Choir practice

The "forum" was sparsely attended. Several people walked out during the proceedings.

On September 24, what had been expected to be a “non-partisan” forum for candidates for Goochland Sheriff turned into a love fest for the adoring fans of Sheriff candidate Levin White and an opportunity for Goochland Commonwealth’s Attorney D. Michael Caudill to vent his dislike for the current sheriff, singing to a choir of supporters.

Following months of frustrated interactions with an alleged “non-partisan committee” that seems to have been hijacked by NOVA democrats, the Goochland Republican Committee withdrew from participation in the “forum” making it a democrat/tea party show. Politics sure does make for strange bedfellows. The organizers said several times that it was a “nonpartisan” forum. Saying doesn’t make it so.

 Sheriff candidate Steven Creasey, who issued a statement in May that he would not take part in partisan forums, withdrew from the event. As is the wont of their fellow party members, the Goochland Dems and their new TP buddies, wasted no time in trashing Creasey for declining to be ambushed.  

And an ambush it was designed to be.  Moderator Gene Rossi was an old friend of White and at least one of the organizers. Goochland has many churches but strangely, the invocation was given by a pastor from the Grove Avenue Baptist Church. There was an overall attitude of arrogant condescension toward the people of Goochland, especially Creasey supporters. Leaflets distributed outside the high school explaining why Creasey was not participating were snatched out of attendee’s hands and declared garbage. Even though at least one set of the “rules” prohibited wearing shirts or stickers favoring a candidate, White supporters wore both. There was no Kool aid in the lobby, and no one knitted during the proceedings.

Few people care how many points Rossi scored in basketball in his youth or that he likes baseball. At the end of the evening silly questions about Caudill’s socks and how White would build a banana split only added to the absurdity of the evening. Organizers said that the event was being recorded and would be placed on their website, whatever that is, in its entirety, they did not promise that it would be unedited.  The format consisted of opening and closing statements and questions submitted by citizens. There was no explanation of how the questions were selected or if the candidates had seen them beforehand.

White continued his strategy of mongering fear that eastern Goochland will soon be overrun by human traffickers, prostitutes, and drug dealers at the hotel under construction and the recently opened Drive Shack.  He said that within a week of the hotel’s opening it will be flooded with criminal activity, including prostitution, human trafficking, and drug dealing and that the sheriff’s office needs to get ahead of it. He predicted more of the same in western Goochland when the truck stop and industrial park are built.  It was unclear if he referred to the Midpoint Industrial Park in Hadensville, which has been there for years, or rumored development in Louisa just over the county line. He contended that Goochland must be proactive about growth and stop doing the same old thing.

A greater “police presence” is needed in Centerville to combat the evils of growth there, White contended. He touted his experience in community policing in Richmond housing projects to enable this. He sort of commended the supervisors for containing economic development to a relatively small part of the county to generate tax revenue.

White failed to explain how community policing would work in a rural area where many people live on acreage. Will there be beat cops in Kinloch?

A Goochland resident for 17 years, White said that while coaching GYAA sports he heard “concerns” about local law enforcement, but never explained why he wants to be sheriff. Having knocked on more than two thousand doors in Goochland White said that people he talked to raised concerns about the lack of resource officers in our three elementary schools and the Goochland Sheriff’s Office not being part of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICACTF).

Superintendent of Goochland Schools Dr. Jeremy Raley explained that the schools “work in collaboration with Sheriff Agnew to determine where the deputies that he is able to provide would be most beneficial.  For two years now, road deputies have stopped by our elementary schools at random intervals to provide a presence.  I have been at our elementary schools in the morning when they have been greeting students and parents and have received a lot of positive feedback regarding their presence.”

White contradicted himself several times about how would treat deputies. “You can’t just fire people,” he said in response to a question about how he would deal with nepotism. “Employees must be treated with kid gloves.” He later said that deputies should do what they’re told to do and if they’re not willing to sit for mandatory training “we don’t need you.” Which is it?

White said that he will require all deputies to reapply for their jobs so he can evaluate their resumes to see what he’s got, to avoid “inheriting problems”. So “you can’t just fire people”, but you can manipulate them to leave?

White said that he would hire retired officers from other jurisdictions, who can work for an additional six years to increase their pensions, to quickly boost the number of deputies. He did not explain how burned out cops will become part of a community law enforcement team that protects and serves the citizens.  White did not mention how he will pay for this. Start-up cost to equip a new deputy is approximately $110 K exclusive of benefits. Goochland, presumably, would be expected to contribute to these pensions with a higher cost for older employees adding to the county’s unfunded pension liability.

Caudill explained that the function of the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office is to prosecute criminal offences and seek justice. His office, he said, is transparent, and open for citizen inquiry at all times. He had high praise for his staff. Caudill said that he has a wide range of experience including state trooper, prosecutor and defense attorney that prepared him well for his job. He began his legal career in the office of the Orange County Commonwealth’s Attorney.  “Tim Sanner (currently Goochland Circuit Court Presiding Judge) taught me how to do court and do it right.” Caudill said he will not take ill-prepared cases to court, implying that the Sheriff’s Office is not doing its job. Curiously, Caudill’s two immediate predecessors managed to obtain convictions, including those for murder, on cases prepared by the same Sheriff’s Office with which they had a productive working relationship.

