Westmoreland County Planning Commission met Nov. 2, 2026 to approve a Chesapeake Bay Act exemption for a Harbor View Circle property, grant a subdivision code waiver conditioned on reducing a proposed three‑lot redivision to two conforming lots, and begin drafting zoning text amendments to regulate recreational cannabis following recent state law changes.

Discussion Points

•A neighbor opposed returning the parcel to three lots; the applicant said he was amenable to the two‑lot option
•Commissioners discussed use categories, appropriate zoning districts and the limits of local prohibition
•Commissioners questioned runoff capture, sheet flow method, and proximity to bulkheads
•Consider raising minimum lot frontage and adding screening, lighting, fencing and security requirements
•Staff described project details, impervious area changes (+275 sq ft), disturbance within RPA and mitigation plan (plantings, sheet flow)
•Staff explained state licensing authority and the county's limited options (primarily zoning text amendments)
•Staff said the three‑lot redivision would create nonconforming lots under the subdivision ordinance; staff recommended denial or an alternate of two conforming lots
•Staff will draft two documents (zoning text amendment and county code enforcement language) and circulate model ordinances from other localities
•Staff will run GIS tests to assess practical effects of suggested buffer distances
•Suggested ~1,000‑foot setbacks from hospitals, schools, churches and group homes
•Suggested 2‑mile spacing between retail/microbusinesses to avoid clustering

Decisions

•Commission approved the staff‑recommended option to reduce the redivision to two conforming lots, with conditions
•Exemption approved subject to staff conditions
•No final ordinance adopted; consensus to move forward with drafting and a work session
•No numeric standard formally adopted; informal consensus to test 2 miles and 1,000 feet as starting points
•Work session to be scheduled; no final ordinance enacted at this meeting

Directions

•Applicant must record the exemption and keep work substantially in conformance with approved plans; future changes to return for review
•Applicant must submit a revised plat meeting staff specifications; approved plat must be recorded within statutory timelines
•Staff instructed to draft zoning text amendments and a county code section for sheriff enforcement where appropriate
•Staff to run GIS tests to see where proposed distances leave developable land and to prepare specific numeric language for a work session
•Staff to schedule a work session and return a public hearing the next month
•Staff to schedule a work session and return with draft ordinances for review and a public hearing next month

Oct

Wetlands Board Regular Meeting

The Westmoreland County Wetlands Board met to consider shoreline stabilization permits, approving two riprap revetment projects (cases 1519 and 1520) with conditions including a buried toe detail and a required water-quality impact assessment. The board also approved the prior meeting minutes and welcomed a new member.

Discussion Points

•Agent confirmed buried toe and tree impacts (about six trees) were included in supplemental drawings.
•Applicant said work would realign existing stones and add filter cloth.
•Board members raised concern that submitted drawings lacked a buried toe detail.
•Board required a WQIA for upland disturbance.
•Chair noted appeal period before work may commence.
•Minutes approved by motion.
•Staff described site as high-energy shoreline and recommended approval.
•Staff presented prior permits, site conditions and recommended approval.
•Two permits approved with conditions.

Decisions

•Minutes approved; Case 1519 and Case 1520 approved with conditions.
•Permit approved for three years with condition of receiving buried toe drawing; 10-day appeal period noted.
•Permit approved for three years with WQIA addendum; 10-day appeal period before work begins.

Directions

•Applicant must provide WQIA and any additional required documentation to staff prior to permit use.
•Applicant must submit benchmarked drawings showing a buried toe to staff prior to permit issuance.
•Applicants to submit required drawings and WQIA to staff prior to commencing work.

Oct

Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting

Westmoreland County Board of Supervisors met Oct. 14, 2026; agenda items included a closed session, adoption of zoning amendments to implement Senate Bill 346 for manufactured homes, approval of $6.59M in county carryovers, discussion of a planned Carry On/ATW plant closure affecting about 179 jobs, upgrades to public safety radios, RFPs for audit and snow removal, and authorization to assess county wastewater assets for possible sale.

