On the agenda: Woodstock meeting — data center (Jul 28)

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
District 1:
District 2;

Mark Dotson
Steve Baker

District 3:

David Ferguson

District 4:

KyleGutshall

District 5:

Dennis Morris

District 6:

Tm Taylor

ADMINISTRATION

'HENA

AH

EvanL. Vass,CountyAdministrator
Mandy R, Belyea, Deputy County Administrator

COUNTY

Shenandoah County
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

AGENDA
July 28, 2026
7:00 p.m.
Board Room
600 North Main Street

Woodstock, Virginia

CALLTO ORDER
INVOCATION
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
APPROVALOR AMENDMENTOF AGENDA
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS

There areno SpecialPresentationsscheduledfor theJuly 28, 2026regularmeeting.
CONSIDERATIONOF NON-ACTIONITEMS

TAB A

There arenoNon-^Actionitemspresentedfor theJuly 28, 2026regularmeeting.
PUBLICCOMMENT(other than matters for whicha pubUchearinghas been or will be held)
CONSIDERATION OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS

TAB B

1. Consideration of the minutes of theJune 23, 2026 regular meeting.
PUBLIC HEARING(S):

TAB C

There arenoPublicHearingsscheduledfor theJuly 28, 2026 regularmeeting.
OLD BUSINESS

TAB D

There areno Old'Businessmatterspresentedfor the]uly 28, 2026regularmeeting.

CONSIDERATIONOF PLANNINGCOMMISSIONITEMS

TAB E

There are no PlanningCommission itemspresentedfor theJuly 28, 2026 regular meeting.
NEW BUSINESS

TAB F

There are no NeivBusinessitemspresentedfor theJulj 28, 2026regularmeeting.
COUNTY ATTORNEY COMMENTS
BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
COUNTyADMINISTRATOR'SCOMMENTS
OTHER BUSINESS

CLOSED SESSION(S)
1. A closed sessionas authorizedby VirginiaStateCode section 2.2-3711 (A)(l) to discuss the
assignment and appointment of specific public officers, appointees, or employees. The subject
matter of the closed session is the appointment of public officials to serve on the Citizens Advisory
Comniittee on the Comprehensive Plan, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and Shenandoah
CountyLibraryBoardofTrustees.
2. A closed session as authorized by Virginia State Code section 2. 2-3711 (A)(l) of the State Code to
discuss the performance and employtnent of specific County personnel. The subject matter(s)
include the performanceevaluadon ofthe CountyAdministrator.
3.

ADJOURNMENT

MINUTESOFTHE SHENANDOAHCOUNTYBOABD OF SUPERVISORS

MBETING: JUNE23, 2026, 7:00 PM
The Boardof Supervisorsmet in the BoardMeetingRoom, 600North Main Street,
Woodstock, Virginia, onJune 23, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. The foUowing members of the Board of
Supervisors werein attendance: ChairmanTim Taylor, SupervisorDavidFerguson,ViceChaumaa
DennisMorris, SupervisorSteveBaker, SupervisorMarkDotson, andSupervisorKyle Gutshall.
Administrative Staffmembers in attendance: Mr. Evan Vass, County Administrator, Ms.
MandyBelyea,Deputy CountyAdministrator, Ms. Atny Dill, DirectorofFinance,Mr. DanielRose,
CountyAttorney, andMs. AUieFauber,AdministradveAssistant.
Chairman Taylor caUed the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and Supervisor Ferguson led an
invocadonfollowedby the PledgeofAllegiance.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA:

Vice Chairman Morris made a motion, seconded by Supervisor GutshaU, to approve the
agendaas presented. Themorionwas approved by a roU callvote as follows:
Mr. Taylot aye
Mr. Dotson aye

Mr. GutshaU
Mr. Ferguson

aye

Mr. Morris

Mr. Baker

aye

aye

aye

SPECIALPRESENTATIONS:

There were no SpecialPresentations scheduledfor theJune 23, 2026 regularmeeting.
CONSIDERATION OF NoN-AcnoN ITEMS:

There were no Non-Action itemspresentedfor the June 23, 2026 regular meeting.
PUBUC COMMENT(OTHERTHAN MATTERSFORWfflCHA PUBUCHEABINGHAS BEENOR
WILLBE HELD):
Chaii-manTaylor saidthathe appreciatedeveryone attendingandthat he hasmet with a few
people over the last weeks and received feedback. He stated that there was a public hearing onJune

4 related to the data center ordinance and appreciated those that attended to share theic thoughts.
He reminded everyone that the public comment portion ofmeetings was for items that have not
been or will have a public hearing on. He explained that speakers will get three minutes at the
podium and will need to state their name and address. Vice Chairman Morris was asked to read the
name of the speaker from a list as well as the next in order.

Kim Bishop of Strasburg spoke about studies done on tourism in the County. She saidwhen
large developments come in, they use the localwater supply, andthis will affectriver toiirism. She
expressed concerns about effects on wildUfe related to large developments and did not want to lose
what is beautiful about this area. She asked them to be careful when trying to control development
through specialusepeitnits.

Mary McKechnie ofLebanon Church stated she was concerned about considerations being
maderelated to data centers. Shementioned preservinganimals, agriculture, andthe environment
and stated that she was worried about reports from other communities related to utilities, water
usage, noise, and air pollution.

PaulaKnightof Strasburgaskedfor a moratorimn on development andreferenced the
severe drought.

Rob Arner ofEdinburgspoke of concerns related to the environment, utility biUs, electric
use and unknown financial consequences affiliated with data centers on the national economy.
JeanetteSmithof Conlcville saidthather floral businessrequires a lot ofwater and
historically the County is the driestin the state. Sheaskedthat they seriouslyconsiderwaterusage
for any topic that comes before the Board.

LindseyMcDanielofWoodstockcomparedrecentlarge developments to whatcoal
companies did to areasyears ago. Shesaidthereis a lot ofbeautyin the County thatneeds to be
preserved, alongwith schools that needto be fundedandweU-trainedpublic safety. Sheaskedthat
the Board consider the community and children when they make decisions.

JessicaRush ofMaurertown askedthe Boardnot to sell out the community andpreserve the
County. Sheaskedthem to think about the commimity's future.
MicheUeFishelof Strasbiu-gaskedthe Boardto explainthe SpecialUsePermitprocess and
what protection it can afford to the community.

KayleeTanner of StrasburgreadVirginiaState Code section 15.2-2280,pointingout thatit
uses thewordprohibit. She saidthat this type ofindustry steals, kiUs, anddestroys andaskedthe
Boardto ban datacenters outright.
Patricia Haley ofWoodstock said she has submitted documents to the Board for review and

hopes that theywiUcontinue to outline anddefinethings to protect the County. Shesaidthat no is a
hardword to teachandlearn. Shesaidit is a powerfulword and canbe a tool in preventing
industries from coming to the Coimty that does not aUgnwithits beauty.
SaraSaatmierofStrasburgstated thatif somethingis not clearly definedthenit leaves the
option for it to be permitted. She said that a SUP for data centers will open the door. She asked that
they stand firm and do not allow data centers in the County.

Hope NealofStephens City saidthat sherecendyboughtacreagein the County andwants
to maintainthe rural character. Shesaidthat FrederickCounty is losing all ofits forests andis
becominga city andis facingdata centers.
JohnMassoudof Strasburgaskedthe Boardto just sayno to data centers.

