Claremont public meetings in 2023

General

The Planning Commission will consider an ordinance to create the Emerging Technologies District for master-planned commercial and industrial developments. They will also review a request for a 67-foot encroachment into the Resource Protection Area at 92 Company Wharf Road.

• CBPA Exception Application No. 2023-01: 67-foot RPA buffer encroachment at 92 Company Wharf Road
• Ordinance Amendment 2023-02: Creation of the Emerging Technologies District

Board of Supervisors

The Board of Supervisors will meet to discuss several administrative topics. Discussion items include a report from the Registrar Office and an update on the Mobile Radio Communication System.

• Registrar Office Report
• Mobile Radio Communication System Update
• Closure of County Offices on December 26, 2023

General

The Surry County Planning Commission will hold a worksession regarding the Emerging Technologies Zoning District. This item is scheduled for discussion during the meeting.

• Discussion of Emerging Technologies Zoning District

Board of Supervisors

The Board will review a management agreement for Surry Seafood Holding, LLC and the purchase of property at 168 Commerce Drive. The agenda also includes a proposal for an Emerging Technologies Zoning District and approval of $891,607.28 in account payables.

• Approval of $891,607.28 in account payables
• Management agreement for Surry Seafood Holding, LLC
• Purchase of property at 168 Commerce Drive
• Proposed Emerging Technologies Zoning District
• VDOT Quarterly Transportation Report

General

The Planning Commission will consider a process for utility-scale energy facilities. The meeting also includes a presentation regarding an Emerging Technologies Zoning District.

• Approval of Process for Utility-Scale Energy Facilities
• Presentation of New Zoning District – Emerging Technologies Zoning District

Board of Supervisors

The Board of Supervisors will meet to consider a potential extension for real estate and personal property tax deadlines. This is the single item listed under new business for this special meeting.

• Extension of real estate and personal property tax deadline

Economic Development Authority

The meeting includes a report on the Surry Marketplace Renovation and a discussion regarding an administrative fee. Directors will also review the treasurer's report and account status as of October 31, 2023. A closed session is scheduled to discuss the Improvement Grant Program.

• Surry Marketplace Renovation Report
• Improvement Grant Program discussion
• Review of account status as of October 31, 2023
• Administrative fee discussion
• Joint Committee Report

Board of Supervisors

The Board of Supervisors will meet to review consent items and agency updates. The agenda includes a report from the County Administrator regarding economic development and 2024 legislative priorities.

• Approval of account payables totaling $1,631,488.39
• Review of the 2024 Pay and Holiday Calendar
• Crater Planning District Commission agency update
• Economic Development Update
• Consideration of items for 2024 Legislative Priorities

General

The Surry County Planning Commission held a worksession to discuss the general planning application process. The body also discussed the approval strategy for utility-scale energy facilities, specifically referencing Strategy 7 of the Energy Projects Comprehensive Plan Amendment. No final votes or decisions were recorded in the agenda text.

• Discussion of the planning application process
• Discussion of approval process for utility-scale energy facilities (Strategy 7 of the Energy Projects Comprehensive Plan Amendment)

General

The Claremont Planning Commission is scheduled to meet on October 23, 2023, at 7:30 P.M. The agenda consists entirely of procedural boilerplate, including roll call, adoption of the agenda, and consent items for the July 24, 2023 minutes. No specific new business, public hearings, or substantive decisions are detailed in the provided text.

• Adoption of minutes from the July 24, 2023 meeting

Board of Supervisors

The Board of Supervisors will review consent items including August accounts payable and a resolution for Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The agenda also includes updates on economic development, building officials, and the Motorola Radio Communication System project.

• Approval of August 2023 accounts payable in the amount of $439,857.97
• Resolution: Domestic Violence Awareness Month
• Motorola Radio Communication System Project Update
• Cavalier Solar Update

Board of Supervisors

The Board will review July 2023 accounts payable totaling $742,315.89 and discuss economic development initiatives with the Town of Surry. The meeting includes a VDOT quarterly transportation report and updates on tourism and economic development.

