Summary of the Board Of Supervisors Meeting in December
DECEMBER 10, 2024 MEETING OF THE NELSON COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS 2:00 P.M
Present: Supervisors Dr. Jessica Ligon, Ernie Reed, David Parr, and Jesse Rutherford.
Absent: Supervisor Tommy Harvey.
I. The meeting was called to order followed by a Moment of Silence and then followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
II. PUBLIC COMMENTS
1) Ann Mische: spoke on behalf of “Here To Stay In Wintergreen” regarding the Nelson Enrichment Club, a program that is partnership with Here To Stay, the Blue Ridge Medical Center and Rockfish Presbyterian Church located on Rt. 151 just north of Nellsyford. It is a one of a kind program in Virginia and has been well received by its members and their care givers. It is open to all residents of Nelson county experiencing mild to moderate memory loss and/or Parkinson’s Disease. It meets from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Mondays and Wednesdays at the church where members and volunteers engage in a number of activities intended to reduce social isolation and support mental and physical health while providing respite for committed caregivers. The program can accommodate up to 15 participants per day and might expand to three days a week if needed. Scholarships are available to those unable to support those unable pay the daily cost of $40. Additional information can be found at www.nelsonrespite.org.
2) Brennen and Benjamin Seed: Each spoke. They live right the Front Street Garage in Lovingston. VDOT replaced the rumble strips on Route 29 adjacent to their home. The noise of the trucks hitting the rumble strips and jack breaking was waking them at 4:00 am in the morning. They tried to contact VDOT directly and through Supervisor Rutherford but received no direct response for a period of over two weeks. The offending rumble strips were however replaced and the new ones are better but the noise level is still an issue. They are requesting the Board to help them open communication with VDOT. The rumble strips don’t appear to slow the traffic.
III. CONSENT AGENDA
Three new employees were introduced to the Board of Supervisors: Roby Absher in Maintenance, Libby Ashby as an administrative assistant and permit technician. And Dustin Spitler as a building inspector.
A. Resolution – R2024-79 Minutes for Approval: the minutes of said Board meetings conducted on May 14, 2024 be and hereby are approved and authorized for entry into the official record of the Board of Supervisors meetings.
B. Resolution – R2024-80 Budget Amendment: AMENDMENT OF FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025 BUDGET:
I. Appropriation of Funds (General Fund)
Amount Revenue Account (-) Expenditure Account (+)
$ 1 0,042.50 3-100-001901-0032 4-100-031020-3038
$ 1 8,153.20 3-100-002404-0002 4-100-032020-5650
$ 1 1,490.00 3-100-002404-0007 4-100-082050-6008
$ 2 ,416.00 3-100-002404-0001 4-100-031020-5419
______________
$ 42,101.70
II. Appropriation of Funds (School Fund)
Amount Revenue Account (-) Expenditure Account (+)
$ 7 05,000.00 3-205-003302-0027 4-205-061100-9304
__________________
$ 705,000.00
III. Transfer of Funds (General Fund Contingency)
Amount Credit Account (-) Debit Account (+)
$ 1 31,000.00 4-100-999000-9905 4-100-012100-3002
$ 5 ,000.00 4-100-999000-9905 4-100-012100-5201
$ 2 ,000.00 4-100-999000-9905 4-100-012100-5401
____________________
$ 138,000.00
EXPLANATION OF BUDGET AMENDMENT
I. Appropriations are the addition of unbudgeted funds received or held by the County for use within the current fiscal year budget. These funds increase the budget bottom line. The General Fund Appropriations of $42,101.70 include requests of (1) $3,315.00, $1,657.50, $3,672.50, $1,137.50, and $260.00 appropriations totaling $10,042.50 requested for Sheriff's FY25 UVA MOU Special Events Overtime funding for October and November 2024; (2) $18,153.20 appropriation requested for FY24 Four-For-Life funds received in FY25 for disbursement to the Nelson EMS Council; (3) $11,490.00 appropriation requested for FY25 Litter Prevention and Recycling Program State grant funds; and (4) $2,416.00 appropriation request for Sheriff's asset forfeiture funds received in FY25. The total appropriation request for this period is below the 1% of expenditure budget limit of $752,641.01 for December.
