Mike Cole

The board received a presentation on annual special events for 2026 and heard various ex-officio and departmental reports, including updates on tourism initiatives, community center operations, athletic field rentals, and capital project statuses like the Historical Village, Northwest River Park, and the Arboretum. Budget funding requests for the upcoming fiscal year were discussed. The board also voted to endorse the renaming of the Western Branch Trail to the Dr. John de Triquet Memorial Trail and the Western Branch Park to the Claire R. Askew Western Branch Park. Furthermore, a subcommittee was formed to establish procedures for future renaming requests originating from the City Council.

The meeting featured a presentation on the Public Information division and comprehensive department reports covering tourism developments, park and recreation facility updates, and upcoming events. Key items included budget and master plan updates, the progress of various construction projects such as the Cuffee Pool roof and Northwest River Park, and the potential renaming of the Western Branch Trail. The board formally endorsed the PRT Master Plan and engaged in discussions regarding upcoming community events and Black History Month initiatives.

The agenda includes a presentation regarding athletic programs and fields, followed by various ex-officio, tourism, and parks and recreation reports, including updates from the director. Unfinished business will focus on the Park and Facility Naming Subcommittee.

The Board reviewed the monthly citations report and corrective action plans as required by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. Agency updates included an upcoming site visit by the DBHDS Commissioner, information on the VACSB Training and Development Conference, the attainment of a full license for the Chesapeake CARES Crisis Center, and upcoming Recovery Court graduation ceremonies. Additionally, the Board reviewed results from internal program audits showing multiple teams exceeding performance benchmarks and discussed a recent Request for Proposals from the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services regarding brain injury and neuro-behavioral rehabilitation. The financial report through February was also reviewed.

The board meeting included the approval of committee assignments for 2026 and the formal appointment of a new Deputy Director. Discussions covered the expansion of admission criteria for psychiatric services for both adults and children, as well as a budget update regarding a potential supervisor position. The meeting also addressed March observances for Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and National Social Work Month, a presentation of a service award, and a compliance status report confirming no citations were issued for the prior month. Additionally, the board received updates on the ongoing outage of the Quality and Outcomes Dashboard, reviewed financial reports through January, and discussed upcoming conference attendance and board member orientation.