Coraggio Consulting
Prince William Board of County Supervisors Meeting, Tuesday, September 26, 2023

Date: Tuesday, September 26, 2023
Place: Prince William County Board of County Supervisors, Virginia
Length: 5h 23m (video)
Official meeting video (Prince William County, Granicus): https://pwcgov.granicus.com/player/clip/3374
Official Board of County Supervisors page (Prince William County): https://www.pwcva.gov/department/board-county-supervisors

Machine transcript (speech-to-text) produced by Coraggio Consulting. Not an official county record. Names and numbers may be misspelled; check the video at the timestamp before quoting.
Speech-to-text: whisper.cpp, model large-v3-turbo. Produced 2026-11-03. Timestamps are [HH:MM:SS] into the meeting video.

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[00:39:40] Supervisor Lawson-Shawing Lake. Okay, very good. Good afternoon. It is 2 p.m. on Tuesday, September 26th, 24th. Today we have with us Pastor Will Archer from Potomac Valley Church to give our invocation.

[00:39:58] Welcome, Pastor Archer. So good to see you again. Thank you. Thank you so much. Chair, thank you so much to all of you. We're so grateful for this opportunity to be able to take time to pray to God, to really direct this meeting and all the proceedings that come from this.

[00:40:21] Let's go to God in a word of prayer. Our God and Father, I thank you so much for your kindness and your grace. You've truly blessed us, God, to be here in this incredible Commonwealth of Virginia, in this county here in Prince William. We thank you, God, for all of the residents, God, over 500,000 souls that you love, our children, our older people, everyone, black, white, Latino, Asian, young and old, God, you have blessed us in so many ways.

[00:40:51] I pray, God, that you would bless this meeting. I pray that all that is discussed will help to advance the cause of this community. I pray, God, that you'd give wisdom, wisdom to all of our elected officials, temperance, guidance, and clarity.

[00:41:06] That you'd give wisdom and temperance to all of us as citizens as we come together to fight for this community. God, I pray for so many who are struggling in our community, in our county, who are struggling with food insecurity. They're struggling with the challenges that have been going on in the world, that are struggling with mental health challenges.

[00:41:26] I pray that your spirit would speak to them and comfort them and that your spirit would move through all of us to be your hands and your feet to serve and to bind up our community. Thank you for all that you've done, all that you're doing. We dedicate everything that we are to you.

[00:41:41] We know the very oxygen that's in our lungs comes from you. You created us and everything else. And so, God, we pray that you bless this day, that you bless this proceeding, and that, God, you would give us the wisdom, the temperance, and the clarity to march forward as you intended.

[00:41:58] We pray all these things in Jesus' name. Amen. Thank you, Pastor Archer. Please rise for the resetting of the Pledge of Allegiance. My allegiance to the Republic, which is a nation for God, invisible, liberty and justice.

[00:42:27] So we are on to item number three, commendations and proclamations. we will be voting on all six at once i do want to uh mention that two of the resolutions even though we're voting on them right now regarding natural uh national 4-h week and colgan high school's girls soccer will be formalized formally recognized beginning at our 7 30 p.m session tonight with that i will entertain a motion to approve agenda items 3a through 3f

[00:43:01] so move madam chair second motion made by supervisor bailey seconded by vice chair bode any discussion seeing none please vote unanimous Supervisor Vega abstaining from vote very good thank you um we are going we're going to take them a little bit out of order we're actually

[00:43:33] going to begin um with the Dale City's Farmers Market which is a supervising supervisor angry who's going to join me down at the podium thank you take it from here good afternoon everyone

[00:44:09] okay uh chrissy falls would you join me all right from northern virginia food rescue and any individuals that you have okay okay i'm gonna read this commendation dale city farmers market we're asked since 1987 the dale city farmers market has been at the forefront of serving prince william county residents with nearly 50 vendors in the summer and more than 30 in the

[00:44:46] winter it serves as one of the largest open air markets in the region and whereas farmers market across the country continue to expand opportunities for producers to sell directly to consumers shortening the supply chain and providing fresh food access to our diverse communities and whereas farmers market like the dell city farmers market have become the nexus for community engagement bridging an essential connection between urban and rural neighborhoods that facilitate the exchange of ideas, support systems, and resources.

[00:45:20] And whereas on a national level, Farmers' Markets Week is observed in the month of August and provides an opportunity for communities to learn more about food systems in their local communities. And whereas Farmers' Markets contribute to the USDA's food system transformation framework by supporting a fair food system that helps producers compete and consumers to have new, more, and better local market options.

[00:45:48] And whereas the Dale City Farmers Market has made significant contributions to the Northern Virginia Food Rescue, whose mission it is to work behind the scenes to help those on the front lines feed the hungry. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Prince William Board of County Supervisor hereby duly commends the contributions of the Dale City Farmers Market to the Prince William County community, including its contributions to the Northern Virginia Food Rescue.

[00:46:14] Be it further resolved that the Prince William Board of County Supervisor hereby calls upon the people of Prince William County to celebrate farmers markets across the community with appropriate observances and activities. Good afternoon.

[00:46:37] As you know, there are farmers markets all over the greater Prince William, beginning in the city of Manassas on Thursday afternoons, here Thursday evenings behind us, Saturday mornings back in Old Town, and they end at Dale City. The reason why we come into play is whatever the farmers don't feel will make it to the next farmer's market they donate to us.

[00:46:58] Year-to-date, just this season, we're at almost 100,000 pounds. This past weekend, with all of the rain and everything being canceled on Saturday, we still brought in 3,700 pounds that went right back out in the community within 48 hours.

[00:47:13] So all of that produce went right back out in the greater Prince William area to be given out. This wouldn't be made possible if it wasn't for all the hard work. Two of our volunteers are here, but there is a whole bunch of them that are there. Not only do they help Paxton Moving Company, who is the one that moves the food to the warehouse, but they also come in on Mondays and help sort all of that produce.

[00:47:42] Whatever is not consumable for human consumption, we give back out to the local farmers in the area so that they can feed their animals. What I would like to do is I'd like to introduce our new executive director, Dr. Megan Franco. Thank you so much to Dale City Farmers Market.

[00:48:05] And I just want to talk about the importance that they play in the role of serving us at Northern Virginia Food Rescue. Did you all know that more than 35% of individuals in the Prince William County are facing food insecurity? To further explain what food insecurity is, it's a lack of access to consistent and healthy food options.

[00:48:24] And I just don't think that should be a privilege. That is a right. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, approximately $400 billion of food is lost between harvest and retail market. This food ends up in landfills, it contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, and that disrupts the nature's balance.

[00:48:44] So this is where Northern Virginia Food Rescue, we step in with our supporters and we take action. Had someone asked me to describe the concept of food rescue years ago, I would have been clueless on how to narrate this phenomena. Today, I can't imagine a world without using such a common sense approach to addressing one of the most basic human needs.

[00:49:02] With my background in human services, I realized years ago how pivotal meeting a person's basic needs contributes to their overall well-being. It's difficult to focus on achieving your various life milestones when you are literally hungry or unsheltered.

[00:49:18] So Northern Virginia Food Rescue has been instrumental in redirecting perfectly good food from being sent to landfills and ensuring that we address the necessity of providing food in the community. Speaking as a child of an extremely hardworking mother who had occasional struggles, she made sure that she made ends meet.

[00:49:37] But this gives me a sense of pride and connection to working for Northern Virginia Food Rescue, ensuring that folks are eating out here. So are you asking yourself how to get involved? Today, I encourage you to download our app, become a food rescue hero, volunteer at our warehouse. Perhaps you may want to become a donor in support, one of our many initiatives, such as our backpack program, where we ensure that children are going home with food nights and weekends.

[00:50:00] There's nothing more exciting than seeing food and this mission in action, and we literally could not do it without any of you all in this room. So continue to address and join us in addressing the social injustice of food insecurity while we save the environment. So thank you.

[00:51:08] Next up, we're going to switch to 3D, Proclaim Friday, September 15th, 2023, to Sunday, October 15th, Hispanic Heritage Month. Maria Burgos of Equity and Inclusion, please join me at the podium.

[00:51:30] Start reading while you're on your way. Hispanic Heritage Month. Whereas the observance of Hispanic Heritage Month beginning in 1968 has Hispanic Heritage Week by President Lyndon Johnson, was enacted into law August 17th, 1998, by President Ronald Reagan and expanded to 30 days from September 15th through October 15th.

[00:51:50] And whereas during Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate the history, culture, and contributions of individuals who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean, Spanish-speaking nations. And whereas during Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate people who identify both as Hispanic and Latino, highlighting their cultural, linguistic, and historical journeys.

[00:52:11] And whereas as a community, we acknowledge the differences each group brings to the table while encouraging all members of our community to stand, quote, as one community, one people, one vision, while celebrating their unique perspective. And whereas we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month as an opportunity to speak with one voice and acknowledge the crucial role that the Hispanic Latinos have played and will play in shaping the future of our county, our state, and our country, and the world.

[00:52:39] And whereas we celebrate Hispanic Latinos as valued contributors and collaborators in every aspect of our organization and community, and whereas we celebrate and recognize Hispanic Latinos, among others, as entrepreneurs, business people, employees, suppliers, consumers, scientists, artists, athletes, and leaders.

[00:52:56] Despite persistent challenges, Hispanic Latinos thrive, achieving remarkable success in all areas, helping drive our economic prosperity, innovation, and economic growth. Whereas, we want to join the Hispanic-Latino community in recognizing and celebrating Hispanics' prosperity, power, and progress during this special month and beyond.

[00:53:17] Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Prince William Board of County Supervisors hereby proclaims Friday, September 15, 2023, through Sunday, October 15, 2023, as Hispanic Heritage Month. and hereby encourages all members of our community to join our fellow Hispanics and Latinos in celebrating their unique cultural and contributions to our community.

[00:53:38] Thank you. Thank you, Chair Wheeler and members of the board. With me today, we have two organizations. Internally, Olay is here with us today, and if you will make your way forward. Ladies, there are 21 Spanish-speaking countries.

[00:54:00] El Salvador is the largest representation here in Prince William County. With us today is the SALEX Foundation. SALEX has the highest membership as a national organization, and they're here as a group to grow and promote our youth, and they're with us here today.

[00:54:19] Please come on board, SALEX. I want to speak a little bit on both groups.

[00:55:07] Our OLE organization organizes monthly to meet representatives from every Spanish-speaking country here in Prince William County, and this month they have organized the Hispanic Heritage Month. We would also like to acknowledge our Salix Foundation. They organize events such as the annual beauty contest, soccer events, classes for youth, as well as opportunities to involve parenting in the hope of engaging our kids and being members of the communities as leaders.

[00:55:47] Last two accommodations, 3B and 3F, we'll start with 3B, the Occoquan Woodbridge-Lorton Volunteer Fire Department, better known as OWL, on its 85th anniversary, whereas the Occoquan Woodbridge-Lorton Volunteer Fire Department is celebrating 85 years of dedicated service to Prince William County.

[00:56:58] And actually, before I go on, Supervisor Bodie, Mr. Dave Williams, okay, I will start over.

[00:57:17] Whereas the Occoquan Woodbridge-Lorton Volunteer Fire Department is celebrating 85 years of dedicated service to Prince William County, whereas the Occoquan Woodbridge-Lorton Volunteer Fire Department provides fire and medical services 365 days a year, And whereas the Occoquan Woodbridge-Lorton Volunteer Fire Department designed the firestorm line of firefighting boats that are used worldwide, whereas in 2023, the Occoquan Woodbridge-Lorton Volunteer Fire Department was the recipient of an award for their volunteer service in responding to the January 3, 2022 snowstorm that gridlocked I-95 for over 24 hours.

[00:57:53] and whereas the Aquaquon-Woodbridge-Lorton Volunteer Fire Department has saved countless lives of the citizens and visitors of Aquaquon-Woodbridge and Prince William County. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Prince William Board of County Supervisors hereby extends its grateful appreciation and commends Aquaquon-Woodbridge-Lorton Volunteer Fire Department for 85 years of service to our community.

[00:58:15] Congratulations. Thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair, and thank you for the collaboration with your office on this commendation. Just as a personal note, because, you know, everything is here, 85 years to our community, back, you can only imagine what the county looked like 85 years ago, right?

[00:58:35] To have that almost century of service to our community, just want to say thank you for that. But on a personal note, folks will recall last year in the early spring, I got hurt. I fell twice, hurt myself, had a double knee replacement. When I fell at my office, when we made a call, it was OWL who actually transported me to the hospital back then.

[00:58:56] So I've seen firsthand the type of great folks you have that work in your volunteer fire department. And I want to say as a heartfelt thanks from me and my family for all that you do. Thank you so much, Chief Williams. Thank you, Chair Wheeler and Supervisor Bodie and the entire board.

[00:59:17] OWL has been around for a long time. It's 85 years. I think we had the first career fireman at OWL many years ago. And in the last consecutive two years, we've received the Governor's Award for response from a volunteer fire department, which was a very nice award for us to get.

[00:59:37] All the volunteers that have served OWL over the years and currently enable us to do this, not to mention the fire and rescue employees that serve with OWL make the whole system work. I'd like to thank the board for appointing Chief LeBell.

[00:59:56] He's a very bright light in the fire and rescue system today, and I think going forward. Thank you.

[01:00:15] This is fire prevention week.

[01:00:36] I do believe Chief LeBell was coming. Is he? You were sitting down, I saw. And if you want to, you're welcome to have your people stand in the front if you want. Nobody wants to stand while we're talking.

[01:01:02] We have new cameras. It's a whole new setup. It's a lot of fun. You'll be on TV.

[01:01:13] we are lucky to have so many wonderful public safety people fire prevention week okay you guys

[01:01:49] ready whereas the majority of fires occur in homes where families feel safest yet are at the greatest risk and whereas cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires and injuries and whereas the 2023 fire prevention week theme is cooking safety starts with you pay attention to fire prevention and whereas the prince william county fire and rescue system will hold open houses in celebration of fire prevention week on saturday october 14th from 10 a.m to 2 p.m inviting the public to meet their local neighborhood firefighters toward the station and apparatus and participate in the

[01:02:26] station's activities and whereas banners celebrating fire prevention week will be displayed prior to the event at various firehouses throughout the county including the county government center to promote fire prevention week and encourage the public to be vigilant when cooking and whereas the week's events and cooking safety tips will be promoted via the system's social media sites Facebook and Twitter and whereas the Prince William Board of County Supervisors is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all those living in and visiting our county by recognizing the value of fire prevention education for all now therefore be it resolved that the Prince William

[01:03:01] board of county supervisors hereby proclaims october 8 2023 through october 14 2023 as fire prevention week in prince william county thank you good afternoon thank you very much i want to thank the board for taking the time to recognize fire prevention week it's actually our 101st annual fire prevention week not mine personally just for the nation and although our our wonderful volunteer and career staff are always willing and ready to go to emergencies. Our primary

[01:03:38] responsibilities to make sure the emergency never occurs, and we do that through prevention. 35% of home fires in Prince William County can be attributed to cooking, and it's usually from unattended cooking. And so this year's fire prevention method, or excuse me, message is incredibly important. I want to take a moment to recognize our fire prevention staff from the fire marshal's office they make sure that buildings react the way we think they're going to react when they are on fire but they spend most of their time trying to make sure the fire never occurs their work saves more lives than emergency response does every single year and

[01:04:17] i'm incredibly proud of them i want to hope everyone can take a little time this week to practice kitchen fire safety and remember regardless the cause of the fire develop and regularly practice a fire escape plan and should a fire occur in your home please get out of your

[01:04:33] house and call 9-1-1 as quickly as possible thank you very much we have wonderful county staff and

[01:05:55] i just found another reason not to cook just saying i'm i'm another good excuse um that brings us on to uh four which is our consent agenda item um do we have any items that anyone wishes to remove from the consent agenda items because they have specific questions or concerns that they haven't

[01:06:16] been able to get answered before today. Supervisor Weir? Item 4-H, please. Madam Chair. Supervisor Vega? 4-D. 4-D as in dog? Yes. Okay. Supervisor Lawson, your thing is lit. Yeah, I'm having IT problems. Oh my. It wasn't working earlier. 4-F as in Frank. 4-S as in Frank. Okay. Anybody else?

[01:06:55] No, I don't. Okay. Okay. So given those being pulled, could I get a motion to approve 4A, B, and C, E, and G?

[01:07:10] So moved, Madam Chair. Second. Motion made by Supervisor Bailey, seconded by Vice Chair Bodie. Discussion. Supervisor Franklin. Sure. Just want to point out items 4A and 4C. 4A is a request to the Virginia Department of Transportation to accept the remaining segment of Bayside Avenue into the secondary system of state highways.

[01:07:33] And then 4C is to authorize the application for 2025 through 2026 transportation alternatives program administered by VDOP for Colchester Road sidewalk improvements from Featherstone Road to Randall. And actually, it's to create a sidewalk. I just wanted to point that out.

[01:07:48] Thank you. There's a motion on the floor. Any further discussion? Seeing none, please vote. Supervisor Lawson? Aye. Vote unanimous.

[01:08:06] Okay. That brings us to the first item that was pulled, Supervisor Vega, 4D. Thank you, Madam Chair. I did see Seth. Seth, so item 4D says $150,000. We allocate $150,000 from the remaining balance of the American Rescue Plan Act funding to the 2023 Neapco Boardwalk Holiday Lights Program and the COVID-19 Special Revenue Fund.

[01:08:30] I don't think you'll find anybody on this day that loves Christmas and Christmas lights more than me. However, my question to you is, what does this have to do with COVID? Good afternoon, Supervisor, Chair, members of the Board, Seth Hendler-Vos, Director of Parks and Recreation.

[01:08:46] So this is an eligible expense. This originally started, this initiative of the Boardwalk Lights started last holiday season with an allocation of ARPA funds through the Virginia Tourism Corporation. At that time, it was deemed a qualifying expense due to the tourism implications of the event, the ability to draw folks in from outside Prince William County to spend their money in the county.

[01:09:15] And when the opportunity was presented to utilize ARPA funds for this year's light show, we consulted with our ARPA consultant just to confirm that it still remains a qualifying expense, and they confirmed that it is indeed.

[01:09:31] So my follow-up question to that is with, you know, more folks testing positive for COVID. My question is, could we perhaps not use those funds for initiatives to try to mitigate whatever concerns folks have been emailing us about instead of a light show that in reality, in my opinion, has really nothing to do with COVID and there are more pressing matters that we could actually be using those funds towards?

[01:09:54] Thank you for that question. So that's a policy discussion and a budget discussion that I'll defer to the county exec and his team for. Thank you, Supervisor Vega. We certainly can speak to and I'm happy to sort of meet with you one-on-one about some of the reserves that we are putting in place to make sure that we are prepared.

[01:10:16] If there is a need for our government to react to the increased cases for COVID. I want to have Michelle Atreid speak to preparation and how we are as a county prepared and or how we're using Recovery Act dollars.

[01:10:37] Hi, Michelle Atreid, CFO. The board did allocate during both the first allocation and second allocation of ARPA funding monies for emergency response. Those were to fund things such as testing, vaccinations, PPE. In consulting with Brian Meisner, our director of emergency operations, they have adequate surplus of all of those things, PPE, inventory, we purchased ahead so that we have that.

[01:10:59] But if we had to pull, we have other, we're only 50% spent on ARPA. A lot of it's been allocated, but if we had to shift, we could. We also are looking right now at balances in areas such as premium pay. We did not expend all of our premium pay. So we are working on compiling how much is left, and we'll be coming back to the board at a future date to reallocate.

[01:11:20] And so there is places we could go if we needed to pull from. But right now, we do have enough in emergency response. Supervisor Weir, you have a question? Thank you, Madam Chair. Seth, to dovetail on Supervisor Vega's comments, you and I had this discussion last week with respect to unbudgeted capital programs.

[01:11:48] I'm just curious, wouldn't $150,000 go much further to funding a capital need than a lights program? That's a very good question, and there are a lot of ways to respond to that. And I will say, however, that we have been very grateful for the ARPA funds that we've been able to avail ourselves of to date to invest in deferred maintenance needs.

[01:12:17] Could I get a motion on 4-D? So move on, Chair. Second. Motion made by Supervisor Bailey, seconded by Supervisor Franklin. Is there any discussion on 4-D? Seeing none, please vote.

[01:12:38] Motion passes. Supervisors Lawson and Vega voting nay. Supervisor Weir abstaining from vote. That brings us on to 4-F, Supervisor Lawson.

[01:12:53] Thank you, Madam Chair. I actually like to every now and then, well, I don't know if it's an annual forfeiture that we vote on, or in the past I've asked somebody from the police department to explain to the public a little bit about what this is and how we use the funds I in the past I've asked that we consider using the funds for maybe I don't and mr.

[01:13:21] Alexander or mr. short I don't know if you're able to speak on this but in the past I know we've talked about maybe using them for prevention of trafficking trafficking? Do you know exactly what we use these funds for? And for the public's sake, can you explain what they are? Dan Alexander, Deputy County Executive for Safe and Secure Community. I'll do my best to answer this based on what's presented here today. This appears to be the Commonwealth Attorney's specific portion of these funds. So it's unique to the Commonwealth

[01:13:56] attorney. It appears to be, and is argued here, that is a permitted use, specifically for one-time purchases of licenses for their records management system. The PD's use, I think, and requests for use would be separate, would come before you. And I know in the past that I'm sure that they've bought equipment and have done other things with those monies that support their activities.

[01:14:18] This appears to be specifically designated for the Commonwealth and their participation in the program does that make sense yeah i guess what i was trying to get at is these are funds that maybe were um were handed over from a drug bust or yes or criminal cases and the point is is that we the government are using that those funds that were acquired and they're forfeited for for a good purpose absolutely and that i mean when people read that they might not know what

[01:14:55] the heck this is about and i just wanted to highlight it yeah and to your point it's it's not taxpayer dollars in the traditional sense right they're seized dollars from criminal activity right and thank you for catching the uh i i for a split second forgot that this is not for the police department this is for the commonwealth attorney's office thank you and and i will add it's for their case management system carpel to make it more efficient and be able to run so they we do know what they're putting it toward so motion made by supervisor lost and seconded by

[01:15:27] vice chair bode any further discussion please vote vote unanimous that brings us on to 4h supervisor weir mrs treed i noticed that a portion of these bonds are going to be um non-tax exempt and i'm assuming that's because of the commercial aspect of the crc uh a couple of things i'm

[01:15:59] Assuming that the commercial revenue from the lease payments will cover the extra interest payments, or the extra interest load? Thank you.

[01:16:16] The rent from floor and decor at the CRC is programmed to go towards the debt service payments. We've also structured it such that the tax exempt, or the taxable portion, is the first part that we'll be retiring. So it's structured in a way that that piece will be paid off before the rest of it.

[01:16:32] What kind of difference in interest rate are we talking about? That I don't know if I have in front of me. Ballpark. I don't think I have.

[01:16:52] That's usually, I want to say a couple percent. Okay. This leads to the second part of the question. I'm assuming that the remainder of the IDA bonds are all going to be tax exempt? Yes. Which will preclude public use of any of the other facilities? So it will not preclude.

[01:17:09] There's some public use by the federal government. For example, they used the elite shooting range that we purchased. We may stay in an arrangement with them for a usage, and that would be considered private use, even though it's the federal government, but it won't be such a percentage that it will violate IRS regulations.