II. Appropriated School funds are the addition of unbudgeted funds received by the Schools for use within the current fiscal year budget. These funds increase the budget bottom line. The School Fund Appropriations of $705,000.00 include (1) $705,000.00 is requested for FY22 ESSER III (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief) Grant funds to be received and expended in FY25. The total appropriation request for this period is below the 1% of expenditure budget limit of $752,641.01 for December. Transfers represent funds that are already appropriated in the budget, but are moved from one line item to another. Transfers do not affect the bottom line of the budget.
III. Transfers from General Fund Non-Recurring Contingency in the amount of $138,000.00 are reflected in (1) $138,000.00 transfer to the Reassessment line items (3002-Professional Services, 5201-Postal Services, and 5401-Office Supplies) for FY25 expenses related to the General Reassessment contract. Following approval of these expenditures, the balance of Non-Recurring Contingency would be $305,722.19.
C. Proclamation – P2024-06 National Wreaths Across America Day:
NELSON COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS DESIGNATING DECEMBER 14, 2024 AS NATIONAL WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA DAY
WHEREAS, Wreaths Across America is a national nonprofit organization founded in 2007 to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery begun by Maine businessman Morril Worcester in 1992.
WHEREAS, Wreaths Across America’s mission is to REMEMBER the fallen, HONOR those who serve, and TEACH the next generation about the true cost of freedom.
WHEREAS, Wreaths Across America is made up of more than 4,700 participating locations across the country run by dedicated volunteers looking to share the mission to Remember, Honor, and Teach, through annual wreath-laying ceremonies each December and awareness and education events throughout the year.
WHEREAS, The Rev. E. Clarence Purdue, Sr., American Legion Auxiliary Unit 17 of Lovingston, Virginia will conduct wreath laying and Military Honors Ceremonies at Trinity Episcopal Church Cemetery and Adial Baptist Church Cemetery in the County to honor all Nelson County Veterans.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Nelson County Board of Supervisors does hereby proclaim December 14th, 2024 as NATIONAL WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA DAY in the Nelson County, Virginia, and extends thanks and appreciation to our veterans and Gold Star Families for their service and sacrifice and to Wreaths Across America for bringing this honor to our community.
IV. PRESENTATIONS
A. VDOT Report: Robert Brown addressed the rumble strips. They were initially installed incorrectly and have been reinstalled. The new strips are noisier that the old ones because the old ones were worn down. There are possible alternatives and will look into them. VDOT finished the four lane mowing on the primary roads. Litter pick up is scheduled, waiting on the contractor. On 151, VDOT is doing some major repairs. Supervisor Parr inquired whether reason for rumble strips below 45 speed limit posted. North end won’t get reduced speed below 45. Supervisor Rutherford suggested more police enforcement of the speed. No smart scale solutions are currently scheduled for that intersection. Supervisor Rutherford asked VDOT to get in touch with Jerry West about the hold up on the canoe launch on Rockfish River Road. VDOT and Supervisor Rutherford will address sidewalks in the New Year. Mr. Brown agreed to go into the hall and talk to the Seeds about the rumble strips.
B. Social Services Office Building Design Development – PMA (R2024-81): the Board unanimously approved the updated, slightly modified plan with color schemes. The building and site costs are expected to be within the cost estimates previously provided. The Nelson County Board of Supervisors authorized PMA Architecture to proceed with the construction drawings for the Department of Social Services Office Building based on the building design presented on December 10, 2024.
C. Proposed County Financial Policies – Davenport (R2024-82) Davenport reported in detail on its findings regarding the county’s current debt in comparison to its total real estate tax base, its projected income stream, its reserves, its debt expense to other expense ratio and found that Nelson County seemed financially solid and fell in the median range for similarly situated as to size and locality. The Board reviewed the draft financial policies Davenport had prepared to apply to future borrowing decisions and determined that they wanted further discussions/work sessions with Davenport before taking any action.
