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Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting - Jul 09 2026 Minutes
Thursday, July 9, 2026 at 5:30 PM
220 Judicial Pl. Heathsville, VA 22473
Members Present: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, Keith Harris
Staff Present: County Administrator Tadlock, Assistant County Administrator Drew Basye, Finance Operations Specialist I Morgan Wilson, IT Technician Carl Hayden
1. Opening of Meeting 5:30 P.M.
A. Invocation - Pastor Gene L. Cumbia of Smithland Baptist Church
Pastor Cumbia led the invocation.
B. Pledge of Allegiance
Mr. Keyser led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
C. Approval of Agenda
Motion to approve the agenda for today's meeting.
Moved by: Chip Williams; seconded by: Al Fisher
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
2. Approval of Minutes
A. June 4, 2026 Special Meeting
Jun 04 2026 - Special Meeting.pdf
Motion to approve the minutes from the special meeting on June 4, 2026.
Moved by: Keith Harris; seconded by: James Long
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
B. June 10, 2026 Special Meeting
Jun 10 2026 - Special Meeting.pdf
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Motion to approve the minutes from the special meeting on June 10, 2026.
Moved by: Keith Harris; seconded by: James Long
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
C. June 11, 2026 Regular Meeting
Jun 11 2026 - Regular Meeting.pdf
Motion to approve the minutes from the regular meeting on June 11, 2026.
Moved by: James Long; seconded by: Chip Williams
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
D. June 15, 2026 Special Meeting
Jun 15 2026 - Special Meeting.pdf
Motion to approve the minutes from the special meeting on June 15, 2026.
Moved by: Al Fisher; seconded by: James Long
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
E. June 18, 2026 Special Meeting
Jun 18 2026 - Special Meeting.pdf
Motion to approve the minutes from the special meeting on June 18, 2026.
Moved by: Al Fisher; seconded by: James Long
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
F. June 23, 2026 Special Meeting
Jun 23 2026 - Special Meeting.pdf
Motion to approve the minutes from the special meeting on June 23, 2026.
Moved by: Chip Williams; seconded by: Keith Harris
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
3. Presentations
A. County Timber Discussion - Daniel Deitz
County Timberland Document.pdf
Forestry Consultant Daniel Deitz cruised the County's timber and presented his findings as well as recommendations. The report can be accessed in the
attachments.
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Chairman Brann asked if Mr. Deitz suggests that the County focus on a timber management plan.
Mr. Deitz stated absolutely as the County's timber is currently declining. He explained to the Board what their next steps would be if the Board decided to harvest timber on some of their land.
Chairman Brann would like to see the County move forward with this process because there's timber that should be cut and there's definitely timber that needs to be managed for the future which will allow money to come back into the County. He asked that the County Attorney look into the process and advise how the Board should proceed whether that be issuing an RFP or IFB.
County Attorney Gregory confirmed that he would look to see what other counties have done in the past and bring back a recommendation to the Board next month.
B. Update from Virginia Department of Transportation
Northumberland BOS Report 7-2026.pdf
Mr. Todd VanLandingham presented the report to the Board on behalf of the Virginia Department of Transportation. The full report can be accessed in the attachments.
Supervisor Long reported standing water on route 609 and requested ditch cleaning on Light Street.
C. Update from Northumberland County Public Schools July2026 Finance Exec Summary BoS.docx June 2026 check register.pdf June 2026 electronic
payments.pdf YTD 2026 exp school RDA.pdf YTD 2026 rev school
RDA.pdf 7_9_26_ BOS Pres.pdf
Superintendent Leslie presented some updates to the Board related to progress on the new playground, the new bus, new positional changes at the schools, new curriculum, new beginnings orientation, and the first day back to school. The full presentation can be accessed in the attachments.
Superintendent Leslie introduced the interim Finance Director, Mrs. Kimberly Hall-Deans.
4. County Administrators Report
A. Building Permit Report
B. Re-appointment - Mr. Albert Fisher, Wetlands Board District II
Motion to approve the re-appointment of Mr. Albert Fisher to the Wetlands Board as the District II representative.
