Elaine Thompson

This document provides an overview of the Central Virginia Waste Management Authority's (CVWMA) operations, services, and future strategic direction. It emphasizes fostering regional collaboration for solid waste planning, resource management, and education, focusing on reducing, reusing, recycling, and managing solid waste across 13 jurisdictions. Key areas of future focus include maximizing recycling efforts, ensuring universal access to recycling, simplifying communication, developing recycling markets, promoting organics/composting, establishing and expanding programs to all localities and public facilities, exploring alternative waste solutions, and driving economic development projects.

The City Council meeting included a closed session to discuss the potential disposition of a city right-of-way. During the work session, topics covered included updates from the Central Virginia Waste Management Authority, an overview and project updates for the Recreation and Parks Department, a discussion on automated parking enforcement technology, and a review of economic development funding. Additionally, the second reading of an ordinance regarding a bonus for the City Manager was on the agenda. The meeting also addressed the status of the City's pending financial audit, noting delays caused by prior year audit work and financial system conversions.

This document outlines the strategic framework for the establishment of the South-Central Transportation Authority (SCTA), a new regional transportation hub for Southside Virginia. It details the proposed boundaries, member localities, and governance structure. The plan focuses on securing dedicated and stable funding, fostering regional coordination, preserving local control, and acting as an economic development driver. The intended outcomes include improved quality of life, enhanced economic opportunities, and seamless regional connectivity, with the SCTA anticipated to be effective by July 1, 2027.

The Council discussed several key topics including the proclamation of Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month and a presentation regarding the proposed FY2026-2031 Capital Improvement Plan. A public hearing was held regarding a telecommunications franchise agreement with Lumos Telephone LLC, which was subsequently approved. The Council also amended the city code concerning the definitions and standards of recreational substances. Additionally, the Council authorized property acquisition, budget revisions for the General Fund and Capital Projects Fund, and approved a resolution designating the city as a Destination Marketing Organization. Finally, the City Manager provided reports on recent water service disruptions, a potential mental health diversion program, and the status of pending city audits.

This Annual Action Plan for Program Year 2026 outlines the City of Colonial Heights's strategies for utilizing Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. The plan focuses on providing decent, affordable housing, creating suitable living environments, and expanding economic opportunities for low and moderate-income households. Key objectives include preserving existing housing stock and improving the welfare, health, and safety of residents, with a specific goal of providing home repairs to a minimum of six households, prioritizing those with elderly and/or disabled members. The plan allocates 95% of CDBG funds to the Home Repair Program and emphasizes collaboration with governmental agencies, nonprofit organizations, and citizen participation, including active involvement with the Crater Area Coalition of Homelessness (CACH).