IV. NEW & UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A. FFA Funding Request for National Western Stock Show in Denver:
After hearing directly from members of the team about the training and experience they have received in judging, the relationships they have built, and the work they have put in, the Board voted unanimously to provide the full $5,000 remaining for the team to receive to permit them to travel to Denver for the National Western Stock Show.
B. Proposed Work Order Amendment - Zoning Text for Short Term Rentals: The Board tabled the work order amendment with the Berkely Group, which will be addressed with the planning commission at the joint meeting on December 18, 2024.
C. Authorization for Public Hearing on Local Authority to Reduce 25 MPH Speed (R2024-82): The Board unanimously voted to approve the following resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED, that pursuant to §15.2-1427 and §15.2-2204, of the Code of Virginia 1950 as amended, the County Administrator is hereby authorized to advertise a public hearing to be held on January 14, 2025 at 7:00 PM in the General District Courtroom in the Courthouse in Lovingston, Virginia. The purpose of the public hearing is to receive public input on an Ordinance proposed for passage to include language to authorize Nelson County as allowed by §46.2-1300 to reduce the speed limit to less than 25 miles per hour, but not less than 15 miles per hour, on any highway, including those in the state highway system, within its boundaries that is located in a business district or residence district for which the existing posted speed limit is 25 miles per hour.
A. Authorization for Public Hearing on Proposed Wintergreen Master Plan Amendment –Conservation Easement (R2024-83)
The Board unanimously voted to approve R2024-83 as follows:
“BE IT RESOLVED, that pursuant to §15.2-2204, of the Code of Virginia 1950 as amended, the Nelson County Board of Supervisors authorizes a public hearing to be held on December 18, 2024 at 5:00 PM in the General District Courtroom in the Courthouse in Lovingston, Virginia. The purpose of the public hearing is to receive public input on a request for County approval to amend a portion of Wintergreen’s Master Plan. The subject property is located at Tax Map Parcel #11-A-2G and is currently designated for residential development (Grassy Ridge I and II). The owner is proposing to place a portion (355.451 acres) of the property into an open space conservation easement. The subject properties are owned by Wintergreen Partners, Inc. a Virginia Corporation.”
VI. REPORTS, APPOINTMENTS, DIRECTIVES AND CORRESPONDENCE
County Administrator’s Report for December 10, 2024 Board Meeting
A. DSS Building: An underground storage tank at the building site is slated for removal by the current owner on December 13, 2024 and closing on the property purchase will follow. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, Staff expects to schedule the Board’s acceptance of conveyance of the property for the January/February regular Board of Supervisors meeting.
B. Region 2000 Solid Waste Authority: The Region 2000 landfill expansion Rezoning and Special Use permit application was considered by the Campbell County Planning Commission on December 2, 2024. While the Planning Commission closed the meeting noting that their action will be deferred for forty-five (45) days to allow for a joint meeting between their Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors; they have now scheduled a special called meeting for Thursday, December 12th to discuss this matter. A closed session is scheduled later in our meeting to receive legal advice regarding the Region 2000 litigation.
C. County Facility Maintenance – Please see departmental reports
• Commonwealth Attorney Office Door: Coordination with the Commonwealth’s Attorney and staff is ongoing to find an acceptable accessibility and security solution. A letter from D. Rutherford regarding the space and security needs of his office will be discussed under Correspondence.
• Animal Shelter Ceiling Repair and Animal Shelter Drain and Kennel repair: These items have been submitted by the Animal Control Department as an FY26 CIP item for the Board’s consideration during the FY26 budget work sessions.
D. FY26 Budget: Staff is collecting and entering submitted departmental budget data with a draft preliminary budget calendar forthcoming. It is the goal of staff to begin work sessions in late January, with the review of FY26 CIP requests to be considered as we are building the General Fund budget. A challenge in budgeting FY26 Real Estate revenues will be estimating Calendar Year 2025 real estate values and Calendar Year 2026 (including reassessment values) because FY26 will be based upon ½ of CY 2025 and ½ of CY 2026.
