Mathews supervisors plan to seek advice from the county attorney on ways to help the Islander Restaurant on Gwynn’s Island become operational once again.

The board held a special work session after Tuesday’s monthly meeting. County Building Official Jamie Wilks has been criticized by contractor Dave Jones for not issuing a permit to allow Debbie Gibson and Preston Jenkins, who own the Islander along with other family members, to proceed with renovations there.

According to Wilks, the permit request was denied because of conflicts with the National Flood Plain Insurance Program, so floodplain program manager Charley Banks and floodplain program planner Gina DiCicco of the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation were present to share information and answer questions about the permitting process.

County Administrator Mindy Conner said that supervisors held the meeting so they could work through issues in a transparent manner.

The county’s position

Wilks s...