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07-15-2025 Business Meeting - FINAL PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS’ BUSINESS MEETING July 15, 2025 VIRGINIA: The Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors' ("Board") Business Meeting was held on July 15, 2025, in the Board Meeting Room, 39 Bank Street, SE, Chatham, Virginia 24531. CALL TO ORDER Tucker called the Meeting to Order at 7:10 PM. ROLL CALL The following Board Members were present: Robert M. Tucker, Jr. - Banister District Eddie L. Hite, Jr. - Dan River District Kenneth L. Bowman - Chatham-Blairs District Darrell W. Dalton - Callands-Gretna District Timothy W. Dudley - Staunton River District William V. (“Vic”) Ingram - Tunstall District Murray W. Whittle - Westover District AGENDA ITEMS TO BE ADDED Motion to add the following items to the Consent Agenda: • Robin Court Contract Approval • Battle on the Border Donation Approval • Health Insurance Rates and Increased Wellness Benefit Approval; And to also move item 7e, Resolution # 2025-07-02 Approval (Resolution in Support of a Four- Way Stop at the Intersection of Tunstall High Road, Stony Mill Road, and Mt. Cross Road), to New Business as item 12a. RESULT: 7-0 (Approve) MOVER: Bowman SECONDER: Dudley AYES: Tucker, Hite, Bowman, Dalton, Dudley, Ingram, Whittle NAYS: None ABSTAIN: None APPROVAL OF AGENDA Motion to approve Agenda with revisions. RESULT: 7-0 (Approve) MOVER: Dalton SECONDER: Ingram AYES: Tucker, Hite, Bowman, Dalton, Dudley, Ingram, Whittle NAYS: None ABSTAIN: None CONSENT AGENDA Motion to approve Consent Agenda. RESULT: 7-0 (Approve) MOVER: Hite SECONDER: Bowman AYES: Tucker, Hite, Bowman, Dalton, Dudley, Ingram, Whittle NAYS: None ABSTAIN: None a. Board Meeting Minutes Approval b. County's June 2025 Bill List Approval c. Opioid Litigation Settlement Approval d. Resolution # 2025-07-01 Adoption (VDOT Rural Rustics Additions) e. Reappointment: IDA (Chatham-Blairs); (Steven Merricks) f. Robin Court Contract Approval “Motion to award the contract for the Robin Court Waterline Extension Project as presented in the Work Session.” g. Battle on the Border Donation Approval “Motion to approve a $2,000 donation for the Battle on the Border livestock show as presented in the Work Session.” h. Health Insurance Rates and Increased Wellness Benefit Approval “Motion to approve the new Health Insurance Rates and increased wellness benefit for the FY2026 Plan Year as outlined in the Work Session Packet and discussed in the Work Session.” PRESENTATIONS The Board recognized Bobby Campbell for his decades of service to the Chatham Volunteer Fire Department and the Chatham Rescue Squad. HEARING OF THE CITIZENS Jeff Love, Staunton River Distict, asked if the Berkeley Group’s proposed zoning overhaul will be on the August 19, 2025, agenda. He expressed concern over interpretation changes since Emily Ragsdale’s departure and requested an update on whether a line-by-line comparison of current and proposed zoning has been completed and made available to residents. PUBLIC HEARINGS Rezoning Public Hearings 1. Case R-25-012, Victor and Neil Hardy; Rezoning from R-1, Residential Suburban Subdivision District, to A-1, Agricultural District. The Planning Commission recommended by a 7-0 vote, with no opposition, that the petitioners' request be granted (Supervisor Bowman) In Case R-25-012, Victor and Neil Hardy (Petitioners) have petitioned to rezone property located on State Road 746/Golf Club Road in the Chatham-Blairs Election District and shown on the Tax Maps as GPIN # 2400-40-2870. The applicant is requesting to rezone 46.81 acres, from R-1, Residential Suburban Subdivision District to A-1, Agricultural District. Once the property is rezoned to A-1, all uses listed under Pittsylvania County Code Section 35-178 are a Permitted Use. The Comprehensive Plan designates the future land use as Medium to High Density Residential. On June 3, 2025, the Planning Commission recommended by a 7-0 vote, with no opposition, that the petitioner's request be granted. Tucker opened the Public Hearing at 7:33 PM. Victor Hardy was present to represent the Petition. No one signed up to speak and Tucker closed the Public Hearing at 7:34 PM. Motion to approve the rezoning of 46.81 acres, from R-1, Residential Suburban Subdivision District, to A-1, Agricultural District, to allow the property to be used for agricultural purposes and the placement of an accessory structure on the property. RESULT: 7-0 (Approve) MOVER: Bowman SECONDER: Ingram AYES: Tucker, Hite, Bowman, Dalton, Dudley, Ingram, Whittle NAYS: None ABSTAIN: None 2. Case R-25-013 Harold