Weekly recap

The week of February 9

February 9–15 · Compiled later from the records

On February 12, the Board of Supervisors voted 3-2 to deny the draft revisions to the Northumberland County Zoning Ordinance, § 148-150, Piers.^1,2 The Board also approved $125,690.33 for the School Board and $17,668.80 for year two of the Motorola Solutions contract for the Sheriff's Office body cameras.^3,4 On February 10, the Wetlands Board approved David E. Ellis's 81 linear feet of riprap revetment and tabled Marie Johnson's request until the March meeting.^5,6,7

Summarized from the county’s records, September 26.

Where each sentence comes from

“Motion to deny the draft revisions to the Northumberland County Zoning Ordinance as presented.”Board of Supervisors · meeting of February 12 · minutes posted, date not in the records
“Denied, 3-2 on February 12”Promise settled · Board of Supervisors
“in the amount of $125,690.33 for a refund received on overpaid state taxes”Board of Supervisors · meeting of February 12 · minutes posted, date not in the records
“in the amount of $17,668.80 for year two of the Motorola Solutions contract for the Sheriff's Office body cameras”Board of Supervisors · meeting of February 12 · minutes posted, date not in the records
“David E. Ellis: install 81 linear feet of riprap revetment (Balls Creek): Approved, unanimous.”Wetlands Board · meeting of February 10 · minutes posted, date not in the records
“table the request until the March meeting”Wetlands Board · meeting of February 10 · minutes posted, date not in the records
“Tabled again on February 10.”Promise settled · Wetlands Board

Written automatically from the county’s records. Each sentence has to quote the record it comes from, word for word, or it’s left out. The records have the final say.

Decided, and posted this week

Wetlands Board, meeting of February 10

Posting date not in the records · Minutes, Feb 10

David E. Ellis: install 81 linear feet of riprap revetment (Balls Creek)
Approved
The minutes’ words
“After further discussion, on a motion by Albert Fisher, seconded by Robert Vanlandingham the request was unanimously approved as revised with a gap.” (minutes, Feb 10)
Marie Johnson: remove an existing timber bulkhead and install 83 linear feet of bulkhead in the same footprint (Taskmakers Creek)
Tabled
The minutes’ words
“Albert Fisher made a motion to table the request until the March meeting and request VIMS review the project and determine the number of square feet of wetland grass involved. Robert Vanlandingham seconded the motion. The Board unanimously approved.” (minutes, Feb 10)
Jessica Wittkamp: install 297 linear feet of armor stone revetment channelward of an existing bulkhead and to remove five (5) failed timber groins and replace with five (5) 48’low -profile timber groins (Potomac River)
Approved
The minutes’ words
“After review of the project and there being no objections, Albert Fisher made a motion to approve the application as submitted for three years. George Rew seconded the motion and the Board unanimously approved.” (minutes, Feb 10)
Harbour Pointe HOA: construct a landward extension to an existing timber groin (Potomac River)
Approved
The minutes’ words
“After further review of the project, Robert Vanlandingham made a motion to approve the application as submitted for three years. George Rew seconded the motion and the Board unanimously approved.” (minutes, Feb 10)