[01:17:24] It's something that the police department, our bond council, and finance will work to monitor regularly. Will that preclude other local jurisdictions from using it? No, as long as we don't exceed the required percentage. So we'll have to look at how it's used. Any other local government use would be considered a private use because it's not by Prince William County.

[01:17:46] And do we know what the percentage is? Because I'm assuming this is going to preclude public use of a facility that we purchased. It will, yes, we could not open it up just to the general public. That would certainly throw us over. It also has significant insurance ramifications.

[01:18:04] We would be insuring a facility that we are now allowing citizens to use firearms in. So there are some concerns there as well. I understand that. I still think that my personal view is that it should be open to the public. On some limited basis, I understand why you're not doing it, but I don't agree with it.

[01:18:21] Thank you. Can I get someone to move 4-H forward, please? So moved, Madam Chair. Second, Madam Chair. Thank you. Supervisor Bailey moved that, seconded by Vice Chair Bodie. Any further discussion? Seeing none, please vote.

[01:18:40] Motion passes, 7-1. Supervisor Weir voting nay. And Supervisor Bailey, you had some comments on the earlier concern? Yeah, I did. Thank you, Madam Chair, for indulging me. I just wanted to thank the businesses, and I think Rick just left out, But thank the businesses, Colonel especially, for your service and one of the business owners in Dumfries for item 4B.

[01:19:04] And then for 4C, I just wanted to tell the public that this project is in regards to the Grand Park Road Diet that the Transportation Department is initiating for us and initiating the growing out of the no-sidewalk era.

[01:19:23] So we're going to get more sidewalks as well. So just wanted to make that very visible to the public, particularly to the Potomac District. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you. That concludes our consent agenda, and we are now on to public comment time. Today, in person, we have 13 people signed up to speak at public comment time.

[01:19:42] I will call the speakers up at five at a time. Each speaker will have three minutes to share their views and opinions regarding matters before the board. We ask that all speakers state their name and magisterial district or generally where they reside in the county at the beginning of their remarks.

[01:19:59] We will close the in-person sign-up list after the first 15 minutes of in-person public comments. Our first five speakers, and you can line up at the back in the microphone, Connick McFadden, or Connie McFadden, Lilia Bartruff, Carl Greeten, John Bloxton, and Caroline Chipman.

[01:20:27] And please make sure you speak into the microphone. If you need to tip it down, you can and adjust it. Good afternoon. Thank you. My name is Kenesha McFadden. I live in the Potomac Shores neighborhood, which is in Dumfries.

[01:20:47] I'm speaking today in reference to something that y'all will be looking at this evening at 730, and I wasn't for sure if I could make it. So it is actual item 12B. I am speaking as a United States Army veteran who suffers from PTSD and anxiety.

[01:21:13] And finding out that I have a neighbor who would be selling guns from his home just feet away is really breathtaking to me. Not only just for me, I have a 12-year-old that walks from school every day.

[01:21:32] I have three schools within a two-mile radius of his home. And in today's climate, I don't know how any of us would think it's okay to sell guns from a home. I have nothing against him having a business. I just feel like if he's going to be selling guns, it needs to be in a commercial location and not in our neighborhood.

[01:21:54] We moved to this neighborhood for safety. We moved back there where we live at because it's a lack of traffic and a lot of people. And now I feel like we're going to be bringing negative energy to our neighborhood. The neighborhood is not well lit, and that's another safety thing.

[01:22:13] So people buying guns, coming back there, it's not well lit. Kids are out there playing all the time. And I just pray that y'all can really take a serious look at it and disapprove it from moving forward and maybe recommend he get a commercial building if you do want to sell them.

[01:22:33] Thank you. Thank you. Next speaker, please. Good afternoon, members of the board. I'm Lila Bartruff from the Gainesville District. Earlier this month, I attended Supervisor Wears Town Hall at Battlefield High School, and I appreciated all the current proposals that were in the cafeteria for us to look at and learn about. Listening to the other attendees there, I heard a lot of, no, not here, not in my backyard, but I'm not here to say that. I support these developments. We need more housing, more affordable housing. And the two proposals I saw for Smith Farm and High Point at Haymarket

[01:23:11] will bring in more affordable housing where we need it. However, these developments will cost the county. High Point at Haymarket is right next door to Haymarket Elementary, which is already the largest elementary school in the county. It has more students than they have room for.

[01:23:29] Building these developments will continue to put stress and strain on our school system, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't build them. We should be building affordable housing in our county and we should be fully funding our schools to allow them to handle the influx of students that more housing will create. I noticed earlier this year you gave yourselves a raise. I also approve of this. No one should go over a decade without a raise. However, you did give yourself a significantly higher raise than the county's teachers have received over the same time frame.

[01:24:01] And again, I'm not saying you were wrong, but I would like to see our teachers' compensation raised just as much as yours was. I know there's only eight of you and 6,500 teachers, so that's a bit harder to fit into the budget, but we should be doing everything in our power to increase the county's funds to afford raises for our teachers.

[01:24:23] I want more affordable housing, and I want more funding for our schools. For these reasons, I also support the Digital Gateway. I know it won't bring the county income for a number of years, but just because something isn't immediate doesn't mean we shouldn't be doing it.

[01:24:40] We need to be setting our county up for success in the future. We need to be voting yes on the digital gateway so we can say yes to raises for our teacher, yes to affordable housing, yes to great schools. Thank you so much for your time. Thank you.

[01:24:56] Next speaker, please. Good afternoon. I'm Carl Gretton of the Gainesville District, and we are against the gateway bankruptcy plan. You guessed it, another bill. This time I'm not talking about the personal property tax bill that has been raised by the Democrats on the Board of Supervisors.

[01:25:14] The other day, our car insurance bill went up. We called the insurance company because we have not been in any accidents or received any tickets in many years. Can you believe what the answer was? The answer was that we live in Prince William County. I guess the rest of the country is finally realizing that it's not such a great place to live due to theft.

[01:25:34] Our bill went up 33% since 2021. thanks, Prince William County. The Prince William County Elections Office announced that countywide over 850 voters turned out on the first day of early voting. This is a 74% increase from the first day of early voting for the midterms in 2022. Looks like there will be more lame ducks on the Board of Supervisors. The voters are not concerned about how much money you receive.

[01:26:00] We are concerned about your voting preferences. On the Board of Supervisors, five Democrats are destroying Prince William County in Virginia. There will be no water to drink because of the salt in the supply in the Occoquan Reservoir. There'll be no electricity.

[01:26:16] Dominion Power does not have a supply. Increased traffic. The Outer Beltway will be in place of Pajon Lane. The high costs, $16.7 billion for power towers equates to $800 for every Prince William County household versus $40 million revenue over 20 years.

[01:26:35] So everyone in this room will be paying $800 more a year. Every time you hear $400 million revenue to the general fund, just think about the $16.7 billion cost to households. A lower quality of life, never to be returned.

[01:26:52] Pollution. The Democrat vote will not follow President Biden or the Prince William County clean energy or sustainability standards due to diesel-generated carbon emissions. Destruction of historic areas, parks, and the idiocy of placing data centers near schools and homes.

[01:27:09] Amazon operates or is in the process of planning and building 102 data centers in northern Virginia alone. Together, the data centers require more energy to keep running than the entire city of Seattle. Even worse, the need for all this power is forcing energy companies to turn away from clean energy solutions such as wind and power, as the infrastructure needed for those sources to operate cannot be scaled up quickly enough to meet the massive energy demands.

[01:27:35] Dominion Energy recently proposed canceling the retirement of dirty energy infrastructure and even building new gas-burning plants to meet the demand. The only reason we can figure out why the five Democrats are voting for the Digital Gateway is to put your stamp on a failed Prince William County because we will be gateway bankrupt.

[01:27:53] Early voting has started. Let's see how many lame ducks we can get out of this group. Go to elections.virginia.gov. Thank you. Next speaker, please. Yes, good afternoon. My name is John Bloxton. Been a resident in the Prince William County area since May of 1980. Lived in Cat Harpen since fall 1982. Four generations on our farm and we love it here. Cat Harpen was always meant to be the farming community, rural and pristine. Gas and grocery at Alvy's store plus the post office was all we ever wanted. Everyone in Prince William County, however, is going to

[01:28:32] benefit from the budget increases Prince William County will receive from this new deal. Let's get this upgrade deal done so that we can move on to the next task because there's a lot more going on in Prince William County than rehashing decisions that have already been made. Not a question of building thousands of homes that will further increase our traffic problems and it's not a situation where an outside entity is trying to exploit the residents of Pageland. This is an Initiatives started by us, people who have lived here for 30, 40, or 50 years to leave this area, which has grown up around us tremendously over time.

[01:29:12] Benefits of job creations, tax revenues, and landowner support will make this an easy win for everyone. Closing, I want to make it clear, my family and friends who are residents along Paisland Lane support the proposed data center for the comprehensive plan for Prince William County.

[01:29:31] Thank you. Thank you. And before our next speaker, I'd like to call up our next five after that. Lindy Atkins, Audrey Atkins, Scott Chipman, Gloria Conner, and Rachel Ellis. Thank you. Please proceed.

[01:29:47] My name is Caroline Chipman. I'm from the Gainesville District. Just keep it very short. I support the Digital Gateway and look forward to the vote later this year. Thank you. Thank you. Good afternoon. My name is Lindy Atkins. I live in the Gainesville District.

[01:30:09] January of 1970, my wife and I bought our first home in Prince William County. If my math is correct, that was 53 years ago. In that 53 years, I've seen our taxes increase drastically in the real estate market or in what we have to pay. And because of that, I'm here to support the Prince William Digital Gateway along the Pageline Corridor. The data centers will provide tax revenue that the real estate, based on the homeowners, will have to pay. So that would

[01:30:47] give some relief to that. So again, I'm here to support the Prince William Digital Gateway in the Pageline Corridor. Thank you. Thank you. Next speaker, please. My name is Audrey Atkins and I'm a resident of Gainesville District and I'm here to support Prince William Digital Gateway. I agree with what my husband has just said. Thank you.

[01:31:18] Thank you. Next speaker, please. Hi, I'm Scott Chipman. I live in the Gainesville District. Very simply, I'm here in support of the Digital Gateway and I too look forward to your vote and your support before the end of the year. Thank you. Thank you. Next speaker, please.

[01:31:47] Hello, my name is Gloria Conner. I'm from Potomac Shores in Dumfries and this is in regard to the gun selling business from a home. I want to paint a little picture for you. As you drive off of Route 1, you're going to go down Heritage Boulevard and you're going to pass in middle school, which is so full that we have five trailers sitting outside at the middle school. I mean the elementary school. Then you're going to go down to the high school, which is feet away, John Paul the Great. And there is a field, a complex unit full of sports.

[01:32:25] And then you'll make a right onto Woodview, and that's where the middle school is. Those three schools have lockdown drills every day, I mean every year, at least three. Then you're going to go down past 90 homes and make a right onto Quantico Neck, which is a no-site zone, so no one can see you in the woods looking at them.

[01:32:46] And then you're going to pass another 45 homes to get to the home where this gentleman wants to sell guns out of his house. We are opposed to this for the children. We're not anti-gun. Everybody, own your guns. We're anti-selling guns out of the homes. Our children are scared.

[01:33:03] Parents are scared. It's a veteran community. We are supporting anyone that wants to have their own guns. We just don't want it to be a gun-selling community. Please vote no to this. It's item 12B. Thank you. Thank you.

[01:33:19] And before our next speaker, let me call up the last three, Barbara Lateef, Kathy Kulik, and Phoebe Krollis. My name is Rachel Ellis, and I live in the Gainesville District.

[01:33:37] Our approval process is very relationship-oriented. Those are the words former Gainesville Supervisor Pete Canlan used in a newly released email with Jeff Mulhausen, the same Mulhausen that has contributed $17,500 to four Democrats sitting on this board.

[01:33:54] Canlan wrote, Our county is unusual compared to other NOVA localities, as our approval process is very relationship-oriented. Interesting choice of words. not our approval process is based on the merits of each proposal, not our approval process is based on transparency, not our approval process is equitable with citizen taxpayer engagement given the same weight as those companies donating thousands of dollars to supervisors. Our approval process is relationship-oriented. Whose relationship is being considered when it comes to the Prince

[01:34:29] William Digital Gateway? Supervisor Bailey, on June 27, 2023, during a board meeting regarding a proffer amendment, you directed this statement to planning, and I quote, when we talk about spending the taxpayers' money, we need to have answers before we make a decision, and I don't know is not a good answer. How many I don't know answers has this board received and accepted for the digital gateway? What relationships exist that have allowed it to be pushed through the approval process? So far, when the planning department has come before the board regarding the digital gateway, the answers are often I don't know. What is the return on investment? Actual cost to the

[01:35:05] county? Where's the load letter? What is the cost and impact of required infrastructure? How will noise be mitigated? What is the impact on the Occoquan watershed? How will this impact the battlefield? How will this impact the environment? Who is paying for the park space and at what cost? I don't know. Every cost to the county is a cost to the taxpayer. According to the county planning office website, all three rezoning requests for the digital gateway are 10 to 11 percent complete.

[01:35:33] Will they be 100% complete by the time they appear before the board for a final vote in December, or will relationships get them approved? Whether there is truth in the claims of relationships between the Democrats on this board and the Digital Gateway remains to be uncovered. And they will be uncovered. Corruption always comes to light.

[01:35:51] One thing is crystal clear. As Supervisor Bailey stated, I don't know is not a good answer. The residents of Prince William deserve to have total transparency with regards to the Digital Gateway, Because up to this point, everything has been hidden from us. From the secret changes to the CPA that were swept into the planning commission vote last year without full disclosure to all planning commissioners, to Chair Wheeler still touting the 807 acres of parks and open space, which residents now understand will have to be bought by the county.

[01:36:22] The magnitude of the digital gateway will irreversibly change Prince William for all residents. We deserve real answers. Democracy dies in darkness. Too many shady deals have been going on in darkness these past four years, and we, the residents, are shining the light on past deals and on future deals.

[01:36:39] Thank you. Next speaker, please. Good afternoon, everyone. My name is Barbara Lateef. I'm chairman of the Prince William County School Board. I reside at 13001 Chatsford Terrace in Manassas in the formerly Coles District, now Occoquan.

[01:36:59] I'm here, first off, to say thank you for a number of things. Thank you for recognizing our Colgan Ladies Soccer State Champions, I know you'll be recognizing them later this evening, and thank you for that. We're very proud of them. They come from the Coles District. Secondly, I want to thank you.

[01:37:15] You have an important bond sale to approve coming up, which is part of our yearly bond sale, and it's going to help with our capital improvement projects that we have on schedule for this year and moving forward. Last, I want to bring to your attention a couple things.

[01:37:32] There is the permit for asking to sell guns from the home in the Potomac Shores District. That home is near, as you heard earlier, a number of schools, both private and public.

[01:37:48] You expand that area a couple miles more, there's a number of other schools in that area. I do not believe this makes sense to allow someone to sell weapons from their home in a residential area. It makes very little sense, and it's not something that supports the efforts we are doing in the schools.

[01:38:06] And going back to the thank yous, I want to thank this board for the support they have done to help secure our schools and our campuses. You have instructed Chief Newsham to work closely with Superintendent McDade, and we have done enormous, really good stuff over the last four years to improve best practices, adding SRO officers.

[01:38:27] You have supported our efforts to buy the Evolve Weapon Detection System, and we just don't want that weapon detection system detecting guns in those areas because of someone being able to sell them from their home. So I just don't think that makes a whole lot of sense. So I would encourage you to oppose that permit today.

[01:38:44] And then last, I would just like to say, you know, since we're on the topic of guns, you know, our schools are a gun-free zone. You know, there are groups like Moms Demand Action who ask that, you know, we make our parks and recreation areas also gun-free zones. I think this makes a lot of sense.

[01:39:00] You know, we have spent a lot of time, money, energy, and trying to keep our schools safe. You know, I, as a resident, my kids have spent time in every summer camp, in every park facility, whether it's the Dale City Rec Center, Veterans Park, Ben LaMond. We have participated in sports activities in every single park in the county with my four children over the last 20 years.

[01:39:24] And I don't think it's too much to ask to make those gun-free, safe zones and to encourage that, you know, folks just don't go there and bring their weapons. And, you know, the unfortunate episode that happened at Hellway with a man attacking a coach, if there was a gun involved, that could have been a killing, you know, and that's just one thing we just don't need.

[01:39:49] So I want to thank you all for the support for the school systems. You guys have been fantastic, and please consider what I've asked today. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Next speaker, please. I believe it's Ms. Kulik, and I believe she's next, and then Ms. Krolls.

[01:40:06] Thank you. I asked the clerk to hand the document to you. Okay, that is totally fine. I will go ahead. I'm Kathy Kulik. Gainesville District, H-Way Roundtable of Northern Virginia. Yesterday, we held a joint news conference with the Loudoun Coalition of Homeowner and Condo Owners Associations, as well as Protect Falk Year for the announcement and release of this document, which the clerk is passing out to you now. It is a project we've been working on for more than six months to publish our joint Northern Virginia HOA and Civic Association's collaborative data center design and construction standards recommendations. I'd like to read you

[01:40:44] an excerpt from part of that news conference, and it goes like this. The impact of the data center industry on the hopes, dreams, and financial security of average American families and their most valuable asset, their homes, is very real. Residential quality of life depends on many things.

[01:41:01] A safe and healthy environment, protection of national historic resources, parks and school environs, the quiet enjoyment of one's property unthreatened by the David and Goliath effect of massive industrial buildings, even the sustainability and survivability of agriculture is threatened. This is a complete failure of our local governments to deliver professional land use planning in the public interest. As organizations committed to the protection of residential quality of life and the elements that comprise it, our collaboration is unprecedented, and a sign the impact of this industry is raising enormous concerns across the region, a concern that is growing as rapidly as the industrial data center development itself. Yesterday, the Loudoun group

[01:41:41] announced that we together represent more than 200,000 households in the region, and when Fairfax joins us, expect that to double. Together, we urge our respective jurisdictional governments to take seriously these recommendations we publicly released yesterday, and we ask along with our state and federal representatives to fully appreciate this distressingly negative results to the quality of life and property values of our homes from this unrestrained and highly under-regulated industry at a time when rising interest rates make entry and typical upward movement in homeownership increasingly challenging and stressful.

[01:42:20] Our recommendations are based foundationally on proper siting of industrial data center uses. Our experiences with this industry led us to specify as our baseline requirement that such development not occur within a quarter mile of an existing or planned residential community, school, or local park, a half mile from state parks, and one mile from national parks.

[01:42:40] We additionally looked at when these cannot be achieved for currently operating or proposed developments, that building heights and tapering of building heights, power, buffering, screening, and lighting be considered, and we urge you in the strongest possible terms not to approve another data center proposal that fails to meet these recommendations.

[01:43:00] Thank you very much, and I hope you read the document. We've worked on it a long time, and we think it's an easy read. Have a good day. Next speaker, please. Hi, my name is Phoebe Crails, and I live in Potomac Shores area.

[01:43:18] Please forgive me as I'm trying to control my anxiety right now. And I am a very concerned resident. I am a concerned parent, first and foremost. So forgive me, because this 12B selling guns in our community hits home for me, as I'm sure it would hit home for anybody else that be dealing with this.

[01:43:48] And I've had an experience a couple weeks ago where I thought that my child was missing, and it was the worst 40 minutes of my life. And I thank God that she was okay, and I appreciate the police department.

[01:44:04] They are amazing. They need a raise. But it brings me to this moment of I was, I could, I can hold my baby. I can do that. If somebody is selling guns in our community and they are passing three schools, it makes it a convenience that that's those schools and anyone in that area that's just walking out, like walking, which is usually women and children at that time, just walking.

[01:44:33] are more likely to be a... I don't even know the words. I hope y'all can understand me in between this. I don't need it to be... Let's not make it easy for them. Let's not make it easy to go ahead and go and buy a gun and pass the school and say, you know what, someone made me mad today, so I'm going to shoot up the school.

[01:44:56] Let's not make it easy for them within the community. There are areas... I think you go and get your guns. Please do in a non-residential area. My concern has me doing things that I've never done before.

[01:45:15] And instead of being, was it retroactive? I'd like to be proactive. And instead of being one of these parents that come up here and say, I didn't know, to say, if only.

[01:45:31] And so I am coming here to not just ask, but I am begging you. As an Air Force veteran, as a mother, as a resident, I don't care if you have kids or not. I don't care if you got dogs. or cats. But I'm just, I'm begging you not to allow the sales of weapons in our community where children are playing, where people are walking, where we have come, we have come, I personally have come to know Prince William County to me as a place of paradise. I hear everybody else

[01:46:09] complaining and I'm not taking away from any of your concerns. But I've been living in a bubble. This has been a bubble. This is the first time for me that I've seen what really is happening. So I'm begging you, please do not allow the sale of guns in a residential home.

[01:46:27] Not for me, for other children. Thank you. Thank you. That will conclude our in-person public comment time. Ms. Madden, do we have anyone online? I will turn it over to Vice Chair Bodie and Ms. Mann. Thank you, Madam Chair. Ms. Mann, how many folks do we have?

[01:46:46] There are five speakers. All right. As with in-person public comment time for the folks online? Our speaker is Zafir Imam. Thank you. Zafir Imam, Gainesville District. I support the Prince William Digital Gateway.

[01:47:04] Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Imam. Next speaker, please. Your next speaker is Mike Ketchmerick. Mike Ketchmerick, Heritage Hunt, Gainesville.

[01:47:22] I oppose your plan to vote on the Prince William Digital Gateway during the lame duck period. I think you should defer to the will of the voters and allow the new board to address this issue. The voter's voice needs to be heard. and respected on the issue. The chair in the primary was defeated on this issue and it should not be up to the current board to push this plan despite what the voters want. Let the new board decide this critical issue and not impose your defeated agenda on the county. You should not give away all future county authority to regulate data centers. Past Republican boards did that but this

[01:48:01] Democratic board needs to take the responsible course and preserve future county options. You still have plenty of hard work to do before you should even consider the Pageland Industrial Park and other data center projects. You need to establish modern-day industrial noise regulations.

[01:48:18] Approving new projects is the easy part. The hard part is developing regulations and establishing the monitoring, oversight, enforcement provision. Prince William County needs to start doing the hard part. This has to be done before approval, not after approval. You need to set the regulations while you still have leverage to do so.

[01:48:39] You should not surrender all future accounting authority to data center industry by approving projects before regulations and enforcement procedures are established. The first step is to establish who will be responsible for monitoring and how will this be conducted.

[01:48:56] Then what enforcement procedures do you have, if any? How will you ensure the developers and data centers will be held to whatever standard is established? Setting the noise level can be the last step in this process. It should not take three years to establish as is now planned.

[01:49:14] Such a delay will only hand all power to the data center industry. Delays will cause the regulation to be non-applicable to the Pagerland and other new projects. Set up the controls before any new approvals.

[01:49:30] Take on the difficult effort first before considering new approvals. Do not cave in to the billion-dollar data center industry and large landowners. who are only interested in cashing in on their half million to a million dollar per acre windfall.

[01:49:46] Five to ten million or more, or much more, depending on how many acres they will be selling. It's not the rural crescent, it's really become the millionaire crescent. You've given millionaires the opportunity to become multi-millionaires.