In response to a question about how deputies should be trained to handle situations like the one in Henrico last week where a woman with mental health problems was shot to death by police officers when she exhibited threatening behavior, Caudill said that his office supports training to inform deputies what their options are. White said that deputies should have training to deal with mental illness but did not elaborate.

White kept circling back to themes of more and better training for deputies, including some to guard against “bias” to ensure deputes treat everyone with respect, greater police presence, and membership in the ICACTF. He also said that he wants deputies undercover to stamp out drugs in the community. “They’ll love being undercover,” he said speaking from his four years of personal experience. No explanation of how deputies in a small community where everybody knows everybody can go undercover.

Alluding to unsolved murders in the county, White touted his experience a as homicide detective having investigated several hundred murders. He did not mention how many of those he solved or brought perpetrators to justice. There are few murders in Goochland. It seems likely that most jurisdictions have crimes that are never solved regardless of how hard law enforcement works the cases.

White tap danced around earlier criticism DNA collection at a crime scene stating that he was not there and had no knowledge of the procedure used.

White was very vague about other functions the sheriff’s office. He admitted that he is “no expert” on traffic but promised to “sit with VDOT” to fix the intersection at Rt. 288 and 250 or at least get a flashing stop sign, or station a “public safety” unit (ambulance?) there to deal with the problem. Clearly White is unaware that the Sheriff can only ask the supervisors, who then beg VDOT for road improvements. The 288/250 intersection has been at the top of the supervisors’ VDOT priority list for years.

White made no mention of how he would deal with ever increasing traffic on roads already overburdened and infested with idiot drivers that pose a danger to everyone. Vehicle wrecks tie up patrol deputies and can close roads for hours.

When asked how he would respond to widespread weather emergencies White said he’d do whatever Fire-Rescue Chief Eddie Ferguson suggested. The Sheriff’s Office is responsible for responding to crashes, rerouting traffic, and other non-fire-rescue tasks. Is White unaware that the county’s emergency operations center is physically part of the Sheriff’s Office? White said that he recently took a FEMA course, but had a brain fart and could not recall its acronym.

White wants resource offices in all elementary schools, deputies in Centerville, in the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office, and manning the ICACTF database. He never mentioned how he would handle patrol, the deputies who respond to traffic accidents and other incidents in all parts of the county, which has a slightly larger land area than Henrico, 24/7.

White hinted that Goochland participation in the ICACTF might have prevented the alleged attempted abduction of a local girl by a man from New Zealand in June 2018 even though an online gaming site was the contact medium between the Kiwi creep and local teenager whose mother shot the perpetrator when he attempted to enter her home.  Caudill seemed to claim credit for involving the feds in that case even though Sheriff Agnew made the first contact with the FBI, which has greater resources to deal with a foreign criminal, the day after the incident.

Strange softball questions lobbed at White included asking if Sheriff Agnew would “shadow” whoever is elected in November. White replied in the negative saying that he has no intention of hiring Agnew or Chief Deputy Bewkes, who are counting the days until the end of the year.

White said he has identified very qualified people to come on board as undersheriff and with business experience in the budget.

When asked why he entered the race, withdrew and reentered, in January White replied that he did not want to comply with party rules.  

White displayed little knowledge about the many duties and responsibilities of the Sheriff’s Office. He will need lots of on the job training should he be elected. His answer to everything was more deputies, more training, and more cooperation with surrounding jurisdictions. Creasey has been endorsed by many neighboring law enforcement officials. White’s endorsements on the other hand include  someone in Orange County, NEW YORK and more urban places.

Goochland is not a crime-ridden housing project and should not be treated as such.

Mizpah Church Candidate Forum

Mizpah Church in Fife hosted a public forum in its lovely meeting hall for all candidates seeking elected office in District 1 on Wednesday, September 11. Kudos to Mizpah Church for a very well-run event, and especially for a great sound system to enable everyone in the room to hear all remarks.

Moderator Al Martin announced at the beginning that Emiel Fisher has dropped out of the sheriff’s race. The forum began with the pledge of allegiance and a moving prayer remembering the horrific attacks on September 11, 2001 and thanking the Lord for his blessings on Goochland.

Candidates gave opening statements in alphabetical order. Stephen Creasey, (standing)spoke first. Mike Caudill at right.

The candidates each gave an opening statement, responded to questions from the audience, and made a closing statement. Following are highlights and some observations.

Another forum will be held at Goochland High School on September 24 for Sheriff and Commonwealth’s Attorney candidates only. To submit questions for that forum go to (http://www.cutt.ly/gcsheriff) by September 22 to submit questions.

Monacan Soil and Water District Director

Two candidates seeking the elected volunteer office of Monacan Soil and Water /conservation District, incumbent Jonathan Lyle and newcomer Sebastian Volcker introduced themselves. The MSWCD is an important part of keeping Goochland Rural.

Lyle attends most Board of Supervisors’ meetings to advocate for responsible land use, healthy soil and clean water. Ronnie Nuckols, also an incumbent seeking reelection, along with his family “walk the walk” of best practices in agriculture. Volcker farms exquisite property along the James River in western Goochland and runs Clover Forest, the oldest wedding venue in the county. You may cast votes for only two of these fine candidates. Choice is hard.

