Charlotte County adopts broadband-related resolutions for RiverStreet and Empower Broadband after closed-session negotiations

The Charlotte County Board of Supervisors on June 13 moved forward with formal resolutions related to county broadband plans after consulting with counsel in closed session.

During an update earlier in the meeting RiverStreet Communications representative Lon Welchel described progress on the VATI grant: phase one is in design, RiverStreet has identified cabinet and office-site needs, and a national fiber shortage is causing delays. Welchel said engineering must be completed before construction and expressed hope crews could begin putting 'boots on the ground' in the fourth quarter of the year.

Later the Board entered closed session under Virginia Code §2.2-3711(A)(8) (legal counsel consultation) and §2.2-3711(A)(29) (discussion of contract award/negotiation). After returning to open session the Board adopted a resolution regarding RiverStreet Communications of Virginia on a unanimous roll call. The Board also adopted a resolution concerning Empower Broadband; that vote recorded one abstention by Supervisor Will Garnett and the remaining supervisors voting aye.

Administrator Daniel Witt had recommended tabling the VATI grant discussion until after closed session; the Board ultimately tabled further siting action on the Randolph Solar agreement and adopted the broadband resolutions.

The minutes do not include the full text of either resolution or specific contract terms; the Board's actions authorize staff to continue negotiating and implementing the broadband grant work as permitted by law and county procedures.