[01:50:04] Only Deschondra Jefferson can take on this effort because she will attack the problem with new perspective. She will not follow the bad practices of previous Republican-led boards. Thank you very much. Thank you, Mr. Kaczmarek. Next speaker, please. Your next speaker is Ken Nahr.

[01:50:25] Good afternoon, Ken Nahr, Gainesville District. Just a few quick reminders. The Prince William Digital Gateway's 21 acres are only 1% of the county's total landmass. 35% of that 2100 acres will remain untouched.

[01:50:41] An additional 5% of the 2100 acres will be reforested at no expense to the residents. Greater than 65 acres have been identified to address the county's goal of increasing our percentage of parks, trails, and forests. 10.5 miles of new pedestrian, equestrian, and bike trails will be constructed at no cost to the residents connecting four disparate parks.

[01:51:05] Ten additional acres are being donated to the Manassas National Battlefield Park. Increasing the county's commercial tax base is critical, likely most critical, to lowering personal property taxes and eliminating the meals tax. If after 25 years, Prince William County isn't willing to invest in what is actually less than 1% of its available land for future economic development and lowering taxes, it might as well post signs that the county line that I read flows for business. I respectfully ask for your support for the three Prince William Digital Gateway rezoning applications coming before this board

[01:51:42] in the coming month. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Nahr. Next speaker, please. Your next speaker is Mally White. Hello, this is Mally White. I live in the gainesville district i want to be sure you can hear me we can there's slight feedback we can hear you ma'am okay thank you appreciate it i wanted to let you know that i do fully support

[01:52:21] the amazing work that this board has done the last few years in developing uh the prince william digital gateway and all of the effort that they have done it's been excellent so i do support it 100 and i thank you thank you miss white next speaker please your next speaker is robert white

[01:52:48] Yes. This is Robert White, Gainesville District. I support the Digital Gateway, and all it will do is support the county's future. Thank you very much. Thank you, Mr. White. Are there any other speakers for this afternoon?

[01:53:06] There are no more remote speakers. Thank you for your assistance. Back to you, Madam Chair. Thank you very much, Vice Chair Brody, Ms. Mann. That brings us on to item number six, our public hearings today. We have four public hearings, 6A through 6B.

[01:53:28] I won't read them all. Ms. Madden, do we have anyone signed up for any of the public hearings? Well, I will officially open the public hearings for 6A, 6B, 6C, and 6D on today's agenda.

[01:53:45] If there's anyone here to speak on those public hearing items, uh go to the microphone in the back even if you haven't signed up seeing no one approached the microphone in the back this will officially close the public hearings on items 6a 6b 6c and 6d um we uh was wondering i i actually have some questions myself but are there questions um from the dais on any of the public hearings this afternoon supervisor lawson thank you madam chair

[01:54:22] I would like Seth Hendler-Vos to come up. There he is.

[01:54:37] Seth, so regarding item 6B, can you walk the public through how we got to this point and the process that was very open? I think you've done a good job of explaining to the critic in the email that the board was copied on, but for the sake of the public, I'd appreciate it if you walk through that again.

[01:55:01] Yes, ma'am. Thank you, Supervisor Lawson. Madam Chair, members of the board, Seth Hendler-Voss, Director of Parks and Recreation. So this project started back in 2008 when the board approved the rezoning for the Curry Farm Development over near the town of Haymarket. And as part of that rezoning approval, the developer offered a series of proffers. One of those proffers included the transfer of historic home and the adjacent property to the county or a state agency.

[01:55:40] But the county was given first right of refusal. And that property is known as the Historic Woodlawn House. And that house was built between 1825 and 1862, and it embodies the characteristics of 19th century federal architecture, and it's eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.

[01:56:03] And so at the time, we were very excited for that opportunity. And the plan originally was for the county to accept that transfer and to restore the house to provide towards the county's historic preservation goals, preserve that house as a vestige of Prince William County's history.

[01:56:31] And then the project basically froze for many, many years. And in 2018, a new developer around 2018, I might have some of the dates a little broad, purchased the property and developed what's known as the Virginia Crossings Project.

[01:56:53] And as you all know, even though it's a new developer, the proffer stayed with the property. And so the proffer remained in place. And the proffer was written in a way that the property was to be offered for transfer to the county after the subdivision plat was filed for that particular piece.

[01:57:10] So in 2019, the developer went ahead and recorded that plat, and they subdivided about a nine-acre piece of property with a historic house in the middle of it and made it available to the county. Between the original rezoning and the development of Virginia Crossing, county staff worked diligently with the state to determine whether that house had historic significance and to what extent.

[01:57:46] And it was determined at that time through the submission of a preliminary information form that the house was indeed made eligible for the Federal Register. And we also engage with what the organization known today as Preservation Virginia, who was initially interested in actually buying the property or actually accepting the transfer, improving the property, and then selling the property to a private entity.

[01:58:19] Let me help you out. You're doing a good job, but let's shorten this up. Sure. What's the condition of the property right now? it's in it's dilapidated and it's on the verge of uh condemnation correct it's on the verge of condemnation i myself don't even i i was extended the invitation to go look at it and i chose not to based on photographs i saw of what was inside unsafe lots of graffiti um it it has a lot of work

[01:58:56] ahead of it for the new potential owner correct? Indeed. And then tell the public what what are the protections that we the county have in place? So the county is proposing to accept the property and in turn sell the property to a private party to renovate to to stabilize number one and then preserve the property in perpetuity in conformance with state and federal standards that make it eligible for the historic Federal Register. And so we are proposing covenants that will be

[01:59:30] attached to the deed. And those covenants include stabilizing the house within the first year of ownership and then preserving the house to its full historic integrity within two years of the sale. And then within five years of the stabilization and renovation, applying the property be placed on a place under easement with the Department of Historic Preservation the State Department of Historic Preservation and then furthermore there are covenants that restrict the property from being subdivided they restrict the property from being used for private

[02:00:08] business can only be used basically as as a residence and under a conservation easement or excuse me a historic preservation easement any alterations to the house for the current for the proposed uh uh grantee or the entity or person they may sell it to have to abide um by those standards and and get permission for any any of those improvements okay thank you and um i i know that you work very closely with the county attorney's office throughout this process obviously with rob orerson and historic preservation i don't have any more questions

[02:00:47] the my board colleagues may but thank you for explaining the process to the public okay so I have mr. Hitler boss I have a couple of questions if if we sell the house for $40,000 and they and they go in and they start shoring it up and spend you know spend X amount of dollars and find out that it's way more than they thought it was going to be to fix up the house which sometimes it is once people get in there what happens then and they decide they don't want to do it thank you madam

[02:01:25] chair so the way that the covenants are written if they don't if the grantee does not fulfill the obligations within the deed then the county would have the ability to purchase back the house for the sales price of forty thousand dollars plus any direct labor material costs put into the restoration or stabilization to that point would we be obligated to buy back the house no so we we could just say we don't want it and they would it would just stay there it sounds like a legal question yeah i don't know very complicated right complicated the intention here is that that

[02:02:03] property be be restored in full by someone yes ma'am by someone okay um you know i i do you know my one concern and and i will will vote for this i i do have a concern that um you know mr pearsall is a member of the Historic Commission and I don't believe that everyone on the Historic Commission was even aware of this sale. The Historic Commission was made aware of this of the opportunity for the public to provide letters of interest. Were they that was announced

[02:02:38] in their meetings? I'll defer to Mr. Orson but I believe they're all made made aware of the opportunity. Yes ma'am. Okay and did they know that Mr. Pearsall was going to be the one buying it? That's a question for Mr. Orson. I'm not sure whether the actual results were shared.

[02:02:54] Can Mr. Orson answer that? Because there has been some sort of conjecture about the fact that we're selling it at an under market value to someone who sits on the Historic Commission and people were unaware that he was buying it. Maybe you could address it, Mr. Orson.

[02:03:10] I'm Rob Orson with Historic Preservation on the Parks and Rec. We indicated to the Historic Commission that the property would be available. This proffer was passed by the Historic Commission many years ago before many of those members were on the commission. We did not publicly advertise that Mr. Pearsall was purchasing their property, though it was completely online and transparent through the county RIF process.

[02:03:35] But it was not publicly announced in the meeting that Mr. Pearsall was purchasing it. But we did let everyone know in the commission that the property was available for purchase. Okay. Thank you. Anything else, Mr. Hendler-Voss?

[02:03:51] No? Any other questions, concerns? Okay. Well, it's one of our consolidated public hearing items. So that would be, if I could get a motion for 6A, 6B, 6C, and 6D.

[02:04:10] So moved, Madam Chair. Second. Motion made by Supervisor Bailey, seconded by Vice Chair Bodie. Discussion? Did you have, did nobody, I don't know if you called the public hearing yet, did you? Yeah, I did. I opened and closed it. Oh, already? Okay. Well, it was quick.

[02:04:28] Very good. Okay, seeing no for discussion, please vote. Vote unanimous. Okay, thank you. That moves us from our agenda items 6A through 60, and we are now on to county executive time.

[02:04:49] Mr. Shorter, I know you have a great announcement for us that we saw on an email. Yes, of course. I won't, I won't. Anyway. Thank you, Madam Chair and members of the board. That announcement for sure and a few others. Just want to remind the board that in terms of the commitment I made last work session, last work session, that we would provide information on the federal government shutdown.

[02:05:17] And so you have received an email regarding the federal government shutdown and how our government would be impacted. That memo does provide some history on other federal government shutdowns and how our government has responded.

[02:05:36] We will continue via management and budget to monitor this week, and in the case where no appropriation bill is passed and no continuing resolution is passed, we will provide some additional information on how we are reacting as a county government.

[02:05:57] So I just wanted to make sure you saw that memo. I also sent a memo out to the board related to the EV charging stations. There were several questions last week about the EV charging stations at the front of the court, provided the information related to the contract and the relationship with ChargePoint.

[02:06:21] And so I made a commitment in that email and in that memo that we would come back to the board with recommendations first to sort of benchmark and look at what other jurisdictions are charging and then come back to the board with recommendations this year on our fee schedule and what we would charge here in the county.

[02:06:41] I also want to give a big shout-out, as our chair mentioned, both Fitch and Moody's rating agencies have both endorsed our county with a AAA bond rating.

[02:06:57] Yep, big deal for us. We are expecting that S&P will also follow suit later on this week, and I will provide that information to the board once that comes in. I want to give a big shout-out and just acknowledgement and recognition to Michelle Atry, who is here in the room, our entire finance department, economic development, our management and budget team.

[02:07:20] Fantastic job on presenting to the three credit rating agencies. We see the result. And I want to also acknowledge the board and your leadership in making sure that you hold the county accountable to our principles of financial management.

[02:07:36] So thank you, board members, for your leadership as well. We got word earlier this week from the state's Department of Social Services, Virginia Department of Social Services.

[02:07:51] They were conducting an audit of our Department of Social Services and gave great reviews of our staff, our case management system and processes and came from that audit with no findings and no recommendations. A very big deal and just want to acknowledge Courtney Tierney and her entire team for the results of that audit. Big congratulations to them. Also want to acknowledge the community services team. So Lisa Madron and her entire team. I went out last Friday to a staff event

[02:08:31] where they were just providing for an opportunity really to recognize and acknowledge staff, all kinds of activities. I competed in a, what is it, a sack race, did not win. I did not win. Very competitive staff.

[02:08:47] But it just is a wonderful opportunity both to provide for continued health and wellness of our own staff. It's an annual event, and I just want to acknowledge her, her leadership, her team, and making sure that we are doing what we can for staff as well. So I think that is all for me, Madam Chair.

[02:09:04] Thank you. Third. I came in third. I came in third. And I'm sure I'm going to get an e-mail if I didn't. He'll correct me. We have a few people who want to speak. Supervisor Vega. Thank you, Madam Chair.

[02:09:20] Mr. Shorter, just kind of want to know where we're at in hearing a presentation on Stantec's data center study. We paid quite a bit of money for that, and I've gotten a few e-mails also inquiring, considering the votes that are about to come before this board.

[02:09:36] I think it's important for us to know where we are with that study and if and when we're going to receive a presentation on it. I will check in with staff and follow up with the board. Okay. Thank you. Supervisor Bailey. Thank you, Madam Chair.

[02:09:52] Third place, huh? No, no, no. Very competitive, huh? I know. But I just wanted to say congratulations on AAA bond rating. That's a little joke between Michelle and I, so congratulations to you and your team.

[02:10:10] But I also wanted to thank you for your follow-up on the beautification piece. I've had my meeting. I know that she's taking her rounds. Kathy Holzlander is taking her rounds with the offices, and so it gave me an opportunity to inform my district about what's going on there.

[02:10:27] So we're moving forward with getting back on track with the beautification of our county. So thank you very much for the focus on that. We really appreciate it. Supervisor Weird. Thank you, Madam Chair.

[02:10:44] I expect my CXO to have a better cardio program to finish third. Referring back to your comments with respect to the charging and your intent to bring forward a fee schedule, does that might understand that we are not precluded from charging, as seemed to be the indication at the last meeting?

[02:11:06] So we will not actually be charging users directly. We'll be going through the contractor. Correct. We are contracted with ChargePoint. We will charge, essentially charge the vendor, and the vendor will be responsible for it. Okay. Secondly and lastly, do you have any sense of when you're going to bring us an update on potential use of surplus funds to offset personal property taxes as part of that directive from two weeks ago?

[02:11:35] I think we are December. Yeah, we're working on it, but will it be a part of the December? We're working on it, and what I'll do is, in our next board meeting, provide a very specific timeline on when we'll bring recommendations back.

[02:11:50] Thank you. And kudos again to our county staff who work very hard to keep us with the AAA bond rating. It makes a difference in our finances. It makes a difference in how we are reflected in our community and getting people to invest here.

[02:12:09] It makes a huge difference. And I know that's a lot of work, and we get some really good guidance. And we're grateful for that guidance. So thank you very much. Very exciting. With that, if there's nothing else, I will move on to item number eight, which is county attorney time.

[02:12:26] Ms. Robel, the floor is yours. Thank you, Madam Chair, members of the board. This afternoon in closed session, we will have consultation with legal counsel and briefings by staff members pertaining to the discussions concerning an economic development item regarding the expansion of an existing business or industry where no previous announcement has been made of the businesses or industry's intent on expanding their facilities in the county along with the discussion or the consideration of the disposition of publicly held real property, all where discussion in an open meeting would adversely affect the litigating posture, bargaining position, or negotiating strategy of the public body.

[02:13:01] And then we will have consultation with legal counsel and briefings by staff members regarding specific legal matters requiring the provision of legal advice by such counsel pertaining to the Freedom of Information Act, the attorney-client privilege, and the attorney-work product doctrine, where consultation, discussion, or briefing in an open meeting would adversely affect the bargaining position, negotiating strategy, or litigating posture of the public body.

[02:13:23] These items are appropriate for closed session pursuant to 2.2-3711A-3, 5, and 8 of the Virginia Code. So moved. Second. Motion made by Supervisor Bailey, seconded by Vice Chair Bodie. Any discussion? Seeing none, please vote.

[02:13:41] Vote unanimous. Okay, that moves us on to supervisor's time. I was going to start with Supervisor Angry because I went left and then right, and I was going to go all the way down there. Are you ready? I just want to say congratulations to my two appointees that we reappointed, Marlo Watson and Ramonda Young, back to their prospective boards.

[02:14:09] So that's it. Thank you, Madam Chair. Right, which actually someone just reminded me we have to vote on appointments. Would someone like to make the motion on those items? I'll motion. Okay, made a motion on items, which numbers are they? Eight through nine, yeah, those.

[02:14:26] Okay, any discussion? Seeing none, please vote. Vote unanimous. Okay, thank you. Why don't we start, you're done, Supervisor Anger, then we'll go to Supervisor Weir.

[02:14:44] Thank you, Madam Chair. I'd just like to remind everybody that early voting has begun, and if you're in the Gainesville District, you can do it at the Haymarket Library. I've also been asked to point out that we have a number of land use applications that have been recently filed.

[02:15:00] And for those that are in the Gainesville area, you can find them on the Gainesville District website. The details are there. If you need any other information, please contact my staff. My staff has met with both Kathy Holtzlender and Revis Design and Landscaping for the Gainesville District's Extra Beautification Program.

[02:15:21] We've chosen the I-66 Route 15 Diverging Diamond Interchange, and again, with conceptual designs and that sort of thing, they're available for viewing in my office. I will be passing out a copy, giving my notice of intent to put a resolution on the next agenda.

[02:15:41] I've been working in conjunction with the Transportation Department, and the resolution will be for the cancellation and discontinuation of the James Madison Highway Pedestrian Bridge Project and transfer of the unspent cash proffers in the amount of $1.9 million to the General Transportation Fund. The principal reason behind this is the cost has expanded from $15 million to $23 million. And I'll be passing all of that out. And then last but not least, I'd like to thank law enforcement, both Prince William and other, for their proactive assistance over the weekend with respect to Park Valley Church. Thank you.

[02:16:21] Supervisor Lawson.

[02:16:33] Thank you, Madam Chair. So, Seth has left the chamber, but let me tell you, the Prince William Times is helping us announce the unveiling of the new Rollinsford Park, and I have worked very closely with him and his staff, my park commissioner, stakeholders in the community, and I just pulled up on Prince William Times Facebook page, the announcement has been shared 493 times. So that's

[02:17:12] impressive. So I hope everybody will join us on October 7th at 9 30 at the Rollinsford Park. It's a long awaited park. It's going to be a regional attraction. It's going to appeal to everybody for passive and recreational use and i just found that super exciting that almost 500 shares on facebook alone also want to announce for the food truck lovers that you've got a couple events this weekend that you can hit and take in all the food truck food that you would like and i'm looking at

[02:17:49] the weather report and thankfully this weekend it looks nice so we have the bluegrass festival at the Brentsville Courthouse Historic Center this Saturday from 10 to 4. So that would be September 30th. And then the House of Mercy Food Truck Festival is this Saturday as well from 11 to 3.

[02:18:10] And I think that's all I have. I have been busy even over the weekend in the rain. Some things were thankfully still going on. A lot of things got postponed to probably this following weekend. But I just want to thank the school division in particular for a great ribbon cutting for the new Innovation Elementary School.

[02:18:34] It was a pleasure to be a part of that and also enjoyed being at the Prince William Conservation Alliance 21st anniversary last Thursday night at Giuseppe's. And Mr. Shorter, one last thing, Solheim Cup, it will be here on Prince William County land a year from now.

[02:18:54] I was at RTJ over the weekend enjoying a small reception Saturday night and shared with those who were there that we had staff on the ground in Spain preparing. And I know it's going to be a really big deal a year from now.

[02:19:10] But it's my understanding, I didn't watch golf over the weekend, but it's my understanding that the American women competed well and just barely lost. But hopefully next year we can take the trophy back. Thank you. Vice Chair Bodie?

[02:19:28] Thank you, Madam Chair. Just a few things from me. As Supervisor Lawson just alluded to, some things got canceled over the weekend because of the weather. One of those things was, unfortunately, the Occoquan Arts and Crafts Show. So obviously a lot of folks were looking forward to that. It's unfortunate that we weren't able to pull it off this year.

[02:19:48] But kudos to the town of Occoquan. While not able to do it, they did highlight all the great businesses and vendors that would have shown their wares there, linked all those folks uh in in their various social media platforms so for anyone who wanted to go and to get the chance to please go over to visit Occoquan online um and partake online all of the different vendors and shops that were that would have shown up had the weather been better um also as a shout out to uh to the uh town of Occoquan for anyone who still has not been over to the Mill Street Beer Garden, please go there.

[02:20:27] It's a really great new venue that we cut the ribbon on a couple weeks ago in the town. It's always busy there, no matter what time you go, as long as it's open. They have really great food, really great drinks. It's a destination over in the town, so please head over there as well. Thank you to the folks that came last week to our Old Bridge Road 123 intersection public meeting alongside transportation department with a very large crowd.

[02:20:52] really great discussions. I know that we continue to do more work on the design of that project to make it better, to both facilitate, really bring down the congestion and traffic safety issues in that quarter, while also making sure that we minimize the impact to businesses and residents. And on that note, this coming Thursday, VDOT will be having a public information meeting about just a little bit farther south at the 123 and 95 intersection so we continue to look at this corridor alongside our local transportation department and vdot to make sure that we bring

[02:21:28] this area up to snuff when it comes to traffic safety and congestion mitigation so please tune in this coming thursday at seven o'clock at seven to eight thirty online finally last but not least For folks that don't know, as a result of the Fairfax Water Occoquan River Crossing project, Tanured Hill Road will be closed between, let's see, October 2nd and October 31st.

[02:21:55] So there's an upgrade of the river crossing, the pipeline that goes underneath the river from Fairfax over to Prince William. Been a longstanding project, been worked on for quite some time. As a result of that project, Tanured Hill Road will be closed for most of the month of October.

[02:22:12] Now, I know that folks in the town of Hockoquan probably won't be too disappointed by that because it cuts down on the cut-through traffic for that month. But folks that go through there, folks that want to go through the town and into the town know they cannot go through Tanyard Hill in order to go there. That's all else I have, Madam Chair. Actually, final thing, a final reminder for now that on October 21st, we will be part of the Chin Park Fall Festival, and we are bringing Barktoberfest there.

[02:22:41] So from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Marktoberfest will be there. Please join us. Thank you, Vice Chair Bodie. Supervisor Bailey. Thank you, Madam Chair. Good afternoon, everyone. It is still afternoon.

[02:22:57] On September 20th, I had the absolute joy of attending the VACO training and sat on two panels with my colleague, Supervisor Angry. And we talked about being on the BOCS long-term and short-term with Senators Barbara Vavola and Delegate Terry Austin, Supervisor Sherry Alsup, and Vice Chair Billy Geiger.

[02:23:22] And it was very illuminating. It was a lot of tenured information, but seasoned information. And so I really enjoyed that. On the 21st, I had the honor of attending with my colleagues the National Cemetery Administration's 50th year celebration at Quantico National Cemetery.

[02:23:42] And we want to thank the Undersecretary for inviting us with Madam Chair. I was there with her, and it was absolutely, and Kenny also, and Victor, it was really a wonderful experience. And so we have to honor those that have gone before us and thank you for your service for those who are no longer with us.

[02:24:01] On the 21st of September, I want to thank Seth and his team for coming out for the wonderful ribbon cutting ceremony that we had with the Sun Med CBD store that's located now in the Montclair area. On the 22nd of September, I had the pleasure of attending a roundtable discussion hosted by Representative Spanberger, and the discussion was focused on local officials and their small businesses in District 7, as well as the illuminating subject of the government closing.

[02:24:33] And so it was a very good discussion to have with my colleagues from the Southern Corridor, mayors and county administrators. I want to congratulate Little Union Baptist Church for their 120th anniversary in serving this community as well as the Potomac District.

[02:24:49] Pastor Sessom, we appreciate your contribution, you and your congregation, as well as your voice on voice as it relates to the Crisis Receiving Center. On the 25th, which was yesterday, we had a great time at a Hispanic luncheon that Delegate Elizabeth Guzman sponsored with our Secretary of Health and Human Services, Dr. Bracetta.

[02:25:16] And it was absolutely wonderful. So thank you so much for that. And thank you to Christina Nguyen for last night participating with myself and Supervisor Franklin for the Potomac Shores Town Center Committee, where we talked about the expansion of the town center with the HOA board, and it was wonderful.

