's Castle, with a possible public hearing on December 20th.

Board of Supervisors

The Surry County School Board and Board of Supervisors are holding a joint meeting to discuss FY 2022-2023 operating budget planning and the five-year capital improvement plan. The agenda also includes a year-end review for Surry County General Government as of June 30, 2021.

• FY 2022-2023 operating budget planning
• Review of Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan
• Surry County General Government year-end review

The Surry County Board of Supervisors and School Board held a joint informational meeting, with no formal votes or decisions. Presentations covered school budgeting, capital improvements, and the county's year-end financial review. The meeting adjourned at 6:42 p.m. to prepare for the school board's regular session.

• No formal actions or votes were taken during the joint meeting

Board of Supervisors

The Board of Supervisors will consider awarding an ambulance contract and a public hearing request for Loblolly Solar LLC. The agenda also includes updates on flood insurance studies and county employment policies. Additionally, the board will review September payables totaling $511,502.18.

• Award of the Ambulance Contract
• Public Hearing Request - Loblolly Solar LLC
• September 2021 Payables: $511,502.18
• Resolution 2021-19 regarding Opioid Settlement
• Flood Insurance Study (FIS) and Rate Map (FIRM) update

The Surry County Board of Supervisors approved a two-year ambulance services contract with Emergency Services Solutions, Inc., with options for three additional one-year terms, and appropriated funds from the Fund Balance to cover FY 2021-22 costs. The board also approved the consent agenda (including opioid settlement, HRSD easements, and other items), adopted the Surry County Employment Policies and Procedures manual, and tabled board/commission appointments due to a member's absence. Presentations were made on flood insurance updates and the LGIP investment balance, and public comments addressed tax dollars, sewer/water collaboration, and agritourism zoning.

• Approved ambulance contract with Emergency Services Solutions, Inc. (2-year term + 3 one-year options) (unanimous)
• Approved appropriation from Fund Balance for ambulance services FY 2021-22 (unanimous)
• Approved consent items including opioid settlement, HRSD easements, PSAP grant appropriation, Resolution 2021-20, and MOU with Sussex County (unanimous)
• Adopted Surry County Employment Policies and Procedures manual (unanimous)
• Tabled board and commission appointments due to absence of Supervisor Drewry

Board of Supervisors

The Board of Supervisors will hold a work session to discuss Surry County employment policies and procedures. The meeting also includes a discussion regarding the use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding.

• Discussion of Surry County employment policies and procedures
• Discussion regarding the use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding

Board of Supervisors

The Board of Supervisors will consider several consent items, including August 2021 payables totaling $567,591.02 and budget amendments for the fiscal year end. The agenda also includes discussions on architect and engineering service contracts and updates regarding broadband and economic development.

• Approval of August 2021 payables in the amount of $567,591.02
• Dominion Easements for sewer service along Commerce Drive and Marina Drive
• Contracts for Architect & Engineering Services
• Request from 6th Judicial Court for $5,600
• Fiscal Year End Budget Amendments (FY 20-21)

The Surry County Board of Supervisors approved several routine items including consent items, architect and engineering services contracts, a Genan grant release to the EDA, and a Halloween celebration date change to October 30. They also tabled the employment policies discussion to a later work session and made a board appointment. The meeting included reports and a closed session for a prospective business discussion.

• Approved consent items including minutes, payables, easements, and budget amendments (unanimous)
• Approved contracts for architect and engineering services (unanimous)
• Tabled employment policies and procedures until 10/21 work session (unanimous)
• Reappointed Bertha Thompson to Highway, Transportation and Safety Commission (unanimous)
• Approved release of Genan grant to EDA (unanimous)
• Approved Halloween celebration on October 30 instead of October 31 (unanimous)
• Convened closed session for prospective business discussion (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Commission will consider a conditional use permit for a biogas processing facility and several applications from Loblolly Solar, LLC. These include requests for rezoning 2,359 acres and amending the county's solar energy ordinance.