Board of Supervisors, meeting of February 12

Posting date not in the records · Minutes, Feb 12 ·

Revisions to the Northumberland County Zoning Ordinance, § 148-150, Piers, B.
Denied · Part of the zoning ordinance change: § 148-150
“Motion to deny the draft revisions to the Northumberland County Zoning Ordinance as presented. 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.” (minutes, Feb 12, p. 22)
Supplemental Appropriation - School Board
Approved · Part of the fiscal year 2026 budget
“Motion to approve a supplemental appropriation from 30-1800-189911 to line item 30-6000- 6400 (Operations & Maintenance) in the amount of $125,690.33 for a refund received on overpaid state taxes.” “Motion to approve a supplemental appropriation from 30-2402-240202 to line item 30-6000- 6400 (Operations & Maintenance) in the amount of $67,745.95 for the school safety and security grant.” “Motion to approve a supplemental appropriation from 30-2402-240202 to line item 30-6000- 6200 (Administration & Health) in the amount of $2,289 for the Vision Screening Grant.” (minutes, Feb 12, p. 5)
What’s a supplemental appropriation?
An amendment to this year's budget. Virginia law allows it this way:
“Any locality may amend its budget to adjust the aggregate amount to be appropriated during the current fiscal year as shown in the currently adopted budget as prescribed by § 15.2-2504.”
Code of Virginia § 15.2-2507, Chapter 25. Budgets, Audits and Reports
Transfer of Funds - Emergency Services
Approved · $20,730.41 · Part of the fiscal year 2026 budget
“Motion to approve a transfer of funds from EMS revenue (56-1600-161315) to EMS expenditure (56-3506-5956) in the amount of $20,730.41 for February 2026 as required by the auditors for RDA purposes.” (minutes, Feb 12, p. 8)
Supplemental Appropriation - Sheriff's Department
Approved · $17,668.80 · Part of the fiscal year 2026 budget
“Motion to approve a supplemental appropriation to line item 3102-5409 in the amount of $17,668.80 for year two of the Motorola Solutions contract for the Sheriff's Office body cameras.” (minutes, Feb 12, p. 9)
What’s a supplemental appropriation?
An amendment to this year's budget. Virginia law allows it this way:
“Any locality may amend its budget to adjust the aggregate amount to be appropriated during the current fiscal year as shown in the currently adopted budget as prescribed by § 15.2-2504.”
Code of Virginia § 15.2-2507, Chapter 25. Budgets, Audits and Reports
Supplemental Appropriation - Finance Department
Approved · $1,116.30 · Part of the fiscal year 2026 budget
“Motion to approve a supplemental appropriation to line item 10-1203-1002 in the amount of $1,116.30 for overtime and to line item 10-1203-2001 in the amount of $85.40 for FICA. The total supplemental appropriation for the Finance Department is $1,201.70.” (minutes, Feb 12, p. 6)
What’s a supplemental appropriation?
An amendment to this year's budget. Virginia law allows it this way:
“Any locality may amend its budget to adjust the aggregate amount to be appropriated during the current fiscal year as shown in the currently adopted budget as prescribed by § 15.2-2504.”
Code of Virginia § 15.2-2507, Chapter 25. Budgets, Audits and Reports
Supplemental Appropriation - Fire Distribution Special Fund
Approved · $853.00 · Part of the fiscal year 2026 budget
“Motion to approve a supplemental appropriation to line item 10-3202-5605 in the amount of $853.00 for the Virginia Department of Fire Programs grant.” (minutes, Feb 12, p. 9)
What’s a supplemental appropriation?
An amendment to this year's budget. Virginia law allows it this way:
“Any locality may amend its budget to adjust the aggregate amount to be appropriated during the current fiscal year as shown in the currently adopted budget as prescribed by § 15.2-2504.”
Code of Virginia § 15.2-2507, Chapter 25. Budgets, Audits and Reports