[02:25:33] On the 26th, my staff and I had a wonderful meet and greet with Mr. Wesley Dawson, which is today, first time I'm meeting him. And I'm looking forward to working with he and Dan with the community safety expansion opportunities. 27th look forward to my next VACO training and let's see what else October the 15th we will be having as our team on the dais our third annual 5k mental health awareness walk it is entitled

[02:26:07] reset refocus and renew and it'll be at the forest park park this year not local shade park from 10 to 2 p.m. Our guest will be the wonderful Olympiad Benita Fitzgerald Mosley, and we'll have Rear Admiral Matthew Kleinman also to come and talk to us about mental health and how it affects the military and the community. So thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you. Supervisor Franklin. Sure. On Thursday, September 21st, I participated in a public safety forum sponsored by the Woodbridge

[02:26:45] Potomac Civic Association. Other panelists included the Chief of Police, Chief Newsham, our Commonwealth Attorney, Amy Ashworth, Sheriff Glenn Hill, and Wesley Dawson, the Director of our new Public Safety Initiative. Had a great discussion. Thank you to everyone that came out.

[02:27:04] We do have a recording of that video. If you sign up for my newsletter, we'll be happy to send that around. And then also upcoming events, Dumpster Day will be on September 30th at Ripon middle school from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. and we will have a shred truck and several large dumpsters so please come and join us and we will also have our second annual community family fun day at veterans park on saturday october 21st from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. we will have food trucks a video game truck moon bounce face painting and other family friend activities so please go to my website

[02:27:39] for more information thank you thank you supervisor vega thank you madam chair just a couple of things. On Wednesday, I had the opportunity to interview one of my younger constituents from the CN School in regards to his VFW Voice of Democracy project. It was a great call and centered around the best attributes of our democracy here in the United States, and I told him that I believe the Bill of Rights is what sets our democracy apart from all the other democracies around the world. Supervisor Bailey, did I hear you say 120th? And here I am thinking that Central Baptist Church

[02:28:17] off of Minneapolis has hit quite their milestone by celebrating their 60th anniversary, spreading the gospel to eastern Prince William County and throughout the world. So I just want to thank Pastor Dr. Wagner and everything the congregation has done over the course of six decades.

[02:28:33] And finally, on October 4th will be the latest police promotion ceremony at the Central District Station. Congrats to all of those being promoted, and thank you for your service. It is my understanding that this event is open to the public, so if you have nothing to do, I would suggest that you come and join us and that's all i have madam chair thank you um i will keep it brief um i on thursday on september 21st i also got to attend the department of veterans affairs national cemetery administration's 50th anniversary which was just the the performances by the although the fife and drum corps and the the um general's guard was just fantastic

[02:29:09] um you know and i want to point out that you know quantico cemetery is being renamed they announced it that day, National Memorial Cemetery at Quantico, because people often think that people only who were at Quantico or had gone through Quantico could be buried in that cemetery. And it's part of the National Cemetery system runs by Veterans Affairs. And so they're renaming it National Memorial Cemetery at Quantico, which I just think is pretty exciting.

[02:29:35] I also got that afternoon, I got to have Rabbi Pearlstein of the Greater Gainesville and Manassas Shabbat Center for Jewish Life in my office. While there, he gave our office a honey cake in the tradition of Rosh Hashanah, which was delicious. And later that, which was, it was great to have him in and talk about the growth of his congregation. So always good to have him in my office. Later that day, I got to speak at the ribbon cutting ceremony for Innovation Elementary School in Manassas. It is our first three-story elementary school, Not our first-story school, but our first three-story elementary school.

[02:30:10] Really fantastic space. So many exciting kids, apparently, that were there that first day. It's a really nice addition to our public school repertoire in terms of buildings, and I'm sure it would be very successful. Saturday, also, I was at RTJ looking and hoping that the women pulled it out the next day for the Solheim Cup, which they did not.

[02:30:29] It was so close. But, you know, it's going to be an exciting time next year to have them in Prince William County. I will point out they were talking two years ago it was in Ohio, and they didn't get as many Europeans, obviously, because it's in Ohio. But with the Solheim Cup coming to somewhere in the DMV area, they're expecting 150,000, 180,000 people, and a lot of those will be Europeans.

[02:30:54] So very exciting to have that here at RTJ next year. It will be here before we know it. let's see oh last last week one of my seatmates had brought up and we talked about the work session and having it off-site I do have I will make a motion later on to waive the rules and announce where that's gonna be but we're still working on it over the next few hours so just give me we can do that at the beginning of the the evening meeting if that's okay we're just still working on where that might be and that's gonna be at 2:00 p.m. on October 17th but not quite sure exactly where. Last but not least, I received a request from the mayor of Manassas Park

[02:31:33] to examine the voluntary settlement of annexation immunity between Manassas Park and Prince William County. It started in 1989 and was last modified in 2002. In particular, the request is to consider waiving the developmental restrictions that are part of that agreement or declare that the agreement has served its purpose and will no longer apply to future developments in the city. And it's only has things to do with development in Manassas Park, the seat of Manassas Park that abut Prince William County from starting in 1989. So because the city's interested in developing two parcels

[02:32:10] of lands and changing the designations from commercial development and public use to potential residential development. And so they have to get our permission to do that. So without objection, I want just a direct staff to examine their request further and come back with some recommendations for action.

[02:32:27] I believe this is in Supervisor Vega's area, but Manassas Park, right? Yeah, it's got to be in Supervisor Vega's area and rope her, like bring her in her office and then just bring back the appropriate action, they think, for the board, even just if it's just to approve their requests.

[02:32:44] Madam Chair, is this their intention to continue to develop around City Hall? I don't think so. I don't know it well enough. It has pictures in here. I can pass this down to you and we'll get you a copy. um and i guess that's it if there's nothing else i guess we will go into go into closed session

[02:33:05] and then we will report back out and then we will go to dinner thank you we're back that's a movie

[02:34:25] okay um we have some oh can i get a motion to certify so moved second motion made by super vice chair bode seconded by supervisor bailey any further discussion seeing none please vote Vote unanimous.

[02:34:42] And Supervisor Angry is going to report out. Thank you, Madam Chair. Madam Chair, I motion that we approve a resolution objection to disclosure of any confidential legal advice provided by or communications with the county attorney's office, including but not limited to a 2019 opinion provided by the county attorney's office regarding restrictions on the activities of former officers and employees.

[02:35:09] Second. motion made by supervisor angry seconded by supervisor bailey any further discussion seeing none please vote vote unanimous okay thank you with that we will go into recess until our 7 30 evening session i will point out that we do have two proclamations at the beginning of our 7 30 session the 4-h as well as the colgan girls soccer team our state champions are coming

[02:35:45] in to celebrate with us and I guess that's about it oh we're going to dinner yes we're going to dinner the board's going to dinner anyone's wishes to to watch teach their own my mother would say we're going to Los Tel Tecos down the street in the the next next merchant plaza yeah like I was gonna say to join us but we're not paying for anybody that doesn't work so they're welcome to

[02:36:14] watch if that's something important to them and we will be back at 7 30. thank you good evening welcome to the uh board chambers it's now 7 30 p.m and we're going to begin our evening session um we are going to start with our uh some uh proclamations and commendations from this afternoon from agenda item three but before i do that there was an outstanding issue um regarding uh our meeting place for our work session on october 17th um we are having a work session on october

[02:36:53] 17th and the location had not outside the board chambers had not been established and it needs to be advertised therefore i want to waive the rules of procedure and amend the princely and board of county supervisors 2023 meeting calendar to change the location of the 2 p.m work session scheduled for tuesday october 17th 2023 from the bocs chambers in the mccourt building to the county developmental services building um could i get a motion for that so move madam chair i would

[02:37:27] recommend it include the room number okay i think it's 202 202 a and 202 b very good so move manager a second motion made by supervisor bailey seconded by supervisor angry is there any discussion there supervisor Franklin sure I support this obviously just want us to continue to look for other places within within the community to have our work sessions thank you thank you supervisor Lawson thank you madam chair so October

[02:37:59] 17th at DSB I I would just ask that if the board wants to go outside the community for out and about we keep in mind all the extra work that that's going to put on staff um the i especially the the it side of it um so i would ask that the board the chair's office work closely with with the clerk's office and the county executive just to make sure that all the considerations i know because i i know that it can be a big challenge for them

[02:38:33] that's all been done but thank you yep i'm just simply looking out for the staff's sake of it yes exactly that has all been done and discussed and covered um which brings us to uh our first oh yes thank you vote unanimous supervisor bode absent from vote and i'm missing somebody else

[02:39:07] yeah they're i know i can add so there's yeah we have we're missing one hold on but you're not on the board oh well supervisor we're a yes or no sir we'll add it okay thank you very much i mean supervisor Brody well he wasn't here for the discussion so he probably shouldn't vote okay of saying okay thank you which gets us on to two of our commendations and proclamations the first is to commend Colgan High School's girl soccer team for claiming the girls classic state soccer title yeah coach

[02:39:46] wars wars whack is is will join me at the podium and supervisor Vega did you you want to join me at the podium since it's in your area. And after that, we will work on

[02:39:57] proclaiming for each week in Prince William County. Colgan High School girls soccer team class six

[02:40:43] state champions. Whereas competitive high school sports provides valuable opportunities for young athletes to develop essential life skills. And whereas the Colgan High School girls soccer team has exemplified these skills through their remarkable achievements. And whereas the Colgan high school girls soccer team participated in a game held at john champ high school in loudon on sunday june 11th 2023 in a match against battlefield high school and whereas colgan high school girls soccer team claimed girls virginia class state soccer championship as a result of that game and the hard fart season that got them there and whereas in achieving this feat colgan

[02:41:21] high school's girls soccer team delivered the cardinal district its first girls soccer title since 2000, and whereas the Prince William Board of County Supervisors would like to commend the following student athletes from Colgan High School girls soccer team for their outstanding performances while representing Prince William County. And I'm just going to read the names.

[02:41:39] Chase Rooney, Tiana Cruz, Ariana Garcia, Alyssa Joshua, Amy Angel, Cameron Winger, Anna Simmons, Lily Wiley, Ava Cruz, Heidi Cruz, Lauren Handel, Mia Alvarero-Delsid, Mahalia, slobby slaby chloe nelson isabella chasm samantha de guzman cambria kendall anika burger mackenzie abel emmy riviera miley roa alissa bassett emma braxton ariel andrews thompson ashlyn bright

[02:42:18] cassandra villifan cassidy ward isabella britain now therefore be it resolved that the principally and board of county supervisors hereby commends the colgan girls high school soccer team for reclaiming the girls' class six state soccer title this year.

[02:42:34] Congratulations. Thank you, Madam Chair. I want to say that I've had the privilege of coaching a couple of the young ladies that are in chambers here today.

[02:42:54] And several of the other players that you mentioned are not present today because they're actually playing at the college level, so we want to wish them well. I know that this is a fine group of young women who are not just successful on the field but also in all the other areas, both academically and in their personal lives, So they make our community very, very, they make us all very proud.

[02:43:13] So thank you for being here, for taking the time. I want to give a special shout out. I know that some of the parents are here today. Thank you, because their success would not be possible without your commitment to your children and all of the time that you've invested on and off the field. So this celebration is theirs, but it's also yours as well.

[02:43:28] So thank you. And with that, I want to go ahead and hand the mic over to Coach. Yes. I always go with Coach Tom. Coach Tom, yes, I love it. I didn't really prepare any remarks.

[02:43:44] What I will say as a former soccer player. You have to speak on the microphone. I know. It's a thing with TV. As a former player, teacher who now gets to coach in addition to my teaching duties, it has been my pleasure over the last five years to coach such outstanding young ladies.

[02:44:04] And they're as good in the classroom, in the community, as they are on the field. And it's really been my pleasure and all of the coaches who have worked with Colgan over the last few years to coach these girls and give them this opportunity that they most definitely took and hopefully more to come in the future.

[02:44:26] But well done, ladies, and an outstanding group of young women.

[02:44:30] And we move on to item 3E, proclaim October 1st, 2023 through October 7th, 2023, National 4-H Week in Prince William County.

[02:45:28] Paige Thacker, Director of the Virginia Cooperative Extension, is here tonight with us. And will any of the other representatives of 4-H assemble in the front of the chamber also?

[02:45:44] And we can, is that okay? Yeah. Okay. National 4-H Week in Prince William County.

[02:46:15] Whereas for 120 years, 4-H has served Americans, young people, and now the nation's largest youth development organization, helping young people and their families gain knowledge and skills to reach their full potential to improve their communities and quality of life, Whereas 4-H programs are delivered by Cooperative Extension, a community of more than 100 public universities across the nation.

[02:46:36] And whereas 4-H is supported through a unique partnership between our County Virginia Cooperative Extension and our state university system. And whereas 4-H provides experiential learning and welcomes young people of all beliefs and backgrounds, giving youth a voice to express who they are and how they make their lives and communities better.

[02:46:54] And whereas Prince William County's 4-H has over 500 members in clubs and camping programs and over 12,000 members in 4-H special interest programs who are learning to become confident, independent, resilient, and compassionate leaders with a dedicated support of hundreds of volunteers who have given more than 10,000 hours of their time, endless talents, energies, and resources to the youth of our community.

[02:47:17] And whereas supporting future leaders in science, agriculture, and community leadership is an important imperative for the United States Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture 4-H Programs, and whereas this year's National 4-H Week theme, Love 4-H, showcases the incredible 4-H connects youth and adults to their community, helps young people to explore the world around them, and gain knowledge and skills to reach their potential to improve their communities and quality of life, and reminds us that every child has valuable strengths and real influence to improve the world around us.

[02:47:56] Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Prince William Board of County Supervisors hereby proclaims October 1st, 2023 through October 7th, 2023 as National 4-H Week in Prince William County and urges the people of our community to learn more about 4-H and recognize the significant impact it has made and continues to make by empowering youth with the skills they need to lead for a lifetime. Thank you. Chair Wheeler

[02:48:33] and members of the board, on behalf of the entire membership of Prince William 4-H, my peers and I want to thank you for extending this proclamation. My name is Sam Siegel. I'm a senior 4-H-er. The mission of Prince William 4-H is to assist youth in gaining additional knowledge, life skills, and attitudes that will further their development as contributing and productive members of society.

[02:49:01] I have been a proud member of Trigger Time Shooting Education Club since I was nine and currently serve as a Virginia State Shooting Education Ambassador, a role which has provided me extraordinary opportunities to grow my skills and become a more confident and resourceful leader.

[02:49:21] Good evening, my name is Lexi and I am too a member of Trigger Time and have recently been tapped in as a Virginia 4-H shooting education ambassador. This year, our club members had an opportunity to participate in a research study with Brown University to learn skills that will empower us to recognize signs that someone might be at risk of gun violence.

[02:49:44] Opportunities such as the research study, traveling for regional and national competitions, and attending specialty and overnight camps are just a small sampling of opportunities I've had with 4-H. Hello, my name is Samantha Erick, and I'm also a member of Trigger Time 4-H and serve as a 4-H Virginia Shooting Education Ambassador.

[02:50:08] The 4-H Shooting Education Program uses shooting sports as a vehicle to teach you skills such as responsibility, self-discipline, and teamwork, while also learning firearm safety and marksmanship. Leadership and mentor opportunities have given me the confidence to step up and take on roles in collaboration with adults, such as serving as a junior board member to the 4-H Association.

[02:50:28] My name is Aiden McDonald, and I am not a member of Trigger Time 4-H. But I do serve as a Northeast District Ambassador on the Virginia State Cabinet. Since joining 4-H, I've had the opportunity to participate in public speaking contests, food challenge contests, overnight camps, and statewide events such as State Congress.

[02:50:52] Prior to running for the District Ambassador position, I served on a smaller board called the Northern Virginia Teen Leadership Council, and that role provided me with a stepping stone to learn the skills that I needed to run and be elected for the state cabinet. 4-H is full of opportunities like this for all youth, and we all take great pride in knowing that Prince William County values youth and make it possible for our volunteers and staff to teach skills that will last a lifetime.

[02:51:20] On behalf of all of our members, we thank you for the support of Virginia Cooperative Extension, Prince William Unit, and the 4-H program. Thank you. We have some impressive young people for both of these groups in our county, don't we?

[02:51:40] With that, we'll just take a picture.

[02:52:12] We will now move on to our public hearings.

[02:53:00] There are three items, 11 public hearings on our consolidated agenda. There are three items on our consolidated agenda for the evenings. There are no presentations associated with these items, so I am going to open up the public hearings on items 11A, B, and C.

[02:53:17] I see that we have someone signed up for 11B, Dr. Jack Kayumjin, if you would like to proceed to the microphone and speak on 11B. Good evening, Madam Chair.

[02:53:34] Jack Kuyumchian, president of LOCA. Can I ask for five minutes? I don't think I need it, but just in case I go over a little. Of course, yes. I just wanted to say we, with regard to the Jiffy Lube SUP, we reviewed that March 30th at LOCA Pelt.

[02:53:52] We've been working, when they originally proposed that facility, we were coordinated with the applicant, and now they're expanding. We're really glad that businesses are doing well and are successful and coming in for expansion.

[02:54:09] And so we worked with them on the addition. The architecture is harmonious with the architecture that's there. We talked about the HCOD landscaping. And I must say I want to compliment staff for catching some of those details that needed to be done on the landscaping for HCOD compliance.

[02:54:29] They did a great job. And working with the applicant, they were very, very open to suggestions. We had a great meeting. It was a lot of back and forth dialogue. We were exceptionally comfortable with it.

[02:54:45] And I just want to come in and say we're totally supportive of it, and we're glad they're successful. And by the way, they keep a very neat, clean operation there. And we wanted to not lose that opportunity to say that because we don't have to ride herd on them for keeping up their facility.

[02:55:06] They're very, very good about that. And we had a conversation in that regard. So with that, we support it. We welcome the addition, and we're really pleased they're doing well. Thank you. Thank you, Dr. Jack. Is there anyone else? I know no one signed up, but is there anyone in chambers who wishes to speak on items 11A and 11B and 11C?

[02:55:29] If so, please approach the microphone in the back. Okay, seeing no one approach the microphone, this will officially close the public hearings for 11A through 11C. Do any of the board members have any questions on the public hearing items?

[02:55:51] Okay, seeing none, Supervisor Angry, two of the three are in your district. Thank you, Madam Chair. Yeah, Madam Chair, I have a motion for approval. Second. Motion made by Supervisor Angri, seconded by Vice Chair Bodie. Discussion, Supervisor Bodie. Thank you, Madam Chair. Very quickly, I wanted to thank the applicant for the Diffie Lube expansion project for meeting with my office.

[02:56:11] Again, I ditto everything that Dr. Jack said. Really appreciate that you're at a place in your business that you're able to make that expansion, because I know we do need more sort of services that you're offering outside of your normal sort of oil change and stuff like that. You're going to be doing a little bit more work on vehicles in the area.

[02:56:27] Did everything he said. You guys keep a very clean, well-run business, and I'm happy to support you as you expand. Thank you so much. Thank you, Vice Chair Bodie. Supervisor Angry. Thank you, Madam Chair. Gentlemen, I want to thank you for Neap School District. We've been on a revitalization trying to upgrade or bring it more current, and so your project is a huge project.

[02:56:49] I love the building. I know it took us a little while to get here, but we're here on God's time, right? And so we're here now, so I'm excited. Congratulations. I'm looking forward to the project getting started, getting done, and just the improvements for the district. And to Ms. Ron Nell, we have a child daycare problem in this country, probably, you know, in the world, to tell you the truth.

[02:57:13] And so I just want to thank you for taking on that role of daycare because we've got a shortage. It's great, and I appreciate all your efforts. So I'm looking forward to that as well. So thank you, Madam Chair. thank you supervisor angry okay seeing no further discussion please vote vote unanimous thank you congratulations thank you for doing business in Prince William County we are now on to agenda item 12 our standard agenda public hearings our first item is an ordinance for a special use

[02:57:50] permit for cycad home business in the Gainesville magisterial district before I believe we have a public hearing do we have a presentation by the applicant tonight or just staff okay here we go And why don't you wait until we get the door closed because of the noise in the chambers?

[02:58:30] Okay, thank you. Please begin. Please begin. Madam Chair, Mr. Vice Chair, board members, thank you so much for hearing the special use permit. My name is Mark Seacat.

[02:58:47] My wife and I are the homeowners at 11168 Wheeler Ridge Drive. I'm the founding owner of Blackburn Tactical and a founding partner of Bull Run Solutions. My intent is to operate a home-based business specializing in firearms sales, firearms transfers, and firearms manufacturing.

[02:59:03] I intend to apply for a Type 7 FFL with ATF, which includes Dealing and Manufacturing Gun Control Act of 1968 Firearms, and then becoming a Class 2 Special Occupancy Taxpayer to be able to deal and manufacture National Firearms Act of 1934 Firearms and Silencers.

[02:59:23] Most sales will occur online via a website with local pickup available as an option for local customers. Any online sales for non-local customers will be shipped to the respective local FFL, and on-premises inventory will be extremely limited due to available space and the sheer high cost of storage overhead.

[02:59:44] Any on-site customers will park in my personal driveway and will be by appointment only between the hour of 6 to 7 Monday through Friday except for U.S. federally recognized holidays and between the hours of 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. In addition, on-site customer traffic will be limited to five customers per day and only one customer at a time. Sorry, a little staggering there. So items that will be held in stock include trigger locks, weapons maintenance kits, including maintenance accessories such as gun oil, hand tools, brushes, cloth patches, things of that nature to

[03:00:21] maintain firearms and a very limited supply of classic rebuilt firearms from the World War II through the Korean War era as well as Vietnam actually and one grams that kind of thing. I will not sell or manufacture ammunition or stock commercially available ammunition as it will violate the conditions set forth by the fire marshal. My neighbors have had sufficient time to ask questions about the operations of my home business. Whenever a neighbor has spoken to me about my home business initiative.

[03:00:50] I have openly spoke about my plans and I've also provided Supervisor Weir's email address and I've openly requested that if they support or oppose my business initiative to please email Supervisor Bob directly as I fall under his purview. I have shared my email with 36 homeowners of whose email addresses I was able to obtain within 500 feet of my property.

[03:01:10] And my email was shared amongst a group of homeowners on two different Facebook groups via posted screenshots by third parties. So that equates to roughly 400 neighbors in our neighborhood in addition my address is clearly visible from the street frontage and the public easement sidewalk a public hearing sign is posted in my front yard and i have a working doorbell with unobstructed access to my front door so i'm available people know what the intent is and and was from the very beginning and i haven't uh you know tried to hide it from anybody at all i've received written correspondence from neighbors and this correspondence has actually been really supportive, you know, of the business. And although my email address and phone number is

[03:01:50] available through all the publicly available information sources about my business, I still have not received any direct correspondence requesting additional clarification about the intended operations of my business. And I have not received any correspondence against my business in writing. I have heard and respect the verbal responses against my business from the Planning Commission public hearing. And I would like to ensure my fellow neighbors and residents of the Blackburn community that the only difference with the appearance of my home will be an occasional vehicle parked in my driveway. I have been maintaining and repairing personal firearms

[03:02:25] in my garage in the same manner as intended for business for over three and a half years without incident as long as I've lived in this community. Firearms already exist in our community and I'm absolutely certain that I'm not the only homeowner or responsible firearms owner in our neighborhood.