and Caroline Carver; Rezoning from R-1, Residential Suburban Subdivision District, to A-1, Agricultural District.The Planning Commission recommended by a 7-0 vote, with no opposition, that the petitioners' request be granted (Supervisor Hite) In Case R-25-013, Harold and Caroline Carver (Petitioners) have petitioned to rezone property located on State Road 62/Milton Highway in the Dan River Election District and shown on the Tax Maps as GPIN # 2375-19-0473. The applicant is requesting to rezone 83.49 acres, from R-1, Residential Suburban Subdivision District to A-1, Agricultural District. Once the property is rezoned to A-1, all uses listed under Pittsylvania County Code Section 35-178 are a Permitted Use. The Comprehensive Plan designates the future land use as Medium to High Density Residential. On June 3, 2025, the Planning Commission recommended by a 7-0 vote, with no opposition, that the petitioner's request be granted. Tucker opened the Public Hearing at 7:36 PM. Harold Carver, Jr. was present to represent the Petition. No one signed up to speak and Tucker closed the Public Hearing at 7:36 PM. Motion to approve the rezoning of 83.49 acres, from R-1, Residential Suburban Subdivision District, to A-1, Agricultural District, to allow the property to be used for agricultural purposes. RESULT: 7-0 (Approve) MOVER: Hite SECONDER: Bowman AYES: Tucker, Hite, Bowman, Dalton, Dudley, Ingram, Whittle NAYS: None ABSTAIN: None 3. Case R-25-014 Kingdom Land, LLC; Rezoning from R-1, Residential Suburban Subdivision District, and A-1, Agricultural District, to A-1, Agricultural District. The Planning Commission recommended by a 7-0 vote, with no opposition, that the petitioners' request be granted (Supervisor Tucker) In Case R-25-014, Kingdom Land, LLC (Petitioner) have petitioned to rezone property located on State Road 706/Abbott Place in the Banister Election District and shown on the Tax Maps as GPIN # 2454-38-5530. The applicant is requesting to rezone 19.46 acres, from R-1, Residential Suburban Subdivision District, and A-1, Agricultural District, to A-1, Agricultural District, to allow the property to be subdivided. Once the property is rezoned to A-1, all uses listed under Pittsylvania County Code Section 35-178 are a Permitted Use. The Comprehensive Plan designates the future land use Agricultural and Rural Residential. On June 3, 2025, the Planning Commission recommended by a 7-0 vote, with no opposition, that the petitioner's request be granted. Tucker opened the Public Hearing at 7:38 PM. Andy Haymes was present to represent the Petition. No one signed up to speak, and Tucker closed the Public Hearing at 7:38 PM. Motion to approve the rezoning of 19.46 acres, from R-1, Residential Suburban Subdivision District, and A-1, Agricultural District, to A- 1, Agricultural District, to allow the property to be subdivided. RESULT: 7-0 (Approve) MOVER: Dudley SECONDER: Ingram AYES: Tucker, Hite, Bowman, Dalton, Dudley, Ingram, Whittle NAYS: None ABSTAIN: None 4. Case R-25-015 Rhetson Companies, Inc; Rezoning from RC-1, Residential Combined Subdivision District, to B-2, Business District, General. The Planning Commission recommended by a 5-2 vote, with opposition, that the petitioners' request be granted (Supervisor Whittle) In Case R-25-015, Rhetson Companies, LLC (Petitioner) have petitioned to rezone property located on State Road 844/Mount Cross Road in the Westover Election District and shown on the Tax Maps as GPIN #s 1480-00-6563 and 1480-00-8483. The applicant is requesting to rezone 3.90 acres, from RC-1, Residential Combined Subdivision District, to B-2, Business District, General, to allow for a retail establishment to be placed on the property. Once the property is rezoned to A-1, all uses listed under Pittsylvania County Code Section 35-365 are a Permitted Use. The Comprehensive Plan designates the future land use as Commercial and Medium to High Density Residential. On June 3, 2025, the Planning Commission recommended by a 5-2 vote, with opposition, that the petitioner's request be granted. Tucker opened the Public Hearing at 7:40 PM. Gregory Stewart was present to represent the Petition on behalf of Rhetson Companies, Inc. He explained that when the Planning Commission heard the case, two residents spoke in opposition—one concerned about commercial retail being near their homes and another about traffic. Since then, it became clear there may be more community opposition. Stewart requested a 60-day deferral to hold a community meeting, gather feedback, and address concerns, noting that while the project involves a Dollar General, his company also develops for