• Conditional Use Permit for a regional biogas processing facility near Route 31 and Route 604
• Text amendment to the Surry County Solar Energy Ordinance regarding M-1 and M-2 districts
• Rezoning of 2,359 acres from Agricultural Rural to General Industrial for solar use
• Comprehensive Plan Map Amendment for a project west of Spring Grove

The Surry County Planning Commission voted unanimously to deny Loblolly Solar's comprehensive plan map amendment, rezoning application, and conditional use permit for a 2,359-acre solar facility, citing concerns about the project's consistency with the comprehensive plan and its impact on the community. The commission also tabled a separate conditional use permit for a biogas facility by TRC Environmental Corporation for 60 days to allow for more detailed information. The commission deferred a decision on the substantial accord determination for the solar project.

• Denied Comprehensive Plan Map Amendment No. 2021-02 (10-0)
• Denied Rezoning Application No. 2021-02 for 2,359 acres from A-R to M-1 (10-0)
• Denied Conditional Use Permit No. 2021-03 for solar generation facility (10-0)
• Deferred Substantial in Accord Determination for solar project (10-0)
• Tabled Conditional Use Permit No. 2021-02 for biogas facility for 60 days (10-0)

General

The Board of Zoning Appeals will consider a request for a special exception regarding an accessory garage. The applicant seeks to exceed square footage limits for structures in the R-2 zoning district.

• Special Exception No. 2021-01: Request to build an accessory garage exceeding size limits at 94 Riverview Drive
• Disposition of minutes from January 15, 2020

Board of Supervisors

The Board will consider a memorandum of understanding for the Sheriff to take over animal control operations. The agenda also includes an update to the Surry County employment policy and recognition of Mrs. Armenta P. Harris's 100th birthday.

• Memorandum of Understanding for Sheriff to assume Animal Control operations
• Surry County Employment Policy Update
• Resolution 2021-18: Senior Recognition for Mrs. Armenta P. Harris
• Loblolly Solar community meeting notice
• GFOA Award for Excellence in Financial Reporting

The Surry County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a Memorandum of Understanding for the Sheriff to assume county animal control operations. The board also approved consent items for June and July 2021 accounts payable. An employment policy update was removed from the agenda and deferred to a future meeting.

• Approved MOU for Sheriff to assume animal control operations (unanimous)
• Approved June 2021 and July 2021 accounts payable (unanimous)
• Removed employment policy update from agenda; deferred to future meeting

Board of Supervisors

The Board of Supervisors will hear presentations on Human Resources policies and economic development. The board will also discuss animal control operations within the Sheriff's Department and a Memorandum of Understanding for building inspector services with Sussex County.

• Human Resources: Policies and Procedures presentation
• Economic Development Update by Mr. Yoti Jabri
• Discussion on Animal Control Operations – Sheriff's Department
• MOU: Building Inspector Services with Sussex County

Board of Supervisors

The Board will discuss a budget amendment for an Emergency Management Grant and consider Resolution 2021-16 regarding a Dominion Energy conservation easement. Members will also receive updates on the Ruralband Broadband Project and the Riverside Hospital project. A planned public hearing regarding firearms in government buildings has been cancelled.

• Budget Amendment - Emergency Management Grant
• Resolution 2021-16: Conservation Easement - Dominion Energy
• Resolution 2021-17: Support for Riverside Hospital project
• Ruralband Broadband Project status update
• Potential appointment of M. Wooden to the Economic Development Authority

The Surry County Board of Supervisors approved a budget amendment for an Emergency Management Grant, Resolution 2021-16 for a conservation easement with Dominion Energy (with one abstention), and Resolution 2021-17 supporting the proposed Riverside Hospital project. The board also appointed Myron Wooden to the Economic Development Authority for a four-year term. A presentation on the Regional Industrial Facility Authority was tabled to the August 19 work session, and a public hearing on firearms in county buildings was cancelled.

• Approved consent items including July 1, 2021 minutes and August 2021 accounts payable (unanimous)
• Approved budget amendment for Emergency Management Grant (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 2021-16 Conservation Easement with Dominion Energy (3-0, Calhoun abstained)
• Approved Resolution 2021-17 supporting Riverside Hospital project (unanimous)
• Appointed Myron Wooden to Economic Development Authority, term 2021-2025 (unanimous)
• Tabled Regional Industrial Facility Authority discussion to August 19 work session

Board of Supervisors

This meeting is a scheduled retreat for the Claremont Board of Supervisors. The agenda consists only of procedural items and board discussion, with no specific topics or decisions listed.

