The Henrico County Board of Supervisors held a regular meeting Wednesday, Nov. 12. An agenda and complete video of the meeting are available at henrico.gov/supervisors/video-of-meetings/. Highlights included:
Long-serving employee honored
County Manager John A. Vithoulkas recognized Lt. Patrick Crook of the Henrico Police Division as a legacy employee, signifying at least 45 years of employment with the county. Crook joined Henrico Police in November 1980.
Among his numerous roles with Police, Crook has served with the SWAT team, negotiations unit and honor guard. He has received the Silver Star, the Police Medal and several Valor and Lifesaving awards in recognition of his service.
“Your dedication has not only strengthened our Police Division but also enhanced the safety and quality of life in Henrico County,” Vithoulkas said. “Your legacy will continue to inspire and guide us for many years to come. Thank you for your 45 years of exemplary service.”
The county manager was happy to note that although Crook had reached a milestone in his career, he had not announced plans to retire.
Henrico Christmas Mother shares goals for 2025 campaign
Ann McGee, the 2025 Henrico County Christmas Mother, shared information about the program’s annual campaign to support families in need during the holiday season. She was joined by Tanya Brackett, clerk of the Board of Supervisors, who coordinates fundraising efforts by general government employees in support of the Christmas Mother program.
McGee, a former executive director of NOVA of Virginia Aquatics, noted that the program will serve 1,625 Henrico families this year, an increase of more than 100 from a year ago, and that 500 community volunteers will assist the effort.
More information about the Henrico Christmas Mother program is available at henricochristmasmother.org/
Native American Heritage Month recognized
Julian Charity, director of the History, Heritage and Natural Resources Division of Henrico Recreation & Parks, presented information about Native American Heritage Month, which is recognized annually in November.
Charity noted that the Board’s meeting came a day after Veterans Day and paid tribute to the service of Indigenous peoples in World Wars I and II as well as the Korean War, Vietnam War, American Revolution, Civil War and others. He noted that Native Americans were not U.S. citizens while serving in many of these conflicts, as they were barred from citizenship until 1924.
“We strive to learn as much as possible about the early tribes who stewarded the lands that today we call Henrico,” Charity said. “We acknowledge the Indigenous peoples who still live, work and play in Henrico County. Henrico County recognizes Indigenous peoples every day, of every week, of every month.”
In recognition of Native American Heritage Month, Henrico County Public Library is offering programs and resources throughout November. Additional information is available from Henrico’s Outreach and Engagement Agency.
Board honors Housing Families First
The Board of Supervisors approved a resolution celebrating the 25th anniversary of Housing Families First, applauding the nonprofit organization’s continuing efforts to transform lives and address homelessness by providing safe, temporary shelter & services for families in Henrico and the Richmond region.
More information about Housing Families First is available: housingfamiliesfirst.org/
Board approves agreement that will support local expansion of automation company
The Board approved a resolution for an economic development agreement that will facilitate investment of $28.5 million and creation of more than 100 jobs by ABB Inc. at its operation in eastern Henrico.
The expansion of the Swiss company, which builds power production products and has operated in Henrico since 1968, was announced by the Henrico Economic Development Authority in September.
Under the agreement, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership Authority will disburse a $300,000 grant to the county, which will appropriate the funds to the Henrico EDA. The EDA will pay the grant to ABB, which will invest to add a new test center, warehouse and assembly lines at its Henrico facility.
Water for Powhatan
The Board approved an agreement to begin negotiations to possibly provide additional water capacity to Powhatan County, with rates to be set annually. This allows Henrico to discuss the potential for Powhatan, whose water system does not currently connect to Henrico’s, to draw finished water from Henrico in the event that Powhatan builds infrastructure to connect to the system. At this time, there are no plans for the infrastructure.
Public hearings for rezoning cases
The Board also held public hearings for several applications to rezone properties throughout the county.
A description of the cases and related reports by staff are available from the Planning Department. Presentations of the cases, including discussion by Board members and public comments, are available beginning at the 32-minute mark of the meeting video.