Moved by: Keith Harris; seconded by: Chip Williams
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
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C. Transfer of Funds - Emergency Services
EMS Transfer.pdf
County Administrator Tadlock explained that these monies are EMS
reimbursements coming from the EMS Billing fund to be distributed back to the volunteer rescue squads. The Treasurer is asking for $150,000 for fiscal year 2027 rather than requesting transfers and appropriations each month. In addition, the County is looking to build this into the budget in fiscal year 2028.
Motion to approve a transfer of funds from EMS revenue (56-1600-161315) to EMS expenditure (56-3506-5956) in the amount of $150,000.00 for fiscal year 2027 as required by the auditors for RDA purposes.
Moved by: Keith Harris; seconded by: James Long
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
D. Virginia Fire Programs Grant For Burn Building Award
County Administrator Tadlock stated that the Rappahannock Regional Fire Training Center applied for a Virginia Department of Fire Programs grant through the County with no required match in the amount of $102,077.25. The grant has been awarded to the County, so Mr. Tadlock requested that the Board consider authorizing staff to move forward in accepting the grant.
Motion to authorize staff in signing the necessary documentation to accept the Virginia Fire Programs grant award for the Burn Building in the amount of $102,077.25.
Moved by: Al Fisher; seconded by: James Long
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
E. Emergency Services L3Harris Radios Request
Assistant EMS Chief Harding explained to the Board that he was approached by Northumberland County Rescue Squad who requested to get new radios for their new unit they are purchasing. Mr. Harding stated that they're asking for two new radios for that unit to stay consistent with their service model and they are also requesting two additional radios for their units that they have right now to maintain what they have on the legacy system. Mr. Harding explained that the fifth radio he is requesting is a dual heal radio for the new EST vehicle. Assistant Chief Harding provided two quotes to the Board but asked that they move forward with the quote for the three single head radios and the two dual head radios in the amount of $25,724.52 to maintain the service delivery.
Chairman Brann asked what funds would be used to pay for the radios.
County Administrator Tadlock stated that these funds are located in the SNAP account and taken out of the loan monies the County borrowed in order to do the regional radio project. Mr. Tadlock believed there were roughly $839,000 left in
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that account but doesn't include the interest portion of that. He reminded the Board to keep in mind that the County still needs to remove the old equipment off the towers as well.
Chairman Brann stated that he understands the County is responsible for the purchase of radios for reasons such as ensuring the first response vehicles all have the same model and type of radios to eliminate any interferences in the system like they have now. He explained they've had several different brand radios on the system and it's caused issues, so the County needs to maintain the right equipment on the new radio system.
Motion to approve the purchase of radios from L3Harris in the amount of $25,724.52.
Moved by: James Brann; seconded by: Chip Williams
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
Chairman Brann acknowledged that these funds are going to run out, so the County needs to make note in the next budget cycle that funds need to be set aside to maintain and replace radio equipment each year.
F. Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Waiver
County Administrator Tadlock stated that Virginia law prohibits food vendors from having or using styrofoam for prepared food. He explained that the County has received a request to be exempted from this hardship under Virginia Code Section § 10.1-1424.3. B. which allows any food vendor to request from a locality in which it is located an exemption from these provisions and a locality may exempt a food vender for a period of not more than one year from the date of the exemption. Mr. Tadlock stated if the Board wishes, they could move forward with authorizing him, the County Administrator, to streamline that process of reviewing applications for exemptions provided under that code section but they are only effective for a year. In addition, Mr. Tadlock stated he'd get with Mr. Gregory to see if vendors can reapply for another year once the one year time period passes.
Motion to authorize the County Administrator to move forward with the process of reviewing applications for exemptions provided under § 10.1-1424.3. B.
Moved by: Keith Harris; seconded by: James Long
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
G. Emergency Services RSAF Grant Award
Mr. Tadlock informed the Board that the 50-50 RSAF grant was awarded to the County in the amount of $36,054.80 and requested that the Board consider authorizing the County to accept the grant for a total amount of $72,109.60.
Motion to authorize staff to move forward in accepting the Emergency Services RSAF grant award.