The Surry County Board of Supervisors held a scheduled retreat on August 2, 2022, to discuss topics including unity, budget, strategic planning, civic engagement, operational changes, personnel policy, communication, upcoming county events, and project updates. No formal actions were taken, as the meeting was for discussion only. The next regular meeting was scheduled for August 5, 2022.

• No actions taken; discussion-only retreat

General

The July 26, 2021, meeting of the Claremont Board of Supervisors consists of procedural items and a reference to the Planning Commission agenda. No substantive actions or decisions are listed in this document.

The commission approved an amendment to Section 6.1 of its bylaws, allowing regular meetings to be canceled when there is no business, with one dissenting vote. It also added Commissioner Diane Cheek to the zoning and bylaws committees. The Loblolly Solar project was discussed but no action was taken.

• Approved Section 6.1 bylaw amendment (7-1)
• Added Diane Cheek to zoning committee (unanimous)
• Added Diane Cheek to bylaws committee (unanimous)

Economic Development Authority

The Economic Development Authority will review the status of fund transfers for RURALBAND and Surry Market Place. The meeting includes a treasurer's report on financial status as of May 11, 2021, and a second payment to Prince George Electric Coop. The Chair will also introduce charging for EDA activities per Code of Virginia 15.2-4900.

• Status of fund transfers for RURALBAND and Surry Market Place
• Second payment to Prince George Electric Coop
• RURALBAND update
• Discussion on charging for EDA activities per Code of Virginia 15.2-4900

The Surry County Economic Development Authority approved the May 20, 2021 minutes and the treasurer's report showing a $73,299.51 balance. New directors Zhane Slade and Terry Lewis were welcomed. The board discussed a $1.5 million payment to Prince George Electric for county internet services, with the project currently in the Bacon's Castle area. No major policy decisions were made; the meeting was largely procedural and informational.

• Approved May 20, 2021 minutes (motion by Franklin, second by Henderson)
• Approved treasurer's report with $73,299.51 balance (motion by Franklin, second by Lewis)
• Added director comments section to meeting agenda (motion by Godfrey, second by Henderson)
• Agreed to include EDA Executive Committee report on agenda when applicable
• Volunteered to contact Mr. White for supermarket status update (Henderson)

Board of Supervisors

The Board will consider a public hearing request regarding firearm prohibitions in certain county facilities. Members will also review May 2021 accounts payable and a land conveyance for an HRSD pump station. The agenda includes contract revisions and school board budget amendments.

• Public hearing request to prohibit firearms in county buildings and at certain events
• Approval of May 2021 accounts payable totaling $2,175,516.40
• Land and easement conveyance to HRSD for a pump station construction
• Bay Disposal contract revision and approval
• School Board FY 20-21 budget amendment and categorical transfer

The Surry County Board of Supervisors approved the consent items, including accounts payable of $2,175,516.40, and renewed the Bay Disposal contract with current terms. They also approved a Managed Services Agreement, a Dominion Easement Right of Way Agreement, and Resolution 2021-10 supporting Riverside Regional Jail. Several appointments were made to boards and commissions, and a dockhand position for the marina was approved.

• Approved consent items including accounts payable $2,175,516.40 (4-0, Drewry abstained)
• Renewed Bay Disposal contract with current terms including tipping fees (unanimous)
• Approved Managed Services Agreement (unanimous)
• Approved Dominion Easement Right of Way Agreement pending County Attorney review (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 2021-10: Riverside Regional Jail Support (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 2021-15: Removing and Reappointing EDA Members (unanimous)
• Appointed Terry Lewis, Zhane' Slade, Kevin Monahan, David Coggin, Peggy Vaughan to boards/commissions (unanimous)
• Approved hiring a dockhand for the marina (unanimous)

Economic Development Authority

The agenda for the June 10, 2021, virtual meeting consists of procedural boilerplate and a reference to an Economic Development Authority meeting. No specific business or decisions were detailed in the provided text.