DennisAtwood ofMaurertown stated that hewasawaretherewas a public hearingonJune

4th on a zoning text amendment and inquired where the minutes were for this meeting. He suggested
changing the policy for public coniments on items that have been or wUl be a pubUc hearing. He
reviewed other localities that have opposed data centers.
Dee NUsen of Edinburg questioned why everyone is building centers for billionaires and that

no one knows howmany data centers are actually needed. Shestated that sheemailed a list of

questions to theBoard andthat sheis trackingcommunides across the country seekinganswers.
Joanna Moores of Front Royal said that there are too many vape shops in Northern Virginia
and read ordinances related to banning vape shops. She stated that no one wants to see more vape

shops come to the area and encoiuaged the Board to seek advice from the Town of Front Royal.
Jake Gates ofWarren County spoke about community support and asked the Board to
listen. He saidthat hewas a part of the Front Royal meeting the night before and saidhewas glad to
be a part ofit.
Alexandra Wolf of Front Royal said she attended the meeting in Front Royal the night
before andthatthe Town Councillistened to the citizens andchangedwhatthey originally had

planned to do. Shesaidshewould hateto seeour County changeandloseits beauty. Shehad
concerns about water and wildlife.

ScottJohnson ofMt. Jackson said technology is moving quickly and billionaires areracing to
be the first to have everything. He saidVirginia hasmore data centers per capita than anystate and
asked for a moratorium.

Robin Mitchell of Strasburg saidthat sheworks in Stetling and her ride home is beautiful
andwelcoming. Shestated she does not want our area to look and sound Uke the city.
Tammy Ruggiero of Strasburg asked the Board to Usten to the community who has come
together to oppose data centers.

Cory MiUer ofNew Market said that these new industries are not regulated and have no solid
data on long-term safety and impacts. He stated that this area is known for nature and agricultural
tourism and asked that the County bepreserved so that everyone can continue to findpeace and
beauty.

Benjamin Andrews ofStrasburg reminded the Board that Front Royal said no to data centers

thenightbefore. He expressed concern for realestatein theareaofdatacenters andviewsheds.
Melanie Salins of Warren County told the Board it is up to them to fact check the

informarion that is being told to them whether by staffor legal and fmd a way to accomplish the

goals ofthe community. Shereferenced theTown ofFrontRoyal andhowtheybanneddata
centers. Shesaidthatwriting a SUPis invitinglawsuits.

Padence Francis of Front Royal said there was aknost a data center built in her backyard and
there needs to be more research done and the impact on everyone.
MichaelMazzaraof Strasburgaskedthem to standwith their neighbors andnot nun this
beautiful area and if it was worth the tax revenue.

Alyssa Derflinger of Strasburg had concerns for industries cotning to the County that put a
strain on water, noise, andnaturalresources. Shestated shewants to preserve the beautiful
landscapes and asked the Board to ban data centers.

Sharrisa Fleming ofWoodstock saidwhat we have in our communities impacts the health
and wellness of those that Uve here. She said that adding these large industries near residential areas
could havenegativeimpacts on citi2ens that havenot been studiedyet. Sheaddedthat noise
pollution can cause sleep deprivation and stress.

Debra Snarr ofWoodstock encouraged clarity and transparency on polices. She said that
waterimpacts canbe measuredandare concerns ofthe community.
Stacy Vormbrock of Mauertown had concerns about the Shenandoah River and water

quality. He questionedwhatwould happen to the river if a data centerwere to be biiilt.
CONSTOERATION OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS:

1. Consideradon of the minutes of the June 9, 2026 regular meeting andJune 9, 2026, budget
\vork

session.

2. Considerationof a letter of support to the U.S. ForestServiceconcerningpreservadon of
the Roadless Area ConsenTation Rule "Roadless Rule".