17 more

Supplemental Appropriation – Treasurer
Approved · $99.98 · Part of the fiscal year 2026 budget
“Motion to approve the supplemental appropriation from 10-2200-220210 to line item 10-1213- 5401 in the amount of $99.98 for a DMV paper purchase reimbursement.” (minutes, Feb 12, p. 9)
What’s a supplemental appropriation?
An amendment to this year's budget. Virginia law allows it this way:
“Any locality may amend its budget to adjust the aggregate amount to be appropriated during the current fiscal year as shown in the currently adopted budget as prescribed by § 15.2-2504.”
Code of Virginia § 15.2-2507, Chapter 25. Budgets, Audits and Reports
Supplemental Appropriation - Opioid Abatement Settlement Fund
Approved · $88.83 · Part of the fiscal year 2026 budget
“Motion to approve the supplemental appropriation to line item 47-5102-3200 in the amount of $88.83 for December 2025 interest accrued on the Opioid Abatement account.” (minutes, Feb 12, p. 9)
What’s a supplemental appropriation?
An amendment to this year's budget. Virginia law allows it this way:
“Any locality may amend its budget to adjust the aggregate amount to be appropriated during the current fiscal year as shown in the currently adopted budget as prescribed by § 15.2-2504.”
Code of Virginia § 15.2-2507, Chapter 25. Budgets, Audits and Reports
Resolution - Northern Neck Soil & Water Conservation District
Approved · Part of the fiscal year 2026 budget
“Motion to approve the updated Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Northern Neck Soil & Water Conservation District as presented.” (minutes, Feb 12, p. 10)
To consider an amendment to Chapter 34, Article II of the Northumberland County Code to repeal and replace the County’s Vicious Dog’s Ordinance
Adopted · Part of the county Code change: repeal and replace the County’s Vicious Dog’s Ordinance
“Motion to repeal and replace the County’s Vicious Dog’s Ordinance with the updated ordinance consistent and compliant with the current applicable State Code provisions as presented.” (minutes, Feb 12, p. 27)
Revisions to the Northumberland
Carried · Part of the zoning ordinance change: § 148-150
“Motion to revisit the Northumberland County Zoning Ordinance, § 148-150 in one year to see of controls can be put in place by both the State and the County.” (minutes, Feb 12, p. 24)
Request by Adam M. and Lauren S. Garber, owners, for a Conditional Use Permit to allow a vacation home rental on property zoned R-3, Residential
Approved · Part of the adam M. and Lauren S. Garber: allow a vacation home rental
“Motion to approve the Conditional Use Permit to allow a vacation home rental on property zoned R-3, Residential Restricted with the suggested conditions. 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.” (minutes, Feb 12, p. 25)
What’s a conditional use permit?
Virginia law calls this a special exception, or special use permit:
“‘Special exception’ means a special use that is a use not permitted in a particular district except by a special use permit granted under the provisions of this chapter and any zoning ordinances adopted herewith.”
Code of Virginia § 15.2-2201, Chapter 22. Planning, Subdivision of Land and Zoning
Request by Benton M. Hayden, owner, and Michael Bryant, applicant for a Conditional Use Permit to allow light industry on property zoned A-1, Agriculture. The property is shown as Tax Map Parcel # 9-(1)-23 and is located on Northumberland Highway.
Approved · Part of the benton M. Hayden: allow light industry
“Motion to approve the Conditional Use Permit to allow light industry on property zoned A-1, Agriculture with the suggested conditions. 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.” (minutes, Feb 12, p. 24)
What’s a conditional use permit?
Virginia law calls this a special exception, or special use permit:
“‘Special exception’ means a special use that is a use not permitted in a particular district except by a special use permit granted under the provisions of this chapter and any zoning ordinances adopted herewith.”
Code of Virginia § 15.2-2201, Chapter 22. Planning, Subdivision of Land and Zoning
Voting Equipment Quote
Approved · $124,692.00
“Motion to approve the purchase of voting equipment from Hart Intercivic Verity Vanguard with the recent tax-exempt borrowing monies in the amount of $124,692.00.” (minutes, Feb 12, p. 14)
Emergency Services - Stryker ProCare Contract Renewal
Approved · $12,292.70
“Motion to approve the Stryker ProCare Maintenance Contract in the amount of $12,292.70 as presented.” (minutes, Feb 12, p. 12)
Request for Refund - Conditional Use Permit Withdrawal
Approved · $287.59
“Motion to approve the refund request from Mr. and Mrs. Sley in the amount of $287.59 due to their Conditional Use Permit withdrawal.” (minutes, Feb 12, p. 12)
What’s a conditional use permit?
Virginia law calls this a special exception, or special use permit:
“‘Special exception’ means a special use that is a use not permitted in a particular district except by a special use permit granted under the provisions of this chapter and any zoning ordinances adopted herewith.”
Code of Virginia § 15.2-2201, Chapter 22. Planning, Subdivision of Land and Zoning
Sole Source Resolution For Voting Equipment
Authorized