E. 2026 Reassessment: A report from Gary Eanes, Professional Assessor for the County’s 2026 reassessment is scheduled to report on their activities to date at the January Board meeting.
F. Larkin Water Capacity Follow Up Proposal (CHA): Update is pending. Staff is actively following up on this, however, unfortunately, Mr. Steele and I have not yet been able to connect.
G. Renaissance Ridge Development: The RR development plan was considered by the Planning Commission at their November 20, 2024 meeting, where it was reviewed and determined to be in general consistency with the Wintergreen Master Plan pursuant to the Code of Nelson county Article 7, Section 7-3-1. The RR development plan does not require Board of Supervisors review or approval pursuant to the Code of Nelson County Article 7, Section 7-2-3, because there is no alteration in the land use associated with this development in the Wintergreen Master Plan that would require the Board’s approval.
H. FY25 Q1 Revenue: Staff is working with EMS/MC, our transport billing company and ESO, the software company used to transmit patient care records, to capture several previous months of transport billing data that was not transmitted/received for billing. This revenue is expected to greatly improve once the backlog of transports work their way through the billing process. As an additional quality control measure going forward, two field Supervisors with NEMS and Rockfish Volunteer Fire and Rescue now have the ability to review transport data within the EMS/MC system to confirm that this data is being captured for billing and more quickly identify any issues needing resolution.
I. Meals and Lodging Tax Collection & Lodging Entity Tracking: See Attached Charts
2. Board Reports:
Supervisor Jesse Rutherford reported that he had been to the PDC meeting where modular nuclear powerplants was a “hot topic”. Supervisor Rutherford is concerned about connecting Nelson students with a junior college in Amherst to provide technical and construction/trade skills and training.
Supervisor Ernie Reed: participated in a two by two meeting with the school board and feels that the full board needs to meet jointly with the school board, again about technical and trade school training and other joint priorities. David Peterson with SHINE indicated that there is solar training but Mr. Reed said they have no way of transporting Nelson students to the classes. The School Board is concerned about its outdated school buses. TJPDC Corp has acted as the umbrella group for “Here To Stay” Wintergreen until they get their own non-profit status. They do this for other start up non-profits. At the DEQ, a report was presented on how to clean up Hat Creek and Black Creek so their status is no longer declared impaired.
Supervisor David Parr reported he had attended the EMS council where the budgetary structure issues resulted in insufficient funds to cover all of the expenses. Mr. Parr inquired about who had paid for the foam used to put out the fire at Three Notched and why was a golden retriever being rescued from Crabtree Falls, diverting most of the EMS personnel and equipment away from availability for a human emergency and the danger the rescue caused the EMS. Mr. Parr had a meeting with Senator Dietz about the County’s concerns about solar and received no feedback. He does not think Sen. Dietz had any change of heart as a result of the meeting but Senator Deitz unequivocally knows the county’s concerns.
B. Appointments: No action was taken.
C. Correspondence: Commonwealth Attorney Daniel Rutherford sent a letter to the Board detailing the shortage of space in the County attorney’s current offices and how the office’s work a was being impeded, files were at risk, and the safety of staff and witnesses is jeopardized. He needs 7 full rooms. Supervisor Ligon requested to know the square footage requested.
D. Directives: Candace McGarry was instructed to survey all of the county’s government offices for purposes of seeing if a reallocation of existing office space is possible. This inventory of space is to include the school board. Ms. McGarry was requested to invite Curtis Sheets to a meeting to discuss the fear experienced by the EMTs regarding the proximity of the Lovingston station to Route 29 and the likelihood that a vehicle might hit the building where they are supposed to sleep. Options to relieve these fears need to be discussed.
Supervisor Rutherford would like to be appointed to explore technological training opportunities for residents of the county. Supervisor Dr. Jessica Ligon said the issue of bad work ethic on the part of students working jobs/internships needs to be addressed by the schools. Supervisor Rutherford wanted an update on the “dog tax” from the treasurer. Rabies shots are to be reported by vets to county. Animal Control should also be brought into the discussion.