• Approval of July 2023 accounts payable for $742,315.89
• Economic Development Authority appointments
• Economic Development Funding to EDA
• Collaboration with Town of Surry on economic development initiatives
• VDOT Quarterly Transportation Report

Board of Supervisors

The Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing regarding a conditional use permit for Tidewater Dirt Riders. The Board will also consider authorizing an evaluation of short-term rentals and reviewing June accounts payable.

• Public hearing for Conditional Use Permit 2023-02 (Tidewater Dirt Riders)
• Authorization for County Attorney to evaluate short-term rentals and form a committee
• Approval of June 2023 accounts payable totaling $877,694.04
• Contract addendum for Emergency Services Solutions, Inc. regarding paid EMS
• Grant awards from Obici Healthcare Foundation ($4,000) and Virginia Dept of Fire Programs ($6,030)

The Board of Supervisors approved a conditional use permit for a multi-year commercial outdoor recreational event at the Pipsico Scout Reservation. Other actions included approving June accounts payable and an addendum for emergency medical services.

• Approved Conditional Use Permit 2023-02 for Tidewater Dirt Riders (Unanimous)
• Approved June 2023 accounts payable in the amount of $877,694.04 (Unanimous)
• Approved addendum to contract with ESS Solutions, Inc. for additional paid rescue squad services (Unanimous)
• Approved lease agreement for Commonwealth Attorney and Victim Witness Coordinator office space (Unanimous)
• Authorized County Attorney to evaluate short-term rentals and form a recommendation committee (Unanimous)
• Approved draft minutes from July 6, 2023 (Unanimous)

Economic Development Authority

The Economic Development Authority of Surry County will meet to review the Surry Marketplace update and discuss administrative fees for certain services. The agenda also includes a Joint Committee report and an Office of Economic Development report.

• Surry Marketplace update
• Charging of administrative fees for certain services
• Joint Committee report
• Office of Economic Development report

The Economic Development Authority accepted a report awarding improvement grants to four businesses. The board also received updates on the Surry Marketplace grocery store and a presentation on agri-tourism.

• Approved improvement grants for E & E ($7,000), Just4kicks ($3,000), Bacon’s Castle store ($5,000), and English Connection ($5,000) (7-0)
• Accepted treasurer's report showing ending balance of $65,214.42 as of 6/23
• Tabled charging of administrative fees for certain services (7-0)
• Approved creation of a sub-committee consisting of Howell Godfrey, Anna Hansen, and Rose Miller (7-0)
• Approved previous meeting minutes with corrections (7-0)
• Convened closed session to discuss member stipends and grant fund legal counsel (7-0)

General

The Surry County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing regarding a Conditional Use Permit application. Tidewater Dirt Riders is seeking permission for a multi-year Commercial Outdoor Recreational event. The proposed activity would take place on 916 acres located at 79 Pipsico Road.

• Conditional Use Permit Application No. 2023-02 for Tidewater Dirt Riders
• Proposed multi-year Commercial Outdoor Recreational event
• Approval of May 22, 2023 meeting minutes

The Planning Commission held a public hearing regarding Conditional Use Permit Application No. 2023-02 for a multiyear commercial outdoor recreational event at the Pipsico Scout Reservation. The meeting concluded before a final vote on the application was recorded in the minutes.

• Adopted meeting agenda (7-0)
• Approved May 22, 2023 meeting minutes (7-0)

Board of Supervisors

The Board will consider amendments to the Animal Control Ordinance and approve May 2023 accounts payable totaling $532,522.10. The agenda also includes a utility easement for Prince George Electric Cooperative at local schools.

