The Henrico County Board of Supervisors held a regular meeting Tuesday, May 12. An agenda and complete video of the meeting are available on the board’s webpage. Highlights included:
County reservoir receives engineering award
County Manager John A. Vithoulkas noted that the Virgil R. Hazelett Reservoir at Cobbs Creek recently was chosen for a Grand Award by the American Council of Engineering Companies, the organization’s top honor. The reservoir was one of just eight projects worldwide to receive the award, which recognizes innovation and creative problem solving in major engineering projects.
The 14.8 billion-gallon reservoir, the largest owned by a municipality in Virginia, was filled in May 2025 after more than 10 years of construction. Located in Cumberland County, it is designed to help meet Henrico’s water needs for up to the next 50 years. The reservoir has returned close to 1 billion gallons of water to the James River since November to help alleviate drought conditions in the region.
AANHPI community celebrated
The county manager noted that May is celebrated as Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and noted that Henrico is home to a vibrant and growing AANHPI community. Tin Myint, a Henrico resident and vice chair of the Asian American Society of Central Virginia, noted the county’s support.
“We truly appreciate everything Henrico does for the AANHPI community — from providing essential educational opportunities to diverse resources that foster a sense of belonging,” Myint said. “Henrico continues to be a welcoming place where inclusion is not just a goal, but a reality.”
Former deputy county manager thanked for service
Vithoulkas noted that Mike Feinmel, who had served as deputy county manager for public safety since 2022, recently returned to service with the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office. Feinmel worked for more than 20 years as an assistant and deputy commonwealth’s attorney before a four-year stint on the county manager’s executive staff.
“Mike has done extraordinary work improving the lives of residents of neglected apartment complexes…helping Henrico combat the opioid crisis…and ensuring individuals charged with drug offenses have options to get help battling their addictions,” Vithoulkas said. “I am sure he will continue to work closely with his former colleagues to ensure the important work he began will continue to pay rewards for our residents.”
Board, staff celebrate Bike Month
Tuckahoe District Supervisor Jody K. Rogish, along with staff involved in Henrico’s Environmental Action Resource Team and its mascot Stewart the Turtle, shared a proclamation observing May as Bike Month.
Henrico continues to grow its bicycle-related infrastructure, expanding its bike lane network from 9 miles to 61 miles since 2021. In addition, multiuse trails such as the Virginia Capital Trail are available in the county for cyclists, and more are under construction or planned including the Garden City Connector Trail and the regional Fall Line Trail. A bike plan is a component of the HenricoNext 2045 Comprehensive Plan.
Staff noted that a free bike safety workshop and group ride will be available for cyclists of all ages and abilities at Libbie Mill Library on Wednesday.
May is also Building Safety Month
Leaders from the Department of Building Construction and Inspections joined Varina District Supervisor Tyrone E. Nelson to recognize May as Building Safety Month. Designed to raise awareness of Building Inspections’ mission to ensure that buildings are safely constructed and maintained, the observance highlights the efforts of building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing and fire inspectors to work with local builders to achieve compliance with state building and fire codes.
Treatment court efforts applauded
The Board and Vice Chair Misty D. Roundtree, of the Three Chopt District, also recognized May as Treatment Court Month, noting the efforts of county courts and several agencies to reduce crime and improve outcomes for individuals dealing with substance use and mental health disorders.
Henrico courts host three treatment courts — a recovery court for individuals with substance use disorders, operated by Circuit Court; and a behavioral health docket for individuals with mental health or substance use disorders and a veterans docket for former members of the U.S. military with substance use disorders, both of which are operated by General District Court.
Nationally, treatment courts refer more than 150,000 for treatment and recovery support services each year, according to the All Rise organization.
Emergency Medical Services personnel recognized
Brookland District Supervisor Dan Schmitt presented a proclamation to Division of Fire staff and volunteer rescue squad members marking May 17-23 as Emergency Medical Services Week and noting the round-the-clock, life-saving care that EMS workers provide. The Henrico County EMS system — composed of the divisions of Fire and Police and the Tuckahoe and Lakeside volunteer rescue squads — responded to more than 51,200 calls for service in the 2025 fiscal year.
Operator approved for cafeteria at government center
The Board approved a lease agreement with Trolley House Refreshments Inc. for the cafeteria in the Administration Building at the Henrico Government Center. The company will sell food and beverages to employees and visitors beginning in June. Previously operated by county staff, the cafeteria has not offered food for sale since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
Under the terms of the three-year lease, Trolly House will pay an annual rent of $1 and will reimburse the county for electricity costs.
Monument Hills precinct to be relocated for primary election
The Board approved an ordinance that will relocate the polling place of the Monument Hills precinct for the Aug. 4 primary election, moving it from Tuckahoe Presbyterian Church to Crestview Elementary School.
Voters affected by the temporary change will be notified by the Voter Registration and Elections Office.
County acquires property for flooding, drainage concerns
The Board authorized the purchase for $323,000 of a house and property at 2304 Martin St. to mitigate flooding and drainage problems at the property. The acquisition is part of an ongoing initiative to address chronic drainage issues at properties throughout the county. Information about Henrico’s efforts is available from the Department of Public Works.
Contract amended for work at Tuckahoe Park
The county will pay an additional $235,000 for architectural and engineering services for renovations at Tuckahoe Park. The extra funds will support revisions to a site plan that incorporate recent design changes to the project.
Henrico awarded an initial contract of $1.5 million to Vanasse, Hangren, Brustlin Inc. in 2022. County voters approved funding for the Tuckahoe Park project in the 2016 bond referendum.
Funding approved for new pipes on Williamsburg Road
The county awarded a $4.7 million contract to Morgan Contracting Inc. to install close to 5,000 linear feet of water main, new hydrants and related equipment along Williamsburg Road. Work is expected to begin in July and be completed in summer 2027.
Board considers adjusting cost of vacuum leaf collection
The Board is considering an ordinance that would increase the cost of the county’s residential vacuum leaf service from $30 to $50. The cost would increase to $100 beginning with the third service at an individual address. The board will hold a public hearing on the ordinance at its June 9 meeting.
Henrico provides residential vacuum leaf services through Really Clean Streets Inc.
Public hearings for PUP, rezoning cases
The Board also held public hearings for an application for a provisional use permit and for an application to rezone a property.
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 48:30 mark of the meeting video.