Commissioner of the Revenue

Incumbent Jennifer Brown is seeking her second term in this Constitutional Office without opposition. She earned master commissioner of the revenue designation from the Weldon Cooper Center of the University of Virginia and her Deputy Sandra Wray earned a master deputy commissioner of the revenue designation. Responsibilities of her office include administering tax relief for the elderly and disabled; all personal property assessment; DMV select; assessing all county businesses for license tax; and determining short term rental tax. See http://www.goochlandva.us/324/Commissioner-of-the-Revenue for more details. Brown, a Goochland native, said her office works to provide the highest quality of customer service to all citizens.

Treasurer

Pam Duncan was appointed county treasurer, a Constitutional Office, to succeed Pamela Johnson who retired at the end of June. Following a successful career in accounting and bank auditing, Duncan, a CPA, joined the Goochland Treasurer’s office in 2012 to help clean up the mess resulting from the embezzlement of former treasurer Brenda Grubbs. Since that time, public trust in the treasurer’s office has been restored; many staff members have earned master deputy treasurer certification and others are working toward the designation; the office has been certified. Going forward, Duncan wants to improve the return on investment for county funds. Duncan was named Virginia Deputy Treasurer of the year for 2019. She is running unopposed.

School Board

Jennifer Mazza and Sandra Barefoot-Reid are running to succeed Mike Payne representing District 1 on the Goochland School Board. Both praised the achievements of our school division and pledge to continue its upward trajectory.

Barefoot-Reid held several non-teaching jobs in county schools over the years. She’s been a volunteer EMT, a paralegal, and human resources director. She believes our schools are doing a great job and wants to see more career and technical education offerings in the system. 

Mazza, a conservative Christian, teaches CTE subjects in Henrico including landscaping and green house management. She and her husband own a small construction company. Mazza wants to expand the CTE program and find a way to allow home schooled students to learn marketable skills.  She also wants to protect our schools from state and federal over watch. She contended that the best way to make our schools even better is to encourage parents to attend school board meetings and be more involved in their childrens' education. 

Commonwealth’s Attorney

D. Michael Caudill has been Goochland Commonwealth’s Attorney since 2016. He is the county’s prosecutor. His office deals with criminal matters and the victim witness unit, which advises victims of crime about their rights and offers advice about resources available to help them recover. He invited all to attend a trial to see how the criminal justice system works and said he is always ready to answer citizen questions.

Supervisor

Crystal Neilson-Hall, former teacher, farmer, and small business owner seemed to shout at the audience. Perhaps she was unaccustomed to speaking with a microphone and wanted to ensure that everyone heard her. Neilson-Hall’s main issue is broadband expansion, which she claimed the county did nothing about until just before the election. Broadband said Neilson-Hall is a necessity of life and should be treated like a utility.  She disputed the county contention that a private service provider is needed to bring broadband to unserved areas and declared that she has researched the issue and consulted with experts, to craft a plan to solve the problem, but declined to share details. She supports “shifting resources” from building a new courthouse, schools, and fire-rescue stations to fund broadband infrastructure.

 She also believes that the county should say no to new development because small lot subdivisions are not rural and raise the price of land in the entire county. Neilson-Hall wants ‘round the clock EMS providers at Fife Company 4 to shorten response time. (Thanks to new career provider hires, all six county fire-rescue station will have 24/7/365 crews soon)

Neilson-Hall supports increasing local government support services for elderly people who” fall through the cracks” because they do not qualify for low income benefits but did not say how she would pay for it.

She observed that a noise ordinance may not be the best approach to deal with people who do not respect their neighbors and create a racket late at night.

Neilson-Hall wants to do many things, but did not seem to understand that, she must work with the other four supervisors to decide what is best for the county as a whole.

Incumbent supervisor Susan Lascolette reminded the group just how far Goochland has come since the 2011 election. Goochland, she contended, was on the brink of receivership. Application of conservative fiscal principals transformed county government from an embarrassment into a model. Our schools are first rate. She wants to stay on the team to bring Goochland into the next chapter. Lascolette explained that “we all owe a lot of money” and the only way to pay that debt is growth in the 15 percent of eastern Goochland designated for economic development to keep the remainder of the county rural.  She reported that the increase in the school-aged population is less than forecast, so the new Goochland Elementary School, expected to open in 2024, will be able to absorb expected growth.

Lascolette contended that the county is not permitted to act as an internet service provider. A partnership between Goochland and the Central Virginia Electric Coop will bring broadband to about one third of homes in District 1.

Balance is the key to successful government contended Lascolette. The rights of landowners to develop their property must be balanced with possible negative impacts of that change on neighbors. Lascolette declared that she will not support a property tax rate increase and contended that the county must live within its means. In the next 10 years, Goochland will build a new elementary school, courthouse and fire-rescue station thanks to careful planning and money management.  She said that being a supervisor was much harder and more rewarding that she ever imagined; she never realized how much taking care of little things can improve lives.

Sheriff

Steven Creasey said being sheriff is a calling, not a career. He wants to serve the county where he was born, educated, and has worked for his entire life. He wants to keep Goochland Schools the safest in the state because his daughter is a student there. He is ready to work with the Board of Supervisors to provide funding for more patrol deputies to keep the whole county safe. He plans to establish a community round table to enable all members of the community to learn from each other talk through problems and trust each other. 

