The Board of Supervisors held a regular meeting Tuesday, April 28. The full agenda and video of the meeting are available on the board’s webpage.
The meeting began with proclamations for Economic Development Week and Older Americans Month as well as a resolution of recognition and appreciation for Franklin Harris, who has retired as girls’ basketball coach at Highland Springs High School. County Manager John Vithoulkas also noted that the county will recognize Law Enforcement Officers Week May 10-16. Board of Supervisors Chair and Fairfield District Supervisor Roscoe D. Cooper III will present the proclamation at the Henrico Police Memorial on the government center campus Monday, May 11.
Economic Development Week: Vice Chair and Three Chopt District Supervisor Misty Roundtree presented a proclamation recognizing May 4-8 as Economic Development Week. The observance aligns with the nationally recognized Small Business Week from May 3-9. The Henrico Economic Development Authority (EDA) announced Tuesday the expansion and relaunch of Scale Up Henrico, a program that provides eligible small businesses with loans at 0% interest. The program is held in partnership with the Department of Community Revitalization and the nonprofit Bridging Virginia. EDA is contributing $300,000 to the loan program while investing $4 million into start-ups and entrepreneurships, EDA Executive Director Cari Tretina said. “We understand the value and the heart of what we have here in Henrico,” she said.
Older Americans Month: Brookland District Supervisor Dan Schmitt presented a proclamation to recognize May as Older Americans Month. SPAN Center President and CEO Amy Strite thanked county leadership and employees in their commitment to the health, well-being and dignity of older Americans in Henrico. “Your leadership in this recognition highlights the valuable contribution older adults have made and continue to make in this community,” Strite said.
Franklin Harris: The board approved a resolution expressing appreciation for Franklin Harris following his retirement in March as the head coach of the Highland Springs High School girls’ basketball team. In his 18-year tenure, Harris led the Springers to 410 wins, seven regional titles and a co-championship title of the Virginia High School League in the 2019-20 season. Varina District Supervisor Tyrone Nelson recognized Harris for his years of leadership. “We know that you are also teaching life skills, helping with their relationships and building culture,” Nelson said. “We may not ever see another coach like you.” Harris expressed his appreciation for school and county officials but most importantly his players for “their love, [and] commitment to what we were trying to do.”
Board to hold May 26 public hearing on recodification of county ordinances
The board introduced an ordinance to recodify the County Code. The code is updated periodically to resolve inconsistencies, modernize, remove redundancies and conform to changes in state and federal laws. The code was recodified in 1980, 1995 and 2010.
Updates are expected to include references to government entities that have been renamed, an expansion of the definition of “park,” and an allowance of newer technologies for signatures.
The recodification will not include any changes to zoning or subdivision ordinances.
The board will hold a public hearing at its May 26 meeting.
Polling place temporarily changed in Monument Hills Precinct for August primary
The board approved an ordinance to temporarily move a polling place in the Monument Hills Precinct in the Brookland District. For the Aug. 4 primary election, voters who would typically vote at the Tuckahoe Presbyterian Church will vote instead at Crestview Elementary School. The change is due to previously scheduled obligations at the church. This change is in effect only for the Aug. 4 primary election.
Contracts awarded for Public Utilities project
The board voted to award a fixed-price contract to Waco Inc. for $4.8 million for the replacement of screw pumps and gear reducers, and the repair of concrete surfaces at the Strawberry Hill Pumping Station. Two bids were submitted. Construction is expected to begin in July and take about two years.
Next Meeting
The board’s next meeting will be held May 12.