Discussion Points

•Attorney noted the law likely applies prospectively and may not override existing contractual covenants in HOAs.
•Board debated issuing an IFB for asset purchase versus first appraising the assets.
•Board member said closure would affect ~179 employees and local businesses.
•Board reported 426 public calls about sewage rate increases; one district faced a 70% jump.
•County attorney advised obtaining an appraisal and noted public hearing requirements for selling public assets.
•Hardware end-user devices are at or past end-of-life; CIP includes replacement funding of ~$704,001.58.
•June 2026 catastrophic failure exposed vulnerabilities.
•LTE failover and mobile command capability helped maintain some communications.
•MIH provides home visits, education and community screening events and coordinates with partners for job and training assistance.
•Options discussed: IFB for treatment plants, appraisals, potential new plant, regional funding assistance.
•Program began with grant funding in Oct. 2022 and focuses on reducing repeat 911 calls and avoidable ER visits.
•SB 346 requires qualifying manufactured homes be allowed where site-built single-family homes are permitted if certain criteria are met.
•School division submitted carryover but requires school board reappropriation to supervisors per VA Code §22.1-100.
•Staff described worker assistance (rapid response, job training, RCC job event).
•Staff explained fund 525 restrictions and different rates by district due to operational costs.
•Staff outlined decommissioning steps, environmental assessments, and property sale process by Bain Capital.
•Total carryovers $6,591,759.02; general fund carryover $1,838,002.35.

Decisions

•Authorization granted to proceed with assessment exploration.
•Board adopted the amendment; staff to update ordinance documents.
•Board approved county carryovers (motion carried).
•Resolution adopted.

Directions

•Board offered guidance to proceed consistent with CIP; staff to return with procurement details.
•Board recognized the week and supported program expansion if grant funding is secured.
•County administrator authorized to explore and procure engineering/appraisal services and report back.
•County staff to coordinate with local/state/federal partners and notify the board/community of updates.
•Planning to revise ordinance text and appendix to reflect the new permitted uses.
•Staff to research alternatives, consult county attorney, and report back on feasibility and costs.
•Staff to update carryover report when school reappropriation is presented.

Sep

Board of Supervisors Work Session Meeting

Westmoreland County Board of Supervisors discussed tech-center program expansion, a federal-ordered copper-line retirement and county backup plan, an American Water presentation about buying county water/wastewater assets, several routine appointments and a proclamation for National 4‑H Week; the board also rescheduled its November meeting to Monday the 16th and canceled routine work sessions for Oct–Dec.

Discussion Points

•American Water said it serves ~2,500 county water customers and ~1,800 wastewater connections.
•Board members praised 4‑H and the chair read the proclamation.
•County tested a network telephone with cellular backup; final test scheduled Oct. 5 with countywide cut‑over planned in October starting with the emergency communications center.
•Erdman introduced 4‑H teen leaders and asked for recognition of National 4‑H Week.
•FCC adopted rules March 26 accelerating retirement of copper lines; this affects legacy phones, alarms and elevator lines.
•Options discussed: move to Wed. Nov. 4 (holiday), or Monday Nov. 16; board favored Nov. 16.
•Staff described the criminal justice board and the need for three county representatives.
•Supervisor moved to approve the submitted names and add the chair; motion seconded and approved by voice vote.
•Supervisor reported 355 students currently enrolled at the technical center and proposed program expansions (criminal justice, dispatcher, firefighting, EMS).
•Supervisor requested other local boards consider funding and outreach to support expansion.
•Supervisors raised concerns about recent rate increases (one cited a 70% jump) and protections for fixed‑income residents.
•Supervisors raised concerns about rural/older residents and household upgrade costs.
•The company would require an RFP to provide concrete purchase numbers; an asset purchase would include an upfront lump sum and the requirement that wastewater debt be paid off.
•VACO conference dates (Nov. 8–10) conflicted with the board's Nov. 9 meeting.

Decisions

•No decision to issue an RFP at this meeting; discussion only.
•No formal funding decision made; the board asked staff to follow up.
•No formal policy change; operational testing and implementation proceeded as described.
•Proclamation formally adopted by voice vote.
•Regular November meeting moved to Monday, Nov. 16 and Oct–Dec work sessions canceled pending special meeting need.
•Submitted appointees and the chair were approved by voice vote.