Levin White said had it not been for the forum, he would have attended the 911 event at the Richmond War Memorial. (Not the local remembrance at Manakin Company 1 in Goochland?) He started his law enforcement career walking a beat in Richmond’s Gilpin Court for community policing.  He contended that his experience in hundreds of death and homicide investigations is sorely needed to solve suspicious deaths in Goochland because he has a higher level of training.

Creasey said the sheriff’s office greatest need is more “boots on the ground” patrol officers. There is currently one funded deputy vacancy.

White said a Centerville substation is needed to provide a “police presence” in high growth areas. He would place this in a commercial area and give the property owner a “tax break” to pay for it but provided no details about how it would be staffed, or what would happen there.

Creasey responded the sheriff cannot offer “tax breaks” but was quick to point out that resources should not be concentrated in the east end, and suggested, if needed, substations be added to new fire-rescue stations throughout the county.

White dismissed that notion because people want to feel safe when they go to a fire-rescue station, not worry about being arrested. Wouldn’t a substation near restaurants put a damper on the sale of alcoholic beverages and the profitability of those establishments?

White said that the shortage of deputies could easily be filled with officers retired from other justification who are trained and certified. (The Virginia Commonwealth Police uses this strategy to fill its ranks.) He will add 10 to 15 deputies immediately but declined to mention where the money to pay and equip them will come from.

 In response to White’s criticism that not enough is being done to combat the opioid crisis, Creasey explained that deputies have been supplied with and trained in the use of Narcan since last year.

White declared that real progress against drugs cannot be made without regional partnerships. Yet, Creasey has been endorsed by leaders of neighboring law enforcement agencies and worked with the Virginia State Police and other agencies for years.

Tensions between the Sheriff’s Office and the Caudill hovered over the remarks. Creasey said that he gets along well with the Commonwealth’s Attorney, and sometimes has lunch with Caudill. On one occasion “Mike said that he already considered me the sheriff,” Creasey reported.

White said he would repair this rift by assigning a deputy full time to the Caudill’s office, but did not specify this deputy’s duties.

There was a lot of comment about unsolved murders.

White said that he has worked hundreds of death and homicide investigations during his career, experience he believes is badly needed in Goochland to solve long open murder cases. He also believes that deputies need more and better training to deal with explicit and implicit “bias” that could have a negative impact on their work but did not elaborate.

Creasey said has not investigated many homicides because this is Goochland, not Richmond, or Petersburg. He pledged, however, to continue to work on murder cases until they are solved.

White reiterated the need to get to the bottom of these open cases and mentioned the 2003 murder of a local realtor handled by the state police instead of the Sheriff’s Office.

Caudill commented that Sheriff Agnew, who was in the audience, was “otherwise occupied” with a power failure or something. Agnew explained that he and several deputies were involved in a standoff with an armed fugitive from Savannah, Georgia at the time.

In response to a query about interaction with county administration, White reported that he had good relationships with county administrations he worked with in other states but did not mention Goochland. Creasey said “I work with them every day.”

Creasey finished with the thought that he does not need to “learn” Goochland.  “I know where Pea Ridge is, I know the good guys and the bad guys—I’ve arrested them.”

White said he had not known what to expect from the “west side” of Goochland and seemed surprised at the civil behavior of the audience. Does this mean that White, running for an office responsible for the safety of the entire county, has not familiarized himself with each and every part of Goochland?

Monday mix

After its marathon September 3 session, Goochland supervisors gathered at the Central High School Cultural and Educational Center on Monday, September 9 for a mix of activities.

Broadband expansion initiative

First up was County Administrator John Budesky’s announcement of the Goochland Broadband initiative. Go to http://www.goochlandva.us/1012/Goochland-County---Broadband-Internet  the new county website dedicated to the subject. You will find a wealth of information, including debunking widely held “truths”, FAQ section, and all work done to date on broadband expansion. The task is not a one size fits all proposition and may well include a combination of methods to get everyone connected.

The county will commit approximately one half million dollars in investments for long and short-term initiatives to expand broadband access and leverage a previous $1.6 million investment in fiber and towers to make this happen. Potential providers will be asked to prioritize their efforts in areas currently not served by broadband.

In the short run hot spots will be expanded at soon as January 2020 at all fire-rescue stations; the Central High School Complex; the library, and Reynolds Community College. Locations will be mapped to help citizens find them. Efforts will also be made to partner with local businesses to “promote hot spot sites and expand internet accessibility.” (We miss Java Jodi’s.)

Budesky pointed out that in Virginia, broadband internet is not regulated, therefore the county cannot regulate its delivery to citizens. Indeed, the Code of Virginia has more references to telegraph than internet. Goochland, declared Budesky, has an open-door policy to all internet providers. It is not true, he said, that the county stopped Verizon and Comcast from expanding. Those companies are partners in the expansion and representatives were in the room as the announcement was made.

A list of broadband and cellular providers and contact information and an interactive forum to share problems with these providers with the county is also on the broadband website.