[03:02:42] I'm here today because I want to run a business working in a profession that I love and of which I am extremely experienced legally with official oversight from my home. I'm a husband of over 26 years with four children. I'm a veteran of the Georgia Army National Guard 48th Brigade, and I served as a perimeter soldier, an armorer, and a combat lifesaver.

[03:03:03] I've held an active U.S. government security clearance for over 20 years. I hold an MBA, and I have no criminal history, and I don't even have a traffic citation to my name. In addition, I've already registered my home business with the Prince William County Police Department as an active member of the Business Watch Program.

[03:03:21] I say all these things because I'm a good citizen, neighbor, and entrepreneur. I'll be glad to answer any questions that you may have that pertain to my business, and thank you so much for your time, your attention, your patience, and, of course, your consideration. Thank you. Are there any questions for the applicant at this time?

[03:03:40] Madam Chair. Supervisor Vega. Thank you. Just want to say you did a great job. Typically, that is something that county staff does, and I know that it may seem a little nerve-wracking and intimidating, but you did a great job. Thank you, Supervisor. Okay. Is there a staff presentation on this or not?

[03:03:57] Good evening, supervisors. My name is Evelyn Garner with the planning office.

[03:04:27] This is going to be a presentation on the special use permit 2023-00029 Cicat Home Business in the Gainesville Magisterial District. This is a request to allow a special use permit for a home business processing and dealing in firearms sales, transfers, gunsmithing, and firearms manufacturing with walk-in customers by appointment only in a single-family dwelling. The site is located at 11168 Wheeler Ridge Drive, and the Planning

[03:05:00] Commission and staff recommendation to the board is to approve this special use permit. The site is designated Residential Neighborhood 3 in the comprehensive plan and is within the Sudley Road Redevelopment Corridor, and the site is zoned planned mixed residential and is within the Airport Safety Overlay District. This is the applicant's plat. This is a picture of the

[03:05:33] applicant's home, the exterior, and this is his fire evacuation safety plan. These are pictures of the applicant's garage where he'll be working on the firearms. This is the applicant's office, and that's the closet where he'll keep the safe that will store the firearms. The recommendation of staff and the planning commission is to approve special use permit 2023 00029 secat home business

[03:06:06] subject to the conditions dated july 26 2023 for the following reasons the subject property is zoned plan mixed residential which allows a home business use pursuant to the conditions of an approved special use permit the home business will be used will be an accessory used to the primary residential use and will not alter the residential character of the dwelling the proposed conditions address use parameters associated with the home business some of the conditions include that there shall be one customer allowed at a time by appointment only there shall be no more than five customers per day

[03:06:43] non-resident employees shall be prohibited the applicant shall continue to occupy the dwelling as their primary residence if the home business is still actively operating there shall be no signage related to the home business on the outside of the home or the property off-street parking will be provided with which means that the applicant will have to park, customers will have to park in the applicant's driveway.

[03:07:07] The home business shall be entirely contained within an office and secured storage unit inside the residence. Outside storage shall be prohibited. The applicant shall be limited to providing background checks. The applicant shall only be allowed to buy or sell firearms that are legally sold in the state of Virginia.

[03:07:26] The sale, manufacturing, and reloading of ammunition shall be prohibited. and the hours of operation will be from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. during the weekdays and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Thank you. Thank you, Ms. Gardner.

[03:07:44] Are there any questions for staff at this time? Supervisor Lawson. Thank you, Madam Chair. Evelyn, are those hours of operation standard for our firearms home-based businesses, or is that what the applicant has agreed to with his neighbors, with what we requested?

[03:08:07] What can you tell me about hours of operation? Those are standard for a home business. Okay. Thank you very much. Supervisor Bodie. Thank you, Madam Chair. Appreciate the presentation by both the applicant and staff.

[03:08:24] The only question I have is those are some pretty good set of parameters to make sure that we don't have multiple people queuing for the business and what have you. How does the county, just from our perspective, sort of enforce and monitor to make sure that folks are following by the rules?

[03:08:39] Don't distrust the applicant, the business owner, But sometimes people, word of mouth, I assume, will get around if we approve this, that you'll have this business here. So people might get enthusiastic when they show up and what have you. So how does the county go about enforcing these rules? Supervisor Bode, there's several ways we can do that.

[03:09:00] One, I know that they have surprise inspections, right, that occur that can, you know, check to see what they're, you know, that they're fulfilling their conditions that we have set. In addition, you know, they have to get all their permits and keep all their permits up, and that goes through the zoning administrator's office, and we can verify that to make sure.

[03:09:26] And then also, if there's a complaint, we can send an inspector out to verify that they're complying with the conditions set forth in this special use permit. Thank you. Seeing no further questions for staff, I will open the public hearing on item 12A, SUP 2023-00029.

[03:09:50] We have two people signed up to speak tonight on 12A, Joseph Grandinetti and Tom Speziale. Good evening, members of the board. Might I have five minutes in case I go over?

[03:10:06] I should have said when you start, you're going to have three minutes unless you represent a recognized nonprofit or a homeowners association. So you'll get three minutes, and please, at the beginning of your remarks, state your name and generally where you live.

[03:10:23] Thank you. And you'll see the timer up there on the board. My name is Joseph Grandinetti. I live in Blackburn. My address is 7518 Mint Springs Court. Excuse me. I sent the board an eight-page memo of the reasons why this application should be denied.

[03:10:48] And I want to start out with my number is four or five. Number four is that Mr. Sickett is represented to folks. He's going to follow the rules, and he's going to be a great owner. He's going to follow the rules. He's going to do what he needs to do, and he has a sterling record.

[03:11:07] Irrelevant. At the Planning Commission, it was mentioned that these kinds of special permits have been granted in the past. Irrelevant. This gentleman, I believe, has no interest other than his second amendment, right?

[03:11:24] he's going to come up second amendment irrelevant what is relevant is that when mr sickett bought his property as i did we had a declaration of hoa condition covenants conditions and restrictions and number one is that you can't use your garage for anything other than your car your automobile or storage of items of a first class neighborhood secondly we cannot have a business other than a home business, and it certainly can't have manufacturing unless the

[03:12:03] HOA approves it, and it meets certain conditions, one of which is that it's consistent with the residential nature of our neighborhood. Well, our neighborhood is a upscale townhouse and single-family home neighborhood. His house is one of 160 single-family homes of a value well in accept of $700,000 minimum the when this development was approved by this county you were happy to take it because it was going to be upscale don't

[03:12:38] believe it was going to be turned into a home business now that's a question I have and I have a question for someone on the board in the county code we have a definition for home business and we have a definition for home employment now the difference that I can see in the definition is that in a home employment, you can have customers.

[03:13:02] He wants to have customers come to his house. If it's a home, if the difference is between home business and home employment is this customers, this business would be a home employment. And the code clearly does not include a gun shop, which is defined, or gunsmithing, which is also defined now again as i said his character everything else is irrelevant this is a protection of my property and the property of the other members of the blackboard blackburn homeowners

[03:13:41] thank you your time is up thank you next speaker please the other guy is tom speciality but most of you guys already know me i live at uh 14940 grassy knoll court in woodbridge virginia um Actually, I don't even see how this is even an issue of the Second Amendment.

[03:14:01] It has nothing to do with the Second Amendment. This is about a guy trying to start a small business in his home. And I think it's, like, un-American to stand in the way of that if it's a legal business. In addition to the fact that the gentleman trying to start the business is a man of impeccable character.

[03:14:18] He is a veteran. He is a servant of his community when he is handling FFLs and doing background checks, which many people in the United States demand to happen. Here you have somebody in the neighborhood who could do that for his own neighbors and have legal gun transfers being facilitated out of this business, which is a big part of the argument today.

[03:14:46] I didn't come here tonight to talk about this. I came here to talk about other issues, but because this isn't a Second Amendment issue, this was recommended approval by your staff. It's just a business. It's a legal business by a man of upstanding character in our society and in our community.

[03:15:05] And to stand in front of that and get in the way of that out of an irrational fear of firearms or gunsmithing is probably not in our best interest as a society for us to stand in the way of people trying to start businesses, especially the way that our economy is right now.

[03:15:24] so the affluence of the community is irrelevant um i would say that in this particular case if you really wanted to have somebody of upstanding character handling firearms and ffl transfers it would be a young man like this and so i to me the staff approved recommended approval i can't imagine that it not being a unanimous vote and if it isn't a unanimous vote then i think that We have to question whether or not it's a business question, an economics question,

[03:16:02] or whether or not it's just an irrational fear of firearms question for the voting members. I have very high confidence that this will pass. I think you guys recognize that, at least I hope that. But bottom line is a vote against this is essentially standing in the way of a young man trying to start a business and provide for his family and also be a servant of the community.

[03:16:24] Thank you. Thank you. Is there anyone else here who would like to speak on item 12A? Please approach the microphone in the back. Okay, please proceed. My name is Michael Fouché.

[03:16:40] I live at 15111 Hawksville Court, 22193. I rise tonight to thank, first of all, Prince William County Law Enforcement for a successful avoidance of a mass shooting event on Sunday. One of the events or one of the things about that event is, as reported by police department, they were within minutes of that being a tragic event.

[03:17:03] So I do want to congratulate the men and women of law enforcement for stepping into that. And everything worked. So congratulations. Back to the issue of the moment. Gentleman is correct. It is not a Second Amendment item. I did come here myself for another for other items or other considerations.

[03:17:20] I am a self-employed contractor in Prince William County. I've been here since 1997. I am a licensed Class B contractor, and as a result of that, I understand a few of the things that the gentleman was talking about with the business aspect. He does have direct supervision. BATFE and state law enforcement will have direct control over him.

[03:17:43] He has to report all documentation. He is working with federal standards, not just state standards, and he is asking for a concierge consideration. And that fact that he's only dealing with one client at a time, one person shows up in his house, that person does their business, that person leaves.

[03:18:01] I know massage therapists, psychotherapists, chiropractors, all who have this kind of a business license and they get away with it and they're able to do it in Prince William County because it's a concierge product.

[03:18:17] And particularly coming out of COVID crazy, where my government essentially tried to bankrupt me for a couple of years, I'm very sensitive to government stepping into the business model. I really don't appreciate it much when the government gets in my way.

[03:18:33] I understand the theory, again, as a contractor. I am fine to work with the inspectors and stuff that the county provides. The general theory is that's going to make sure that I build a product that's not going to get anybody killed, so I'm covered as well. He is complying with all the rules regarding the FFL.

[03:18:52] If he's gotten an FFL, he's already gone through the background checks and everything else. He's now asking you for a concierge business. Prince William County needs business owners. Prince William County needs people who are involved in the community. Prince William County needs to be recognized as a business community.

[03:19:11] And that doesn't always translate to these data centers, which are dealing in millions and millions of dollars at a time. Quite often, that business community nature deals with individuals who are making $50, $100, $500 a day and are happy to be able to make that money because they're self-employed, they're standing on their own two feet, and they have that sense of freedom and independence that is American tradition.

[03:19:37] I want to thank the board for your time. Thank you. Is there anyone else here who would like to speak to item 12A? Just please approach the microphone in the back. Don't have to sign up. My name is Peyton Gillis.

[03:19:58] I live on Dapple Gray Court, Woodbridge, Virginia. And I just think that this is an amazing opportunity for a gentleman to own his own business and give something back to his own community. That's all I really have to say about it. Thank you.

[03:20:13] Anyone else? Seeing no one approach the microphone, I will officially close the hearing on agenda item 12A. Is there any questions from the board after the public hearing?

[03:20:32] Supervisor Lawson. Thank you, Madam Chair. Evelyn or Alex, could one of you step up and explain why we're here as a special use permit, these types of home-based businesses are allowed in this particular planning district or zone excuse me zoning district and we approved some special use permits earlier on the consolidated agenda can you can you explain the mitigations that the applicant agreed to to reach your recommendation for

[03:21:10] approval supervisor Lawson staff works with the applicants to develop a set of conditions and based on the unique characteristic of what they're doing we put a little more stringent conditions on on the special use permit it was determined that we can't just offer a home employment certificate that it has to go through a special use permit process in order for a home business such as what the applicant is asking to do.

[03:21:46] So that is the process that we've had. I know that, I believe, the CXO's office shared with you several of the previous adopted special use permits that were gun home-based businesses.

[03:22:05] And, you know, we have two here tonight that adds to that list. But we work with the applicants continuously until we get the conditions to where we're comfortable to present it to the planning commission.

[03:22:21] We take it to the planning commission. The planning commission either recommends approval or denial. And then once we finish that process, we bring it to the board for final consideration. So the list that I'm trying to pull up was specific to firearms or gun sales?

[03:22:40] That's correct. But that list includes the special use permits going back, I believe, to 1997. Okay. That were special use permits were approved to allow firearms sales as part of a home business.

[03:22:57] Okay. Or in my case, I remember one of my special use, or excuse me, not mine, in my district was repair of antique guns. So it's not just the sale. It could be repaired, correct? That is correct. And then we have home-based businesses, whether it's daycare, like the one that was approved earlier, baking.

[03:23:18] It could be a wide variety that we allow in this zoning district with a special use permit. That is correct. Thank you. Any further discussion? Thank you.

[03:23:38] Who's there? Supervisor Weir, this is in your district. I'll move adoption of 12A. Motion made by Supervisor Weir, seconded by Supervisor Lawson. We're in discussion. any further discussion seeing none please vote motion passes five to three supervisors bailey franklin and chair wheeler voting nay thank you that moves us on to our next item 12b uh the

[03:24:17] ordinance for special use permit for rm fd enterprises home business in the potomac magisterial district uh before we have a public hearing i believe we have a presentation by the applicant and staff is that correct mr vanegas i will welcome the applicant to come up and give us presentation followed by staff okay thank you thanks to the members of the

[03:24:55] board for allowing me to present to you guys tonight for allowing me the time to present my business my business special use permit to you as well can you pull the mic up a little bit yes I'm sure about people being able to hear you yeah I can step in a little bit does that help perfect thanks so special use permit very similar to mississacad is for a home-based ffl business a little bit more constrained in use so i'm looking primarily to do background checks and transfers to legal gun owners within prince william county um and potentially online sales as well um so obviously

[03:25:32] it's going to be in accordance with all atf federal state laws and regulations uh and then for the private conditions that i put forth and i work with the county to develop we will have limited traffic so it'll be one one visitor at a time no more than two visitors for a day and limited hours of operation differentiated between weekday and weekend hours. We're going to offer services to local customers in the local and surrounding communities, providing expert advice and a more custom touch. In other words, helping people into gun ownership for the first time,

[03:26:10] potentially. One of the things that I noticed and what kind of kicked me off in terms of the ideation of the business was that during COVID, especially at the beginning, firearms ownership experienced a huge change, right? So it wasn't traditional gun buyers anymore. It was people who had never owned guns before purchasing. I know a lot of people through work and through just my social life who became gun owners, firearm owners for the first time during COVID.

[03:26:34] And many of them are non-traditional firearms owners. So, you know, people of color, women. And I had a lot of people coming to me asking for advice. And not everybody had a great experience when they went out to make a purchase. So they would go into a traditional local gun store and either didn't feel comfortable or whatever the case may be. I thought there's got to be a better way to enable people to safely enjoy firearms ownership and enjoy some of the benefits like the young people at the 4-H spoke about earlier.

[03:26:57] So lots of great things go with firearms ownership. Obviously, people have safety concerns. I've done what I can to address those. So again, I mentioned some of this already, but the market has seen a significant growth in recent years and demand for firearms and related products and services remains high, particularly among first-time and non-traditional buyers.

[03:27:18] And so my advertising would be primarily through word of mouth, so people I know, people who know people who I know, not really advertised widely, limited exposure, and, again, kind of just providing that custom touch to people. I wanted to go over the staff, report overview.

[03:27:36] So basically this is from the Planning Commission meeting, but it caught out a lot of great things, I think. So long-range land use, the proposal was found to be consistent with long-range land use policy compatible will not alter or detract from the approved residential character neighborhood no outside modification to the building and proposed conditions mitigate impact associated with the proposed own business so again those limited hours one visitor at a time two visitors per day community design so visual perception maintaining residential character again no modifications to the external factors of

[03:28:12] the house staggered arrival and departure times and no outdoor activity of any kind. So all business would be taking place inside the house. I have an office space within the house that would be dedicated to use for firearms transfers and then I have a storage area in the house which would have a class three fireproof safe where the firearms would be stored at.

[03:28:32] Fire and rescue proposal strings within the eight minute travel time and again no storage or sales of ammunition which is a common condition for all these types of proposals. Weaknesses that are identified here which can't be mitigated necessarily other than building a new station were that we're outside of the four-minute travel time and at station workload for our for firehouse is high again mitigations here were no on-site storage of hazardous chemicals reloading supplies or ammunition I'm not doing any gunsmithing I don't need chemicals to clean or blue or anything firearms like that and no no ammunition stored on site as proposed a business imposes no additional

[03:29:11] workload or travel requirements police so please came back said there were minimal impacts to a level of service i had a home security assessment completed on 5 27 22. they came out to the house and did an inspection of the property and made several notable highlights so dusted on lighting we have motion activated the lights in the back of the house we have lights automated on the front of the house we have an alarm system with central station monitoring we have a door and motion detector coverage of the entire ground floor and we have video surveillance with 30-day online backup of footage so we have cameras in the front back of the house as well it's

[03:29:49] on the door to monitor people as they come and actually it picks up people walking around the cul-de-sac it picks up picks up people driving around the cul-de-sac and people coming in and out of the residence as well and then transportation so we do have off-street parking at the house we actually have three spots in front of the house and then a driveway that accommodates two vehicles one of the concessions that I made to the county at the Planning Commission was that we would leave space in the driveway for people to park at the time of the time the transfer and I think the concern was that they didn't want people carrying a firearm out to their car potentially on the

[03:30:22] street so that was done to mitigate that proposal was a classified as a low traffic generator and the proposed limits for staggered hours and limited hours are actually more stringent than what are required for others owned by right businesses so for example things that could normally be permitted under home employment or home occupation certificate. It was recommended for approval by the Planning Commission on 2-8, and the Board of County Supervisor staff recommended for approval as well.

[03:30:56] And I just wanted to bring up some community support. So on the, this shows four, there are actually five, but five people supporting the proposal responded to the Prince William County website today. And then I've had numerous interactions with the community through Facebook and other social media platforms. And there's been a lot of support there as well. Obviously, there are people who have concerns. I've tried to address those concerns. I've made myself available. We actually worked with Supervisor Bailey's office to have a community meeting that occurred July 31st, I believe it was. Yeah, so July 31st, I believe. And so we actually had people from the community come up. I was able to give a presentation, talk about the business,

[03:31:34] address concerns, and hopefully waylay people's fears. So, but we've got a couple of pages of support here, generally. And then this is just kind of a timeline. So I started the process back in 222 and you know we're here today basically we had the deferral to allow for a community engagement and then current landscape so I don't know that I necessarily need to go into that but I guess are there any questions at this point anybody has are you through them and we'll do questions when we're when you're through yeah yeah okay yeah we'll call it we'll call it there

[03:32:09] thank you okay thank you are there any questions for the applicant at this time okay uh supervisor Lawson. Thank you, Madam Chair. So that's a spreadsheet of all the, what, tell me. FFL stands for Federal Farms Licensee. So FFLs are licensed by, and there are various kinds. These are class one FFLs. So class one FFLs can do transfers for firearm sales, basically. There's class one, class two. Mr. Saket mentioned class seven earlier that allows for manufacturing. So what

[03:32:49] i'm attaining is a class one so i can basically someone will purchase a firearm online that firearm would then be shipped to my residence i'll store it in the safe alert the person that the firearm is available for pickup they'll go to an online scheduling tool which will be able to limit the number of people that can schedule for a particular day and will ensure you know time time gaps between the scheduling and then they'll come to the house complete the required ff atf i'm sorry required virginia state background check and then be able to transfer the firearm them so they can leave with at that point. So this is a list of FFLs that exist within the county today. There are around 60. The list goes up and down depending upon, you know, so there's some

[03:33:26] attrition. People pass away. People go out of business, whatever the case may be. And there are around 300 in Northern Virginia today. And these are all just home-based FFLs. And you have yours or you will obtain one? No, I'm in the, I have to have the zoning approved before I can get the FFL. So back on the timeline, I mentioned that I did apply for the FFL. FBI background check was completed successfully. I had contact with the investigator, but because the zoning was not completed, they had, I had to enter a deferral. I actually had to withdraw my application and I'll have to, once this is completed, assuming it gets approved, I'll have to reapply for that process and kick that off again. It'll be about another two months. Okay. The applicant that was just

[03:34:04] approved left, left you a high bar. Have you had any traffic citations? I've had some traffic excitations. I'm joking. I have, too. I'm a good guy, generally. So, listen, I've got many of the same, you know, I've got a background clearance, you know, I've got, you know, I mean, so I've been through an FBI background check, obviously, you know, I've mitigated those concerns there. So, yeah, yeah. No, I appreciate it. Thank you. Man, she's really tough. Yeah. Are there any other

[03:34:41] further questions for the applicant thank you supervisor angry yeah thank you sir um this is just real it's interesting to me because i don't know much about um firearm home sales but and and excuse my ignorance i don't want to just say this but i remember the days of you can go to walmart you know they had the guns in the back you buy guns so has this been since covid that like gun sales now or or how long has this been that we have gun sales i i love i love what you said you know someone buys a gun online it's shipped to you you walk them through uh a legal process of

[03:35:19] background check and all that's because we had a huge issue with people just getting illegal weapons sure um so i'm seeing when you're going i'm just curious how long has this been this movement like to have two little uh home uh gun businesses today is kind of interesting for me um yeah but i get it And I'm real curious now on this process.

[03:35:41] Yeah, and a great question. So there are different reasons why people would want to undergo this process. So some people do want to perform customizations of firearms, for example. They want to build firearms and sell those. And so there are different reasons. Mr. Sickhead wants to, he purchases historical weapons, refurbishes them, and then resells them to purchasers.

[03:36:02] So different rationales. Many people, so for a very long time, a lot of people would get an FFL for a home-based business strictly to be able to buy wholesale or, you know, whatever the case may be. The costs were very minimal. There was not a lot of intrusion from the ATF.

[03:36:17] They didn't come around and do a lot of investigations. You still had to pass a background check. You still had to do all that. But there was not a requirement to really be an ongoing business, right? So the barrier was much lower than it is today. So some of these people are still kind of just hanging on to those old vestiges, right?

[03:36:34] And the reality is, though, that a lot of people really don't have a great experience in a firearm store. You know, they go in, they're just not treated well or whatever the case may be, or they're just not comfortable. And the number of FFLs is actually declining. So you mentioned Walmart, for example, used to sell guns.

[03:36:50] They don't sell guns anymore. They may sell limited selection of guns. You know, Dick's, for example, curb sales of entire, you know, product lines, for example. And so people do want to have that choice. And I think one of the other factors here that's kind of favorable for a home-based FFL is if you go to a traditional brick-and-mortar store and let's say I wanted to purchase a Glock and they happen to carry Glock in the store, I can go online, I can purchase that firearm for traditionally a lot cheaper than I can in the store, but then I have to transfer it, I have to have it shipped to that store to get it transferred, and they'll generally charge me so much on the transfer that it's not beneficial to make the online purchase anymore.

[03:37:29] So my costs, because I'm a home-based business, can be lower. I can help people save money that way, while still providing all the legalities and formalities needed to ensure safe firearms on our ship. Thank you. Thank you. I believe we have a staff presentation, is that correct?