Vice ChairmanMorris made a motion, secondedby SupervisorBakerto approve the items as
presented. The motion was approved by a roU caU vote as follows:

Mr. Taylor aye
Mr. Dotson aye
Mr. Morris aye

Mr. GutshaU
Mr. Fetguson
Mr. Baker

aye
aye
aye

PUBUC HEARINGS):
1. A public licaring to receive public comments on the proposed issuance of public
indebtedness in an aniount not to exceed $13,200,000, whichwill take the forni of a

financing lease or bond. The indebtedness will fund various operating capital projects
associatedwith the ShcnandoahCounty Public Schools and County generalgovernment, as
well as fund a fire and rescue tcainmgand storage building.
'1'here were no comments for this public hearing.
OLD BUSINESS:

Therewereno OldBusinessmatterspresentedfor theJune 23, 2026regularmeeting.

CONSIDERATION OF PLANNING COMMISSION ITEMS:

1. ZoningText Amendment 26-06-01: A ZoningText Amendment to amend Article I
Purpose, Title, and Definitions, Article III : "District Regulations", and addArticle XXIII
"Data Center Development". The Zoning Text Amendment wiU add Article XXIII and wiU
encompass Section 165-178 through Section 165-186.

Chairman Taylor said he appreciated everyone's comments and thoughts. He asked that
everyone respect the process during deliberations andlet staffandBoard members speak.
Supervisor Dotson made a modon, seconded by Vice Chairman M^orris to approve the item as
presented.

Supervisor Dotson saidthe data center discussion has created a lot ofconversation with the
community and it is a topic that is important to citizens because of their love for attributes of
the County. He addedthat the Board loves those same things. He stated that he believes the
right thing is to create local control and said that zoningis a principal tool in implementing a
vision for the future of a locality. He gave an example of an energy ordinance that was passed
and when a large industrial solar project was proposed, it never went forward. Supervisor
Dotson said the Board has been collaborating for over a year, has consulted with experts, has
done the work and is ready to move on this. He said the next step is to leverage all the

community voices and the staffhas come up with two work sessions to continue to build and
improve on this ordinance. He stated that the first will focus solely on data centers andwhat
needs to be added or adapted to the ordinance to make it stronger, and the second wiU be on an

energy ordinance which is very much related. Supervisor Ferguson saidhegrew up in the
County andhas Uved here for 80years. He reminisced about growingup in Strasburg andyears
working at Shentel. He expressed what Shenandoah County means to him andthat it is
paramount in everything he does to take care of this area. He saidwhen it comes to the data
center, he does not want to see one either, and he wants the right to say no to one. Supemsor

Ferguson stated that he beUeves this ordinance gives him the right to say no and not be
challenged by the state, court system, or anyone. He continued by sayingthat he lives on the
river and appreciates it and the water it provides and that he wants his grandchildren to enjoy
the County Ukehe has. Superyisor Baker saidheis passionate about the County and thatis why
he does this job. He stated he values the County and Valley and has been a farmer his whole life
andhe is concernedaboutwater. He addedthathe does not wantdata centers andif theywant

to remain an agricultural community, they need to take care of the land. He reiterated that hehas
a passion for taking care of the County and he does his best to make decisions to uphold that.
Supervisor GutshaU said everyone in the room wants Shenandoah County's best interest and
that there needs to beprotection against data centers. He stated that they need to have a sayin
the process and it is clear that the majority of the community does not want to see data centers
in our County. He added that it seems they allwant the same goal but are taking different paths

to achieve this and ultimately the ordinance is important, and they will continue to work to

strengthen it. Vice Chairman Morris thanked the Planning Commission and staff for aU the hard
work goinginto this. He saidthat theywill be havingwork sessions to work on this ordinance
because it is a living breathing document. He saidthis offers protection immediately while they
continue to work on the ordinance.He stated thatwithoutthis documentpassing.Planningand

Zoning could receive a call tomorrow, and they would not be able to control a data center being
built. Vice Chairman Morris said the staff and attorneys have done a tremendous amount of

work to get to this point and they have a workable document now for protection.
The morion was approved by a roU call vote as follows:
Mr. Taylor
Mr. Dotson
Mr. Morris

aye
aye
aye

Mr. GutshaU

Mr. Ferguson
Mr. Baker

aye
aye
aye

2. ZoningMap Amendment 26-06-01: A Zoning Map Amendment pursuant to Section 165-17
ofthe County Code allowing a rezoning of 3. 759 acres, more or less, on certain realproperty
zonedA-l Agriculture, located at 22192 OldVaUeyPike, from A-l Agriculture to B-2
General Business.