One third of the time of Administrative Services Manager Paul Drumwright will be devoted to the task. He will be liaison with providers and address and partner with others in county administration, including community and economic development, to explore any and all opportunities to expand broadband to all parts of Goochland through partnership with providers as soon as possible.  

The county will “invest” $50,000 in a comprehensive study to define focus areas and time frames to accomplish explosion efforts. The Governor’s Chief Broadband advisor Evan Feinman was present for the announcement.

Accurate mapping and speed tests to determine which areas have service of adequate speed will help possible provides determine if their proposed solutions will work in a particular place, explained Budesky. Broadband expansion will not be a “one size fts all” proposition. There are no easy answers or quick solutions.

Budesky also announced that the county Economic Development Agency (EDA) will provide up to $200,000 for grants, matches, or provider incentives. Other monetary incentives and tax rebates—paid only after infrastructure is in place and active—will be available.

Why now? New technologies and providers, including a subsidiary of Central Virginia Electric Coop that is expanding broadband throughout its service area for company use and proposed a cost share with localities that includes broadband access. This would serve Goochland in the Cartersville Road area and the Broad Street Road corridor roughly between Shannon Hill Road and east of Hadensville (see page 107 of the September 3 board packet for a map)

The supervisors have long rejected the notion of the county getting into the internet business, contending that private providers are better able to keep up with changing technology. They have also carefully vetted proposals to bring broadband to underserved parts of Goochland to avoid making significant investments with no return as has happened in other jurisdictions.

This is a complicated subject. Please take the time to visit the broadband website and explore all its details.

Legislative Agenda

Virginia is a Dillon Rule state, which means that localities, like Goochland, have only those powers specifically ceded to them by the Commonwealth.  The General Assembly wades through a lot of legislation during its short sessions and far too often crafts laws that are difficult to understand and apply. A good relationship with our delegation to the General Assembly—22^nd District Senator Mark Peake; and Delegated Lee Ware, 56^th District, and John McGuire, 65^th District—helps makes sure that Goochland’s voice is heard in the legislature.

Each year, the county compiles a “legislative agenda” listing issues they would like addressed. At the top of the 2020 agenda is broadband expansion

Peake said that he and Ware carried successful licensure and other education related bills to put the decision under the control the school division and worked on bills to return tax dollars to citizens.

Ware appreciates the “early start” that Goochland gives them before the legislative session. Recent actions tweaked the proffer legislation to let localities go forward. 

He explained that Virginia needed to fine tune things to calibrate with federal tax cuts. Strong economy revenues increase thanks that natural growth of private business. Sales tax and private income tax are positive signs of a strong economy. Funding for the state’s share of the five percent raise for teaches we significant and going forward, funding for support positions needs to be restored to prerecession levels. Casino and online gambling, he explained, could reduce state income derived form the lottery, which is distributed to state schools.

Ware also said that he has carried bills for years to reimburse localities for expenses of the electoral board and registrar.

Peake said that funding for counselors who deal with an increase in psychological issues and stronger funding for the Virginia Retirement System is important. He commanded Goochland for being proactive bills during and before the General Assembly session.

McGuire, who now lives in Goochland, said that he prefers fewer regulations and less government. He said he take to heart the admonition from Goochland Supervisors against unfunded mandates—actions required by the Commonwealth that localities are forced to pay for—when he looks at legislation. McGuire said that he was pleased that a five percent pay raise for teachers happened last year and hoped for more in the coming year. He said that the germ of the ideas he had for legislation came from Goochland.

A staff member from Abigail Spanberger, who represents the 7^th District, which includes Goochland, in the United States House of Representatives, was also present and listened attentively to the discussion.

Budesky thanked the delegation for their access. He said that Drumwright and County Attorney Tara McGee are “downtown” often to provide Goochland input on pending legislation.

Over the years, county and schools’ staff have worked with the delegation to get laws passed favorable to the county and helped the delegation understand the unintended consequences of proposed legislation. 

Broadband expansion the top of the county’s wish list. Less regulation about things like easement for utility rights-of-way and greater cooperation will help Goochland’s efforts in this area. 

Restoration of funding for the extension agent—no agriculture, no rural—to help farmers succeed was second.

Reimbursement for the electoral board and the registrar, which the county has requested for a decade and, according to Electoral Board Secretary Robin Lind, the Code of Virginia sates that the electoral board shall be reimbursed for its expenses. Ware introduced a budget amendment to restore the reimbursement to 100 percent, which was ignored. Lind also thanked McGee and her staff for obtaining the court order to return misplaced voters to Goochland.

Ware said that elections are a fundamental enterprise of a democratic republic it makes sense that they need to be reimbursed for making it happen.

District 5 Supervisor Ken Peterson asked the delegation to support fiscally responsible government. Businesses seeking to relocate, said Peterson, look at a state first, then localities. If the state is managed badly, it has a negative impact on localities no matter how well they are governed.

School Board Chairperson John Wright District 5 said that Goochland wants to keep its state dollars home and do not want them redistributed. It opposes creation of regional charter schools governed by a separate school board appointed by the state board of education.

Goochland opposes creation of parental choice educational savings account, which Wright believes are unconstitutional. He asked for legislation that would require school divisions to report both a letter and a specific numerical value earned by each student on all official transcripts.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jeremy Ramey said that Standards of Quality, which were established in 1974, do not mesh with today’s realities. Revisions need to be made in scope and funding.