[03:37:46] Grab my laptop. Ms. Gardner again, welcome. Good evening, Supervisors.

[03:38:15] My name is Evelyn Gardner with the Prince William County Planning Office. This is going to be a presentation for a special use permit, SUP 2022-00026. rmfd enterprises residential home business this is a request for a special use permit to allow home-based business buying and selling firearms and providing background checks for the legal transfer of firearms with walk-in customers by appointment only in a single family dwelling the site is located at 2765 coxford lane approximately 230 feet southwest of the

[03:38:52] intersection of coxford lane and thunderbolt road in the potomac shores community the site The site is identified on county maps as GPIN 828868650 and is approximately 2.2333 acres.

[03:39:08] The planning recommendation and the staff recommendation to the board is to recommend approval. The site is designated Residential Neighborhood II in the Comprehensive Plan and is also within the Marine Corps Base Special Planning Area.

[03:39:29] And the site is zoned planned mixed residential. This is the applicant's home survey plat and the outside of the exterior of the applicant's home. The planning recommendation at the February 8, 2023 public hearing was to recommend approval of SUP 2022-0026-RMFD Enterprises residential home business, subject to the conditions dated September 5th, 2023, with the following recommendations,

[03:40:08] to add a condition where the applicant commits to ensuring all firearms are secured by a plastic zip tie in a hard case or through the action of the firearm, and to amend the condition where the applicant commits to ensuring that all customers utilize the provided off-street parking.

[03:40:27] The recommendation of the Planning Commission and staff is to recommend approval of Special use permit 2022 00026 rmfd enterprises residential home business subject to the conditions dated september 5th 2023 for the following reasons the subject property is zoned plan mixed residential which allows a home business use pursuant to the conditions of an approved special use permit and the home business use will be an accessory use to the primary residential use and will not alter the residential character.

[03:41:01] And the proposed conditions address use parameters associated with the home business. Some of the conditions include that the home business shall be entirely contained within an office and secured storage unit inside the residence.

[03:41:16] An outside storage shall be prohibited. The applicant shall provide background checks. The applicant will only be allowed to buy or sell firearms that are legally sold in the state of Virginia. and the manufacturing and reloading of ammunition shall be prohibited.

[03:41:33] The applicant shall ensure that all firearms are secured by a plastic zip tie in a hard case or through the action of the firearm. The applicant shall ensure that off-street parking is provided and utilized by the customers. There shall be no signage related to the home business on the outside of the property.

[03:41:51] The applicant shall continue to occupy the dwelling as the primary residence if the home business is still actively operating. Non-resident employees shall be prohibited, and there shall only be one customer allowed at a time, by appointment only, and no more than five customers per day.

[03:42:08] Thank you. Thank you. Are there any questions for staff at this time? Madam Chair. Supervisor Bodie. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, Ms. Gardner, for the presentation.

[03:42:24] One of the conditions you have, the first one on the top left says, no, not that one. No, sorry, the bottom one. Applicants shall ensure that all firearms are secured by a plastic zip tie in a hard case or through the action of the firearm. For the public's benefit, what does that section part mean, through the action of the firearm?

[03:42:43] I'm assuming through the trigger, I had asked Mr. Dawson, the applicant, to provide the language based off the planning commission's request. Justin Patton, county archaeologist acting, long-range planning manager, Madam Chair, Supervisor Bode.

[03:43:07] The action of the firearm is open when, depending on the firearm, but it's not, there's no round in the chamber. The bolt, however the firearm is configured, is in an open position. And you slide the zip tie through that area, and it disables the ability for the action to work, for the firearm to work.

[03:43:29] Thank you for that clarification. Any other questions for staff at this time? If not, I will open up the public hearing 12B for the ordinance for a special use permit for RMFD Enterprises Home Business in the Potomac Magisterial District.

[03:43:51] We currently have six people signed up to speak. I will just call up all six, and if you can line up at the back of the room, that would be fine. The six speakers at this time are Abraham Gunn, Tom Special, Linda Triplett, Ania Proles, Michael Fauci, and M-E-V-I-E-S is our next speaker, West.

[03:44:28] So there should be six people lined up to speak at this time who are signed up. Okay. Okay. And if you're not signed up to speak.

[03:44:46] Oh, okay. That's fine. Okay. No worries. Because it's a fire code thing about everybody has to be seated. But you're fine. statement your mom sorry sorry please proceed good evening ladies and gentlemen of the board county supervisors and esteemed members of our community my name is abraham gunn and i am a resident of potomac shores i live near mr dawson there on sea skiff way i appreciate the opportunity to address you tonight concerning the special use permit application for rmfd enterprises this permit is central to facilitating mandatory background checks for firearms purchases a

[03:45:22] responsibility that Mr. Dawson does not take lightly. I understand that public safety is paramount concern for all of us. Allow me to confront these fears directly. Firstly, this is not an in-home firearms dealer business. It's worth clarifying that the firearms involved have already been legally purchased. What RMFD Enterprises aims to do is ensure that these firearms are transferred legally and responsibly, something that current federal law fully endorses.

[03:45:50] Now, some may argue that having a home-based firearms business increases the risk of gun violence. But let me offer you a counter-narrative. By ensuring that each transaction goes through a thorough background check by a trusted community member, Mr. Dawson actually aims to reduce the risk of firearms ending up in the wrong hands.

[03:46:09] According to a study by the Department of Justice, 80% of guns used in crimes are obtained legally, illegally, or without a background check. By mandating checks, RMFD Enterprises becomes part of the solution, not the problem. Secondly, on the matter of precedent and fairness, over the last 18 months, to my knowledge, no other similar permit has encountered the obstacles and scrutiny faced by RMFD Enterprises.

[03:46:34] Mr. Dawson's application has met and exceeded all criteria set forth by the Planning Commission, and to introduce additional delays or barriers at this stage contradicts established policies and can only be viewed as an arbitrary impediment. Lastly, let's talk legality. The Planning Commission has already vetted and approved this application that has included all safety and mitigation measures.

[03:46:54] Legally, there is no basis for denial, especially after such approval. To delay further, not only incurs unfair financial and time costs for our MFD Enterprises, but also puts off essential safety measures we aim to enforce. In summary, while I understand the visceral concerns about community safety, it's crucial to recognize that this permit is designed to enhance, not undermine, that very safety.

[03:47:16] It offers a lawful, transparent mechanism for firearms transfers led by a known entity in our community committed to meticulous background checks. Your support tonight is more than an approval for a special use permit. It's a vote for fairness, legal consistency, and safeguarding of our community.

[03:47:35] Thank you for your time and consideration. Thank you. Next speaker, please. Tom Speciale again. Again, I didn't come here tonight to talk specifically to this issue, and I associate myself with what I said before.

[03:47:53] This is just a business. The mere fact that it's serving the community by background checks, I think, speaks to the reputation of the individual trying to start the business. What I'd rather use this time for in this particular case is to talk about I've been a firearms instructor.

[03:48:12] I started in the military, and now I'm a civilian firearms instructor as well. And I've trained probably over the last, I don't know, six, seven years, I've probably trained 500 or 600 citizens. And it's very different training soldiers than it is training civilians.

[03:48:28] Because in a civilian firearm safety training class, you can have everybody from, you know, the age of 13 as Boy Scouts all the way to the age of 70. There were several classes that I taught during COVID where I had as many as 20, 60-plus-year-old women who were afraid for their lives, literally were terrified for their lives and had never owned firearms.

[03:48:50] And they were afraid in their homes, and they sought out firearm safety training. I'm not a huge advocate for concealed carry. I'm actually a big advocate for open carry. And I think that if we had more open carry in our society, people would become less and less afraid of firearms because they would become familiar with them being in the hands of an armed citizenry.

[03:49:10] It's not a Second Amendment issue. It's a safety issue. One of the first classes I taught, I taught two kindergarten teachers. They were both of them in their 30s. There had been some firearms incidents in schools.

[03:49:27] And I always ask my students, why are you taking my training? And I do a whole eight-hour block of training for free for any educator. I will do it for free. And I said, why are you taking my training? Now you're in your 30s. And both of them said they were taking my training because if they ever came in contact with a firearm in the school, they wouldn't know how to handle it safely.

[03:49:50] it's in our Second Amendment. Driving is not in our Second Amendment, yet we require all of our children to learn how to drive, and we put them through training on how to drive. So what I would ask for you, all of you, just on a more broad understanding of firearms, we shouldn't be having questions about what is an action, and that it's not a common language term, but these two kindergarten teachers sought firearm safety training because they knew they may come into contact with firearms and they wanted to be able to be able to safely handle them and so i would encourage you to support firearm safety training as well shouldn't be a requirement but any

[03:50:28] responsible citizen just like teaching their kids how to drive cars should also insist that our children learn how to safely handle firearms so that we reduce the number of accidents this business is nothing more than a business and we're talking about the trend the legal transfer of firearms i believe it'll pass again just like the last one did and for those of you who voted for the last one and for this one thank you for your support for our community thank you next speaker please short so my name is melanie uh weist i'm from the potomac district can you hear me okay sorry

[03:51:03] you're welcome to move it down if you need to yeah that's the story of my life um so i'm here tonight um to provide sort of a dissenting uh opinion on this matter um like the prior speaker I didn't come initially to talk about this issue specifically, but I think it is important to mention that, you know, in this country right now, we have 78,000 licensed gun dealers.

[03:51:34] That's more than the number of McDonald's, Burger King's, Subway's, and Wendy's locations combined. And at the risk of making a bad joke, I think it's easier in this county to get a special use permit than it is to get a Chipotle. So, I think that the issue that we're having here is not the issue that these are just businesses.

[03:52:00] Yes, they are businesses, but they're often in densely populated areas, residential areas. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I do believe the 12B location is very close to a private school and the Alley Krieger sports complex.

[03:52:16] I also wanted to mention that I think someone mentioned inspections are done typically annually by the ATF for FFLs. With the rate of these FFLs that they are kind of coming to be, the ATF is falling very far behind on inspections.

[03:52:41] I think their aim is actually to inspect licensed dealers about every three years. In 2022, they inspected only 9% of FFLs, which is falling far short of this stated goal. So at this rate, a gun dealer could actually anticipate an inspection once every 10 years.

[03:52:59] So I think that is something that we really need to look at in terms of safety is how closely these businesses are being followed to be sure that they are following the rules and that there isn't risk of trafficking.

[03:53:15] And that's another thing that I get concerned with, that in over 2021, there were over 10,300 lost or stolen guns nationally. In our county alone last year, we had 200 guns stolen out of cars. States with the most gun dealers per capita have a 10 times higher rate of gun trafficking than other states.

[03:53:38] And subsequently, these trafficked guns are used in illegal crimes. I think the thing to remember is that illegal guns don't always start out that way and so I thank you for your consideration about these special use permits with regards to trafficking with regards to the neighborhood and with regards to how closely they're being inspected thank you thank you next speaker please hello hello my name is Linda Triplett I live in Potomac Shores as

[03:54:11] well um we're going to talk about how close the schools are we have three schools um to include the private school that are that's there in potomac shores which is less than a mile from the seller's home um when we moved to potomac shores we were hoping to move to a safe community it's tucked back in where a lot of people we don't have a lot of traffic that does not know that doesn't live back there that comes back to potomac shores with a gun with a gun dealer living

[03:54:48] or not dealer but someone that sells gun in our neighborhood um we're gonna get people that into our neighborhood that doesn't even know we exist back there and that's the problem for safety for our kids and in the schools kids walk home from school every day you'll have all these strangers that are driving into our neighborhood as well.

[03:55:13] And we are very concerned about having the... We don't mind him selling guns or whatever, just not in our neighborhood. We have over a million dollars in homes selling in our neighborhood that are over a million dollars.

[03:55:34] We do not want it in our neighborhood, in our subdivision. We would like for our kids to stay safe, our veterans to stay safe, and our community to stay safe. And I would really appreciate it if you do not pass this law. Thank you. Next speaker, please.

[03:55:53] Hi, my name is Zangaya. I go to Potomac Mill School, and I do not feel safe with someone selling weapons or firearms near our school because that is putting harm to my school and all other schools around our area.

[03:56:16] I would not feel safe if someone would sell firearms or weapons around the schools with all the kids, including me, walking home. That could potentially harm us if someone decided to buy a gun and hurt us with the weapon that they got from the person selling the firearms.

[03:56:40] Thank you. Thank you. Next speaker, please. Thank you. Again, my name is Michael Fouché, 15111 Hawksville Court, 22193.

[03:56:55] First, Mr. Angry, you were asking about the transition phase. Honestly, there have always been FFLs in communities and in homes. It was usually kind of a niche thing, especially big boar hunters or special types of firearms. And the answer to the question about Walmart and others, Walmart, Dix, and most other national sporting goods stores no longer carry unless they are directly marketing to hunting and fishing type scenarios like Cabela's or Bass Pro Shops type scenario.

[03:57:25] Mostly, that is a direct result of a litigious society. Walmart went through a process where they got rid of pistols about 20 years ago, and then they started stepping down, then they got rid of rifles, then they got rid of shotguns, and now they barely carry ammo, and that is a direct result of a litigious society.

[03:57:42] As to, again, go back to this, at a certain level, it's not a Second Amendment issue, except that we have a Second Amendment, and part of me exercising my Second Amendment, or anyone else in this room exercising their Second Amendment, is I need, under federal law and under state law, I need to do a transfer.

[03:58:04] That's what the gentleman's trying to do. And for those of you that have never purchased a firearm, that means that you have to go in, you have to submit in the Form 4473. It usually takes me about 10 or 15 minutes because my name is unusual, so it's not a hard search.

[03:58:21] But we are seeing people who before were not really into firearms and stuff. And, again, you're also asking about going to a store and buying a firearm. A lot of people just aren't comfortable walking into a store. I know a lot of people, when they think of somebody that carries a firearm, I'm the guy they envision.

[03:58:39] I'm it. You know, big truck out there, beard. You know, I'm the guy that they're thinking of. I would bring us back to Mr. Speciale a while ago. I have worked as a range safety officer. I have literally taught hundreds of people how to safely handle firearms.

[03:58:55] I can tell you there has been a transition over the last decade. And, yes, the last several classes that we did, we were running 70% female, 70% POC, 70% over 60. That is new.

[03:59:11] The number one market for firearms purchases today are females. I applaud it, embrace it, think it's wonderful. The only thing I'm not happy about right this second is Prince William County bought Elite Shooting, and now I've got to find somewhere else to go. Yes, sir.

[03:59:28] But I think that we need to remind ourselves that this is a business. And I would also remind the board, your staff's recommendation is approval. I presume that the board has confidence in its staff, and therefore I would encourage you to accept that recommendation.

[03:59:45] Thank you. Thank you. And if there's anyone else who hasn't signed up who would like to speak, please give us your name and generally where you live in the county. And if you're not planning on speaking, please take a seat per the fire marshal.

[04:00:01] Thank you. Please proceed. Is it working?

[04:00:19] Hi, my name is Jay Hart. I live in the Potomac District. With all due respect to the ladies that were here talking about the safety of their children in Potomac Shores regarding this particular issue, I'll bet your kid's more likely to get hit by a car speeding through your neighborhood than somebody buying a gun from an FFL.

[04:00:38] Thank you. Next speaker, please. Hello, my name is Robert Hand. I'm with the Potomac District, and I'm speaking to the previous speakers that are looking to gain victimhood status.

[04:00:57] How often do you go out in public? How often do you go to the mall? How many people are in here by now? How many of you don't know when there are guns in proximity in those public places?

[04:01:13] You weren't worried before. They're not advertising this place. In fact, the biggest threat, I'd say, has been laying out the gentleman's home layout and the storage measures by the county for those that object and want this process.

[04:01:34] That's what makes him the most vulnerable. Stop making yourselves look like victims. He's not trying to advertise it. Thank you. Next speaker, please. Hello. Good evening. My name is Jalen Custis, and I live in the Woodbridge District.

[04:01:51] I'm here in support of this proposal due to the fact that I do not live too far from Potomac Shorts, and it would be very useful for me to pick up my firearm from this gentleman's house instead of going and driving further from where I live to pick up a firearm.

[04:02:07] I heard someone previously said that it's harder to get a special permit license, but this guy right here has been doing this since 2022. Okay. And then also, someone has also said that a lot of thefts have been going on. I would just like to also say, how many people have robbed a gun shop and successfully done it?

[04:02:28] I don't know. And also, I would just like to say that when it comes to this, this guy is not a BJ's. There's not 50,000 cars coming through, I'm sure. It's a little house. I think only about a certain amount of people are going to come through each day.

[04:02:45] And some other guys said it that previously that your child is more likely to get hit by a car than by someone who's buying a firearm. I would also like to state that due to a lot of things happening at the federal level, that your child is more likely to die from fentanyl than a gun.

[04:03:03] You know, we have a lot of drugs getting inside our schools, and we need to address that issue. Not someone who's trying to – he's not even selling guns technically. He's just handing you that you have already bought online. And obviously, if you fail the background check, then you're not going to get your firearm.

[04:03:19] So pass it so I can stop driving all the way to get a firearm. Thank you. Next speaker, please. Bill Billard, Manassas Coles. Well, I'm seeing a lot of fear regarding the lawful sales of firearms, but nobody is saying anything about the illegal sales of firearms when most crimes that involve firearms, they are purchased illegally.

[04:03:49] That's happening all the time everywhere in this county. in the armpit parts of this county and no doubt there are schools nearby but nobody wants to do anything about the violent criminals how about stop hailing these violent criminals as social justice martyrs there's a solution to the violence problem now i see people um are supporting gun control uh local gun bans saying they want to ban gun uh have ordinances to ban guns in public parks but but um and the common myth is like nobody's trying to take your guns or no one is trying to

[04:04:24] destroy the Second Amendment. Last I heard, Dick Saslaw and the General Assembly tried to pass a bill that would ban 90% of commonly owned firearms. We're not falling for that myth that nobody's trying to take firearms, okay? We know what the agenda is. But these local calls for local gun ban ordinances in public parks make zero sense. And here's why. Violent criminals do not obey laws. They will not obey local gun bans. That's common sense. It will only benefit violent

[04:05:04] criminals. So therefore, we need to support people in public areas being able to protect themselves and their families. Now, I was once a law enforcement officer. I've seen dead bodies.

[04:05:20] I've seen a man with a bullet in his head. It wasn't the gun's fault. It wasn't the fault of the National Rifle Association. It wasn't the fault of upstanding citizens who lawfully and rightfully carry firearms. It was the fault of the violent criminal. We need to stop engaging in collective blaming and collective punishment and hold people accountable individually because supporting gun control, advocating for modern gun control is bigotry and it is rooted in racism.

[04:05:53] We must stand up for the right to carry firearms, for the right to defend ourselves against violent criminals. Let's stop with the madness and the insanity. Thank you. Thank you. I'm sorry we don't allow displays of clapping, booing in chambers. We'll continue with this. This is a public hearing for the RMFD Enterprises Home Business. If you would like to speak to that public hearing, the public hearing on the RMFD Enterprises Home Business is still open. Please approach the microphone and please state your name and generally where you live.

[04:06:31] Good evening. My name is Miranda Smith, and I am a resident of the Potomac Shores District. It's difficult to hear you. You need to speak into the microphone. Thank you. My name is Miranda Smith, and I'm a member of the Potomac Shores District. As a troop leader of a Girl Scout troop, I'm sharing one of the stories that I received from one of my troop scouts, young girls.

[04:06:51] It's a two-part question, or a two-part story, but let me share the first. This resident, or this member's daughter says, My daughter is traumatized by the lockdown drills at school. Just last night, her daughter woke up five times crying she didn't want to go to sleep because she's afraid that someone is going to come to harm her and her friends at school.

[04:07:11] It took for me to involve my daughter's school teachers, school principals, counselors, and school resource officers to help my daughter build some kind of trust in the school and safe place to be, despite lockdown drills. The school did an absolutely amazing job, as always. By stepping in and showing her love during the doubtful times, now to think that a person can ride past the elementary school, high school, and middle school after purchasing a gun and could, if wanted, to make a stop past either of these schools, there's no way.

[04:07:42] There should be reasons that kids riding and playing in the quarterstack or playing soccer in the open field or playing on the playground shouldn't have to worry about a man or a woman who purchased a gun from someone's home in here in this beautiful community called Potomac Shores.

[04:07:59] Home to many of us. There is no way the risk should be accepted that the guns that was just sold is the reason for new headlines at any of the schools. So please, supervisors, vote this down. I am not anti-guns. I'm not anti-guns selling Potomac Shores, resident Millicent Green.

[04:08:18] My take on this is if this is going to get passed, then my request from all the supervisors is we need to put a limit on this. There needs to be a limit that if it is going to happen, that we don't have multiple special use permits being applied.

[04:08:38] Now, I do have to say that Mr. Dawson is definitely doing a class one, which appears to be the lowest, whereas the resident before this actually appears to be manufacturing, selling, gunsmithing, et cetera. So with that, I just request that the board take into consideration the number of special use permit limits that we allow in our Prince William County area.

[04:09:01] Thank you. Thank you. Next speaker, please. Yes, good evening. My name is Seth Sewell. I'm a resident of Potomac Shores as well. I just want to support Mr. Dawson and his attempt to get a special use permit to try to bring it back a little bit to what we're here to talk about.

[04:09:18] And that's his special use permit. And so if I was at the planning commission meeting or the planning board meeting, I was also at the community meeting that he was asked to have there in Potomac Shores. And if you were at any of those, you'd see Mr. Dawson was knowledgeable. He was patient answering any questions any of the community staff community had or anybody, any one of the supervisors had.

[04:09:42] So it's pretty clear he's got a good business plan. He knows what he's doing. He's knowledgeable. He's been extremely patient. As some people have mentioned already, he's over 18 months long. I never quite waited that long for Chipotle, but close, I think, at some point. So, yeah, that's the first part I'd like to talk about.

[04:09:58] The second part is I think I get the concern for safety, you know, but we need to talk about the facts as it relates to special use permits for gun sales. the facts just don't they just don't bear out the reality or the the the fear that something is going to happen i mean there's like we you've talked about there's a number of them throughout uh the county and a number of them throughout virginia and you just don't see you just don't see the the the things that people are concerned about you don't see violence and somebody grabbing a gun and going off it it happens every day that people are purchasing firearms from ffls and that's not

[04:10:34] it's just not uh it's not borne out by the facts so as well as um yeah mr dawson also has gone above and beyond and i mean you didn't see anybody asking uh the previous individual which i'm happy he got his permit uh but nobody asked him to zip tie anything or do anything like that and mr dawson's like roger that 100 i'm happy to do it if that makes the community feel better so um yeah i guess the last part is um being a member or a resident of uh of potomac shores as well you know i i do understand the concern about people coming in the community and strangers

[04:11:11] coming in although i did move into the community with the expectation of the vre moving in as well as a potential town center so the idea that we'd have additional people coming to the community being a problem is a little i want more people in the community i want a vre and i want so anyway just a plug for that stuff for you guys if you get a chance um other than that i just want to say i support mr dawson and i look forward to having the opportunity to uh purchase uh or to not to purchase, but to pick up my firearm from his FFL in the future.

[04:11:36] Thank you. Thank you. Next speaker, please. Gary Campbell, Coles District. Just real quick, dot, dot, dot, everything you've already heard, dot, dot. I couldn't help it but think. We've been at this about two hours, I think, and the applicants, two years perhaps, makes me remind.