“Motion to approve the resolution which indicates that Hart Intercivic Verity Vanguard is the one source practicably available to purchase the upgraded voting equipment. RESOLUTION WHEREAS, upon determination that there is only one source practicably available for that which is to be procured, a contract may be negotiated and awarded to that source without competitive sealed bidding or competitive negotiation as allowed by the Code of Virginia under §2.2-4303 E; and WHEREAS, the Virginia Department of Elections (ELECT), under the authority of the State Board of Elections (SBE), certifies voting systems for use in the Commonwealth per Code of Virginia § 24.2-629. Systems must comply with federal Voluntary Voting System Guidelines (VVSG), undergo state-level testing (including acceptance testing, logic and accuracy demonstrations, and security reviews), and receive SBE approval; and WHEREAS, Hart InterCivic’s Verity Vanguard is the successor to the widely used Verity Voting system in Virginia. Vanguard is built on Verity’s proven software platform with enhanced features, and it became the first voting system nationally certified to VVSG 2.0 by the EAC in July 2025. Key components include Vanguard Flex (universal ballot marking device), Vanguard Vault (scanner & box), Vanguard Results (tabulation), and accessories like Vanguard Boost (ballot on-demand printing solution); and WHEREAS, Verity Vanguard is a proprietary, integrated platform exclusively developed, owned, and supported by Hart InterCivic. It is the only U.S. voting system currently EAC- certified to VVSG 2.0 (as of December 2025), incorporating patented innovations such as Vanguard ID (always-on device smart labels) and hardware-augmented Secure Boot. No other manufacturer headquartered in the US offers an equivalent VVSG 2.0-certified system, making competitive alternatives unavailable; and WHEREAS, Virginia requires SBE certification, which builds on federal VVSG compliance. Vanguard’s VVSG 2.0 certification positions it uniquely for state approval under updated standards (Virginia Voting System Certification Standard, incorporating VVSG 2.0 elements as of 2025). Components, upgrades, or services must originate from Hart to maintain certification integrity. Third-party substitutes risk decertification or non-compliance with § 24.2-6; and WHEREAS, Vanguard has undergone rigorous EAC testing to VVSG 2.0, including enhanced cybersecurity protections and voter-verifiable paper records via optical character recognition (OCR)—avoiding barred practices like barcode-encoded votes. ELECT’s testing protocols (e.g., acceptance testing, mock elections) align with this configuration. Hart is the sole provider authorized to deliver and support VVSG 2.0-compliant updates, ensuring seamless integration with Virginia’s security plans and post-election audits; and WHEREAS, other certified systems in Virginia (e.g., from ES&S or Dominion) operate under older VVSG 1.x standards and are not compatible with Vanguard’s architecture, data formats, or VVSG 2.0 features. Vanguard systems will operate with some Verity elements already owned by Northumberland. Switching vendors or mixing components would require full system replacement, recertification, retraining, and significant delays—impractical for meeting VVSG 2.0 objectives; and WHEREAS, procuring Vanguard sole source ensures immediate access to the nation’s leading- edge voting technology, enhancing election integrity (e.g., compliance with recent executive orders on barcode restrictions), reducing risks, and minimizing costs versus delayed competitive bidding for non-existent equivalents. Hart’s established presence in Virginia localities supports reliable implementation. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors of Northumberland County, Virginia, authorizes the County Administrator to enter into a contract with Hart InterCivic for the purposes of upgrading the voting equipment. ADOPTED: February 12, 2026” (minutes, Feb 12, p. 15)
What’s a department of elections?
“‘Department of Elections’ or ‘Department’ means the state agency headed by the Commissioner of Elections.”
Code of Virginia § 24.2-101, Chapter 1. General Provisions and Administration
What’s a state board?
“‘State Board’ or ‘Board’ means the State Board of Elections.”
Code of Virginia § 24.2-101, Chapter 1. General Provisions and Administration
What’s a voting system?
“‘Voting system’ means the electronic voting and counting machines used at elections, including direct recording electronic machines (DRE), ballot scanner machines, and on-demand ballot printing systems and ballot marking devices used to manufacture or mark ballots to be cast by voters on electronic voting and counting machines.”
Code of Virginia § 24.2-101, Chapter 1. General Provisions and Administration
Joint Finance Committee Citizen Representative Appointment
Carried
“Motion to appoint Mr. John Kost to the Joint Finance Committee as the Board of Supervisors' citizen representative.” (minutes, Feb 12, p. 6)
Resolution - Declaration of Local Emergency
Adopted
“Motion to adopt and reaffirm the resolution as presented declaring a local emergency due to a winter storm on January 22, 2026 at 3:30 p.m.” (minutes, Feb 12, p. 7)
Emergency Services - Fire Department Identification Number
Authorized
“Motion to authorize the Department of Emergency Services to move forward in obtaining a Fire Department Identification Number (FDID).” (minutes, Feb 12, p. 14)
Payroll Services Contract Extension
Carried
“Motion to extend the payroll services contract with Shannon O'Bier for another three months at 20 hours per month.” (minutes, Feb 12, p. 6)
Approval of Check Register
Approved · $318,818.66
“Motion to approve the February 2026 check register in the amount of $318,818.66.” (minutes, Feb 12, p. 19)
Re-appointment - Mr. Danny Crabbe, Board of Zoning Appeals
Approved
“Motion to approve the re-appointment of Mr. Danny Crabbe to the Board of Zoning Appeals, District V.” (minutes, Feb 12, p. 8)