VII. CLOSED SESSION PURSUANT TO §2.2-3711 (A)(8) - REGION 2000 SERVICES
AUTHORITY: The action taken not yet available as of the date of this publication.
VIII. OTHER BUSINESS (AS PRESENTED) None.
IX. ADJOURN AND CONTINUE - EVENING SESSION AT 7PM
EVENING SESSION
7:00 P.M. – NELSON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. PUBLIC COMMENTS: None
III. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Special Use Permit #24-0014 – Large Solar Energy System
Supervisor Parr Announced that no decision would be voted on regarding either issue and that the purpose of this hearing was to hear from the public on the agenda items.
Presenters:
1) Dylan Bishop, Director of Planning & Zoning, spoke first giving the background of the project, generally what the project entailed, the steps involved to get final approval of the project and the steps taken to inform those in the proposed projects immediate vicinity of the nature and scope of the proposed project. Ms. Bishop reported the following information:
Owners Acreage Tax Map Numbers
Weyerhaeuser Company 4646.8 acres #97-1-9
Joe & Bobby Hickey 47.4 acres #97-A-29
Total of Subject Parcels 4694.2 acres
Area Under Site Control 2470 acres
Construction Area 550 acres
Area Under Panels 470 acres
Applicant Contact Information: Wild Rose Solar Project, LLC, a subsidiary of Savion, LLC
Attn: Jeannine Johnson
422 Admiral Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64106
(816) 421-9599
Comments: This request is Nelson County’s first application for a large solar energy system, governed by Article 22A of the Zoning Ordinance and defined as, “an energy conversion system, operating as a principal land use, consisting of photovoltaic panels, support structures, and associated control, conversion, and transmission hardware occupying one (1) acre or more of total land area. Also known as solar energy arrays or “solar energy farms.” The applicant is proposing to install a 90 megawatt (utility scale) solar energy farm on land in active timber use. The remaining land is planned to remain in silvicultural use during the life of the project, which is proposed at a length of 35-40 years. The electricity generated by the panels is sent to inverters, which converts it to a current where collection lines can then transfer it to the project substation. From there, it is transferred by overhead transmission line to the Gladstone substation, then fed into AEP’s power grid for distribution. The application indicates that above ground lines are necessary for connection into the power grid. The applicants facilitated public outreach, including two meetings at the Nelson Heritage Center (one for property owners adjacent to the project boundaries, and one for those within a one-mile radius). The County then hosted the applicant for a Community Open House at the Gladstone Fire Department where mailers were sent out to almost 300 residents. The applicant has also presented the proposed project to both the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors.ng & Zoning
To ensure adequate notification, County staff send adjoining owner notices for the special use permit public hearings to those within a one-mile radius of the project site. Local zoning approval is one of the first steps in a lengthy review process for utility scale solar projects. Should the special use permit be ultimately approved, the applicants are then required to proceed with DEQ’s Permit By Rule process (PBR) which requires that any impacts be avoided, minimized, or mitigated. This includes the submittal of studies, and review and approval by agencies such as Department of Historic Resources (DHR), Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR), and Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). If applicable, permits will be required from the Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Virginia Water Protection (VWP), and Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC). The applicants hired a third party consulting firm (Stantec Consulting Services, Inc.) to complete historical and cultural resources studies, wildlife and endangered species studies, topographical, wetlands, and soils surveys, glare hazard study, traffic study, and decommissioning plan, copies of which were submitted with the application. Should the special use permit be approved, a Major Site Plan will be required, and to accommodate for the additional review time the applicants are requesting a period of 5 years to secure building permits from the date of approval. The current expected commercial operation date is 2027.
The applicant has indicated a partnership with Shine, the Solar Hands-on Instructional Network of Excellence, which provides a mobile lab to facilitate local workforce job training. The construction is proposed to generate up to 250 temporary jobs and 2-5 permanent positions. The acreage being removed from Land Use taxation relief will require rollback tax payment of approximately $132,000. The applicant has also submitted a Siting Agreement, which proposes additional funds above tax obligations to be utilized by the County.
