08-20-2024 Business Meeting - FINAL
PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS’
BUSINESS MEETING
August 20, 2024
VIRGINIA: The Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors' ("Board") Business Meeting
was held on August 20, 2024, in the Board Meeting Room, 39 Bank Street, SE, Chatham, Virginia
24531.
CALL TO ORDER
Dalton called the Meeting to Order at 7:00 PM.
ROLL CALL
The following Board Members were present:
Darrell W. Dalton - Callands-Gretna District
Robert M. Tucker, Jr. - Banister District
Kenneth L. Bowman - Chatham-Blairs District
Timothy W. Dudley - Staunton River District
Eddie L. Hite, Jr. - Dan River District
William V. (“Vic”) Ingram - Tunstall District
Murray W. Whittle - Westover District
ITEMS TO BE ADDED TO AGENDA
Motion to add Resolution # 2024-08-04, Berry Hill Road Naming, to the Agenda under New
Business.
RESULT: 7-0 (Approve)
MOVER: Ingram
SECONDER: Tucker
AYES: Dalton, Tucker, Bowman, Dudley, Hite, Ingram, Whittle
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion to approve Agenda as amended.
RESULT: 7-0 (Approve)
MOVER: Tucker
SECONDER: Whittle
AYES: Dalton, Tucker, Bowman, Dudley, Hite, Ingram, Whittle
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion to approve Consent Agenda.
RESULT: 7-0 (Approve)
MOVER: Hite
SECONDER: Bowman
AYES: Dalton, Tucker, Bowman, Dudley, Hite, Ingram, Whittle
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
a. Board Meeting Minutes Approval
b. County's July 2024 Bill List Approval
c. Resolution # 2024-08-01 Adoption (Honoring Mike Neal’s Retirement; Ringgold Fire &
Rescue Chief)
d. Resolution # 2024-08-02 Adoption (Honoring Herbert Jesse Yeatts; 50 Years of Service,
Gretna Fire & Rescue)
e. Resolution # 2024-08-03 Adoption (Honoring Dorothy Mae Burton Neals)
f. Certificate of Excellence Adoption (Dan River High School Varsity Baseball)
g. Revised Town of Chatham/County Master Water/Sewer Agreement Execution Approval
h. County/Speyside Local Performance Agreement Execution Approval
i. FY 24/25 DPCS Performance Contract Agreement Approval
j. Grant Appropriations Approval (3); (VA Rules Summer Camp Grant; DCJS Witness
Protection Grant; J.T. Minnie Maude Public Safety Grant)
k. Appointment: Beautification Committee (Staunton River District; Judy Simpson)
l. Appointment: Dan River ASAP Board (Full Board Appointment); (Heidi Jones)
PRESENTATIONS
The Board presented Resolutions to Mike Neal, Herbert Jesse Yeatts, and Dorothy Mae Burton,
and a Certificate of Excellence to Dan River High School's Varsity Baseball Team.
HEARING OF THE CITIZENS
Kathy Ramsey, Banister District, expressed concerns about economic development in the Banister
District and the lack of a convenience market.
Marie Souser, Staunton River District, shared her concerns about the maintenance and issues she is
experiencing at Worley Court.
Jim Scearce, Westover District, shared his concerns regarding the code of conduct and criticized
the Board for not holding members accountable for violating their Oath of Office.
Ben Meeks, Callands-Gretna District, thanked the Board for their support of Fire and Rescue
services and highlighted the challenges and achievements of local EMS agencies, such as the new
drug box requirements. He stated he is proud of the work that has been done together, and thanked
the Board for approving the funds that help the agencies complete this process.
Vanessa Scearce, Westover District, shared her concerns regarding the treatment of her husband,
who was led away by law enforcement for speaking his mind during a public hearing. She criticized
current Board members for remaining silent during the incident when her husband's First
Amendment rights were violated. She stated that she hopes future generations will do better and
that the issue can be put behind them. She also urged every American to reflect on the true meaning
of freedom, warning that the nation's future is at stake.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Rezoning Public Hearings
1. Case R-24-013: Brett and Erin Tooley; Rezoning from R-1, Residential Suburban
Subdivision District, to A-1, Agricultural District. (Supervisor Hite)
In Case R-24-013, Brett and Erin Tooley (“Petitioners”) have petitioned to rezone 3.85 acres from
R-1, Residential Suburban Subdivision District, to A-1, Agricultural District, (to allow a private
recreational facility (event space) to be operated on the property). The subject property is located
on State Road 992/Homestead Trail, in the Dan River Election District, and shown on the Tax Maps
as GPIN #s 2440-66-8572 and 2440-76-0545. Once the property is rezoned to A-1, all uses listed
under Pittsylvania County Code § 35-178 are permitted. On June 4, 2024, the Planning Commission
postponed this Rezoning Application to allow the Petitioners time to draft Proffers to be offered
with the Rezoning Application. The Petitioners have offered Proffers that were included in the
Agenda Packet. On July 2, 2024, the Planning Commission recommended by a 6-0 vote, with
opposition, that the Petitioners' request be granted with the Proffers offered by the Petitioners.
Dalton opened the Public Hearing at 8:17 PM. Erin Tooley was present to represent the Petition.
Daniel Gusler, 741 Homestead Trail, opposed the rezoning, citing concerns about privacy, noise,
traffic, and property values.