• Approval of May 2023 Accounts Payable ($532,522.10)
• Proposed amendments to County Code 12-4 Animal Control Ordinance
• Utility easement for Prince George Electric Cooperative at Luther P. Jackson Middle School and Surry County High School
• Renewal of Hampton Roads Regional Stormwater Management Program agreement

The Board approved amendments to the County Code regarding animal control fees and charges. They also appointed five members to the Local Board of Building Code Appeals for four-year terms. Additionally, the Board approved over $532,000 in accounts payable for May 2023.

• Approved amendments to County Code 12-4 to modify and establish animal control fees
• Approved $532,522.10 in accounts payable for May 2023
• Approved participation in the Virginia Juvenile Community Crime Control Act (VJCCCA)
• Approved renewal of Memorandum of Agreement for Hampton Roads Regional Stormwater Management Program
• Approved utility easement to Prince George Electric Cooperative at Luther P. Jackson Middle School and Surry County High School
• Appointed John T Robertson, Mark Jones, Lee Johnson, David Coggin, and Bruce D. Wobser to the Local Board of Building Code Appeals

General

The Surry County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing regarding a Conditional Use Permit application from Tidewater Dirt Riders. The proposal seeks to allow a multi-year commercial outdoor recreational event at the 916-acre Pipsico Scout Reservation.

• Public hearing for Conditional Use Permit Application No. 2023-02 at 79 Pipsico Road
• Approval of May 22, 2023, meeting minutes

Electoral Board

The Electoral Board reviewed CAP-POST ELECTION envelopes and conducted a closed session to process provisional ballots for the June 20, 2023, Democratic Primary. The board qualified one provisional ballot from the Spring Grove Precinct and prepared signed abstracts for each precinct.

• Counted 4 additional CAP-POST ELECTION ballots
• Approved motion to enter closed session for Provisional Ballot Meeting (3-0)
• Approved motion to certify closed session business (3-0)
• Qualified and counted 1 provisional ballot in Spring Grove Precinct

Electoral Board

The Board approved guidelines regarding the Registrar's telework, flexible hours, and the operation of her private business and fitness classes. The Board also held a closed session to discuss personnel.

• Approved guidelines for Registrar's telework and flexible hours (2-1)
• Approved Registrar's ability to continue S. White Consulting and private fitness classes provided they do not conflict with official duties (2-1)
• Approved motion to enter closed session for personnel discussion
• Approved certification of closed session business (2-1)

Electoral Board

The Electoral Board reviewed election materials and equipment for seven precincts following the June 20, 2023, Democratic Primary. The board recessed the meeting to continue the canvass and provisional ballot review on June 23, 2023.

• Confirmed receipt of scanned ballots and thumb drives from election officers
• Verified election equipment was sealed and secured in the Registrar’s office
• Adopted motion to recess meeting until June 23, 2023

General

The Surry County Highway Transportation Safety Commission is reviewing updates on several local roads, including White Marsh Road and Hollybush Road. The meeting also covers the Six-Year Secondary Road Improvement Plan and VDOT reports.

• Update on White Marsh Road right-of-way maintenance
• Six-Year Secondary Road Improvement Plan update
• Study of a no passing zone on Hog Island Road at Ellerslie Drive
• Discussion of Hollybush Road curve concerns
• Review of the June 2023 VDOT Quarterly Report

Board of Supervisors

The Board will hold a public hearing regarding a proposed Animal Control Ordinance. They will also consider adopting Surry County Fiscal Policies and reviewing the VDOT Six Year Secondary Road Improvement Plan. Additionally, several budget amendments for grants and equipment are scheduled for approval.

• Proposed Animal Control Ordinance
• Adoption of Surry County Fiscal Policies
• VDOT Six Year Secondary Road Improvement Plan (FY 24-29)
• Budget adjustment for a Medic Unit purchase
• April 2023 accounts payable totaling $459,189.89

The Board adopted formal financial policies and approved the VDOT Six Year Secondary Road Improvement Plan for FY 2024-2029. A proposed animal control ordinance regarding shelter fees was tabled until July 6. The Board also approved a salary increase for its members effective January 1, 2024.