• No specific projects, contracts, or ordinances were listed.

The Surry County Economic Development Authority approved the performance agreement for the grocery store, including an amended market timeline, after discussion with the county attorney. The agreement directs funds through the EDA for equipment purchases, which the county will hold as a lease for five years. The board also noted that the contract was already approved by the Board of Supervisors. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting was primarily for this discussion.

• Approved the grocery store performance agreement with the amended market timeline (motion by Franklin, seconded by Slade)
• Noted the county attorney's recommendation that funds go through the EDA for equipment, held by the county as a five-year lease
• Acknowledged that the contract was approved by the Board of Supervisors
• Tabled the previous meeting's minutes until they are available for review
• Adjourned the meeting (motion by Slade, seconded by Henderson)

Board of Supervisors

The Board of Supervisors will hold public hearings regarding the Six Year Secondary Road Improvement Plan and a request to merge voting precincts. The agenda also includes discussions related to Riverside Regional Jail and the Surry County Sheriff's Department.

• Six Year Secondary Road Improvement Plan (Resolution 2021-14)
• Request to merge voting precincts
• Electronic Summons System for Surry County Sheriff's Department
• Riverside Regional Jail (Resolution 2021-10)
• Bay Disposal contract review

The Board of Supervisors approved merging Dendron's polling locations into one at the Dendron Community Center, but declined to merge Claremont's locations after public opposition. The board also approved the VDOT Six Year Secondary Road Improvement Plan, an ordinance allowing an electronic summons system, and several board appointments.

• Approved merging Dendron polling locations into one at Dendron Community Center (unanimous)
• Rejected merging Claremont polling locations after public opposition
• Adopted Resolution 2021-14: Six Year Secondary Road Improvement Plan (unanimous)
• Approved Ordinance 2021-03: Electronic Summons System for Sheriff's Department (unanimous)
• Approved contract negotiations with Bay Disposal (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 2021-13: World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (unanimous)
• Approved multiple board and commission reappointments (unanimous)
• Appointed Horace Wade as Zoning Administrator (unanimous)

Board of Supervisors

The Board of Supervisors will discuss and take action on the proposed FY21-22 budget and Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). The agenda also includes a resolution regarding Riverside Regional Jail.

• Resolution 2021-10: Riverside Regional Jail
• Discussion and action on the FY21-22 proposed budget and CIP

The Surry County Board of Supervisors approved the FY21-22 County Administrator's Proposed Budget and Capital Improvement Plan by a 3-2 vote, with Supervisors Lyttle, Elliott, and Howell in favor and Drewry and Calhoun against. The approved budget includes a 6-cent increase in the real estate tax rate, raising it from 71 to 77 cents per $100 of assessed value, and expands tax relief for elderly and disabled residents by increasing the maximum exemption from $750 to $1,000. The Riverside Regional Jail resolution was tabled for future discussion.

• Approved FY21-22 County Administrator's Proposed Budget and CIP (3-2)
• Adopted Resolution 2021-11 adopting the FY22 budget for fiscal planning and appropriating funds (3-2)
• Adopted Resolution 2021-12 setting 2021 tax rates, including 6-cent real estate tax increase to 77 cents (3-2)
• Tabled Resolution 2021-10 regarding Riverside Regional Jail

Board of Supervisors

The Board will conduct public hearings regarding the FY 21-22 County Administrator's Proposed Budget and property tax exemptions for elderly and disabled persons. The meeting also includes a follow-up discussion on a tax exemption request from C. Scott Logging.

• Public hearing for FY 21-22 County Administrator's Proposed Budget
• Public hearing for property tax exemptions for elderly and disabled persons
• Follow-up on tax exemption request from C. Scott Logging

The Board of Supervisors approved a tax exemption request from C. Scott Logging, previously discussed on May 6, 2021, and approved a proposed exemption of taxes on property for elderly and disabled persons. The FY 21-22 County Administrator's Proposed Budget was discussed in a public hearing but no vote was taken; it will be further considered at the May 20, 2021 budget meeting. The meeting was continued to May 20, 2021.