Utility scale solar projects can be taxed as Machinery and Tools (M&T), or through “Revenue Share,” which provides for up to $1,400 per megawatt. The siting agreement proposes a “greater of” option, where the higher amount of the two options in each year is calculated to be the payment obligation. Other terms of the siting agreement include $112,000 payment within 60 days of approval of the Siting Agreement, $1 million within 60 days of the Site Plan approval, and $1 million within 60 days of issuance of all building permits. The Siting Agreement also proposes a total of $5 million in equal yearly installments over the first 7 years after the site is in commercial operation. The total amount paid to the County over the life of the project is estimated at $16 million. The developer would also be responsible to pay for all third-party inspections by a firm approved by the County Building Official. An update to the proposed conditions includes, “13. Agricultural use within Project Site. The Applicant will deploy agricultural uses within the Project Site (i.e. Agrivoltaics). The Applicant will develop and submit as part of the Final Site Plan review process a Farming Plan for such agricultural uses.”
DISCUSSION:
Land Use / Floodplain: This area is primarily silvicultural and residential in nature. Zoning in the vicinity is A-1 Agriculture. This property is located close to the Amherst County border, northwest of the Gladstone community along Route 60 and bisected by Tye River Road. There are no floodplains located on the property.
Access / Traffic / Parking: The site is proposed to be served by a network of access roads, utilizing existing logging roads where feasible. Entrances will be located on Tye River Road, Twin Oaks Lane, Route 60, and Buck Mountain Lane. A traffic study has been submitted and requires approval from VDOT.
Erosion & Sediment Control / Stormwater: Per DEQ, all areas under panels are considered impermeable, and factor into the calculation for land disturbance. As such, both an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan and Stormwater Management Plan will be required to be approved by the Building Inspections Department and DEQ, respectively.
Visual / Environmental Impacts: The project is proposed to be screened utilizing existing vegetation as much as possible. Where plantings are required, native, pollinator-friendly species will be utilized. The applicant has proposed at least a 125’ buffer zone, and 200’ in areas adjacent to residential structures. Wetlands buffers are proposed as well as wildlife crossing corridors. Approximately 7,500 acres of surrounding land will continue to remain active timber. Photo renderings from various locations along adjacent roadways were submitted with the application as well (Appendix G). The height of the panels shall not exceed 15’ when at maximum tilt. Additionally, the panels will be anti-glare with anti-reflective coating, and are considered not hazardous to air, soil, or water per the Environmental Protection Agency’s standards.
Decommissioning: Appendix H contains the proposed Decommissioning Plan and associated bond for the project.
Comprehensive Plan: This property is located in a Rural Area on the County’s Future Land Use Map, which should ensure the protection of the County’s rural landscape and economy by maintaining open space, scenic views, and agricultural uses with compatible low density residential uses. One of the Rural Area’s primary land use types is solar installations (contingent on site conditions), and a planning guideline is that solar development should be sited to have minimal impacts to scenic viewsheds and natural resources. It is the duty of all localities in Virginia to plan for alternative energy sources, and Nelson must work with developers to help accommodate alternative energy sources as much as is feasible. According to Comprehensive Plan maps, the subject properties are not located within areas of steep slopes (over 20%) or areas of high conservation value.”
The motions from the Planning Commission at their meeting on June 26, 2024 are below:
1. Voted (4-1) that proposed SUP #24-0014, Wild Rose Solar Project, LLC large solar energy system is not deemed to be in substantial accord with the Nelson 2042 Comprehensive Plan per Section 15.2-2232 of the Code of Virginia.
(Note: The applicant submitted an appeal of this determination on July 8, 2024.)
2. Voted (5-0) to recommend denial of proposed SUP #24-0014, Wild Rose Solar Project, LLC large solar energy system to the Board of Supervisors.
2. Savion LLC presented a summary power point of the project with arial maps and renderings of what the project should look like from outside of vegetation buffer. The entire proposal and the power point substantially exceed and could not be included in this summary. They are available in the Board of Supervisor Packet for the December 10 meeting.