other brands like Dunkin Donuts, Ace Hardware, churches, and schools. He emphasized that community support is essential for a successful project and proposed using the extra time to engage with residents directly before returning to the board. During questioning, the developer explained that a community meeting was not initially planned because it would have added about 30 days to the project timeline, but after seeing the level of opposition, they decided it was a mistake and now want to address concerns properly. They believe a meeting could help by allowing discussion of possible changes, such as architectural upgrades, landscaping, buffers, fencing, or reduced store hours. The developer confirmed they have built three Dollar Generals in Pittsylvania County, with the nearest to the proposed site being about 4.2 miles away, and acknowledged there are several in close proximity. When asked about the impact on competing businesses and neighborhoods opposed to the project, the developer said site selection is based on land suitability for commercial use and that market analysis is done by the client, not by them. Tim Parsons, who lives next to the proposed Dollar General site, spoke in support of the project. He believes traffic would not be a major issue if stop signs are installed, as they would slow vehicles and make access easier. He also noted the potential for the store to create jobs, emphasizing that his intent is not to harm anyone but to support employment opportunities. Dennis Gibson, Westover District, spoke in strong opposition to rezoning property next to his home for a Dollar General. He argued the community does not need another store, noting research that Dollar General can harm small, independent grocers—such as nearby Mills Grocery, which offers gas, a grill, fresh produce, and local goods. He expressed concern that a new store could cause Mills Grocery to decline, reducing local tax revenue. Gibson also cited the number of existing Dollar Generals in the area—two within five miles, five within 10 miles, and ten in the Danville area— and warned of potential declines in nearby property values. He noted the company’s plans to close 96 stores nationwide in 2025 and shared that over 1,081 residents had signed a petition opposing the proposal. He urged the board to vote against the rezoning. Tyler Mills, owner of Mills Grill & Grocery and a nearby resident, spoke in opposition to the proposed Dollar General. He said the overwhelming sentiment from the community he has served for 15 years is a desire to preserve the area’s rural character, not add more businesses—especially with four Dollar Generals already within five miles. Mills argued the store would bring minimal benefit, employing only three to four people with limited hours, and could leave an uncertain long- term impact if Dollar General vacates after its lease. He raised concerns about property values, traffic safety at the nearby intersection, and the lack of community enhancement from the project. Emphasizing that his stance was about what’s best for the Tunstall community—not his own store— he urged the board to represent the residents’ opposition. Jackie Mize, a Tunstall District resident, urged the Board of Supervisors to deny the proposed Dollar General at Mount Cross and Stony Mill roads, citing multiple safety, crime, and property value concerns. She highlighted heavy traffic from Tunstall High and Middle schools, noting the large number of student drivers and the potential hazards of adding delivery trucks to an already dangerous blind curve—where a fatal accident occurred in the past. Myers referenced studies linking dollar stores to increased crime, calling them “robbery magnets,” and pointed to research showing property values can drop 16–21% when such stores are nearby. She also reminded the board that a similar proposal on the same site had previously been denied and questioned what taxpayer incentives, if any, would be given for this project. She urged the board to prioritize the safety and well-being of their community. Emily Spicer, speaking on behalf of her grandparents, opposed the proposed Dollar General on Mount Cross Road. She said her family has lived in the area for decades and already faces dangerous traffic conditions, with vehicles often exceeding the 55 mph speed limit. Spicer shared that her grandparents are afraid to check their mail due to speeding cars, and she was nearly hit the previous week. She warned that adding a Dollar General would increase both traffic volume and speed, further endangering residents, and urged the board to reject the proposal. Scott Carter, a longtime resident with 68 years in the area, spoke against rezoning the Mount Cross Road property for commercial use. He noted that once rezoned, the land could be used for purposes beyond a Dollar General. Carter expressed concern that a Dollar General could threaten Mills Grocery, which employs 12 local residents, compared to the two to four typically employed at Dollar General. He warned that if Mills Grocery closed, it would result in job losses for local taxpayers and emphasized his opposition to changing the zoning. Gena Guill, Westover District, spoke in opposition to the proposed Dollar General, emphasizing that she chose to live in the country to avoid commercial development. She described safety concerns, noting the store would sit in a blind curve with heavy speeding, including transfer trucks making deliveries at night and early mornings, disrupting the quiet rural atmosphere. Guill shared that her daughter was nearly hit by a car in the area and said the increased traffic, especially near multiple schools, would heighten risks for young drivers. She also expressed concerns about crime, litter, and the loss of the peaceful, natural environment, urging the board to consider whether they would want to live next to a retail store in a rural setting. Shannon Mize, a Tunstall District resident, spoke on behalf of many neighbors opposing the proposed Dollar General near Mills Grill & Grocery on Mount Cross Road. She stressed that the community is not against development, but wants thoughtful, appropriate growth that reflects local values. Mize highlighted concerns from nearby retired residents about noise, traffic, and light pollution disrupting their peace and safety, especially in an area already slated for a four-way stop to manage existing congestion. She warned that the project would require removing trees that provide privacy buffers, permanently altering the neighborhood. Mize questioned the need for another Dollar General given several nearby locations and emphasized the threat to Mills Grill & Grocery, a long-standing local business that supports schools and community initiatives. She argued that short-term revenue gains are not worth the long-term loss of character, safety, and local economic stability, urging the board to reject the proposal. Cherie Melton, who lives on Mount Cross Road, spoke against the proposed rezoning for a Dollar General. She said she and her husband bought their home five years ago as their permanent residence and plan to live there for the rest of their lives. While understanding the landowner’s and developer’s desire to make money, she stressed that the property was zoned residential when purchased and should remain so. Melton stated the community does not want businesses in that location and even offered to help the landowner sell the property and find a commercially zoned site instead. She urged the board to prioritize residents’ well-being over the project. Justin Napier, a resident of Mount Cross Road, spoke in opposition to the proposed Dollar General. He shared that after living in several states, he chose to settle in Pittsylvania County for its peace and rural character, which he does not want to see changed for any amount of money. Napier urged the board to consider the community’s desire to preserve the area and to vote no on the proposal, noting that residents value the view and tranquility of their surroundings over commercial development. Jody Fitzpatrick, a resident of Dry Fork in the Tunstall District, spoke against rezoning land for commercial use, warning that it would set a precedent for future development, leading to more traffic, noise, and environmental changes that conflict with the area’s rural, residential character. While the current proposal is for a Dollar General, Fitzpatrick emphasized that rezoning would allow other commercial projects in the future. He noted that several similar stores already exist nearby, so the location is not meeting an unmet need, and raised concerns about traffic and safety near schools as well as the negative impact on local small businesses that hire locally and give back to the community. He urged the board to vote no to protect the character and long-term direction of Dry Fork. Jonathan Brower, a resident living a mile from Mills Grill & Grocery, spoke in opposition to the proposed Dollar General. Having lived in the area since 1986, he described long-standing traffic issues, frequent accidents, and congestion after school and football games. Brower recalled facing the same rezoning proposal five years ago, when the developer delayed for community meetings before ultimately canceling—only to try again now. He believes this is an attempt to wear down opposition but stated the community remains firmly against it. Pointing out the abundance of nearby dollar stores, he said there is no need for another and urged the board to vote against it to preserve the area’s character. Matthew Nosse, a Tunstall District resident, read a statement on behalf of Tara Mills, a longtime local teacher, resident, and landowner, opposing the rezoning for a Dollar General. In her statement, Mills described Tunstall as a community rich in local support, anchored by the Mill’s store, which serves as a hub for fundraisers, community events, and small business promotion. She warned that a Dollar General in the proposed location would worsen traffic in an already dangerous area and provide no meaningful community involvement, noting that the chain has not sponsored local sports or academic programs despite having multiple stores nearby. Mills argued that while the county might gain some tax revenue, it would come at the cost of community spirit, local sponsorships, and volunteerism. She urged the board to reject the rezoning to preserve the character and support systems of the Tunstall community. Speaking on his own behalf, Matthew Noss, a recent Tunstall High School graduate and Tunstall District resident, voiced strong opposition to building a Dollar General near Tunstall High and Middle schools. With two younger brothers currently attending the middle school and another sibling on the way, he cited safety concerns for students and parents, noting that traffic near the schools is already dangerous. Noss shared his personal experience of being T-boned in a school zone and said adding more traffic would only increase risks, especially for young drivers. He emphasized the tight-knit community around Mills Grill & Grocery, which serves as a gathering place and is led by an owner who actively coaches and supports local youth—unlike large chains. Speaking on behalf of concerned students, he urged the board to vote no on the proposal. Emma Austin, a Westover District resident of 50 years and retired Pittsylvania County educator and administrator, urged the board to reject the proposed Dollar General near the Mount Cross and Stony Mill Road intersection. Drawing on her career focus on safety, she stressed that traffic in the area is already heavy with speeders, school traffic, and congestion, and that the store would add large delivery trucks, turning vehicles, and greater risk for accidents. Austin noted a Dollar General is only 4.5 miles away, making another location unnecessary, and questioned whether the small amount of revenue would be worth endangering residents. She asked the board to prioritize safety over profit and vote no on the proposal. Tucker closed the Public Hearing at 8:27 PM. Before the vote, the applicant requested a deferral to hold a community meeting and present information addressing concerns such as traffic, landscaping, and buffering. The board discussed the procedural implications, noting that a denial would prevent a similar application for 12 months, while a withdrawal could allow reapplication after going through the Planning Commission again. Motion to deny the rezoning of 3.90 acres, from RC-1, Residential Combined Subdivision District, to B-2, Business District, General, to allow for a retail establishment to be placed on the property RESULT: 7-0 (Approve) MOVER: Whittle SECONDER: Ingram AYES: Tucker, Hite, Bowman, Dalton, Dudley, Ingram, Whittle NAYS: None ABSTAIN: None 5. Case R-25-016 Andrew, Jr. and Jacqueline Oakes; Rezoning from A-1, Agricultural District, to R-1, Residential Suburban Subdivision District. The Planning Commission recommended by a 7-0 vote, with no opposition, that the petitioners' request be granted (Supervisor Dudley) In Case R-25-016, Andrew, Jr. and Jacqueline Oakes (Contract Purchasers) have petitioned to rezone property located on State Road 646/Spring Road in the Staunton River Election District and shown on the Tax Maps as GPIN # 2552-57-1262. The applicant is requesting to rezone 0.2480 acres, from A-1, Agricultural District, to R-1, Residential Suburban Subdivision District, to allow the property to be consolidated with an adjacent parcel zoned R-1. Once the property is rezoned to A-1, all uses listed under Pittsylvania County Code Section 35-222 are a Permitted Use. The Comprehensive Plan designates the future land use as Agricultural and Rural Residential. On June 3, 2025, the Planning Commission recommended by a 7-0 vote, with no opposition, that the petitioner's request be