County of Henrico

The Board approved several resolutions during the session. These resolutions included commending the Glen Allen High School Girls Cross Country Team and Boys Volleyball Team. Public hearing items involved amendments to the FY 2025-26 Annual Fiscal Plan, authorization for the County Manager to submit an Amended Henrico County FY 2025-30 Consolidated Plan and FY 2025-26 Annual Action Plan, and signatory authority related to real property exchanges and condemnation for the Fall Line Trail. Public comments addressed the Registrar's budget and concerns regarding economics and unions for individuals with disabilities. General agenda actions included resolutions for a construction change order at the Strawberry Hill Pumping Station and contract awards for water rehabilitation in the Colonial Court Area and the Liesfeld Farm Drive Extension.

The document outlines the county's budget for fiscal year 2020-2021, focusing on managing economic disruption caused by a recession. It emphasizes safeguarding resources for businesses and residents, providing essential services such as schools, public safety, recreation, and libraries, particularly for the unemployed. The strategic approach prioritizes avoiding harm and ensuring fiscal responsibility by not spending funds beyond available resources.

Discussions included an introduction to the Outreach and Engagement department and the launch of a community engagement and contribution survey intended to inform 2026 initiatives. Updates were provided regarding the Cobbs Creek Reservoir, which is now named the Virgil R. Hazlet Reservoir and is operational, supplying drinking water for the next 50 years; this included details on fish stocking and future public access amenities. Further updates covered water utility infrastructure, including the East Water Transmission Project aimed at improving resiliency against future water crises by increasing capacity between western and eastern Henriiko, and planning for necessary expansions to the drinking water treatment plant at Three Chop. The department also reviewed its role as a full-service public utility, noting its funding structure and the capacity of its water and wastewater systems. Additionally, information was shared on housing initiatives, such as the $60 million Affordable Housing Trust Fund Program assisting first-time homebuyers, and down payment/closing cost assistance programs for lower-income buyers.

The meeting featured a presentation by the new Chief of Police, Eric English, detailing accomplishments during his first year in service. Key discussion points included enhancements to transparency through the publication of arrest, traffic stop, use of force, and workforce data on the town website. Significant policy changes and revamps were also discussed, focusing on accountability and consistency. These changes involved creating a disciplinary review matrix for code of conduct violations, updating the body-worn camera policy to ensure continuous recording, modifying the use of force policy to emphasize the preservation of life, and adjusting pursuit policies regarding the use of PIT maneuvers. Furthermore, the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with local schools was revamped to clarify the police role in serious situations, and recruitment standards were modified to broaden the applicant pool by loosening tattoo restrictions.

The meeting focused on drainage and sidewalks within Henrico County. Discussion covered the historical lack of curb and gutter in subdivisions built between the 1940s and 1960s, and the current diligent effort to add sidewalks to fill gaps, despite high costs and ongoing environmental compliance challenges. The presentation detailed that 250 miles of existing sidewalk were mapped, leading to 21 miles currently in progress, supported by a combination of county funds and state/federal matching grants totaling $28 million across 28 active projects. Specific concerns raised by attendees included pedestrian safety on highly trafficked roads like Patterson Avenue due to poor crossing opportunities and inadequate sidewalk separation from traffic, as well as the need to address sidewalk connectivity in established neighborhoods, not just new developments. Efforts are underway to coordinate with VDOT regarding crossings on major routes and to address specific problem areas, such as Gaskins near Derbyshire.