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Supervisors approve MOU allowing Department of Wildlife Resources due diligence on Coles Point sale and direct MOU for James Monroe golf-cart use
Summary
The board authorized an MOU allowing the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources to pursue due diligence on a proposed $980,000 purchase of Coles Point and approved a motion to permit a volunteer-purchased golf cart for maintenance at the James Monroe birthplace, directing staff to draft a binding MOU to set hours and conditions.
The Westmoreland County Board of Supervisors approved two related items concerning county property and historic-site maintenance.
Memorandum of Understanding — Coles Point: The county attorney presented an MOU with the Department of Wildlife Resources that would permit the department to conduct due diligence on the Coles Point property the county bought previously. The attorney said the sale price discussed is $980,000 and that the MOU would allow DWR to perform title work, geotechnical borings and other investigatory steps. The attorney and chair noted that selling public property will require a later public hearing before any transfer closes; staff said a close could occur in mid next year if the process moves forward. The board moved, seconded and approved the MOU and authorized the interim county administrator to execute it.
James Monroe birthplace — golf cart and MOU: In a separate agenda item, the board considered allowing a volunteer group (James Monroe Foundation and volunteers) to use a golf cart the group had purchased to assist with grounds maintenance. Supporters emphasized the scale of volunteer work and the physical burden of hauling supplies; others raised concerns about historic-site preservation, liability and insurance. The board approved the immediate use by voice/roll call (members voted aye), but to address operating hours, liability and rules it directed staff to return with a formal memorandum of understanding (MOU) specifying permitted hours and conditions; the board approved a motion to have staff draft and return with the MOU for ratification.
Board members said the golf cart would not be used during operating hours and that an MOU will spell out hours and liability responsibilities. Several supervisors urged care to protect the historic setting, and staff indicated they will work with the volunteer group to craft rules and an MOU prior to final ratification.
Both actions were approved without recorded opposition.