B. Proposed Siting Agreement - Large Solar Energy System
Consideration of a Proposed Siting Agreement between Wild Rose Solar Project, LLC and Nelson County, Virginia, pursuant to §15.2-2316.8 in connection with a solar facility proposed by Wild Rose Solar Project, LLC to be constructed on the following Tax Map Parcels #97-1-9 (4599.4 acres owned by Weyerhaeuser Company) and #97-A-29 (47.4 acres owned by Joe & Bobby Hickey) in the Gladstone area.
IV. Public Comments regarding (I) the Special Use Permit and the (II) Proposed citing agreement. Authors note: The public “turn out” to speak on the proposed Solar Project was impressive and Nelson County should be proud to call the speakers fellow citizens. The comments were almost without exception polite, thoughtful, recognized the legitimacy of the concerns and /or favorable views of the other speakers, and were a model of what civil discourse can and should be. EVERYONE should watch the YouTube video of the 7:00 pm meeting. The link can be found on the Nelson County website under Board of Supervisors.
The following people came to speak:
First Public Hearing:
John Ballard – Gladstone spoke in favor of the special use permit and site plan.
Virginia Ballard of Gladstone opted not to speak.
Mike Tabony, Gladstone spoke in favor of the special use permit and site plan
Denise Tuso, Afton spoke in favor of the special use permit and site plan
Mike Tuso, Afton spoke in favor of the special use permit and site plan.
Robert Ogilvie, Afton spoke generally in favor of solar panels and has had them for some years.
Valdrie Walker, Norwood spoke against approving the special use permit, did not feel the Board or the public had enough information to make a decision.
Mary Kathryn Allen, Gladstone, member of the planning commission, spoke against approving the special use permit, did not feel the Board or the public had enough information to make a decision.
James Allen, Gladstone opposed the solar project plan because of the terrain. The slopes they will sit on and the impervious nature of the panels lead to serious drainage problems.
James Bibb, Arrington was ambivalent and spoke against the permit and site plan. He feels South District is getting projects the other districts don’t want in their back yard; the use is not agricultural and will hurt the wildlife. He talked about what happened to Climax, Virginia.
Charlie Hurt, Esmont recommended using sheep to control grass height on the site which needs to be in the permit/ordinance.
Tyler Price, Norwood spoke against the permit and site plan. This is solar farm is part of the permanent change of the landscape with water quality and permanent loss of farmland.
Edward McCann, Massies Mill spoke against the permit and site plan. Pointed out timber protects the land from wildfires.
John Morse, Gladstone opposed the special use permit and site plan as he is worried about storm and water runoff and drainage, the size of the solar farm, and decommissioning.
Robin Hauschner, Lovingston, a member of the planning commission opposed the special use permit and site plan.
Michael Campbell, Lowesville (Nelson County Farm Bureau) concerned about efficiency of the panels and how they will be able to make grasses grow on that site.
William Mays, Roseland opposed the special use permit and site plan because of the loss of farmland. He said Virginia is losing dairy farms at the rate of one a week.
Laura Moon, Gladstone spoke in favor of the special use permit and site plan.
James Critz, Faber opposed the special use permit and site plan as compliance with the parameters is always an issue.
Judy Cash, Shipman opposed the special use permit and site plan as she still had too many questions about the project
Second Public Hearing:
Karri Honaker, Gladstone opposed the special use permit and site plan for a number of reasons in a well thought out presentation.
Philip Purvis, Shipman opposed the special use permit and site plan as ugly and bad for the local climate. He raised concerns about enforcement of the conditions on the permit if it is granted.
Supervisor Reed asked Savion LLC how they could integrate Solar Training into their proposal and address how they would help with Nelson’s technical training. Supervisor Parr thanked everyone for coming out and said he hoped the Board would have a decision by January.
IV. OTHER BUSINESS (AS APPLICABLE) None
A. Wild Rose Solar Project Appeal of June 26, 2024 Planning Commission Substantial Accord Determination Not addressed.
V. THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED AND CONTINUED TO DECEMBER 18, 2024 AT 5 P.M. FOR A PUBLIC HEARING, FOLLOWED BY A JOINT WORK SESSION WITH THE PLANNING COMMISSION.