Each quote opens the minutes where it’s written. Routine votes (approving the agenda and minutes, entering and leaving closed session, adjourning) aren’t listed.

Moved forward, and new

In the Wetlands Board minutes

February 10 · 2 new requests

Jessica Wittkamp: install 297 linear feet of armor stone revetment channelward of an existing bulkhead and to remove five (5) failed timber groins and replace with five (5) 48’low -profile timber groins (Potomac River)
Harbour Pointe HOA: construct a landward extension to an existing timber groin (Potomac River)

On the Board of Supervisors agenda

February 12 · 1 new request

County Code change: repeal and replace the County’s Vicious Dog’s Ordinance

Promised, and what happened

What the records say would happen, as of this week.

Zoning ordinance change: § 148-150 (Piers)
Tabled until February 12 · Board of Supervisors, January 8Taken up February 12, as setDenied
The words
“Motion to table a decision to next month's regular meeting on February 12, 2026.” (Board of Supervisors minutes, Jan 8, p. 21)
David E. Ellis: install 81 linear feet of riprap revetment (Balls Creek)
Tabled until February 10 · Wetlands Board, January 13Taken up February 10, as setApproved
The words
“Roger McKinley, agent for the owner, requested that this project be tabled until the February 10, 2026 meeting. On a motion by Robert Vanlandingham, seconded by Albert Fisher the request was unanimously approved.” (Wetlands Board minutes, Jan 13)
Marie Johnson: remove an existing timber bulkhead and install 83 linear feet of bulkhead in the same footprint (Taskmakers Creek)
Tabled until February 10 · Wetlands Board, January 13Taken up February 10, as setTabled again
The words
“Roger McKinley, agent for the owner, requested that this project be tabled until the February 10, 2026 meeting. On a motion by Robert Vanlandingham, seconded by Albert Fisher the request was unanimously approved.” (Wetlands Board minutes, Jan 13)

Still open

Marie Johnson: remove an existing timber bulkhead and install 83 linear feet of bulkhead in the same footprint (Taskmakers Creek)
Tabled · Wetlands Board, February 10Open
The words
“Albert Fisher made a motion to table the request until the March meeting and request VIMS review the project and determine the number of square feet of wetland grass involved. Robert Vanlandingham seconded the motion. The Board unanimously approved.” (Wetlands Board minutes, Feb 10)
Zoning ordinance change: § 148-150 (Piers)
A second look promised by February 13, 2027 · Board of Supervisors, February 12Open
The words
“Motion to revisit the Northumberland County Zoning Ordinance, § 148-150 in one year to see of controls can be put in place by both the State and the County.” (Board of Supervisors minutes, Feb 12, p. 24)

What was coming, as of this week

Rebuilt from the records, since this week was compiled later.

Tue17Feb
Economic Development Commission Regular Meeting
Thu19Feb
Planning Commission Regular Meeting
Thu19Feb
Board of Supervisors Special Meeting