The 2020 GA session is hard to predict at this point because no one knows who will be in control until after the November elections. Both Peake and Ware opined that the cost of Medicaid expansion will be substantial and a budget driver. Peake cautioned that an economic downturn is coming, and the next state budget must take that into consideration. Ware expects the proffer discussion to continue.

River Run Manor Decision

The supervisors reconvened their meeting to continue deliberations about the conditional use permit for a place of public assembly with transient lodging—event venue with bed and breakfast—for River Run Manor in Maidens. They spent another couple of hours discussing the conditions with the applicant River Run Manor, LLC represented by a principal Kim Moody, and neighbors of the lavish estate.

John Lumpkins, District 3 observed that the application seemed rushed. The county seems to have bent over backwards to accommodate the schedule of the applicant, who needed the CUP before a closing originally set for the previous week but extended until after September 9.

Moody contended that she and her family intend to be good neighbors and that the county should essentially trust her. Susan Lascolette District 1 pointed out that any condition not expressed in writing as part of the CUP could be ignored, or not observed by subsequent owners.

As approved unanimously by the supervisors, in addition to originally expressed conditions, the CUP: prohibits discharge of firearms during all CUP activities; excludes activities on Christmas Eve, Christmas, and Easter; limits outdoor amplification of music to four hours that must end by 10 p.m. and be directed toward the river and away from all occupied  dwellings; and limits the events to 40 per year, which may include accessory activities such as a rehearsal dinner or post wedding brunch for up to 85 people.

No CUP activities may occur until a plan of development is approved and the site is brought into compliance with health, building, and fire codes.

Governing is complicated and detailed. Supervisors must act in the best interest of all citizens.

September in the board room

The afternoon session of the September 3 meeting of the Goochland County Board of Supervisors honored five-year service anniversaries of county employees. Kelly Parrish director of human resource introduced employees with a total of more than 315 years of service. Anita Barnes, zoning administrator celebrates 30 years with the county. Congratulations to all.

Public comment period, which provides an opportunity for citizens to speak on matters not on the agenda, covered a range of topics as usual.

Jonathan Lyle, Monacan Soil and Water Conservation District Director, reminded the board about an upcoming water testing program on September 23 ( Go to https://goochland.ext.vt.edu/ and scroll down for more information.) Lyle suggested that people with wells should test their water periodically to make sure it contains no harmful substances. There is a $60 fee.

Michael McDermott, a property owner in Sammary Forest, in eastern Goochland, expressed frustration and outrage about sewer line plans proposed for Sammary Forest and the adjoining Hickory Haven subdivisions.

Indeed, several property owners believe that they are being treated like mushrooms—kept in the dark and fed manure—about the issue.

County Administrator John Budesky said that the county is making a multi-million-dollar investment in the sewer lines for Sammary Forest and Hickory Haven and wants to do it right. He committed to sharing all pertinent information and work to address concerns about the project. It is believed that Todd Kilduff met with other concerned residents from the area during the evening session. This is a good start, but, as Goochland grapples with large construction projects in the TCSD, it needs to make sure that all property owners, especially these who were bamboozled into joining the TCSD  at its inception, are kept in the loop.

Fall town hall meetings will be held as follows: District 4 and 5 October 10 at the Virginia Farm Bureau Headquarters in West Creek; District 1, Octier15 at the Hadensville Company 6 fire-rescue station; and District 2 and 3 October 30 at the Central High School Cultural and Educational Center. All beginning at 7 p.m.

Remembrances of the 911 attacks will be held at Courthouse Company 5 fire-rescue station at 9:45 a.m. and Manakin Company 1 fire-rescue station at 7 p.m. Both events are open to the public.

Marshall Winn, VDOT administrator for the Ashland Residency reported that advertising for safety improvements at the Broad Street Road/Rt.288 interchange are on track for advertisement in October, with an anticipated start date in January or February. For those grappling with gas line installation traffic congestion in this area, the “improvements” will mean more of the same. Hopefully, this will ease some of the problems.

The expected completion date for resurfacing the Maidens Road bridge is October 31, with a monetary incentive for the contractor to finish one month early.

Public hearings on the extension of Fairground Road to Rt. 6 will be held in the Board meeting room on September 12 from 5 to 7 p.m.

New fire-rescue employees were introduced. When they fully deployed all six Goochland fire-rescue stations will be staffed 24/7.

Keith Burgess, Monacan Soil and Water Conservation District Manager, presented his organization’s annual report. There are three candidates for MSWCD director this year, Burgess reported, but only two will be elected.

The main function of the MSWCD is to conserve and protect soil and water. Helping farmers with stream exclusion—putting fences along waterways to prevent livestock from pooping there and providing alternate water sources for livestock— is a big part of its activities.

The Commonwealth has appropriated more money than ever for a cost share program to help farmers fund stream exclusion, which, Burgess estimated can cost a farmer up to $700 per acre of pasture. The MSWCD administers this program. Educating land owners about a wide range of best management practices including cover crops; no-till farming; and nutrient management is part of its mission. Visit its Facebook page for additional information.