Directions

•Board may issue an RFP if it chooses; staff to prepare materials and options for future consideration.
•County IT to proceed with final testing and prepare for the Oct. cut‑over; follow-up to report on outcomes and resident impacts.
•County staff to enter proclamation into the record and arrange for a group photo.
•County staff to notify the Northern Neck Regional Jail of the appointed representatives.
•County staff to prepare shared calendar and deliver hard copies for Oct–Dec; staff to call special meetings if necessary.
•Staff to pursue constituent outreach and investigate potential funding options for program expansion.

Sep

Planning Commission Regular Meeting

The Westmoreland County Planning Commission approved a zoning text amendment to align its ordinance with new Virginia law on manufactured homes and postponed an individual permit for a single-family dwelling in a resource protection area at the applicant's request.

Discussion Points

•Applicant requested tabling to allow updated engineering and site plans to be prepared and re-advertised.
•No further items; meeting adjourned.
•Staff clarified the feature does not appear on county GIS but was based on field work.
•Staff described a field delineation by Benchmark Group classifying an onsite feature as perennial and subject to buffer rules.
•Staff emphasized local standards (setbacks, utilities, road access, Chesapeake Bay requirements) remain applicable.
•Staff explained the amendment is intended to bring the county code into compliance with state law and described required conditions for manufactured homes (lot, conversion to real property, CO within 5 years).
•Staff recommended accepting the request because amended documents were not available before packet distribution.
•Work session with Board of Supervisors postponed; no date set.

Decisions

•Adjournment approved by voice vote.
•Approval of the zoning text amendment (motion carried).
•Case 2609CBAE01 tabled at applicant's request.

Directions

•Forward recommendation of approval to the Board of Supervisors.
•Staff to re-advertise and return the case after receiving updated plans.

Aug

Wetlands Board Regular Meeting

Regular Westmoreland County Wetland Board meeting: roll call, approval of minutes, three permit cases considered (one tabled, two extensions approved), brief public comment, then adjournment.

Discussion Points

•An advertisement error had occurred (agent corrected it) but board members lacked packet/site review and declined to proceed.
•Board asked whether the prior $3,300 in-lieu fee had been paid; staff did not have payment status on hand.
•Board confirmed prior approvals and that the extension request aligns with the previously approved plan.
•Board formally moved and seconded to table the item until September.
•Board questioned whether in-lieu fee ($3,300) had been paid for a prior approval and requested staff follow-up.
•Staff described technical details of living-shoreline proposals, dredging extents and proposed bulkheads/jetty extensions.
•Staff recapped technical elements (dredging to mean low water, vinyl bulkheads, riprap and jetty).
•VMRC representative advised on permit timing and jurisdictional observations.
•VMRC representative advised on permitting increments and jurisdictional observations.

Decisions

•Case 1515 tabled; no substantive vote on the application content.
•Case 1515 tabled to the next regularly scheduled meeting; Case 1449 and Case 1450 granted three-year extensions.
•Three-year extension for Case 1450 approved.
•Three-year extension granted for Case 1449.

Directions

•Staff to ensure permit conditions and to notify applicant of appeal period before work begins.
•Staff to investigate and report back on fee payment status and confirm permit procedural steps.
•Staff to place Case 1515 on the next agenda after providing full packet to board members.
•Staff to report back on the status of the in-lieu fee payment for Case 1450.

Aug

Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting

Regular meeting of the Westmoreland County Board of Supervisors covering department updates, school CIP reimbursement requests, finance and EMS reports, parks and recreation relaunch, IT modernization, and several routine actions including a property conveyance authorization; date not specified in transcript.