Debra Dockery, 692 Homestead Trail, shared her opposition to this rezoning and expressed
concerns about the impact on the quiet neighborhood and the potential for larger events.
Dalton closed the Public Hearing at 8:24 PM.
Motion to deny rezoning request by Hite, seconded by Ingram.
There was discussion about the Tooley’s having conversations with their neighbors and attempting
to reach an agreement.
Substitute Motion to postpone this item until next month's Board Business Meeting.
RESULT: 7-0 (Approve)
MOVER: Hite
SECONDER: Ingram
AYES: Dalton, Tucker, Bowman, Dudley, Hite, Ingram, Whittle
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
Other Public Hearings
1. FY 2024 County Budget Amendments
Annually, Departmental/Fund Budgets are reviewed to determine if sufficient Budget amounts exist
to cover expenses until year-end. Most of these items are bookkeeping entries required by the
County’s Auditors. The list included in the packet shows the amount needed/requested and the
reason for the need/request. Said list also contains suggested appropriations for year-end, as well
as the categorical changes requested by the School Board. This list was circulated to all Board
members via the Friday Update and has been duly advertised in The Chatham Star Tribune.
Dalton opened the Public Hearing at 8:44 PM. No one signed up to speak and Dalton closed the
Public Hearing at 8:44 PM.
Motion approving the FY 2024 County Budget Amendments as presented.
RESULT: 7-0 (Approve)
MOVER: Ingram
SECONDER: Tucker
AYES: Dalton, Tucker, Bowman, Dudley, Hite, Ingram, Whittle
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
NEW BUSINESS
a. Resolution # 2024-08-04, Berry Hill Road Naming
Ingram introduced Resolution # 2024-08-04 to name a portion of the Berry Hill Connector Road in
honor of Sherman Saunders and Coy Harville. Tucker stated he supports the Resolution,
highlighting the contributions of the honorees to the community and the importance of honoring
their service.
Motion to adopt Resolution # 2024-08-04 in support of naming and renaming the new connector
road and the Berry Hill Road to the Harville/Saunders Parkway.
Substitute Motion by Bowman to table this item until the September Board Meeting to allow the
public and the Board time to digest. Motion failed for lack of a Second.
Motion to adopt Resolution # 2024-08-04 in support of naming and renaming the new connector
road and the Berry Hill Road to the Harville/Saunders Parkway.
RESULT: 6-1 (Approve)
MOVER: Ingram
SECONDER: Whittle
AYES: Dalton, Tucker, Dudley, Hite, Ingram, Whittle
NAYS: Bowman
ABSTAIN: None
BOARD MEMBER REPORTS
• Hite thanked everyone for coming out and supporting those who were recognized at the
meeting.
• Tucker thanked the Chairman, County Staff, and constituents for their work and
encouraged others to reach out via contact information available on the county website.
He explained that decisions about placing large stores like Sam's or Walmart are based on
economic feasibility, not politics. These decisions rely on factors like population density
and traffic flow to ensure the store's success. Tucker stated he is open to discussing
economic developments for the Banister District but emphasizes that any plans must be
financially viable for investors.
• Dudley thanked the Chairman, colleagues, and attendees, acknowledging that, while
discussions can be contentious, the Board must remain focused on business. He
highlighted a resident, Ms. Souser, for her persistence in addressing an issue with a road
she has maintained on her own for years, despite others damaging it. He expressed hope
that the problem can be resolved in the future and commended Ms. Souser for her
dedication. Dudley also reflected on the challenges of decision-making, expressing
gratitude for everyone's patience and participation.
• Whittle thanked everyone for attending, thanked the Board and County Staff for their
support, and wished everyone a great evening.
• Bowman recapped attending several events, including economic development training and
the annual Tomato Festival. There were two (2) Beautification Committee Meetings held
in preparation for the Fall countywide cleanup on October 5, 2024, noting plans to waive
landfill tipping fees for certain items. Cleanup events will take place at various District
locations, with a challenge for Board Members to participate. Prizes will be awarded in
November. Bowman also attended local community events, met with Virginia's Lieutenant
Governor, and reminded the public of a mass casualty training exercise on August 23,
2024. He thanked first responders and wished everyone a safe Labor Day weekend.
• Ingram acknowledged the recognition of deserving individuals, including Ms. Neals and
the Dan River High School baseball team. He emphasized the importance of volunteers,
particularly fire and rescue workers, who sacrifice their time without compensation. He
also recognized Mike Neal and Herbert Jesse Yeatts for their contributions and restated his
support for volunteers.
• Dalton agreed with previous comments and thanked everyone for attending. He recognized
Mike Neal, Herbert Jesse Yeatts, Ms. Dorothy Neals, and the Dan River High School
baseball team, highlighting their positive impact on the community. He also stated that he
attended the Open House at Hammock’s Dairy and shared about the family's hard work
and the quality of their dairy products. He expressed pride in having the Dairy in his
District and encouraged others to support local dairies. Dalton wished everyone a safe
journey home and looks forward to meeting again next month.
COUNTY ADMINSTRATOR REPORT
Shorter thanked first responders, including Fire and Rescue, the Sheriff's Department, Public
Safety, and Public Works, as well as other employees, for their efforts during Tropical Storm
Debbie.
ADJOURNMENT
Dalton adjourned the Meeting at 9:18 PM.
____________________________________
Darrell W. Dalton, Chairman
Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors
____________________________________
Kaylyn M. McCluster, Clerk
Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors