The James City County Board of Supervisors and James City Service Authority (JCSA) Board of Directors held a regular meeting on October 14, 2025, addressing various community and administrative matters. The meeting, lasting approximately 3 hours, included the following key points:
- JCSA Board of Directors Meeting (8:55–10:28):
- The meeting opened with a call to order and roll call, confirming attendance of board members (Hipple, Larson, McGlennon, Icenhour, Null).
- No presentations or public hearings were held. The consent calendar, consisting of meeting minutes, was approved unanimously.
- A board member shared a citizen’s positive feedback about JCSA staff resolving a high water bill issue, highlighting excellent customer service.
- The meeting adjourned without further updates from the general manager.
- Board of Supervisors Meeting (10:42–3:01:58):
- Proclamation: A proclamation for Bullying Prevention Month was presented (36:35).
- Public Comments and Consent Calendar: Public comments lasted nearly an hour (37:03–1:34:42), followed by approval of the consent calendar (1:34:42).
- Public Hearings (1:32:40–2:11:55):
- Westwood Park Rezoning: Discussed rezoning proposals.
- Haven Health Mental and Substance Abuse Recovery Hospital (1807 Jamestown Road): Reviewed plans for a new facility.
- Eastern State Parcel C Land Use Designation Change: Considered changes to land use designations.
- Chesapeake Bay Preservation Ordinance Amendments: Proposed updates to environmental regulations.
- Route 322-Asbury Lane Plat Vacation: Addressed partial abandonment of a right-of-way.
- Some hearings were opened but postponed, with a note that citizens speaking during this session could not speak again at the rescheduled hearing.
- Board Considerations (2:11:55–2:33:17):
- Consolidated Government Center Early Site Work Package: A significant discussion focused on approving early site work for a new government center. Board members, including McGlennon, emphasized the need for modern, efficient workspaces to replace scattered, cramped offices. Despite initial skepticism (referred to as the “Hipple building”), the board highlighted cost savings and long-term benefits for community services like planning and social services. The motion passed with one dissenting vote.
- VACo Voting Delegate: Jim Icenhour was designated as the voting delegate for the Virginia Association of Counties (VACo) annual business meeting, with unanimous approval.
- Board Requests and Directives (2:33:17):
- Members discussed recent events, including a pre-K groundbreaking, Walmart’s 25th anniversary as a top distribution center, and a strategic plan update at Legacy Hall.
- Community engagement activities, such as the Williamsburg-James City County Education Foundation dinner and Virginia 250th Reading Revolution, were highlighted.
- Advocacy for career readiness and Junior ROC programs was acknowledged.
- County Administrator’s Report (2:43:50):
- Scott Stevens reported on a new schools contract, emphasizing collaboration with the school division and city for student and teacher benefits.
- A 90-day emergency contract with TFC restored curbside recycling after a two-week disruption, with a long-term solution in progress. Residents were reminded to recycle only approved materials (e.g., plastic bottles, glass, cardboard).
- An upcoming “Halloween with Heroes” event on October 23, 2025, at the Law Enforcement Center was promoted, expecting thousands of attendees with activities like trick-or-treating and equipment displays.
- Closed Session (2:47:07–3:01:41): The board entered a closed session to discuss legal matters, including erosion and sediment control enforcement and potential litigation regarding a Bush Springs Road development.
- Certification and Adjournment (3:01:41–3:01:58): The board certified the closed session discussions and adjourned until October 28, 2025, at 1:00 PM.
Key Themes:
- The meeting emphasized community engagement, youth development through 4-H, and infrastructure improvements (e.g., government center, schools).
- Environmental and land use issues were prominent, reflecting the county’s focus on sustainable development.
- The board heard a large public opposition to the new government MEGA center but voted to approve the multi million dollar building at taxpayer expense.