granted. Tucker opened the Public Hearing at 8:33 PM. Andrew and Jacqueline Oakes were present to represent the Petition. No one signed up to speak and Tucker closed the Public Hearing at 8:33 PM. Motion to approve the rezoning of 0.2480 acres, from A-1, Agricultural District, to R-1, Residential Suburban Subdivision District, to allow the property to be consolidated with an adjacent parcel zoned R-1. RESULT: 7-0 (Approve) MOVER: Dudley SECONDER: Dalton AYES: Tucker, Hite, Bowman, Dalton, Dudley, Ingram, Whittle NAYS: None ABSTAIN: None 6. Case R-25-017 Tony and Mary Annette Willis; Rezoning from R-1, Residential Suburban Subdivision District, to A-1, Agricultural District. The Planning Commission recommended by a 7-0 vote, with no opposition, that the petitioners' request be granted (Supervisor Hite) In Case R-25-017, Tony and Mary Willis (Petitioners) have petitioned to rezone property located on State Road 1003/Blair Lane in the Dan River Election District and shown on the Tax Maps as GPIN #s 2431-99-5114, 2431-99-5011, 2431-98-5829, 2431-98-5729, 2431-98-5648, 2431-98- 5548, and 2431-98-5444.. The applicant is requesting to rezone seven (7) parcels, totaling 4.27 acres, from R-1, Residential Suburban Subdivision District, to A-1, Agricultural District, to allow the property to be consolidated with an adjacent parcel zoned A-1. Once the property is rezoned to A-1, all uses listed under Pittsylvania County Code Section 35-178 are a Permitted Use. The Comprehensive Plan designates the future land use as Agricultural and Rural Residential. On June 3, 2025, the Planning Commission recommended by a 7-0 vote, with no opposition, that the petitioner's request be granted. Tucker opened the Public Hearing at 8:35 PM. Tony Wilis was present to represent the Petition. No one signed up to speak and Tucker closed the Public Hearing at 8:35 PM. Motion to approve the rezoning of seven (7) parcels, totaling 4.27 acres, from R-1, Residential Suburban Subdivision District, to A-1, Agricultural District, to allow the property to be consolidated with an adjacent parcel zoned A-1. RESULT: 7-0 (Approve) MOVER: Hite SECONDER: Dudley AYES: Tucker, Hite, Bowman, Dalton, Dudley, Ingram, Whittle NAYS: None ABSTAIN: None NEW BUSINESS a. Resolution # 2025-07-02 Approval (Resolution in Support of a Four-Way Stop at the Intersection of Tunstall High Road, Stony Mill Road, and Mt. Cross Road) During a recent Tunstall District town hall meeting, community members raised significant concerns regarding traffic safety at the intersection of Tunstall High Road, Stony Mill Road, and Mt. Cross Road—an area that experiences high traffic volumes, particularly during school hours. In response to these concerns, Supervisors William "Vic" Ingram and Murray Whittle, along with Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) representative Jay Craddock, discussed potential solutions and identified the installation of a four-way stop as a potential safety improvement. VDOT has advised that in order to complete this work prior to the start of the 2025–2026 school year in August, it would be preferred to receive a Resolution of support from the Board of Supervisors at the July meeting. The proposed Resolution expresses the Board’s formal support for the installation of a four-way stop at the intersection to improve traffic flow and enhance safety for students, school staff, and local residents. Motion to approve Resolution # 2025-07-02 as presented. RESULT: 7-0 (Approve) MOVER: Ingram SECONDER: Whittle AYES: Tucker, Hite, Bowman, Dalton, Dudley, Ingram, Whittle NAYS: None ABSTAIN: None BOARD MEMBER REPORTS Hite commented that during his visit to the proposed development site on Sunday, he nearly experienced road rage, but was glad a four-way stop would be installed there. He said he wished a similar measure had been used in the Dan River District years ago instead of building a large intersection that now sees frequent accidents. Hite welcomed new full-time County Administrator, Mr. Shorter, and expressed optimism about future progress. He also reflected on recent severe weather events, noting the unusual flooding of Hyco Lake that destroyed two boathouses, and urged residents to be thankful for their safety, as lives cannot be replaced. Hite closed by praising the board for its dedication and encouraging members to always put the county’s best interests first. Bowman recapped several highlights from the previous month, noting the Chamber’s annual awards and congratulating all winners, especially county honorees. He recognized Epic Health, recipient of the Pinnacle Award, for its work at a group home in