• Approved Surry County Fiscal Policies effective June 2, 2023
• Approved VDOT Six Year Secondary Road Improvement Plan (FY 24-29)
• Approved $459,189.89 in accounts payable for April 2023
• Tabled animal control ordinance amendments to Chapter 12, Section 12-4 until July 6
• Approved salary increase for Board Chair and Members effective Jan 1, 2024 (4-1)
• Appointed Bruce Wobster to the Board of Historic and Architectural Review
• Approved budget adjustments for a medic unit, Dominion Energy grant, and DJCS ARPA grant

Electoral Board

The Surry County Electoral Board will discuss precinct assignments and training for primary election officers. The board also plans to address office space progress and a response letter regarding the November 2022 election complaint.

• Appointment of additional officers of election
• Annual review and appointment of the Registrar
• Progress on office space issue
• Response letter to November 2022 election complaint
• Precinct assignments and training for primary election officers

The Board re-appointed the Registrar for a term ending June 30, 2027, despite one dissenting vote. The Board also appointed several new officers of election and approved a response letter regarding a November 2022 election complaint.

• Approved minutes from February 9, 16, 22, 24, and March 16, 2023
• Approved response letter to November 2022 election complaint
• Appointed Sherri Powers, Robin Toothman, Wanda Jones (Independents), Jaqueline Ellis-Brackett (Democrat), and Art Nelson and George D. Maddern (Republicans) as officers of election
• Re-appointed Registrar for term July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2027 (2-1)

General

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing regarding a conditional use permit for a drone training range. The applicant seeks to operate a business or trade school on approximately 692.6 acres. The project involves eight parcels located near Rocky Hock Road, Terrapin Swamp Road, and Strawberry Lane.

• Public hearing for Conditional Use Permit Application No. 2023-01 (drone training range)
• Disposition of meeting minutes from January 23, 2023, and February 6, 2023

The Planning Commission approved a request for a 67-foot encroachment into the Resource Protection Area buffer for a home addition. The commission also discussed a proposed ordinance to create an Emerging Technologies District for large-scale industrial and tech campuses.

• Approved CBPA Exception Application 2023-01 for 67-foot RPA buffer encroachment at 92 Company Wharf Road (9-0)
• Adopted meeting agenda (9-0)
• Approved November 27, 2023 meeting minutes with corrections (10-0)

General

The Board of Supervisors will address unfinished business regarding the FY 23-24 budget and tax rates. The agenda also includes a request for a public hearing on amendments to County Code § 12-4 concerning animals. Additionally, the Parks and Recreation Fee Schedule is listed for discussion.

• Request for Public Hearing: Amendments to County Code § 12-4 (Animals)
• Setting of the Tax Rates for FY 23-24
• Adoption of the FY 23-24 Budget
• Parks and Recreation Fee Schedule

The Board of Supervisors approved the budget and tax rates for the 2023-2024 fiscal year. They also updated the Parks and Recreation fee schedule and authorized a public hearing regarding animal shelter adoption fees.

• Adopted FY 23-24 tax rates (4-1)
• Adopted FY 23-24 budget (4-1)
• Approved updated Parks and Recreation fee schedule (unanimous)
• Authorized public hearing on June 1, 2023, for animal adoption fee changes (unanimous)

Board of Supervisors

The Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing regarding the proposed tax rate for fiscal year 2023-24. The meeting also includes a review of the Surry County Parks and Recreation fee schedule.

• Public hearing for the proposed FY 2023-24 tax rate
• Review of Surry County Parks and Recreation fee schedule

The Board held a public hearing regarding a proposed real property tax increase of $0.02 over the equalized rate of $0.70 for Fiscal Year 2023-24. No vote was taken on the tax rate or budget, as the Board is prohibited by the Code of Virginia from voting on these items during the public hearing.

• Adopted the meeting agenda (Approved)
• Failed to postpone the May 18th budget meeting (Motion not seconded)

Board of Supervisors

The Board of Supervisors will hold a work session to discuss the proposed budget for fiscal year 2023-2024. This is the only discussion topic listed on the agenda.