Discussion Points

•Average dispatch‑to‑arrival 11:55, within national average.
•Board members questioned whether projects started before board approval and whether the $1.7M transfer had been completed.
•Board suggested committee and town halls for public input.
•Consolidation of county IT and public‑safety communications.
•Director Panisse will prioritize youth and adult sports, online signups and partnerships with schools and churches.
•Early documented savings totaling roughly $45,800.
•July call volume 388, up ~200 year‑over‑year.
•Maintenance composed 86% of vehicle expenses in the reporting period.
•Migration to .gov domain and FirstNet cellular provider.
•Plans to implement purchase cards and digital invoice tracking.
•Realignment of planning region effective July 1.
•School division requests multiple CIP reimbursements totaling $2.75M; prior submissions totaled $5.59M.
•School representative described issue as cash‑flow (invoices paid; reimbursements pending).
•Soft close between FY26 and FY27 and audit prep for October.
•System issues resolved with IT; invoices and payroll processed.
•Training investments via RCC and CARE initiative.

Decisions

•Approved $2,754,700.64 reimbursement request.
•Charter approved.

Directions

•Continue partnership and report outcomes.
•County staff to set up committee and town‑hall meetings; Panisse to meet with NAACP to discuss childcare partnerships.
•EMS to track mileage, repair costs and downtime more closely to inform replacement decisions.
•IT to implement multifactor authentication and deliver dashboard metrics for board review.
•Staff to develop procurement controls and auditor RFP for upcoming meeting.
•Staff to reconcile cash‑flow and return with details on transfers and outstanding reimbursements.

Aug

Board of Supervisors Post-Closed Session

The board reconvened from executive session, certified that no action was taken during the closed session, canceled a planned Aug. 24 work session and announced a town hall on the Recreation Services Department for next Wednesday at 6 before adjourning.

Discussion Points

•Board confirmed cancellation of Aug. 24 work session and planning for a town hall on recreation services and youth opportunities.
•Motion to return from executive session; certification that no action was taken in executive session; motion to adjourn.

Decisions

•Aug. 24 work session canceled; town hall scheduled for next Wednesday at 6.
•Return to regular session approved; certification approved; meeting adjourned.

Directions

•Staff to advertise the town hall and publish time and location.

Aug

Planning Commission Regular Meeting

The Westmoreland County Planning Commission met Aug. 3, 2026, and approved a Chesapeake Bay Act exception for a detached garage, agreed to schedule a public hearing on a text amendment to align local rules with Virginia Senate Bill 346 on manufactured homes, extended a previous Chesapeake Bay Act exception through Sept. 3, 2027, and discussed a possible joint work session with the Board of Supervisors on solar farms.

Discussion Points

•Board of Supervisors requested joint session to discuss larger projects and possible policy adjustments; solar farms cited as an example.
•Commissioners agreed a one-year extension is reasonable to allow completion of design and permit submission.
•Commissioners asked about buffer delineation and silt-fence types on slopes; applicant confirmed existing gravel pad location.
•Commissioners asked about foundations and the ability of HOAs/covenants to block placement.
•Project road reopened and main hurdle overcome.
•Staff explained qualifying requirements for manufactured homes and that they remain subject to lot-size, setbacks, and permitting rules.
•Staff prefaced the session as a discussion rather than decision-making and asked commissioners for suggested topics.
•Staff presented that the proposed garage is within the 100-foot RPA but not the 50-foot seaward buffer; mitigation plan includes plantings.
•Staff reviewed the prior approval and noted permitting delays impeded timely commencement.

Decisions

•Approved Chesapeake Bay Act exception with staff conditions.
•Commission voted to schedule a public hearing to consider the text amendment.
•Informational update only.
•No formal decision; staff requested confirmation of interest.
•Resolution to extend the commencement deadline to 09/03/2027 approved.

Directions

•Proceed with staff conditions and record approval in the case file.
•Record extension and return case documentation to file.
•Schedule public hearing and gather public input.
•Staff to coordinate logistics and draft a loose agenda if commission agrees.

Jul

Board of Supervisors Work Session Meeting

Regular Westmoreland County Board of Supervisors meeting covering proposed fee changes (land use, EMS, utilities), a Plaza Bay road/engineering contract, discussion of a 1% local sales-tax referendum and plans to respond to Boys & Girls Club departure.

Discussion Points

•Attorney noted statute appears limited to new school construction and major renovation; town vs. county applicability unclear.
•Board asked for comparative data with neighboring counties.
•Board asked for Sept. 1 effective date to allow notices.
•Board must adopt a resolution, file a court petition and then place referendum on the ballot; referendum costs borne locally.
•Changes driven by new medication/pharmacy requirements, Medicare billing limits, and higher diesel prices.
•Concerns that the engineering proposal does not address off‑site stormwater management or clearly allocate responsibilities.
•County will partner with national office and explore options, including partnership with another existing club or stand‑alone operation.
•Resident testimony: 780 residents, heavy construction traffic, 294 new homes since 2021 and 300‑vehicle construction flows during projects.
•Staff cited a $16,000 cost for a decanter and other expensive parts and noted aging infrastructure.
•Staff requested Sept. 1 effective date to allow time for system changes.
•Staff said fee increases reflect higher costs (advertising, wages, postage) not new revenue.
•Supervisor noted social‑media misinformation and emphasized county support for youth programming.

Decisions

•Adopted revised land‑use fee schedule, effective Aug. 1, 2026.
•Approved utility fee adjustments effective Sept. 1, 2026.
•Begin community engagement process; steering committee to be formed.
•Board approved EMS fee increases effective Sept. 1, 2026.
•Item continued to August for further work; no contract awarded.
•No resolution adopted at this meeting; staff directed to report back.

Directions

•County attorney to research statutory limits, town/county applicability and ballot costs; return in August.
•Implement fee changes on Sept. 1; staff to issue public notifications.
•Implement new EMS rates on Sept. 1 and update regional billing partners.
•Implement revised schedule beginning Aug. 1 and have land‑use staff update billing and notifications.
•Set up steering committee, schedule an open roundtable/town hall and conduct community engagement surveys.
•Staff to work with land use, county attorney and the sanitary district to define scope, confirm procurement obligations (RFP if required), and return in August.

Jun

Wetlands Board Regular Meeting

Meeting of the Westmoreland County Wetlands Board: the board approved minutes, approved two shoreline projects (a revetment/breakwater/beach-nourishment at 68 Haulover Circle and a replacement timber bulkhead at Jenkins Pointe Road), asked for improved site-visit recommendations, and then adjourned.

Discussion Points

•Agent described two-part project (rev etment + breakwater) with stone classes and nourishment volumes.
•Agent said living-shoreline retrofit was impractical given house proximity (~14 feet).
•BMRC will process separate aqueous permit for breakwater portion.
•Board approved previous meeting minutes.
•Board requested staff include site-visit recommendations in packets.
•One member objected on policy grounds preferring riprap and more natural shoreline solutions.
•Owner stated neighbors submitted letters supporting following the procedure.
•Staff described the failed sections of the existing bulkhead and the proposed replacement materials and footprint.

Decisions

•Case 513 approved for a three-year permit.
•Case 51514 approved for a three-year permit despite one dissenting vote.
•Minutes approved; procedural request recorded.

Directions

•Applicants must wait 10 days post-approval before beginning work due to appeal period.
•Applicants to wait 10 days before starting work to allow appeal period.
•Staff to include site-visit recommendations for future meetings.

May

Wetlands Board Regular Meeting - May 18, 2026

The Westmoreland County Wetlands Board held a meeting to consider five shoreline permit applications (cases 1507, 1509, 1510, 1511 and 1512). Staff and agents described proposed riprap revetments and bulkhead repairs; the board approved each application with three-year permits and noted a 10-day waiting period before work may begin.

Discussion Points

•Agents’ engineering descriptions of refurbishing riprap, replacing bulkheads in-kind, and drainage/filter fabric plans.
•Staff estimates of non-vegetated wetland and subaqueous-bottom encroachments for several projects.
•Whether VIMS review had been requested and its historical recommendation against bulkheads in many cases.

Decisions

•Approval of Cases 1507, 1509, 1510, 1511 and 1512 each with a three-year permit.

Directions

•Applicants to wait 10 days before commencing construction because of the appeal/PO process.
•Staff to issue three-year permits and coordinate any required subaqueous permits with marine-resources committee.