Moved by: Chip Williams; seconded by: James Long
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Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
H. Transfer/Supplemental Appropriation - Emergency Services RSAF Grant
RSAF Grant Appropriation.pdf
Motion to approve a transfer and a supplemental appropriation from EMS billing monies to 3203-5409 in the amount of $72,109.60.
Moved by: Chip Williams; seconded by: James Long
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
EMS Chief Bailey provided an update to the Board regarding the current drought conditions, although no action is required at this time.
I. Discussion on County Properties
EDC Feb Briefing to BOS(Final) .pptx Poor House Tract Phase I Presentation Final(26May26).pptx
1st_set_county_owned_properties_less_the_Five_PC_recommended_sm.pdf
2nd_set_county_owned_properties_less_the_Five_PC_recommended_sm.pdf
PC_recommended_Five_Co_Owned_Properties_Investigate_Selling_sm.pdf
Summary_Maps_PC_Analysis_Co_Owned_Properties.pdf
Chairman Brann suggested the Board choose two or three properties to focus on each month and decide whether to keep or sell it.
Mr. Maurice Johnson reminded the Board that EDC Director Bob Bullard presented to the Board where the EDC is with the evaluation of County property and requested the Board make a decision on which property they'd like the EDC to move on to phase II with.
County Attorney Gregory suggested the Board follow the process of holding a public hearing before selling any of the properties since it is public property. He stated that the Board is not obligated to get an appraisal of the property if the County decides to sell, but in certain circumstances the County may want to in order to support a specific sale price. Mr. Gregory explained that the County could engage a real estate agent to list properties for sale or they could have an auction, but with those options he suggests the County hold a public hearing before closing on any sale.
Chairman Brann stated he will only agree to sell land and cut timber if the funds are placed in a separate account for economic development and not be placed in the general fund.
County Administrator Tadlock stated that he would go back and look at the minutes because he remembered discussion on County property sale funds being
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used for water access or related projects, so he asked that the Board allow staff to research that before taking any specific action on his request.
J. Other County Administration Items
Mr. Tadlock informed the Board that the wrong column was looked at when compiling the FY27 budget when looking at the contribution to Bay Transit. He explained that three quarters of what the County pays to them was included in the budget, rather than the total contribution for the year so he requested that the Board consider a supplemental appropriation in the amount of $21,859 to level fund Bay Transit as intended.
Motion to approve the supplemental appropriation to 5302-5618 in the amount of $21,859 to level fund Bay Transit as intended.
Moved by: Chip Williams; seconded by: Al Fisher
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
K. Department Agency Monthly Updates
CSA and DSS Reports.pdf Library Report to BOS July 2026.pdf Zoning
Monthly Report 06-2026.docx
County_Planner_Monthly_Report_June_2026.pdf NCDES Monthly Report -
June 2026 .docx County Admin Report.pdf
5. Committee Reports
6. Board of Supervisor Items
A. Approval of Check Register
July 2026 BOS Check and EFT Registers.pdf July 2026 Voucher Transactions Report by Acct Code.pdf
Motion to approve the July 2026 Check Register in the amount of $3,199,548.81.
Moved by: James Long; seconded by: Chip Williams
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
B. Board Comments
Motion to request the Planning Commission to review and further clarify current zoning regulations on Home Occupation Businesses to help regulate negatively impacting the surrounding neighbors.
Moved by: Keith Harris; seconded by: Chip Williams
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
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Supervisor Harris believes house are being made invaluable or unsellable because of adjourning properties and the County is allowing that to happen. He also believes the County needs to look at some type of business license because he doesn't believe the County knows what is going on and a business license is the only way to hold people accountable and help regulate this.
Vice Chairman Williams updated the Board on the ongoing safety concerns related to the rockpile from the former Great Wicomico lighthouse. He stated that there was another incident this weekend where a boat struck the rockpile, it knocked off their lower unit and Sea Rescue was called. He stated that the temporary buoy that was placed on the rockpile is no longer there and he believes the County needs to continue to advocate for public safety on the water there. Vice Chairman Williams would like the County to draft a joint letter with all parties involved and reach back out to the Coast Guard again to see if they will be more inclined to help with the situation whether it be a permanent marker or possible changing the rockpile by eliminating or modifying it. He believes the groups to be considered are Sea Rescue, VMRC, the Sheriff's Department, EMS, Northern Neck Anglers Club, Mr. Wittman, and Delegate Kent. Mr. Williams stated that he highly suggests that VMRC's name be included on the letter and with that, this will not happen overnight. It would have to go before their Board and they would have to approve being a part of that.