Chatham, and Will Pace, who won the PACE Award in the young professional category, as well as multiple county winners in the Rev Up program. Bowman also attended the Business Appreciation Summer Kickoff at the Institute and was encouraged to see many young people pursuing internships with local businesses. Addressing the Dollar General decision, he thanked residents for attending and sharing their perspectives, stressing that while the board considers facts and data, hearing how issues personally affect citizens is vital. He encouraged continued public participation, whether in person or by watching from home, and closed by thanking the chairman, fellow board members, and county staff for their dedication to putting Pittsylvania County first. Dudley thanked everyone for attending the meeting and extended best wishes to former county employee Emily Ragsdale as she pursues a new career, expressing appreciation for her contributions. Dudley also welcomed Mr. Shorter as the new full-time County Administrator, pledging support and a commitment to working together. He closed by thanking the chairman for a good meeting. Ingram expressed appreciation for the strong public turnout, noting that at the July 8 community meeting he co-hosted, the discussion reinforced that while local stores and fire departments are important, it is ultimately the people who make communities thrive. He said the board supports growth but not at the expense of residents and the character of their communities. Ingram also recognized the anniversary of the Korean War on June 25, honoring the 36,940 Americans who lost their lives and urging remembrance of surviving veterans. He officially welcomed County Administrator Vince Shorter, praising his dedication to the county and its people, and thanked County Attorney Mr. Evans for his guidance. Ingram closed by thanking the chairman for his leadership. Dalton thanked the large crowd for attending and expressed appreciation to all county staff, including those whose work is not always visible but is essential to keeping operations running. He noted June was Dairy Month and praised Pittsylvania County’s dairy farms, reminding residents to think of them when enjoying milk or homemade ice cream. Dalton also shared that the Gretna area recently lost a beloved business, Jack’s Quick Snack, and offered condolences to the Shelton family. He extended thoughts and prayers to families in Texas and other areas impacted by severe flooding. Dalton welcomed County Administrator Vincent Shorter, expressed optimism for the future, and thanked County Attorney Mr. Evans for his work, closing by wishing everyone a safe trip home. Whittle thanked County Administrator Vincent Shorter for stepping into the role, saying he had done well in his first 10 months, and also expressed appreciation for County Attorney Mr. Evans as a trusted resource. He thanked county staff for their work and the residents who attended the meeting, noting that strong public participation makes decision-making easier when everyone is working toward the same goal. Whittle also acknowledged the victims of recent flooding in Texas and elsewhere, urging people to keep them in their prayers, and closed by thanking Chairman Tucker for his leadership. Tucker began by thanking county staff for their work in preparing the agenda and ensuring the board avoids missteps. He expressed appreciation to the public for turning out and assured them that the board listens, even when it cannot always agree with every viewpoint. Tucker emphasized the importance of working together across districts to address major county issues. He thanked law enforcement, public safety, volunteers, and all county employees for their service, and joined fellow supervisors in welcoming County Administrator Vincent Shorter, praising his temperament and leadership style as well-suited for the county’s needs. Tucker also commended County Attorney Mr. Evans for his guidance, and closed by praising his fellow board members for their passion and dedication, saying they make his job as Chairman easier COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR REPORTS Mr. Shorter thanked the board for their kind comments and for entrusting him with the responsibility of the position. He said it was an honor and a privilege to serve and expressed his commitment to making both the board and the entire county proud. Shorter also shared his appreciation for County Attorney Mr. Evans. Mr. Evans stated it was always a pleasure to be part of the process and expressed optimism that the best is yet to come. ADJOURNMENT Tucker adjourned the Meeting at 8:59 PM.