• FY 23-24 Proposed Budget

The Board of Supervisors conducted a work session to discuss the FY 23-24 proposed budget and capital improvement planning. The session included a financial briefing on debt service, bond ratings, and funding for parks and recreation. No substantive votes were taken on the budget items.

• Approved motion to continue the meeting to Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at 7 pm (unanimous)

Board of Supervisors

The Board will hold a public hearing to consider the proposed FY24 budget. The agenda also includes discussion of an MOU with Prince George County regarding opioid settlement funds. Additionally, staff will provide a tourism update on digital marketing and the development of the Cultural Trail.

• Public hearing for the proposed FY24 Budget
• MOU with Prince George County regarding Opioid Settlement Funds
• Approval of March 2023 Accounts Payable in the amount of $784,796.37
• Tourism update on digital marketing and Cultural Trail development

The Board of Supervisors held a public hearing on the County Administrator's proposed FY24 budget, hearing from 13 citizens who largely opposed tax increases and urged a pause on new debt. No vote was taken on the budget; the Board instead scheduled a work session for May 8, 2023 at 6 p.m. to revisit the proposal. The Board also approved consent items including $784,796.37 in March 2023 payables, and approved a Memorandum of Understanding with Prince George County regarding opioid settlement funds.

• Approved consent items including March 2023 payables of $784,796.37 (5-0)
• Approved MOU with Prince George County for opioid settlement funds (5-0)
• Scheduled budget work session for May 8, 2023 at 6 p.m. (unanimous)
• Adopted meeting agenda as presented (5-0)

Economic Development Authority

The Economic Development Authority will discuss updates regarding the Surray Marketplace and the Surry County Improvement Grant. The meeting also includes the appointment of new members and reviews of committee appointments.

• Appointment of new members Trenton Howell, Janet Monahan, and John Price
• Review of the Administrative Service Fee
• Update on the Surry Marketplace
• Update on the Surry County Improvement Grant
• Discussion of green energy and other upcoming projects

The Economic Development Authority accepted the treasurer's report and established two-person committees for grant reviews and EDA improvements. The board also discussed board member stipends and received updates on the Surry Marketplace and a proposed green energy data center park.

• Approved agenda and previous meeting minutes
• Accepted treasurer's report showing account balance of $65,204.28 as of March 31, 2023
• Decided to limit committee sizes to 2 individuals to avoid public hearing requirements
• Appointed Janet Monahan and Myron Wooden to Grant reviews committee
• Appointed Howell Godfrey and Trenton Howell to EDA Improvements committee
• Consensus reached to receive board member stipends at the last meeting of the fiscal year

Board of Supervisors

The Board will review presentations regarding the proposed FY 23-24 budgets for the School Board and the County. Public hearings are scheduled for property sales on Blue Heron Drive and an easement for SFT Forestland LLC. An update on the Surry County Comprehensive Plan is also included.

• Public hearing for sale of property on Blue Heron Drive, Parcel ID 15A-4-1
• Public hearing for sale of property on Blue Heron Drive, Parcel ID 15A-4-3
• Easement grant to SFT Forestland LLC over County parcels 40-1 and 40-7-17
• Presentation of School Board FY 23-24 Proposed Budget
• Presentation of County Administrator’s FY 23-24 Proposed Budget

The Board approved the sale of two residential parcels on Blue Heron Drive and granted a timber harvesting easement to SFT Forestland LLC. Members also approved an update to the 2040 Comprehensive Plan regarding energy projects and authorized a settlement for opioid-related claims.