Supervisor Baker made a motion, seconded by Vice Chaittnan Morris to approve the item as
presented. The motion was approved by a roU caUvote as follows:
Mr. Taylot
Mr. Dotson
Mr. Morris

aye
aye
aye

Mr. Gutshall
Mr. Ferguson
Mr. Baker

aye
aye
aye

3. Amendment to Special Use Permit pursuant to Section 165-17B(3)(i) of the County Code

allowing Storage Unit on 8. 34 acres, more or less, on certain real property zoned B-2
General Business, located at 3223 Old VaUey Pike. The Special Use Permit wiU consist of
one additional storage unit (40' x 150') and related accessory stcuctutes.

Supervisor Dotson made a motion, seconded by Vice Chaicman Morris to approve the item as
presented with the recommended conditions of the Planning Commission. The motion was
approved by a roll call vote as follows:
Mt. Taylor

aye

Mr. Dotson
Mr. Morris

aye
aye

Mr. Gutshall
Mr. Fetguson
Mr. Baker

aye
aye
aye

4 A SpecialUse Permit pursuant to Section 165-14B(3)(r) of the County Code allowing Short
Term Use on 0. 331 acres, more or less, on certain real property zoned R-2 Medium-Density

Residential, located at 50 Blackberry Hill Road.. The short-term rental will consist of 5
bedrooms and related accessory structures.

Supervisor Dotson made a modon, seconded by Supervisor Baker to approve the item as
presented with the recommended condidons of the Planning Commission. The motion was
approved by a roll caU vote as follows:
Mr. Taylor

aye

Mr. Dotson
Mt. Morris

aye
aye

Mt. Gutshall
Mr. Ferguson
Mr. Baker

aye
no
aye

5. A Special Use Permit pursuant to Section 165-14B(3)(r) of the County Code allowing a 5
bedroom short-term rental on 0.356 acres,more or less, on certainrealproperty zonedR-2

Medium Density Residential, located at 43 Pickett Street. The short-term rental will consist
of 5 bedrooms and related accessory structures.

Supervisor Dotson made a motion, seconded by Vice Chairman Morris to approve the item as

presented with the recommended condidons. The motion was approved by a roU caU vote as
foUows:

Mt. Taylor

aye

Mr. Dotson
Mr. Morris

aye
aye

Mr. Gutshall
Mr. Ferguson
Mr. Baker

aye
no
aye

NEW BUSINESS:

1. Consideration of a resolution of the Board of Supervisors of Shenandoah County

authorizing the financing of county projects, the leasing of certain county-owned property,
the execution and delivery ofdocuments, and other related actions concerning the 2026
financing.

Supervisor Ferguson made a morion, seconded by Supervisor GutshaU to approve the item as
presented. The morion was approved by a roll caUvote as follows:
Mr. Taylot
Mr. Dotson
Mr. Morris

aye
aye
aye

Mr. GutshaU
Mr. Ferguson

aye

Mr. Baker

aye

aye

COUNTY ATTORNEY COMMENTS:
Mr. Rose had no comments.

BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS:

Supervisor GutshaUcommented on howgreatthe250 celebradon inWoodstockwasover
the weekend. He said there was so much to do for all ages and thanked evetyone who put this
together.

Supervisor Baker said that they wlU continue to do the best they can to support the
commumty.

Supervisor Dotson commented that they have a great staffand the teamwiUdo great things
for the County.

Vice Chairman Moms said that Planning Commission, staff, and the Board work hard and
do not make mshed decisions. He thanked everyone for putting so many hours behind the scenes.