May

Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting - May 11, 2026

Westmoreland County Board of Supervisors met May 13, 2026. The board adopted several proclamations, approved routine minutes and payroll, approved two budget appropriations (DSS and CSA supplements), adopted the six‑year secondary roads plan with an amendment adding New Monrovia Road, authorized revision of the land‑use fee schedule and a public hearing, approved a lease amendment for county cell‑tower equipment, heard town reports and public comment, then held and certified an executive session.

Discussion Points

•Board members agreed to preserve citizen assistance while aligning fees with processing costs.
•Board members discussed project timing and funding constraints.
•Board members expressed public thanks and recognized the work with a proclamation.
•Bobby Duke explained the $200,000 CSA supplement reflects caseload increases, with local match ~30% and commonwealth reimbursement ~70%.
•County attorney reviewed lease amendment and found no legal issues.
•Director Stewart explained cost components (ad costs, staff time, commissioner reimbursements) that suggest current fees undervalue processing costs.
•Residents argued that paving New Monrovia Road would reduce trash dumping and support increasing traffic.
•Senator Stewart described a wire‑fraud case affecting his law office and credited county detectives for thorough investigation and recovery of funds.
•Supervisors discussed the impact of 5G equipment on coverage and the potential need for more towers.
•The sheriff and assistants described multi‑agency cooperation including out‑of‑state search warrants and recovery of money.
•Tiffany Gordon explained the $113,746 appropriation covers previously authorized FY2026 commitments for family partnership meetings and salary increases.
•VDOT explained funding sources (telefees, unpaved road funds, revenue sharing) and estimated per‑project costs.

Decisions

•Adopted proclamation for National Law Enforcement Week (voice vote).
•Adopted the six‑year plan as amended to include New Monrovia Road.
•Approved lease amendment with Verizon/Cellco.
•Authorized administrator to prepare fee schedule amendments; public hearing to be scheduled.
•Board approved both appropriations by voice vote.

Directions

•County administrator to work with Director of Land Use to draft revisions and schedule a June public hearing.
•Departments to record appropriations in financial system and proceed with expenditure under standard accounting
•Staff to coordinate with carriers and technical reviewers as needed.
•VDOT to prepare a resolution to add the selected road for the next meeting.

Apr

Board of Supervisors Work Session Meeting - April 27, 2026

Westmoreland County board approved a remediation contract for the AT Johnson Building, passed the FY26 school funding formula, rescinded a joint MOU with the school board and ordered funds returned to original accounts, awarded a 2028 reassessment contract to Vision Government Solutions, approved several budget de-obligations and supplemental appropriations, and took personnel actions including a 5% pay increase for the interim county administrator.

Discussion Points

•Board approved supplemental appropriations and directed staff to implement accounting changes.
•Board authorized contract execution after proof of performance bond and a partial reserve transfer to cover current costs.
•Board confirmed existing loans and ongoing projects remain governed by existing agreements.
•Board debated transparency and historical responsibility for producing the school funding formula.
•Board emphasized requirement that substantive changes must return to the board.
•Board thanked finance staff for work on the historic budget reconciliations.
•Commissioner of the revenue recommended Vision based on price and appeals schedule.
•County attorney flagged binding arbitration clause (paragraph 17).
•Finance director explained that several capital lines remained obligated and needed de‑obligation to reflect accurate fund balances.
•Miss Cargesway summarized negotiations and edits to Bay Restoration's draft contract.
•Staff and bond counsel advised that the MOU and joint capital reserve fund were not required for the loans and could disadvantage the county by mixing debt responsibilities.
•Two RFP respondents compared: Cohen Services (higher cost and fewer appeals days) and Vision Government Solutions (lower total cost and 4 weeks of informal appeals).

Decisions

•Contract approved, amount $216,583.36, subject to county attorney approval as to form.
•De‑obligations and supplements approved; interim administrator pay increase approved; chair authorized to negotiate with rescue squad.
•FY26 school funding formula approved; MOU rescinded; joint fund voided; funds reinstated to original accounts.
•Reassessment contract awarded to Vision; reserve funds authorized for transfer to cover current year portion.