• Approved sale of property Parcel ID 15A-4-1 on Blue Heron Drive
• Approved sale of property Parcel ID 15A-4-3 on Blue Heron Drive
• Approved ingress-egress easement for SFT Forestland LLC (Parcels 40-1 and 40-7-17)
• Approved $758,199.20 in accounts payable for February 2023
• Approved retention of Life Choice Health Insurance for FY 2024
• Approved settlement of opioid-related claims against Teva, Allergan, Walmart, Walgreens, and CVS
• Approved update to the 2040 Comprehensive Plan (4-1 abstention)
• Appointed Adesha Davis Gibson to the Social Services Board

Electoral Board

The Electoral Board entered a closed session to discuss protocols for maintaining the security of ballots, voting and counting equipment, and risk assessments for local electoral procedures. The board later certified that only lawfully exempted matters were discussed during the closed session.

• Approved motion to enter closed session to discuss ballot and equipment security
• Approved motion to return to open session
• Certified that only lawfully exempted matters were discussed in closed session (2-0)

General

The commission will review several road-related issues, including traffic concerns on Spring Grove Avenue and Lebanon Road. The meeting also includes updates on the Cavalier Solar traffic mitigation plan and White Marsh Road maintenance.

• Update on rocks and landscape timbers in the White Marsh Road right-of-way
• Request for a study to straighten a curve on Lebanon Road near Hollybush Road
• Discussion of truck traffic on Spring Grove Avenue
• Review of the Cavalier Solar traffic mitigation plan
• Report on missing weight limit signage on a White Marsh Road bridge

Board of Supervisors

The Board of Supervisors will receive a presentation from Financial Advisor Davenport regarding the mid-year financial report. The meeting also includes an update on the 2023 real estate reassessment by Don Thomas of Wingate.

• Presentation by Financial Advisor Davenport
• Mid-Year Financial Report
• Update on 2023 Real Estate Reassessment

Board of Supervisors

The Board will hold a public hearing regarding updates to the Surry County Comprehensive Plan, specifically concerning energy projects. The agenda also includes requests for property sales on Blue Heron Drive and an easement for SFT Forestland LLC. Additionally, the Board will consider a $117,000 budget amendment for Genan Foundation grant funds.

• Public hearing for Surry County Comprehensive Plan update
• Property sales on Blue Heron Drive (Parcel ID 15A-4-1 and 15A-4-3)
• Easement for SFT Forestland LLC over county parcels
• $117,000 budget amendment for Genan Foundation grant funds

The Board approved a Virginia Outdoors Foundation grant application for the Parks and Recreation Center and appointed two members to the Economic Development Authority. A proposed update to the Comprehensive Plan regarding energy projects was tabled. Several consent items, including budget amendments and property sale hearings, were approved.

• Approved grant application for Surry County Parks and Recreation Center (unanimous)
• Appointed Janet Monahan to the Economic Development Authority (unanimous)
• Appointed Trenton Howell to the Economic Development Authority (4-1)
• Tabled Surry County Comprehensive Plan Update
• Tabled Marina Management Agreement (unanimous)
• Approved $117,000 budget amendment for Genan Foundation grant funds
• Approved requests for public hearings on two property sales on Blue Heron Drive
• Approved request for public hearing on ingress-egress easement to SFT Forestland LLC

Board of Supervisors

The Surry County Board of Supervisors and School Board are holding a joint work session. The agenda includes a review of the FY 2023-2024 School Operating Budget and the Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan.

• FY 2023-2024 School Operating Budget review
• Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan review

The Board of Supervisors and School Board conducted a joint work session to review the proposed FY 2023-2024 school operating budget and the Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan. No formal votes were taken on the budget proposals during this session.

• Reviewed proposed FY 2023-2024 school operating budget of $16,577,541
• Reviewed Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan
• Received revised FY 23-24 Budget Calendar

Electoral Board

The Electoral Board conducted a provisional ballot meeting for the February 21, 2023, Special Election. The board reviewed absentee mail-in votes and post-election data for each precinct. The Abstract of Votes and the Special Election Results Checklist were prepared, signed, and sealed.

• Approved motion to enter closed session to conduct Provisional Ballot Meeting (3-0)
• Approved motion to return to open session
• Certified that only exempted public business was discussed in closed session (3-0)
• Completed counting of provisional ballots and associated forms
• Prepared, signed, and sealed Abstract of Votes
• Prepared, signed, and sealed February 21, 2023 Special Election Results Checklist

Board of Supervisors

The Board of Supervisors convened a special work session for discussion purposes. The meeting focused on teamwork, communication, and visioning for economic growth.

• Discussion regarding teamwork and communication
• Planning for economic growth
• Visioning session

The Board of Supervisors held a special work session to discuss economic growth, infrastructure, and county visioning. No formal votes were taken on policy or funding; the session focused on staff updates and strategic discussions.

• Adjourned meeting to February 27th (unanimous)

Electoral Board

The Board reviewed election materials and equipment for seven precincts. The Registrar reported an incident involving an information sheet distributed by the Republican Committee Chairman, which will be reported to the State Department of Elections. The meeting was recessed to continue the canvass on February 24, 2023.

• Confirmed receipt of scanned ballots and thumb drives from election officers
• Verified election equipment was sealed and secured in the Registrar’s office
• Adopted motion to recess and continue the Canvass/Provisional Ballot meeting on February 24, 2023

Electoral Board

The Electoral Board accepted the list of election officers and assignments for 2023-2024. The Board also noted several officers unable to work the February 21, 2023, Special Election, which will require position re-assignments.

• Approved 2023-2024 election officer list and assignments
• Added Lorraine Brown as Chief for precinct 502

Electoral Board

The Surry County Electoral Board will review registrar updates regarding office space and electronic poll books. The board also plans to appoint election officers for the 2023-2024 term and coordinate assignments for the February 21, 2023 special election.

• Appointment of Election Officers for 2023-2024 term
• Setting dates for Canvass (Feb 22) and Provisional Ballot Meeting (Feb 24)
• Officer assignments for the February 21, 2023 Special Election
• Training of officers for new program implementation
• Registrar report on office space and electronic poll books

The Board approved election officer assignments for the February 21, 2023 special election and the 2023-2024 year. Board leadership positions were maintained from 2022, with William Etchinson assuming the role of Vice-Chairman. The Board also set dates for the upcoming canvass and provisional ballot meetings.

• Approved election officer assignments for Feb 21, 2023 special election
• Approved list of nominations for 2023-2024 election officers
• Confirmed Lynita Mason as Chairman, Donna Skinner as Secretary, and William Etchinson as Vice-Chairman
• Approved minutes from September 8, November 9, and November 14, 2022
• Set Canvass meeting for February 23, 2023 at 10:00 A.M.
• Set Provisional Ballot Meeting for February 24, 2023 at noon

General

The Planning Commission is reviewing amendments to the existing 2020 Comprehensive Plan to create the Surry County 2040 Comprehensive Plan. The update includes new data and mapping regarding the future location of energy projects within the county. This plan serves as a guide for decisions on land use, road networks, and zoning.

• Surry County 2040 Comprehensive Plan update
• Proposed Future Land Use text updates concerning energy projects

The Planning Commission approved amendments to the Surry County Comprehensive Plan to include data and policies regarding future energy projects. The updated plan will now be moved to the Board of Supervisors for further action.

• Approved Surry County Comprehensive Plan update with proposed amendments (9-0)

Board of Supervisors

The Board will review three ordinance amendments regarding zoning definitions, BZA processes, and administrative setback variances. They will also consider adding business or trade schools as conditional uses in the A-R Agricultural-Rural District. Additionally, the board will review December 2022 accounts payable totaling $671,912.15.

• Approval of December 2022 accounts payable for $671,912.15
• Ordinance Amendment 2022-03 regarding BZA variances and definitions
• Ordinance Amendment 2022-04 regarding administrative setback variances
• Ordinance Amendment 2023-01 adding business or trade schools to A-R districts
• VDOT Quarterly Transportation Report presentation

The Board approved three ordinance amendments regarding zoning appeals, administrative setback variances, and the classification of business or trade schools. The Board also approved December 2022 accounts payable and entered a closed session to discuss county property management.