• Approved tax exemption request from C. Scott Logging (unanimous)
• Approved exemption of taxes on property for elderly and disabled persons (unanimous)
• Continued meeting to May 20, 2021 (unanimous)

Board of Supervisors

The Board of Supervisors will consider a tax exemption request for C. Scott Logging and hold a public hearing regarding merging voting precincts. The agenda also includes discussions on the Bay Disposal contract and the Six Year Secondary Road Improvement Plan.

• Tax exemption request for C. Scott Logging
• Public hearing on merging voting precincts
• Approval of March 2021 accounts payable totaling $645,029.24
• Decision on Cavalier Solar
• Appointment of Wingate Appraisal Service for FY2022 assessments

The Board of Supervisors approved all five components of the Cavalier Solar project, including a comprehensive plan map amendment, rezoning, conditional use permit, substantial accord determination, and siting agreement, with Supervisor Calhoun abstaining due to a conflict of interest. The board also approved the Surry Marketplace LLC Performance Agreement, set public hearings for the VDOT Six Year Secondary Road Improvement Plan and the Electronic Summons System, and adopted all consent items, including minutes, accounts payable, and several resolutions. Two items were tabled: the C. Scott Logging tax exemption request and the Bay Disposal Contract and Solid Waste Operations discussion.

• Approved Comp Plan Map Amendment No 2021-01 for Cavalier Solar (4-0, Calhoun abstained)
• Approved Rezoning Application No 2021-01 for Cavalier Solar (4-0, Calhoun abstained)
• Approved Conditional Use Permit No 2021-01 for Cavalier Solar (4-0, Calhoun abstained)
• Approved Substantially in Accord Determination for Cavalier Solar (4-0, Calhoun abstained)
• Approved Siting Agreement for Cavalier Solar (4-0, Calhoun abstained)
• Approved Surry Marketplace LLC Performance Agreement (5-0)
• Approved public hearing for VDOT Six Year Secondary Road Improvement Plan (5-0)
• Approved public hearing for Electronic Summons System (5-0)

Board of Supervisors

The Board of Supervisors will review the FY21-22 County Administrator's recommended budget presentation. The agenda also includes Resolution 2021-06 to support local transportation and infrastructure projects in VA-04.

• Resolution 2021-06 regarding VA-04 transportation and infrastructure projects
• FY21-22 County Administrator's Recommended Budget Presentation

Board of Supervisors

The Surry County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to table the Cavalier Solar LLC siting agreement request until its May 6, 2021 meeting, after hearing public comments for and against the project. The board also approved consent items, a $49,608 emergency management grant, and a contract for radio system consulting. No final decision was made on the solar project.

• Approved consent items including meeting minutes, payables of $219,706.33, a clean-up month proclamation, a reassessment contractor, and a sheriff's retirement proclamation.
• Approved acceptance of a $49,608 grant from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management and the FY2020-21 budget appropriation.
• Approved procurement of consulting services from Federal Engineering for county radio system upgrades.
• Tabled Cavalier Solar LLC's siting agreement request until the May 6, 2021 board meeting.
• Approved holding a budget work session on April 8, 2021 at 6:00 PM.
• Adjourned the meeting until April 8, 2021 at 6:00 PM.

Board of Supervisors

The Board will hold a public hearing regarding proposed zoning fees for solar farms and consider a request for a public hearing for Cavalier Solar LLC. The meeting also includes updates on the Ruralband Project and broadband initiatives.

• Proposed zoning fee for solar farms
• Request for public hearing for Cavalier Solar LLC
• Dominion Energy easement request for Ruralband Project
• Approval of payables totaling $619,533.75
• PGECE Ruralband Project update

Board of Supervisors

The Claremont Board of Supervisors will conduct its 2021 reorganization. The agenda includes discussions regarding the Grayland Property Acquisition and a performance agreement for Surry LLC Marketplace. An audit report for FY 19-20 will also be presented.

• 2021 Board Reorganization
• Grayland Property Acquisition (Resolution 2021-01)
• Surry LLC Marketplace performance agreement
• FY 19-20 Audit Report presentation