Chairman Taylor said he also enjoyed the 250th event and thanked everyone involved. He
saidtheywill not be meeting againuntil the end ofJuly and that Planning Commission also has a
break. He announced that he would be part of reading the Declaration of Independence at the
Historic Courthouse onJuly 8. He shared history on the document.
COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR'S COMMENTS:
Mr. Vass had no comments.

Ms. Belyea had no comments.
OTHER BUSINESS:

There were no Other'business itemsfor theJune 23, 2026, regular meeting.
CLOSEDSBSSION(S):
1. A closed session as authorized by Virginia State Code section 2. 2-3711 (A)(3) to discuss the

possible disposition ofrealproperty for a public purpose where discussion in an open
meetingwould adversely affect the negotiating strategy ofthe County. The subject matter is:
the disposition of surplus property located in Mt. Jackson.
2. A closed session as authorized by Section 2. 2-3711 (A)(19) for the purpose of discussion of

reports or plans related to the security of anygovernmental facility, building or stmcture, or
the safety of persons using such facility, building or structure. The subject matter is security
at ShenandoahCounty facilities.

3. A closed session as authori2ed by Virginia State Code section 2. 2-3711 (A)(l) of the State
Code to discuss the performance and employment of specific County personnel. The subject
matter(s) includes the perfomiaace evaluation of the County Administtator.
4. A closed session as authorized by Section 2. 2-3711(A)(8) for the purpose of the provision of

legal advice regarding specific legal matters requiring such advice. The subject matter is laws
related to pubUc comment and conduct of public speakers.

At 9:08p.m. Vice Chairman Morris made a modon which was seconded by Supervisor Baker to
enter into closed session as authorized by Virginia State Code section 2. 2-3711 (A)(3) to discuss the

possible disposidon of real property for a public purpose where discussion in an open meeting would

adversely affect the negotiating strategy ofthe County. The subject matter is: the disposition ofsurplus
property located in Mt. Jackson. A closed session as authorized by Secdon 2.2-3711(A)(19) for the
purpose of discussion ofreports or plans related to the security of any governmental facility, building
or structure, or the safety of persons using such facility, building or structure. The subject matter is

security atShenandoahCounty facilities. A closed session asauthorized byVirginiaStateCode section
2. 2-3711 (A)(l) of the State Code to discuss the performance and employment of specific County
personnel. The subjectmatter(s) includes the performance evaluation ofthe County Administrator. A
closed session as authorized by Section 2. 2-3711(A)(8) for the purpose ofthe provision oflegal advice

regarding specific legal matters requiring such advice. The subject matter is laws related to public
cominent and conduct ofpublic speakers.
The tnodonwas approved by a unanimousroll callvote as follows:
Mr. Taylor aye
Mr. Dotson aye

Mr. Ferguson

Mr. Morris

Mr. Baker

aye

Mr. Gutshall

aye
aye
aye

At 10:07p.m. the Board reconvened into open session following a modon by Supervisor Gutshall
and seconded by Supervisor Baker which was approved by a unanimous roU caUvote as foUows:
Mr. Taylor aye
Mr. Dotson aye
Mr. Morris aye

Mr. Gutshall

Mt. Ferguson

aye
aye

Mr. Baker

aye

Mr. Vass read the cerrificadon that all members must certify that to the best of each member's

knowledge (i) only public business matters lawfully exempted from open meeting requicement,
under The Vu-ginia Freedom Information Act and (ii) only such pubUc business matters as were
identified in the modon by which the closed meeting was convened were heard, discussed or
considered in the meeting of the public body.
Mr. Taylot aye
Mr. Dotson aye

Mr. Ferguson

Mr. Morris

Mr. Baker

aye

Mr. GutshaU

aye
aye
aye

ADJOURNMENT

With no further business the tneering was adjourned at 10:08 p. m.

Tim Taylor, Chaiunan
ATTEST:
Evan Vass, Clerk of the Board