• Approved December 2022 accounts payable of $671,912.15
• Approved Ordinance Amendment 2022-03 regarding BZA variances and certiorari (5-0)
• Approved Ordinance Amendment 2022-04 authorizing administrative setback variances (5-0)
• Approved Ordinance Amendment 2023-01 adding Business or Trade School as a conditional use in A-R District (5-0)
• Approved motion to enter closed session regarding Surry District county property management (5-0)

Economic Development Authority

The meeting includes updates regarding the Surry Marketplace and a construction contract for Mobay Inc. Directors will also discuss the Improvement Grant Program and recommended administrative fee charges.

• Mobay Inc. Surry Marketplace Constructure Contract
• Improvement Grant Program
• Recommended EDA Administrative Fee Charges
• Filling vacant member seats (Cliff Slade, Zhane Slade, Tyrone Franklin)

The Economic Development Authority approved a construction contract with Mobay Inc. and adopted the Improvement Grant Program after removing a $25 application fee. The board also received updates on the Surry Marketplace renovation and introduced new staff.

• Approved Improvement Grant Program (4-0)
• Approved Mobay Inc. construction contract (4-0)
• Approved agenda and October 27, 2022 minutes
• Tabled discussion of Fee for Administrative Services

General

The Surry County Planning Commission will consider an ordinance amendment to add business or trade schools as a commercial use type requiring a conditional use permit. The commission will also discuss updates to the 2040 Comprehensive Plan regarding energy projects in the county.

• Ordinance Amendment 2023-01: Adding Business or Trade School as a conditional commercial use
• Surry County Comprehensive Plan Update: Updating Future Land Use text for energy projects
• Approval of December 19, 2022 meeting minutes

The Planning Commission approved an ordinance amendment to allow business or trade schools in the AR zoning district via conditional use permits. A proposed amendment to the Comprehensive Plan regarding energy projects and stormwater was deferred to a special meeting on February 6th.

• Approved Ordinance Amendment 2023-01 to add Business or Trade School as a commercial use requiring a conditional use permit in AR zoning (9-0)
• Deferred Comprehensive Plan Amendment regarding energy projects and stormwater to February 6th (9-0)
• Elected Eddie Brock as Chair (9-0)
• Elected Giron Wooden, Jr. as Vice-Chair (9-0)
• Approved meeting agenda (9-0)
• Approved December 19, 2022 meeting minutes with corrections (10-0)
• Approved 2023 meeting dates (9-0)

Board of Supervisors

The Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing regarding a rezoning request by Pigeon Swamp Farm, Corp. The meeting includes board reorganization and the presentation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. The Board will also address unfinished business concerning the Surry Solar Center LLC solar project.

• Rezoning Application No. 2022-03 for Pigeon Swamp Farm, Corp
• Approval of Accounts Payable totaling $679,964.20
• Surry Solar Center LLC 20 megawatt solar energy facility proposal
• Presentation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report
• Appointments to Economic Development Authority and Board of Equalization

The Board of Supervisors denied a proposal by Surry Solar Center, LLC to construct a 20 megawatt solar facility. The Board also approved a rezoning request for a barbecue restaurant and completed its 2023 reorganization. Other actions included approving over $679,000 in accounts payable and accepting the 2022 audit report.

• Denied Surry Solar Center Project (3-1, 1 abstention)
• Approved rezoning of 2.36 acres at 1807 Clubhouse Road to Local Business (B-1) (Unanimous)
• Elected Robert Elliott as Chairman and Judy Lyttle as Vice Chair (Majority)
• Approved accounts payable in the amount of $679,964.20 (Unanimous)
• Accepted June 30, 2022 Audit Report (Unanimous)
• Approved Board of Supervisors Bylaws with corrections (Unanimous)
• Reappointed Terry Lewis to the Economic Development Authority (Unanimous)
• Reappointed current Board of Equalization members (Unanimous)