The county’s new agriculture and natural resources extension agent Nichole Shuman was introduced. She will be based at the Extension Office’s new offices at Central High School across the hall from the MSWCD.

Nichole Shuman and Betty McCracken MSWCD Conservation Specialist

Then it was time to talk trash. Kim Hynes, Executive Director of the Central Waste Management Authority presented her annual overview. This is a public authority funded by a 48-cent per capita contribution by each of its members. Al services are provided on a contract basis. The state mandates that all localities have a 20-year solid waste plan, which must be updated very five year. The latest was just submitted.

The plan estimates that each waste is generated at a rate of 4.48 pounds per person per day. Recycling accounts for approximately 50 percent of the estimate 22,000,000 annual waste generated, the state mandated goal is 25 percent. Overall trash disposed of at county convenience centers is down two percent compared to 2013. The east is down 9 percent, the west if up 29 percent, said Hynes, which resulted in  $140,000 in annual savings for Goochland. This year, the cost is $48 per ton. Curbside and drop off recycling are up about 16 percent. Curbside recycling is available through arrangements between HOAs and the county.

The price of recycled cardboard and paper has fallen to zero, Hynes said. From receiving a $30 per ton rebate to a $20 per ton cost to recycle has impacted costs. Contamination of recyclables is a major issue. The new mantra is “when in doubt throw it out” to improve the quality of the material. Plastic bags are a major culprit, especially if recyclables are placed in bags. CVWMA has begun an “oops!” campaign to crack down on inappropriate items placed in recycle bins.

Hynes was somewhat optimistic abut the future of recycling, even without the China market. Things are changing, but it will come back around.” New technologies are coming online including an Israeli company that can transform raw, unsorted municipal waste into something that looks like plastic.

Goochland spends about $10,900 to CVWMA and receives $370,000 back from revenue generated by its activities.

Hynes said the new drop off recycling containers at the convenience center are now “single stream” that eliminate the need to separate paper, cans, and bottles, which, Hynes explained, a less expensive to empty.

Visit CVWMA at http://cvwma.com/ for  lots of useful and interesting information about, well, garbage and  protecting the environment,

Noise ordinance committee forming

County Attorney Tara McGee said that six citizens have volunteered to be on the noise ordinance committee. She asked for additional volunteers in the next few weeks. McGee stressed the importance of having all sides of the issue represented for a balanced and useful process. No decision has been made to impose a noise ordinance.

River Run Manor

The evening portion of the September 3 meeting of the Goochland Board of Supervisors ended after 1 a.m. Public hearings on its agenda included rezoning for a possible hotel next to Rt. 288; rezoning for a nine lot subdivision near Oilville; lease agreements for telecommunications equipment on the Centerville water tank and a portion of the Central High School Cultural and Educational Center; a downzoning  from rural preservation to agricultural; and a conditional use permit (CUP) application to allow River Run Manor on Rt. 6 in Maidens to  operate as an event venue.

More than four hours were spent on the last item. After presentations by staff and the applicant, River Run Manor LLC represented by principal Kim Moody, a 55-minute public hearing, and more than two hours of discussion among board members, a vote on the application was deferred until Monday, September 9.

Goochland has a gracious plenty of magnificent estate properties and mansions. Some are historic; some rural retreats for the affluent, and some are under construction. As the market for this type of residential property shrinks, owners, or their heirs, will seek other uses, or perhaps tear them down and subdivide the land. Objections from neighbors inevitably follow CUP applications for any event venue. Public hearings and community meetings are emotional and often confrontational. River Run Manor was no exception.

Partners in River Run Manor, LLC—Kim her husband Andrew Moody and Tamra and Doug Adams, who operate Virginia Barn Weddings, also in Maidens—are fine people with good reputations. Way too much time was spent contending that the Moodys, who also plan to live at River Run Manor, are good small-town folk. Kim mentioned several times that her relatives are elected officials in Dinwiddie County, which is very nice, but had no bearing on the matter at hand.

The applicant presentation was not well-organized and made ill-defined reference to any financial benefits to Goochland. If, indeed, the property sells for $3 million reported in Richmond Bizsense, about $2.8 million less than its current assessed valuation according to public record, the county will lose approximately $14,000 in property tax. Moody was vague about of other local taxes she might pay on revenue from the six figure weddings she expects to host at the new venue.

However, the CUP application states that River Run Manor expects to create 18 jobs the first year; adding 26 in the second year; and 32 in the following year. The application also states that the county will gain substantial tax revenue when River Run Manor becomes a commercial enterprise rather than a private residence but did not elaborate. Kim did allude to hefty mortgage payments and the cost of renovations to bring the property into compliance with building, fire, and health codes to operate as a place of public assembly, lodging—it will offer bed and breakfast, and residence.

Continued protestations that the Moodys will be good neighbors when they run River Run Manor, fell a little flat, when total prohibition of outdoor amplified music was suggested to assuage neighbor’s noise concerns.  Kim also explained the urgency of having the CUP approved at the meeting because the closing on the property was scheduled for the next day and failure to secure the CUP was a deal breaker. Unfortunate, but not the county’s problem.

A realtor from Sotheby’s, which represented the owners of the property, heirs to William Massey, who built the estate, reported that during the five years River Run Manor has been on the market, only entities who planned commercial, not private, use expressed any interest in the property.