Directions

•Chair authorized to represent the county in negotiations with rescue squad as named in the motion.
•County attorney and interim county administrator to execute contract after proof of bond; staff to transfer reserve funds to cover current fiscal year costs.
•County attorney to complete review and approve form; staff to finalize and execute contract after approval.
•Finance and treasurer to implement transfers and de‑obligations; payroll to process retroactive pay for the interim administrator.
•Rescind MOU; treasurer to void joint capital fund; reinstate funds to original accounts; treasurer and finance director to report back once completed.

Apr

Board of Zoning Appeals Regular Meeting - April 27, 2026

The Westmoreland County Board of Zoning Appeals approved a variance allowing a 12-by-24-foot shed to encroach into the front setback at 394 Seaview Drive after a staff report, an applicant statement and two letters of neighborhood support; the board noted a 30-day appeal period.

Discussion Points

•Applicant stated family ownership since the 1960s and limited on-site storage; offered mitigation plantings.
•Staff corrected a site-plan/survey error: shed is 12x24 not 10x24.
•Staff outlined variance findings under Code of Virginia §15.2-2309 and read applicants' responses.
•Two neighbor letters in support were entered into the record.

Decisions

•Variance case 2604-VO2 approved in accordance with staff recommendations; 30-day appeal period applies.

Directions

•None recorded other than advising applicants to consult land use office regarding appeal/work restrictions.

Apr

Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting - April 13, 2026

Westmoreland County Board of Supervisors held its April 13, 2026 meeting to adopt proclamations and resolutions, hear a VDOT update and secondary six‑year plan, approve routine financial items and appointments, authorize a May 11 public hearing on the six‑year plan, and hear public comments on beach access and local policy concerns.

Discussion Points

•Alleged loss of deeded beach access at Ragged Point
•Board support for continued funding
•Concerns about volunteer recruitment and future costs if positions become paid
•Constituent follow‑up and responsiveness
•Funding sources for six‑year plan: telefees and unpaid‑road grants
•Recent trainings and reinstated multidisciplinary teams
•Recognition of volunteer fundraising and long operational service
•Right‑of‑way question on Longfield Road deed records
•Scope and cost of Glebe Harbor Drive speed study
•Solar guideline setbacks for facilities under 50 acres
•VDOT maintenance and pavement schedule (Oak Grove, Minokhin)
•Victim Witness program scope and regional partnerships

Decisions

•Adopt proclamation (approved)
•Adopt resolutions honoring both volunteers
•Amend speed study authorization to $8,000 (approved)
•Authorize joint public hearing May 11 (approved)
•No immediate board action recorded

Directions

•Clerk/staff to receive comment sheets and follow up with contact information for departmental responses
•Maintain regional coordination and training efforts
•Proceed with amended $8,000 speed study authorization; advertise joint May 11 public hearing
•Take photos and include resolutions in official records

Apr

Special Meeting - April 01, 2026

Westmoreland County supervisors discussed a recent default on debt-service payments that produced $104,045.14 in penalties, pressed for monthly reconciliation reports and policies, and moved into a closed session under Virginia Code 2.2-3711(a)(1) to discuss personnel and finance matters. A supervisor also flagged a state-funded riverbank tree-planting program that awarded $83,000 to Lancaster County.

Discussion Points

•A board member highlighted a state program that provided $83,000 for riverbank tree planting in Lancaster County.
•Board members noted simultaneous departures of senior staff (county administrator, assistant county administrator, finance director) left new hires without institutional knowledge.
•Public and employee questions about how a near-default on debt-service occurred and the amount of penalties incurred ($104,045.14).
•Requests by board members for a monthly reconciliation/control report signed off by county administrator, treasurer and finance staff and adoption of daily/weekly/monthly checklists.
•S3 emphasized that plantings protect banks from erosion caused by water and runoff.
•Supervisor (S3) described a forestry/Rappahannock River Basin Commission program providing funds for riparian tree plantings and said a Lancaster County award was $83,000.