Motion to authorize staff to draft a joint letter with all associated parties to send to the Coast Guard to continue advocating for public water safety in relation to the icebreaker rockpile hazard in the Great Wicomico River.
Moved by: Chip Williams; seconded by: Keith Harris
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
Chairman Brann mentioned that someone in the County expressed interest in the grant writing opportunity but he doesn't believe they've gotten in touch with them because no discussions have been made. He suggested bringing the individual in to see what they have to offer and go from there.
Vice Chairman Williams agreed, but believes they need to determine what the terms are of having a grant writer whether it be a County employee or based on commission. He asked if other localities have grant writers on payroll and suggested Mr. Tadlock reach out to other counties to see if they have a grant writer and how they handle the position. The Board requested that Mr. Tadlock reach out to other localities to see how they have the grant writer position set up and then the Board will schedule a special meeting to discuss the terms with the individual who expressed interest.
**Chairman Brann requested a 5-minute recess.
7. Public Comments (4 MINUTE TIME LIMIT)
No public comments were made.
8. Public Hearings 7:00 P.M.
A. Request by Valiente Jairo A. Ramos, owner, for an After-The-Fact Exception to the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area Ordinance to allow an existing accessory
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structure on property zoned R-2, Residential Waterfront. The property is shown as Tax Map Parcel # 45-B(1)-15 and is located at 2082 Fleeton Road.
BOS_7_9_2026_ad_echo.doc Ramos.pdf Suggested ConditionsBOS 07-09-
2026.doc
Zoning Administrator Marston stated that he emailed Mr. Ramos on Tuesday to remind him that he or a representative needed to be present at the meeting tonight.
Supervisor Fisher asked County Attorney Gregory if the Board could move forward without a representative present.
Mr. Gregory stated that he was made aware of the public hearing being held and he does not have to be present in order for the Board to make a decision. Public Hearing Open.
No comments were made.
Public Hearing Closed.
Vice Chairman Williams expressed his concern with the decision made tonight being properly translated to the applicant as he does not speak great English. He asked how they are going to be sure that the applicant is understanding of what the Board decides tonight.
County Attorney Gregory recommended the County have a professional translator assist in writing a letter to the applicant in Spanish, which is a cost, but the County is not obligated to do so.
Mr. Marston stated that he's met the applicant a couple times and he's had someone there with him to help with translation and via email, whether it's him responding or not, the applicant has been cooperative and responsive.
Supervisor Fisher asked if the gentleman had any previous violations.
Mr. Marston stated that there were multiple violations. In addition to this permit, one violation has been addressed with after the fact permits, another has been addressed through Mr. Woolard related to his sewer connection and there's another violation that goes before the Wetlands Board next week.
Vice Chairman Williams stated that the structure is completed inside the RPA but to his understanding there is plenty of room on the property to re-position it outside of the RPA. He asked how much time the County gives the applicant to remove the structure if the Board denies the permit request.
Mr. Marston stated he typically gives 30 days, but he will also work with the applicant if they request more time and have them remove the roof and decking boards at the very least, but the impervious area needs to go.
Vice Chairman Williams asked if denying the permit would include removing the structure, astroturf, and the pavers.
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Mr. Marston confirmed that is correct.
Motion to deny the After-The-Fact Exception to the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area Ordinance to allow an existing accessory structure on property zoned R-2, Residential Waterfront. This motion is made in due consideration of the administrative record before the body, including the planning commission’s deliberations and recommendation, the information received via the public hearing, including statements offered by staff, the applicant, and members of the public, the public health and safety, the general welfare of the community, public necessity, convenience, in the exercise of good zoning practices and the body’s legislative prerogative, and pursuant to the body’s statutory authority.