[04:11:58] Wasn't it Obama said it was easier to buy a book than a gun? A gun than a book? Doesn't look that way to me. is there anyone else here to speak on public hearing item 12 B if so please approach the microphone if not this will officially close the public hearing on item 12 B and I would ask that people who aren't speaking to the microphone please stay seated per our our fire our signs on the walls are there any questions

[04:12:38] from anyone any of the board members for staff or the applicant at this time supervisor Vega thank you so in looking at the conditions it says here that it should be by appointment only and there shall be no more than five customers per day I would like to ask the applicant if you've ever had one day where you've had five customers come at once throughout the day so I don't have any customers currently because I'm not currently an FFL I have to have the zoning approved before I can go through that I do actually have a home notary

[04:13:14] business, which has similar. And so when I came up with those limitations, I base them on zoned by right businesses and notary services, office services like that are approved by right. You send in a $65 application fee and they send you back a letter that says you're approved. And so I base those limitations on those zoned by right businesses with additional limitations in the hours of visitation. Okay. And so the conditions are pretty much similar. They mirror the one of the last applicant and so the hours of operation are the same hours of operation i don't recall

[04:13:48] um off the top of my head to be honest with you i think it was um five to five to eight monday through friday and ten to six saturday and sunday oh okay so they're they're actually i'm sorry is it 5 p.m or 5 p.m to 8 yeah so i work from home during the day and then so this business would occur after. So your hours are even more reduced compared to the previous applicant. And the reality is I don't ever expect to probably have five people in a given day. But again, I just followed the limitations of the already approved home occupancy or home employment

[04:14:26] certificate that I have. Right. To be clear, the prior applicant was open one hour each evening during the week and then opened Saturday and Sunday. Okay. I'm sorry. I should know those hours off the top of my head. No, no, you're okay. Thank you. The reason why I ask is because of some of the questions that have or concerns that have been made by folks that live in the neighborhood so just want to make sure that everybody's aware of the conditions that have already been in place

[04:15:00] in terms of how many customers are allowed per day and the normal business hours that you're going to be operating under and then this question is for staff in terms of the distance to the schools they're mentioning some of the speakers have referenced a lot of you know schools within the area I'm very familiar with the area I actually have an uncle that lives in Potomac shores and my little cousin attends um one of the the three schools in question but i just you know want to be able to paint a picture for those that are in chambers watching at home what is the distance to the closest school from this residence do we know supervisor vega uh we do not know the

[04:15:39] actual distance okay i believe the closest one is is about a mile i looked it up and so just wanted to know if that's what you guys had as well does that sound right i'm sorry could you repeat that It's about a mile, Supervisor Bailey.

[04:16:02] I think you said so, too. I believe that's what it was said. Yes, it is. It's about a mile. Okay. And this is a conference. Okay. Thank you. Any further questions for staff? Okay. So, Supervisor Lawson and Supervisor Bailey.

[04:16:19] Thank you, Madam Chair. So, to kind of piggyback on Supervisor Vega regarding the hours. So, I think we determined that the previous applicant was 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. And this application is 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

[04:16:37] Let me correct that. It's 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. during the weekdays. To 9 p.m. And what are the Saturday and Sunday hours? Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Okay.

[04:16:56] Are you talking about the previous person, just to be clear, or the current applicant? Current. This is the current applicant. Okay. Right. Right. So a few people mentioned, you know, their concerns of school, the proximity to schools, and five to nine and the school that was referenced that's a mile away is that the elementary school or the middle school it's a middle school and that's the middle school and that's the closer one of the two I believe that's correct okay well I know the school isn't in

[04:17:34] operation from five to nine I mean there'll be they'll sorry if people cannot make comments from the chamber and if we can just keep it between people at the dais even including ourselves and the staff there'll be um obviously after school activities but did i know that the applicant had a community meeting where were some of these concerns addressed at the community meeting and that's why the applicant has reduced his hours of operation during monday through friday so we did

[04:18:09] have a community meeting down at potomac shores where the applicant met with everyone and that had a concern there were people there that also supported the application but several people expressed concerns and the applicant tried his best to address those concerns including adding additional mitigations which they offered at the planning commission okay okay um to get to the five to nine um did the planning commission reduce them you said i don't believe the planning

[04:18:43] commission reduce the hours okay okay um and then somebody mentioned uh you know people strangers driving in the neighborhood that would be true for all of our neighborhoods um i mean the applicant is already a notary so i would imagine you have strangers that come in but i mean honestly that's going to happen in any neighborhood uh with any type of home-based business whether it's notary or cupcakes um or daycare right but that's just the world that we're living in um so i i i you

[04:19:22] know we can't mitigate that that's society it's by appointment but it is by appointment that's good and and and every customer has a background background check right i believe that is correct they're coming for the purpose okay okay sorry about that thank you supervisor bailey thank you

[04:19:46] Madam Chair. Mr. Dawson, I just want to publicly thank you for allowing us to have the public town hall at Potomac Shores. I was not there because my husband was having surgery that night and I know you know that but I think that it was important that that town hall was held so I wanted to publicly thank you for giving us the

[04:20:24] time to do that if you're gonna speak you have to go to the podium because people can't hear you thank you thank you in your office for requesting that and you know I think it was a valuable use of time and I think it was an important thing that needed to happen so thank you thank you see no further questions um manager i do sorry i don't have my yeah i know it's that yes supervisor vega thank you madam chair um alex just a couple more here um based on the the staff report does it identify

[04:21:04] any unmitigated impacts or does it indicate that the application is inconsistent with the surrounding community supervisor vega not that i'm aware of okay and then the final question that i have is um uh is this sup inconsistent with public health safety general welfare or good zoning practices it is our opinion that it is thank you okay seeing no further questions I'll entertain a motion regarding item 12b ordinance for

[04:21:36] special use permit RMFD enterprise its own business so moved motion made by supervisor Vega seconded by supervisor Lawson discussion anybody want to supervisor Franklin sure I just want to thank mr. Dawson for speaking with the community I was there there was quite a bit of concern about the setup of this business there were some there in support and so just want to thank those that came out to to that meeting

[04:22:13] I think this is a conversation we need to continue to have we'll see how the vote goes I am not comfortable supporting this but I would tell you that if it does not pass I think we shall work with you in economic development to find some more for lack of better words appropriate places for you to be able to set up your business so let's continue the discussion regardless of what happens supervisor Bailey thank you ma'am chair and again Mr. Dawson our appreciation I

[04:22:49] we did have the community meeting and I'm one that I like to engage everybody for full transparency as we go through making these decisions. And I think there is an opportunity, and I mentioned to the community and to you that there is an opportunity for us to proceed with processes from our community safety department here in the county.

[04:23:14] It's a new department, but it's also a department where we can embrace free enterprise as well as embrace safety in our communities. And I think there's an opportunity for us to do that as we move forward. and I want to make sure that everyone understands that's the position that I'm coming from as well.

[04:23:32] And I believe in people purchasing firearms where that's your personal preference. I have nothing against that, but I do believe that there is a space and a time, and this is the time for us to look at public safety concerning whatever's going in our communities as it relates to violence or crime, whatever that has nothing to do with your business, I understand that.

[04:23:55] But I think there's an opportunity from a county's perspective that we are accountable to making sure that our communities are safe and our children feel safe. We've been working with our schools as well to make sure that that happens, and I think we're on the right road to doing so.

[04:24:13] But I wanted to make sure that that position was presented tonight, not in an adverse way at all, but as a position of progress going forward. Thank you. Anyone else more in discussion?

[04:24:28] Seeing no further discussion, please vote. Motion fails four to four. Supervisors Bailey, Bodie, Franklin, and Chair Wheeler voting nay.

[04:24:46] Thank you. That closes our public hearing items for today. We are on to public comment time. We'll begin with in-person public comment time. I will call speakers up five at a time.

[04:25:02] Each speaker will have three minutes to share their views and opinions regarding matters before the board. We ask that all speakers state their name in the magisterial district or generally where you reside at the beginning of your remarks. We will close the in-person sign-up list after the first 15 minutes, and then we'll move on to remote public comment time.

[04:25:22] Our first five speakers of the day are Victor Morala, Tom Special, Jason Grant, Melanie West, and Jalen Curtis. Victor Morala, Tom Special, Jason Grant, Melanie West, and Jalen Curtis.

[04:25:46] Is Victor here? If he's not, we can go on to Tom Svesi. Oh, please proceed. Good evening, Supervisors. Thank you so much for your time.

[04:26:04] My name is Victor Morales. I reside at 12474 Manchester Way here in Woodbridge. And I want to speak to Supervisors about the proposal to create gun-free zones in state parks or parks within Prince William County.

[04:26:25] This is, I would say, an ill-advised type of proposal. I have some numbers. It was difficult to find corresponding numbers between what happened in 2019 and 2021 and 2022.

[04:26:46] But vehicle fatalities in Virginia in 2019 were 827. In Prince William County, there was 13. Gun fatalities in 2019 in Virginia were 1,025, and in Prince William County, there were 12.

[04:27:06] Of the 1,025 fatalities in Virginia, 33% were actual homicides, 66% were suicides, and 2% are considered other, which is not stipulated what they are.

[04:27:22] At the same time, in Prince William County, there were 65 deaths due to overdose and fentanyl. If there was 12 deaths of supposedly gun violence in Prince William County during that time, 65, that's five times as many due to drug overdose than gun violence.

[04:27:45] There are some facts that are a little bit uncomfortable, but gun-free zones are actually just a way for criminals to get away with murder. and citizens to be defenseless. In 2007, the number third national worst mass shooting in the nation, 32 people were killed in Virginia Tech, here in Virginia, so it's Blacksburg.

[04:28:12] That is three times as many as Prince William County at that time. This is a gun-free zone. Number nine in the nation was 2022 Uvalde, Texas, an elementary school where 21 were killed, Twice as many as in Prince William County in 2019.

[04:28:33] And that's twice as many as Prince William County. The number 10 is 2018 Parkland, Florida, high school, 17 killed, one and a half times what Prince William County had. Gun-free zones only make it easy for criminals to kill innocent victims.

[04:28:55] Sheriff Joe Allen in New Mexico said, I have a fact for you. Criminals do not follow the law or a public health order. Your actions, by creating gun-free zones, only serve to empower criminals and make victims of law-abiding citizens. Please do not take these type of actions. Thank you.

[04:29:10] Thank you. Next speaker, please. Hey, it's me again, Tom Speciale, 14940 Grassy Knoll Court, Woodbridge, Virginia. Okay, listen, if you haven't already gone and listened to the Judiciary Committee meeting from Chicago that took place yesterday, please spend some of your very valuable time to get the real data.

[04:29:38] 15,000 attempted homicides in Chicago in the last three years. But it's not in the whole city of Chicago, folks. It's in one neighborhood in Chicago.

[04:29:57] 15,000 attempted homicides. 3,000 of them were successfully attempted and resulted in a murder. 3,000 murder victims in one neighborhood in Chicago.

[04:30:13] We don't have a gun violence problem in the United States, in particular in Prince William County. We have a mental health crisis. We have a fatherlessness crisis. We have a drug addiction crisis.

[04:30:28] We have a gang violence problem. And it is localized in 17 neighborhoods in the United States. 17 neighborhoods account for 90% of all of the homicides and all the attempted homicides.

[04:30:44] So I want you to multiply 15,000 by 17. That's how many attempted homicides occur in just 17 neighborhoods in the United States. And that's in three years.

[04:30:59] So we're talking about hundreds of thousands of attempted homicides. So when you disarm citizens and you create gun-free zones, that is where the mental ill go.

[04:31:16] Because in almost universally 100%, and I've studied this for the last six years, I am an expert in this issue. In the last six years, every single year, we have 1.7 million attempted suicides in the United States.

[04:31:38] 1.7 million attempted suicides. We need moms demand action, but not about guns. We need moms to demand action from our government. And I love what you guys are trying to do.

[04:31:55] But we need to go to war against the mental health crisis in this United States. And we need to fix these 17 inner-city neighborhoods that are accounting for 90% of the homicides. And if we have 10,000 homicides a year in the whole United States, multiply that number by 10, the attempted number of homicides, every year in the United States.

[04:32:22] We don't have a problem here. We don't need any more gun-free zones. We need armed citizens. I'm sorry, your time is up. We need armed citizens. Next speaker, please. Thank you. Fun to follow. My name is Jason Grant. I am from the Brentsville District, and I am here today to talk again about the indoor multi-use facility. I want to address this issue because I've been advocating for it for about six years now. You've heard from the hundreds of families and participants about the need for this facility, but we haven't really addressed it from the perspective of this board's stated priorities. So I thought it might be helpful to see to what degree this project aligns with

[04:33:01] your adopted strategic plan. Regarding quality education and workforce development, the facility will obviously be tremendous value for student athletes who provide them greater time in the classroom by reducing the need for extensive travel but this is more than a facility for high school athletes under health and well-being you quote improve awareness and access to quality affordable services that address physical developmental mental health and substance abuse needs and also quote enhance multi-generational community enrichment community engagement that contribute to a healthy community yet we have limited facilities to truly offer affordable year-round services or activities that address the physical, developmental, and mental health

[04:33:40] needs of our community, especially our youth. This facility will offer just that. Under safe and secure communities, you state a desire to reduce crime. In a recent article in the Journal of Quantitative Criminology, researchers looked at 24 different studies and found that sports programs prevent crime and reduce recidivism. The United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime began a global youth initiative to reduce crime and improve their mental health with profound results. Research has shown that one of the surest ways to reduce crime is to have kids involved in activities that teach teamwork, decision making, goal setting, and how to manage disappointment and setbacks in a positive

[04:34:15] way. Under resilient economy, your key performance indicators listed include increased commercial tax base, increased positive brand awareness for Prince William County, and increased economic impact and taxes collected from the tourism industry. This board has before it an opportunity to address a significant community need that touches on every single strategic goal plan you've adopted. You can support our families, enhance the Prince William County brand image, increase tourism revenues, support our local restaurant, retail, and hotel businesses, provide positive outlets to reduce crime and recidivism, particularly for at-risk youth, and you can create a facility to be programmed to address the health and well-being of all those

[04:34:52] who call Prince William County home. For too long, Prince William County has been afraid to take bold action. We rely on being a suburb of D.C., commiserate about the quality of life in neighboring jurisdictions, and can never seem to get out of our own way to enhance the image of Prince William County on a national stage. There are those of you who have argued that the cost is simply too high to build such a facility, but for those willing to take bold action to improve the quality of life here in Prince William County, for those of us who have spent our lives in service to local youth and their families, when you look at your strategic plan and the express needs of this community, it's readily apparent that the cost is too high not to build it. Thank you. I look forward

[04:35:27] to the public hearing on October 10th at 2 p.m. Thank you. Next speaker, please. Hello. Hello. Good evening. My name is Jalen Custis, and I reside in the Woodbridge District. I'm here today because some people are trying to infringe on my constitutional right, and I would just like to bring this up because I've spoken on this issue numerous times, and someone said, and I said, the criminals don't buy guns over the counters, and someone was like, oh, that's not true.

[04:35:56] So I brought up some facts, and in total, about 10 through 11 percent of crime guns come from retail sources where background checks are conducted. About 2.3% of guns are used in violent crimes from retail stores. And this is from the Bureau of Justice Statistics. Also, we have these great things right here that says gun saves lives. And someone was like, oh, I wonder what the stats are on that. So according to the National Self-Defense Survey conducted by Florida State University, the rate of defense gun use can be projected nationwide to approximately 2.5 million

[04:36:31] per year. One defense guns you use every 13 seconds. And now I'm here to talk about the ordinance. So we have to think about the logistics of how this will work and how it's about this enforcement. So let's say you guys were to enforce that. And this is also saying that you cannot conceal carry. How are you going to know if someone is concealed carry? And I just want to point this out to especially, there's five members on here who are people of color. We've got the County Executive, Victor Angry, Kenny Bodie, Andrea Bailey, and Margaret Franklin.

[04:37:04] So if I, as a young man, have my concealed permit carry, and I go to a park, and you guys have decided to ban that, am I going to be stopped because of the color of my skin? Because I may say, oh, he may have a gun, you know? We have to think about that.

[04:37:19] I could be your son. I could be your brother. I could be your cousin. We have to think about those issues, especially in Prince William County, where it's a majority minority community. And not everyone who owns a firearm or who conceals, carries a firearm is a white guy, big belly and a beard.

[04:37:35] That's not true. So you have to look at this statistically and you have to look at the facts because, yes, it sounds good on paper, but how is it going to be enforced? This is not just banning guns from open carry, you know, but this is also banning people from concealed carry. And you cannot know if someone's concealed carrying unless you just pat them down and step them.

[04:37:53] So you have to think about this. It's little things like that. So thank you for your time and have a good day. thank you before our next speaker i want to call up our next five jared beg david siri alicia gloss alan gloss and ken bloxton please proceed hi good evening this is uh melanie weiss and i reside in the potomac district i would like to make one point unequivocally clear to everyone

[04:38:29] in attendance tonight the number one cause of death in children and young adults is gun violence Period. It is not fentanyl. It is not car accidents. It is not childhood cancer. Period. Secondly, I would like to address the concept of fear. Someone brought up, you know, their exposure to gun violence as sort of a badge of honor. And I, as a nurse and a nurse practitioner for 21 years now working in health care, have cleaned up courts, liters of blood, infused dying people,

[04:39:04] dealt with the fallout of gun violence on an emotional and physical level. As a nurse practitioner that I serve in the county now, I deal with the mental health crisis on a first-line basis. The answer is not arming people, is not giving more guns. More guns do not keep us safe, otherwise America would be the safest country in the world, which we are not. And all the gun violence coming from Chicago. I've never heard that before, and I attend multiple conferences on gun violence

[04:39:39] prevention. So the reason I'm here tonight is to talk on the request for an ordinance on Park County property. I've heard a lot of people say it's infringing on their Second Amendment rights. The constitutionality of sensitive places, rather, it's constitutionally sound. Places where children gather like playgrounds softball fields basketball courts water parks those are sensitive places and consider and should be considered so in this county so it is constitutionally

[04:40:18] sound to have to have firearms prohibited off of park property we know not one law is going to necessarily prevent every single person from carrying a gun onto park property but what we can't do is watch a nation of gun violence and watch this epidemic and do absolutely nothing and not only do nothing but arm more people in sort of the expectation that we can keep doing the same thing that we've done for years and it hasn't changed anything. Nobody's coming for your

[04:40:54] guns. I have no fear of guns. I don't care if you have them at home. That's fine. I don't want them at my kids softball game i don't think it's necessary and i think it's dangerous uh so i urge the board of supervisors please to consider these things and make a move for an ordinance of this nature it's constitutionally sound and it will save lives thank you thank you next speaker please good evening my name is dave seri i've been a resident of gainesville for almost 24 years

[04:41:34] and i'm just wondering is it okay to make a comment about the digital gateway Yeah, this is public comment time. You can speak about any matters before the board. I've met the governor this afternoon. No worries. I strongly support the Digital Gateway. At some past meetings, I made some comments about the likelihood of an imminent major recession.

[04:41:56] I stand by those comments. This AI bubble we've seen is basically just a little bubble on the back of the big bubble. As a matter of fact, there's been more signs and indications that we're heading for a major recession than I can count.

[04:42:15] In the coming years, the county is really going to need the revenue that this project provides. And I strongly urge each of you to vote in favor of it. Oh, and one other thing I just want to mention, I get off my chest.

[04:42:33] Last time I spoke here, I referred to Supervisor Weir as Bob Weir. I should have referred to him as Supervisor Weir. Just wanted to get that straight. Thank you. Thank you. Next speaker, please.

[04:43:27] Alicia Gloss-Coles.

[04:43:45] What law or ordinance would end gun violence? How would disarming law-abiding citizens in Prince William County Parks protect them or make them safer? Would making all Prince William County Parks' gun-free zones stop criminals from coming in and committing violence? Moms Demand Action wants to ban firearms in our parks for everyone except the government, and we have seen it play out in history when people are disarmed.

[04:44:06] It doesn't end well. Gun confiscation groups like Moms Demand Action disregard the history and meaning of the Second Amendment. Their arguments are based in emotion and rooted in anti-civil right bigotry aimed at stripping away constitutional rights in the guise of gun control by removing a right to self-protection with the goal of eradicating all firearms.

[04:44:24] Moms Demand Action activists have asked, who needs a gun at a baseball field? Do I now need to demonstrate a need for self-protection for the right to self-protection under the law? The answer is no. Other activists have stated no one should have to worry about a concealed firearm while watching their child play softball. So passing a no firearm ordinance or gun-free zone will remove worry of who's concealing a firearm. It's laughable. Criminals don't care about your no firearm ordinance. Gun-free zone are law when they commit violence. It will embolden them as gun-free zones seem to be a magnet for violence because no resistance equals an easy target.

[04:45:01] You see, gun control doesn't target criminals. It controls law, it targets law-abiding citizens. Supervisor Franklin said at a recent public safety forum, quote, at the end of the day, it is behavioral. We can't legislate our way out of these issues, end quote. I couldn't agree with you more. And we can't legislate our way out of violence either.

[04:45:21] Banning firearms in all Prince William County parks would include our trails, parks, and trails where we walk, bike, and hike and enjoy nature where most scenic trails are in secluded areas. As a woman and a mom, I believe we should not be deprived of walking alone in our parks without the means to protect ourselves and children, whether it be from a bear, mountain lion, or malicious person seeking to harm.

[04:45:43] For me, a firearm is an equalizer for self-protection against something larger and stronger than myself. Moms Demand Action is an anti-woman safety, anti-liberty, anti-civil right, gun confiscation, radical group with an agenda to eradicate all guns.

[04:45:58] Law-abiding citizens should not be denied the right to self-protection because supervisors are receiving campaign donations from anti-gun activist groups trying to influence our local elections and lobbying you to disarm citizens of Prince William County. It's parks today, but what's down the road?

[04:46:16] Stats provided by our police department here on the screen do not support the demand for disarming law-abiding citizens from legally carrying a firearm for protection in our parks. And yes, women and moms, because we own and carry firearms too. So I want to point out that if you look over the last four years highlighted in yellow, there has been one in the last four years since you guys have been in office where a weapon has been used in our Prince William County parks.

[04:46:40] We don't know if that was a gun, a knife, nunchucks, whatever. But this is what their reasoning is for calling for us to have a firearm ordinance. It's garbage. Vote no. Don't bring it up. Next speaker, please. I'll need the one-iron as well.

[04:47:11] If you can keep it up, too. I've got a couple things. Alan Gloss-Coles, I don't want to talk about guns in parks because our own police statistics say there is no there there. The four years you have all been on this board, one person has committed a crime with a weapon at one of our parks.