Decisions

•Adjourned the meeting.
•Approved the agenda as presented.
•Moved into and returned from a closed session under Virginia Code 2.2-3711(a)(1).

Directions

•Board directed that closed-session attendance include the county administrator and a finance official per an amendment.
•Board requested staff produce monthly reconciliation memos and proposed checklists for internal controls.

Mar

Board of Supervisors Work Session Meeting - March 23, 2026

Westmoreland County supervisors approved a contract with Bay Restoration to remediate the AT Johnson building, authorized a $216,583.36 appropriation for the work, and approved a change to employee health insurance plans (raising deductibles) during a work session. The board also voted to go into and return from an executive session under code section 2.2-3711(A)(1).

Discussion Points

•Local premium increases estimated at 12–15%; prior year county absorbed a 7% increase.
•Switching to a higher-deductible option would limit county costs but increase employee out-of-pocket exposure.
•Whether to accept PBM despite later price increase or choose Bay Restoration due to more detailed testing; uncertainty about drywall replacement and ductwork costs; social services' request to consider reconfiguring visitation/bathing facilities.

Decisions

•Bay Restoration authorized for remediation; $216,583.36 appropriation approved.
•Change to $250 deductible plan approved.

Directions

•Implement the $250 Key Advantage plan by vendor deadline (April 1); HR to notify employees and complete enrollment.
•Rescind prior Feb. 9 vote; authorize Bay Restoration and draft contract with county attorney; appropriate funds and confirm funding source with treasurer.

Mar

Board of Zoning Appeals Regular Meeting - March 23, 2026

The Board of Zoning Appeals convened, conducted officer nominations, reviewed and approved a variance for a narrow corner lot on Maddox Avenue (case 2603-VD-01), readopted its bylaws and established a regular monthly meeting schedule. The board voted on staff recommendations and closed the meeting after setting the fourth Monday at 9 a.m. as the regular meeting date.

Discussion Points

•Applicant stated they purchased the lot and followed the variance application process.
•Bylaws were described as unchanged in substance and re-adopted with formatting updates.
•Minutes from 2025 were moved and seconded for approval.
•Nominations opened for president and vice chair; one nomination and one motion for vice chair were made.
•No public opposition was offered during the public comment period.
•Staff described lot history (1965), nonconforming frontage (<80 ft) and recommended 5-foot interior side setbacks.
•The board set its regular meeting date as the fourth Monday at 9 a.m.

Decisions

•Board approved variance with staff recommendation; 30-day appeal period applies.
•Bylaws re-adopted; regular meeting date established; officer nominations occurred but transcript does not record a clear, final named appointment outcome.

Directions

•Clerk/staff to record minutes, publish adopted bylaws and meeting schedule.
•Staff to advise applicant on next administrative permitting steps.

Mar

Planning Commission Regular Meeting - March 02, 2026

The Westmoreland County Planning Commission met in March to approve minutes, recommend a new Chapter 13 for emergency services regulations to the Board of Supervisors, review and forward a zoning variance to the Board of Zoning Appeals, extend a Chesapeake Bay Act exception for a single‑family dwelling (Danny and Catherine Munday) to May 2027, and then adjourn.

Discussion Points

•A commissioner noted prior similar variance requests nearby and suggested tracking repeat requests for possible ordinance changes.
•No public comments were received during the hearing.
•Staff emphasized corner‑lot geometry and narrow widths constrained buildable area.
•Staff explained lack of EMS regulations in county code and rationale for creating a new chapter.
•Staff recapped prior approval of the Chesapeake Bay Act exception, purchaser’s request for renewal, engineered mitigation, and the presence of a bald eagle nest affecting construction timing.

Decisions

•Recommendation to adopt Chapter 13 approved by roll call.
•Recommendation to BOZA approved on roll call.
•Resolution to extend approval period adopted by voice vote.

Directions

•Forward recommendation and staff report to BOZA for hearing.
•Forward recommendation and staff report to the Board of Supervisors.
•Record the extension in county records; owners have until May 2027 to initiate construction.

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