The icy aftermath of Winter Storm Fern was unmistakable as the Board of Supervisors met Tuesday before a nearly empty gallery.
Board of Supervisors Chair Roscoe D. Cooper III opened the regular meeting by thanking employees – particularly emergency responders, road crews, mechanics and communications staff – for their work round the clock. “It makes us proud to live and work in Henrico,” he said.
Residents and nonessential staff had been encouraged to watch the meeting’s livestream and participate remotely due to the brutally cold weather and icy road conditions. Crews had cleared the primary roads and most secondary roads, but packed ice has slowed progress in subdivisions and on side streets, County Manager John A. Vithoulkas said.
Even with its challenges, the weekend storm could have been far worse. Predictions of freezing rain and potentially widespread power outages never materialized. In preparation, Henrico had activated its Emergency Operations Center and declared a state of local emergency. Officials also had arranged to open the Henrico Sports & Events Center as an emergency shelter, if needed, with cots and a generator as a backup power supply.
“Logistics on this storm were simply off the charts,” Vithoulkas said. “We had to think how we were going to get 911 operators to work their shifts, when in fact they would not be able to drive in.”
He shared highlights of the county’s response: Public Works had 300 employees working 24/7 on 110 trucks, plows and other pieces of equipment. Recreation & Parks operated 13 vehicles, delivering food and personnel for the Emergency Communications Center and other agencies.
General Services cleared parking lots at the county’s complexes and other facilities. Finance lined up hotel rooms, in case they were needed for vulnerable residents with medical conditions. Social Services, Mental Health & Developmental Services and the Sports & Entertainment Authority were ready to handle logistics if an emergency shelter was opened.
Vithoulkas encouraged residents to continue to be careful and patient as road clearing continues. “Please do not let your guard down because more snow is forecast for Saturday and Sunday this weekend, so we will go through it and do it once again,” he added.
He also thanked the supervisors for their continued support. “We had resources ready that other localities did not [have] to fight this storm,” he said. “I think you could see, if you drove around the region, just the difference that our crews were able to make for our residents and businesses.”
The Board concluded the meeting by voting to affirm the county manager’s earlier declaration of a state of local emergency for Winter Storm Fern. The declaration gives the county increased flexibility to make purchases and deploy resources to address the storm’s impacts.
“This is just an example of using the tools that we have in our toolbox to act very quickly as the situation requires,” said Vice Chair Misty D. Roundtree, of the Three Chopt District. “I think we’re all grateful we ended up not needing half of those tools, but they were there.”
Other highlights of the meeting include:
Human Trafficking Awareness Month
Roundtree presented the Board’s proclamation recognizing January as Human Trafficking Awareness Month. She thanked county employees for “treating human trafficking the way it should be” – by recognizing that victims are not criminals, by connecting them with services and other help, and by holding perpetrators accountable.
Sandston polling place shifts to Sandston Elementary
The Board approved an ordinance that relocates the election polling place for the Sandston Precinct in the Varina District. It had been based at Sandston Baptist Church and will now shift to Sandston Elementary School, 7 Naglee Ave. The church is no longer able to accommodate voting. The precinct has 2,480 registered voters, which ranks 54th of the county’s 90 precincts.
Temporary easements allow sidewalk construction along Patterson
The Board authorized temporary construction easements that will allow the Virginia Department of Transportation to build a sidewalk on the south side of Patterson Avenue between Sweetbriar and Horsepen roads. The easements will cross county property at Patterson’s intersections with Sweetbriar, Borden Road and Westham Parkway.
Contract awarded for firefighter health screenings
The Board awarded a one-year contract with United Diagnostic Services LLC to provide annual cancer screenings for firefighters and other public safety personnel. More than three-quarters of the Division of Fire’s staff had received cancer screenings as of last spring. The program, introduced in fiscal 2022-23, provides early detection of health concerns that are associated with regular exposure to carcinogens.
Property purchase to support improved drainage, flood prevention
The Board authorized the county’s purchase of a home at 2715 Bowles Lane for $316,500 to improve drainage and prevent flooding in the area. A stream leading to the Chickahominy River cuts across the rear of the property.
Next meeting set for Feb. 10
The Board will hold its next regular meeting Tuesday, Feb. 10. To stay up to date with county news, subscribe to Henrico’s free weekly e-newsletter.