[04:47:28] Just one. That's it. Was the weapon a knife, a gun, a bat? Who knows? And the police have not said. I do know that there are a dozen other crimes on that list that could have been prevented had the victim been armed, though. Since guns in parks is a non-issue, I do not I do want to talk about priorities with you. Did you know that one in five Virginians die from fentanyl poisoning every single day? What have you done to stop that? You haven't talked to your friend Amy Ashworth to ramp up prosecutions because she hasn't and our own chief has expressed frustration with the catch release and never prosecute policies. History cops tell me how

[04:48:06] horrible it is to see a guy they just locked up the night before on the street the next day. Why should they put themselves at risk to make a case on someone when they aren't going to be prosecuted anyway when it comes to leading you seem to make decisions based on money for your campaigns and not what our needs are today we have all come here to talk about a subject your campaign donors want you to act on conveniently after getting a sizable contribution from those 1.5 million dollars out of of out-of-state dollars both supervisor bode and school board

[04:48:44] candidate Chantel Rock have come to talk about guns in parks. Besides Ann Wheeler and her trust fund, I don't think this room together can come up with a match to the out-of-state money that they've taken injected into these campaigns. You were elected to represent us, not Michael Bloomberg in New York. Week after week, we come here with real problems this community has, and what have you done to address them? Absolutely nothing. We have an unaffordable housing problem. Your fix? More data centers. Homeless problem? Pull the nearest 7-Eleven's liquor license. Business is going under because of the rampant retail theft? Let Ashworth stop

[04:49:24] prosecution of shoplifting. Restaurants closing after the government mandated shut down? Add a tax. Violent crime is up 70%. Let's ban guns in parks. You can't make this stuff up. Although this board wants to forget, we will never forget how Supervisor Bodie was outright calling for defending our very police department in 2020, or how Supervisor Franklin was barking orders from the safety of her couch to ban police from using tasers and pepper spray on rioters. Yeah, that resulted in five police officers getting hospitalized. We also won't forget Supervisor

[04:50:01] Bailey calling for to reimagine criminal justice in the county, whatever that means. My wife being armed on a hike in the woods is not a problem that needs a county government solution. And we don't have enough cops to be in our schools as it is. So you certainly don't have enough cops to stop criminals in our parks. At the end of the day, we know that you will do what is in the best interest of whoever gives you the most money. But I want you to know that the people you are

[04:50:31] supposed to represent are paying attention. Thank you. Ms. Madden, are you timing people? because okay okay okay um our next five speakers before our next speaker are mrs aine johnson miranda smith bill billard jay hart and peyton gillis please proceed hello board of county

[04:51:09] supervisors my name is ken bloxton i live in the gainesville district and i'd like to lighten the mood by talking about data centers the data center industry has been targeted by prince William County for years. This is because for every $1 that it costs to support a data center with county services, Prince William County makes $13 on the back end through tax revenues. The return on investment is incredible. And when you scale it, like we're talking about doing with the

[04:51:42] Prince William Digital Gateway, you're looking at $400 million in new annual tax revenue. And that's every year. Please consider that from the $400 million received, $230 million will be set aside for Prince William County schools. That means higher salaries for teachers, better recruitment and retention, better equipment in the classrooms, and recently there's been a lot of talk about

[04:52:15] the pageland lane location so pageland lane has twin 500 kv power lines built parallel to the road if you don't already know kv 500 power lines are the biggest power lines in the united states and they're right here literally in some of our backyards there are no schools there are no

[04:52:46] neighborhoods. There are no churches along Pageland Lane to displace or disrupt. Just a bunch of landowners that want to cooperate. Please keep in mind that this is a grassroots initiative started by the citizens of Prince William County to bring enormous benefits to everyone. And I hope that as these next few board meetings proceed, that it's supported by all of you. And I mean

[04:53:22] all of you. Please. Thank you and have a good night. Thank you. Next speaker, please. Good evening.

[04:53:40] My name is Aine Johnson, and I am from the Woodbridge District. Good evening, Madam Chair, County Attorney, County Executive, Board of County Supervisors, and ladies and gentlemen here virtually in the chambers. I continue to stand today as a wife, a mother, and an advocate to foster parents and foster children. Mr. Shorter, I'll continue to speak to you about our family's mission. Number one, there's three things, but number one, we will continue to fight for the legal right to adopt our foster son. Number two, we will continue to empower parents with knowledge

[04:54:14] on the foster to adopt journey. Number three, we will continue to advocate for legislation for foster parents caring for foster children. In saying such, Mr. Shorter, our requests to you have not changed, and they will not change. We started requesting this information publicly March 7th, 2023, but the first time that you were contacted was January 23rd and January 24th.

[04:54:38] We are asking for accountability. We are asking for the following. A timely fraud investigation specifically related to VMATs for children when they come into foster care, as well as in when how VMATs are administered. And of course, we can support that with evidence. We've always said that anything that we say publicly, we can support privately. We will support that with evidence.

[04:55:00] fraud is not a word that we play with. The unethical behavior of directors. This is just one example. Just one example. The unethical behavior of directors and social workers that were comfortable with it and even laughed about it of referring to me as a guinea pig. The narrative that was given to you is that that conversation happened later in 2022. It didn't. It happened January of 2022. And they laughed. Okay. And a platform for foster parents to voice their concerns free from retaliation. Foster parents should not should not feel as if they are a burden when they

[04:55:36] bring concerns to whether it be you as a county executive or if they brought it to any of the supervisors. And if we even venture on the notion of starting how this journey even began, has it ever occurred to you that why are we coming to a county executive as foster parents to get an information request granted? That doesn't make sense. Standard operating procedures are not intended for the prince william county department of social services to circumvent the law but rather to adhere to the law in the best interest of children i wanted to end by saying this dearest bumpy i haven't mentioned my little boy's name in a long time dearest bumpy that's our foster son

[04:56:15] dearest bumpy forever and always daddy and mommy love you no we are absolutely not his birth parents but we love him because my heart doesn't separate i don't have a heart for foster children and a heart for my birth children. Dearest Bumpy, Daddy and Mommy love you. Lord Tennyson, Primrose, and Emery love you.

[04:56:32] Your aunties and uncles love you. I have four older sisters, two younger brothers, but most importantly, God loves you. Psalm 30, verse 5, weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. Thank you. Next speaker, please. Hello, I'm Peyton Gillis.

[04:56:56] Welcome back. And I just want to say, they've said that parks and recreational areas can be a sensitive area. that is entirely untrue. Anywhere that's publicly available and has no doors or bars of entry cannot be considered a sensitive area. So it is not constitutionally viable to say a park is a sensitive area just because children or others come to play. And as many of my friends have said,

[04:57:31] there's not enough crime in parks to really need to restrict firearm access in parks. Thank you very much. Also, even if you do put this law out, no one's going to abide by it.

[04:57:48] Thank you very much. Next speaker, please. Good evening. My name is Jay Hart. I live in the Potomac District. For the supervisors in the room, if your primary job is to take care of the needs of the residents of Prince William County, please raise your hand.

[04:58:10] Okay. Raise it higher. Let me see them. I'm sorry. This is an interactive process. Please proceed with your comments. You have three minutes. That's fine. So I'm going to assume that your primary focus of your position is to provide for the needs for the Prince William County residents.

[04:58:28] And the reason I mention that is I have in my hand a whole bunch of flyers that I got in the mail from election season. I probably got 40 or 50 of them in the mail. I want to end up from all the different candidates, even people that I didn't live in their district.

[04:58:45] I just wanted to focus on two of them, though. Here's one that says reelect Ann Wheeler and Andrea Bailey. This is for the Democratic primary. It's paid for and authorized by the Prince William Ford group. Prince William Ford seems to be funded by VPAP.org.

[04:59:01] It was registered this year in Iceland. VPAP.org was registered in December of 99 in Florida. And it's currently based in Richmond, Virginia. Why is this important? Because VPAP.org donated $23,152 to Wheeler, $8,040 to Bodie, $7,798 to Bailey, $7,314 to Supervisor Franklin.

[04:59:32] And none of those people live in Prince William County. Why are you taking money outside of Prince William County? Here's another one. This is for Ann Wheeler. It's paid for by Moving Forward, Virginia, and as I mentioned to you earlier, that was actually registered this year in Arizona.

[04:59:51] And as far as I was concerned, there's no entity in Prince William County to support anything. So I'm just trying to figure out why you guys are taking outside money during your campaigns when you're supposed to be providing services to Prince William County and making us have a great community going forward.

[05:00:11] I only have 50 seconds left, so let me come to my second issue. Two weeks ago, I came in. I talked to you about the increase in property tax for vehicles, and you guys actually provided 30 days worth of delay on that, or not 30, but 90. That won't cut it, okay?

[05:00:28] I still have to pay the money. I'm still only paying $5 less for vehicles that are six and a half years older. So here's what I want you to do. I have been harmed. My wife has been harmed, and everybody in Prince William County has been harmed by that action. So here's what you're going to do for the residents of Prince William County to show you care for us.

[05:00:48] You are going to terminate the mills tax this year. Next speaker, please. Bill Billard, Manassas Coles, Madam Chair, members of the board. I'm sure we can all recall the biblical story in the book of Genesis where Cain, the son of Adam and Eve, killed his brother Abel with a stone.

[05:01:16] Now, the solution to this problem in the law of Moses did not say thou shalt not carry stones. He said thou shalt not murder. Well, humanity has a dark, evil nature. And that's what taught us that humanity, there is evil.

[05:01:33] Well, a thousand years or 500 years after that law was written, the descendants of Cain, morally, the Philistines invaded Israel. And what did king or future king David do against the Philistine Goliath?

[05:01:49] he carried a stone, used a slingshot, and defended himself and defended the nation of Israel from an evil invading force. That teaches us that it is the will of God that we defend ourselves from violent criminals, from evil people. Now, these calls for banning guns, this engaging in collective punishment, I understand we want to keep children safe, especially in a public park.

[05:02:17] We want to keep them safe from violence. But if you make that a gun-free zone, that will not stop the Crips, that will not stop the Bloods, that will not stop Rapists, that will not stop the violent gang MS-13. Because when seconds matter, police are only minutes away.

[05:02:36] But we think, we live in that delusional that the solution is to collectively punish citizens from carrying firearms. That is madness. That is completely insane. I am getting sick and tired of people who carry firearms being blamed for these violent criminals.

[05:02:58] We are not the problem. None of us are. The mere presence of a gun from an upstanding citizen has thwarted many mass shootings and many violent crimes. If you look at statistics, mass shootings commonly occur in gun-free zones.

[05:03:18] And cities or states with progressive gun laws are the most violent places in our country. There's your answer. Guns, upstanding citizens who carry guns are not the problem.

[05:03:39] If you want a solution to the violence problem, you win gun-free zones. You stop engaging in collective blame and punishment. You promote morality. You promote responsible parenthood, especially responsible fatherhood.

[05:03:59] So let's be on the right side of liberty. Thank you. I'm going to call the next five speakers. I do have Miranda Smith and Jay Hart, who haven't spoken yet. Brian Wren, Robert Hand, Cameron Hamilton, Ciselle McDaniel, Ben Doerr, and Cameron Hamilton again.

[05:04:26] So if you're around, Miranda Smith, Jay Hart, Brian Wren, Robert Hand, Cameron Hamilton, Ciselle McDaniel, and Ben Doerr. Please proceed.

[05:04:42] Hello, my name is Brian Wren. I'm from Washington, D.C., and I wanted to share a perspective about this issue about carrying guns in parks from someone who's living in a place where we have lots of these rules and laws.

[05:05:00] So in January of 2013, a young 11-year-old boy was riding his bicycle through a neighborhood pretty close to mine, and three pit bulls got loose from their owner and began mauling this 11-year-old boy. A nearby resident retrieved a pistol and used that pistol to stop that mauling.

[05:05:21] Eyewitnesses credited him with saving the boy's life. The pistol was unregistered, meaning, you know, he had not gone through the proper process that D.C. requires for you to own the pistol and keep it in your home. But D.C.'s response to this was to fine him $1,000.

[05:05:37] This is what those laws do. They create criminals out of people who mean to do good things. I'm a special needs father. If I'm walking with my daughter and I'm carrying my legally concealed pistol and she gets freaked out and this happens and runs past a barrier that is one of these parks, what am I supposed to do?

[05:06:01] What would you do if it was your kid? I'm between having to break a law for my daughter's safety. What would you think about the people that put you in that position? You can also be in a situation where you want to avoid danger.

[05:06:18] You have to take, for a D.C. license, you have to take training every two years. And they tell us the best gunfight is the one you never have. And believe me, every person who carries a gun who is a good person doesn't want to have a gunfight. So if you see a dangerous situation, you sometimes have to change the route that you're going.

[05:06:38] And if you are up against a park, you now don't have an avenue of retreat. If somebody just starts yelling at you, this happens in D.C. Someone that you don't know that you've never met has a problem with you that you don't understand and you need to get away from them. It's pretty common. And if there's a gun-free zone stopping you from making your point of exit, well, that's not very fair to you, is it?

[05:06:59] I've lived in a city for 22 years with rules much more imposing than this. We have a word in D.C. for the police sirens. We call it the D.C. anthem. It doesn't solve anything.

[05:07:16] It doesn't solve anything. The people that get hurt are the ones that want to follow the rules. That's the only people you damage. And it's time for this blaming of the people that aren't doing anything wrong, saying, oh, I don't want you carrying a gun next to my kid at a football game.

[05:07:34] What are you worried about? If the person that wants to hurt you is coming to the football game, they don't care whether there's a sign that says don't bring it there or not. Thank you for letting in an out-of-stater talk. Thank you, Mr. Wren. Next speaker, please.

[05:07:52] My name is Robert Hand. I live in the Potomac District. What are we going to do about Alan Gloss? Did anybody hear that? Oh, you couldn't hear that?

[05:08:10] I said, what are we going to do about Alan Gloss? That was spoken two years and two months ago by Potomac Supervisor Andrea Bailey when she was getting called out for her unethical business decisions. A month later, the board, the entire board, wrote a complaint about what would happen if they pursued that path, that implicit threat against Alan Gloss.

[05:08:38] The police were sent to my house for criticizing members of the board. And I see a dumbass smirk on your face because you embarrassed yourself. You pass it to your husband on the citizen's advisory board, who then related to the police chief, who then sent an officer out to my house.

[05:08:57] All because the three of you had no reading comprehension to show that there was no threat against you, it was calling out your threat against the citizen of Prince William County. You got called out for your unethical business decisions. The board was approving the Route 28 bypass that was evicting the trailer park residents, mostly minorities.

[05:09:20] The board almost approved an asphalt plant being built within a proximity of a mostly minority elementary school. I hope that as election season opens up, as the polls open, I hope the residents of Potomac District are smart enough not to vote you in again.

[05:09:48] Thank you, Mr. Hand. Next speaker, please. Hi, my name is Cecily McDaniel. I'm a resident of the Potomac District. I'm here to speak in support of a local ordinance prohibiting firearms on county park property.

[05:10:07] and with the exceptions that have been shared previously by my fellow volunteers. I'm concerned about the recent and what appears to be escalating violence at local youth sporting events. I have friends who won't let their children play fag football anymore after they were present at the shooting last year. The last few softball games that I've been at have had adults yelling, cursing, and arguing with rising tensions.

[05:10:26] The poor coach who was violently attacked recently at a soccer game was horrific. I think having firearms in the mix is not in the best interest of children or public safety. If it wouldn't have been raining tonight, I would have been at a county park for an eight-and-under softball practice and then changing into my PTO shirt to head back to school night, and now here in my lovely red shirt to come speak with you in support of gun violence prevention and public safety.

[05:10:51] Our volunteers are busy people, but we do care strongly about this issue. In response to the gentleman earlier, I'd like to share that I'm a Moms Demand Action volunteer, and we do in fact care about suicide prevention. September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Suicide deaths, including among youth, have been on the rise in Virginia.

[05:11:08] Firearms are a major contributing factor. From 2015 to 2021, we lost nearly 400 children to suicide, and more than 50% of them used guns. For all age groups in Virginia, firearms were the method of death in 60% of suicides. Did you know that 90% of people who attempt suicide with a non-fatal result do not go on to die by suicide in the future?

[05:11:28] In stark and tragic contrast, 85% of suicide attempts with a firearm are fatal. This demonstrates how much these means matter. The majority of suicides are impulsive, so limiting and delaying access to firearms can in fact prevent death. Cities and states with the strongest gun violence prevention laws have about half the rate of people who die by gun suicide as those in states with the weakest laws.

[05:11:50] Suicide is preventable, and measures like safe storage, wait periods to purchase firearms, and red flag laws do matter. If someone you know is struggling, please talk to them. I also have some thoughts on stones to respectfully add to the conversation from my neighbor who spoke earlier. If that's the case, then let's make it more difficult for troubled people to have access to stones. Let's ensure people store their stones safely and securely. Let's make sure that those who are dangerous to themselves or others have a few extra hoops to go through to get to those stones. Maybe let's stop making bigger and heavier and deadlier stones. Let's not market stones to children or weak adults in ways that motivate people using fear and power and dystopian imagery

[05:12:27] and funsies. Let's not remove barriers to safe stone ownership that have proven to be effective to keep more people safe. Let's make sure people have some stone training so they don't get themselves or loved ones or random bystanders injured or killed by their recklessness or ignorance. Maybe let's attempt to live in a society where politicians don't feel the need to pander to stone enthusiasts with their cosplaying stone-loving families and their stone-themed Christmas cards. Maybe we value people's lives and safety more than 100% unfettered access to any and every stone that someone might sort of kind of want. Maybe we put our creativity and problem-solving to work to come together and agree on some common stone sense. Thank you for

[05:13:02] your time. Thank you. Next speaker, please. Good evening. Thanks for allowing me to speak tonight. I'm very proud that I live in a country that my First Amendment...

[05:13:20] Could you give us your name and generally where you live? Okay. My name is Ben Doerr, and I'm from Manassas Park, which I just found interesting. I'm a non-resident, but Pennsylvania County issues my concealed weapons permit. So I get that every year for the last 42 years.

[05:13:39] But nonetheless, I have a Second Amendment right to carry a weapon, if I so choose. And for the ladies in the red shirts, I can certainly understand their compassion and wanting to save lives.

[05:13:55] But what does it do to the law-abiding citizen who's never even had a traffic ticket when they are in the park and they put their weapon in the trunk of their car? Then what's, you know, one of them mentioned that a great deal of guns used in violence are stolen.

[05:14:17] That would be a great place to go if you want to pick up a cheap gun. Just wait for somebody to go into the park. Not to mention the fact that with a mishmash of gun laws throughout Virginia, it's only going to exacerbate the problem of knowing what to do, where to do it.

[05:14:35] And as a gentleman from D.C. said, what are you going to do? You're faced with a situation where a gun law is prohibiting you from protecting yourself. I was in management for many, many years. the number one thing we always ask was, what is your true objective?

[05:14:55] If your true objective is to prevent one crime in a park that you don't even know a gun was used, then that's not a valid objective. You really need to delve in harder.

[05:15:11] And I guess I should open by saying I'm here to ask you not to consider taking away my Second Amendment rights when I go to the park to visit one of your wonderful parks. And because I am a non-resident and I live in Manassas Park, you issued my permit.

[05:15:33] If I'm in Manassas Park and I'm in their park, am I in your park or am I in their park? Do I even have a concealed weapons permit in their park? These are the things that if you don't really carry a weapon, you don't think about.

[05:15:52] So thank you for your time. Thank you. Next speaker, please. Good evening, everyone. Can you hear me? Excellent. Well, my name is Cameron Hamilton. I am not a resident of this county, but I live in Orange County, Virginia. I'm currently running for U.S.

[05:16:16] Congress to represent the Virginia 7th. I think before us, we have a lot of rhetoric, and we have a lot of arguments that present factors on why we should or should not restrict people's rights. But I really want us to break down the responsibilities as public servants. I spent 10 years in the military fighting overseas, defending the rights and liberties of every American here. I've seen every culture, every religion, every ethnicity imaginable. I've traveled to over 35 different countries, and what we have in this nation, there is truly nothing else

[05:16:50] like it. The uniqueness of our country is the stratified layer of government we have at the state, local, and even national level. So significant deference is given towards those of you who govern locally. I respect that authority and autonomy. I certainly see the position that you're faced within and also the demographics of the citizens that you represent and how it's not always easy to find compromise or to find ways for everyone to work together for common objectives.

[05:17:22] Having said that, I would like us to take a significant lesson learned from the tables of history to look at societies that have impeded the amendments, the liberties, and the freedoms upon its citizens. It is a trajectory that never recovers unless drastic reform occurs, the likes of which many times leads towards complete reformation of government itself, and there are significant human consequences to that. So I implore each of you to tone down some of the rhetoric and to remind yourselves of the responsibility facing you and of the implication

[05:17:58] of stripping away and suspending people's constitutional rights, which ultimately are not given by government at all. They're simply upheld and decreed by government, given and ordained by a creator above all things. So I want to say that I fully understand your position. I want to make sure that the elements of what it is to be a good civic defender, an arbiter of public good, remains within your minds as you decide factors such as already been decided here about restricting a legitimate business for a gentleman who seems to be complying with all state and local laws.

[05:18:34] That being said, let me just say a brief prayer over this body so that good wisdom and discernment might come over you with your decisions in the future, especially as you potentially uptake a bill or referendum to restrict others' rights.

[05:18:49] So, merciful Father, you are glorious in all things, and you impart your wisdom and guidance to all. May your truth, may your wisdom, and may your goodness come over this land that we might govern responsibly and that we might put power back into the hands of the people. thank you all thank you for what you do i know it's been a long evening and i'm sure you want to go so good night and god bless thank you this will conclude our in-person public comment time we move on to remote public comment time to vice chair bode thank you madam chair miss man

[05:19:24] uh how many folks do we have online this evening we have two speakers your first speaker is ken narr good evening ken narr gainesville district just a few more quick reminders the prince william digital gateways, 2100 acres are only 0.5% of the Occoquan Reservoir watershed, and over 40% of that acreage will remain untouched or reforested. Stormwater management techniques work well in the

[05:19:58] county and across the commonwealth. The biggest and only outstanding threat to the Occoquan Reservoir is rising salinity levels due to residential discharge and road treatment chemicals. The margin of error for the study, the standing Aquacon Reservoir modeling software is 5%.

[05:20:19] Therefore, in accordance with the standing modeling procedures, the regional watershed model is not used or appropriate for individual site or project modeling. Current applicants have willingly volunteered for extra water quality monitoring before, during, and after the construction phase and during sustained operations.

[05:20:41] I respectfully ask for your support for the three Prince William Digital Gateway rezoning applications coming before this board in the next coming month. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Nahr. Next speaker, please. Your next speaker is Clayton Kilrain.

[05:21:04] Hi. My name is Clayton Kilrain, and I live in the Gainesville District. Thank you for allowing my wife and I to voice our support for the Prince William Digital Gateway. Others have outlined the many benefits of the Prince William Digital Gateway, including investments in public transportation, affordable housing, and a reduced burden on residential taxpayers.

[05:21:31] As a hiker, I'm especially excited about access to new green public areas and miles of new trails. I also believe the improvements in education that will occur with increased tax revenue will be transformative and allow our underappreciated teachers to be paid a competitive salary.

[05:21:51] We respectfully ask for your support with regards to the three zoning, rezoning applications coming before you in the next few months. Thank you again for the opportunity to speak. Have a nice evening. Thank you, Mr. Kilrain. Is there anyone else, Ms. Mann?

[05:22:13] Seems like that's it. We'll assume not. I'll be back to you, Madam Chair. Thank you, Vice Chair Bodie. Thank you, Ms. Mann. As always, this will conclude our September 26th Board of County Supervisors meeting.

[05:22:30] The next board meeting is scheduled for October 10th. I will entertain a motion to adjourn. - So moved Madam Chair. - Second. - Motion made by Supervisor Bailey, seconded by Vice Chair Boney. Any further discussion? Seeing none, please vote.

[05:22:54] - Vote unanimous.

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