Moved by: Chip Williams; seconded by: Al Fisher
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
B. In order to consider an amendment to the fiscal year 2026 budget. This budget amendment is for the purpose of budgeting/appropriating monies for the School Division Capital Improvement Project, Emergency Services Billing,
Reimbursements, and Opioid Settlement.
Budget_Amendment_FY26_Ad_6_2026.doc
FY26_Second_Budget_Amendment_July_9_2026.pdf FY26 Second Budget
Amendment Resolution_7_2026.docx
Public Hearing Open.
No comments were made.
Public Hearing Closed.
Motion to approve the budget amendment resolution in the amount of
$174,824.48 as presented.
Moved by: Keith Harris; seconded by: James Long
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
9. Items Related to Closed Meeting
A. Convene into Closed Meeting § 2.2-3711 A(1),(8),(29)
Motion to Action: A. Convene into Closed Meeting: convene into closed meeting as permitted by Virginia Code Section 2.2-3711 (A)(1),(8),(29);1. Discussion, consideration, or interviews of prospective candidates for employment; assignment, appointment, promotion, performance, demotion, salaries, disciplining, or resignation of specific public officers, appointees, or employees of any public body; and evaluation of performance of departments or schools of public institutions of higher education where such evaluation will necessarily involve discussion of the performance of specific individuals. Any teacher shall be permitted to be present during a closed meeting in which there is a discussion or consideration of a disciplinary matter that involves the teacher and some student and the
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student involved in the matter is present, provided that the teacher makes a written request to be present to the presiding officer of the appropriate board. Nothing in this subdivision, however, shall be construed to authorize a closed meeting by a local governing body or an elected school board to discuss compensation matters that affect the membership of such body or board collectively. 8. Consultation with legal counsel employed or retained by a public body regarding specific legal matters requiring the provision of legal advice by such counsel. Nothing in this subdivision shall be construed to permit the closure of a meeting merely because an attorney representing the public body is in attendance or is consulted on a matter. 29. Discussion of the award of a public contract involving the expenditure of public funds, including interviews of bidders or offerors, and discussion of the terms or scope of such contract, where discussion in an open session would adversely affect the bargaining position or negotiating strategy of the public body.
Moved by: Keith Harris; seconded by: James Long
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
B. Reconvene into Open Meeting
Motion to reconvene into open session.
Moved by: Keith Harris; seconded by: Al Fisher
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
C. Certification of Closed Meeting
Motion that the Northumberland Board of Supervisors return to Public Meeting and certify by roll call vote that only public business matters lawfully exempted from open meeting requirements by the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, and as were identified in the motion convening the closed meeting were heard, discussed or considered during the closed meeting. The vote on the motion was passed by a roll call vote as follows:
Aye: Keith Harris, AC Fisher, Jr., James M. Long, James W. Brann, Charles H. Williams
Moved by: Keith Harris; seconded by: Al Fisher
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
D. Action Taken from Closed Meeting, Administrative Assistant to the County Administrator Position
Motion to approve Ms. Diana Williams for the Administrative Assistant to the County Administrator position with a starting salary of $43,000 effective August 3, 2026.
Moved by: Al Fisher; seconded by: James Long
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
E. Action Taken from Closed Meeting, Increase State Compensation Board Employees
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Motion to approve an increase to the following state compensation board and other state reimbursed employees to the fiscal year 2027 base compensation salaries as the County 2% salary increase will not meet the base requirement of the compensation board and department of elections to be effective August 1, 2026:
Employee 10178
Employee 10515
Employee 10486
Employee 10520
Employee 10216
Employee 10532
Employee 10385
Employee 10148
Employee 10160
Moved by: Keith Harris; seconded by: James Long
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
F. Supplemental Appropriation - Increase State Compensation Board Employees Comp Board Appropriations.pdf
Motion to approve a supplemental appropriation to the respective department line items in reference to the state compensation board based salaries in the amount of $12,291.29.
Moved by: Keith Harris; seconded by: James Long
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
10. Closing of Meeting
A. Adjournment
Motion to adjourn.
Moved by: Chip Williams; seconded by: James Long
Aye: James Long, James Brann, Chip Williams, Al Fisher, and Keith Harris
Motion Carried 5-0
Board Clerk - E. Luttrell Tadlock