William Massey, Jr. who is one of the current owners, explained that his father built River Run Manor for entertaining; he had no idea if there were ever any complaints about noise or traffic. Indeed, many of the neighbors who opposed the CUP application attended parties there, but they believe commercial use of the estate is inappropriate for the area.

The caretaker of the property described River Run Manor as a masterwork and distinctive Goochland landmark.  He supported the event venue to continue the legacy of William Massey, Sr. and make River Run Manor what it was meant to be all along.

At least one speaker at the River Run Manor meeting promised legal action if the application was approved. She is a homeowner in the River Cliff subdivision claiming that River Run Manor is part of the subdivision whose covenants prohibit the proposed commercial use. County Attorney Tara McGee explained that restrictive covenants are private agreements between neighbors, the county does not enforce them; the county makes land use decisions.

Massey contended that his father separated his land from the River Cliff subdivision a long time ago and the lot lines were vacated on plats. Given the amount of money involved, it seems likely that a title search and routine due diligence would have revealed remaining ties to River Cliff. Moody said she first heard the allegation at 4:46 p.m. on the afternoon of September 3.

Objection of neighbors boiled down to hordes of strangers nearby, traffic, and noise.

Fireworks are prohibited for this kind of use. As an aside, the fireworks from Hermitage Country Club were clearly audible inside of GOMM world headquarters in Oilville over the Labor Day weekend, behind closed windows with a television on. Jonathan Lyle, who lives in the “sweet spot” between Dover Hall and Hermitage Country Club, was able to recite the play list from the country club’s weekend festivities, also clearly audible.  Concerns expressed by River Cliff residents about amplified DJ music only several hundred feet from their homes have credence.

One opponent contended that hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles would access the property daily and that the required 75 parking spaces would not accommodate the up to 299 people permitted at events. Kim said that guests for weddings at venues like River Run Manor typically stay in hotels in Short Pump—even better those coming to eastern Goochland—and travel to the venue by motor coach. This reduces the number of vehicles but keeps impaired drivers off our county roads.

Moody described as the noise made by passing trains as louder than any sound that might be generated by events.  (By the way, the CSX railroad tracks are private property; walking or otherwise accessing them is trespass and very dangerous.)

Moody downplayed the outdoor sound issue with a “we’re nice people, trust us” attitude. She said that most of the amplified music will happen indoors, where it is easier to contain, because her high-end clients do not want to deal with bugs and prefer climate-controlled spaces.  A harpist, who works with Moody explained that she often plays with a cello and flute and that need no amplification outdoors.  Moody would not agree to a prohibition on amplified outdoor music, which, she said is needed for cocktail hours between 4 and 6 p.m.

The neighbor whose home is closest to the tennis court—anticipated as the site of some outdoor activities—said that he expects the new owners to keep their word, but asked “what if I’m wrong? How often will we need to complain to you (the county) to make it stop?”

Goochland has a CUP enforcement policy with a mechanism for revocation after three validated violations of conditions in a twelve-month period. It is complaint driven, but anonymous complaints will not be accepted.

A neighbor suggested that the term of the initial CUP be one, rather than the proposed five, years to “see how it goes” and then determine if it should be extended. Others contended that the application seemed rushed and incomplete. Indeed, there was a good bit of confusion about how many days events would take place. The application included a winery and tasting room, which are permitted by right and can operated 365 days per year. Moody said that they are not ready for the winery which would be located on the lower level.

After a bit of back and forth, it became clear that the actual number of wedding and other events would be fewer than one per week, because it takes a while to set up for elaborate gatherings. Other  arcane proposed uses, duck hunting outings for groomsmen, added to the confusion about what activities would be allowed to take place and how often.

Around one a.m., John Lumpkins, Jr. District 3 attempted to craft a motion to approve the CUP with several condition modifications. As his motion became more complicated—like a verbal representation of a hurricane path “spaghetti” model—County Administrator John Budesky suggested that the supervisors defer a vote to their Monday, September 9 meeting. This will allow Lumpkins and McGee to confer and ensure that all discussed condition modifications are clear. Director of Community Development Jo Ann Hunter said that the final conditions will be posted online before September 9 for public review.

Except for amplified outdoor music during late afternoon cocktail hours, Kim was amenable to most changes. Her focus was on securing the CUP so the closing could occur. Massey agreed to postpone that until after the Monday vote.

River Run Manor is an exquisite and unique place, whose highest and best use appears to be as an event venue that will be an asset to the community. Along with the anticipated associated winery, activities are agritourism, economic development that allows landowners to derive income from their property.  However, neighbors have legitimate concerns about a commercial establishment preventing the quiet enjoyment of their homes.

Updating the rule book

Goochland County has been working on a rewrite of its zoning ordinance for a couple of years. The current ordinance, some parts decades old, is cumbersome, sometimes confusing, and out of sync with the county’s comprehensive land use plan.

Developers and landowners often scratch their heads trying to comply with applicable rules whose provision may be scattered among several sections.

The new ordinances, according to Director of Community Development Jo Ann Hunter, will be easier to decipher and streamline land the process.

The zoning ordinance is law. Changes require community meetings, and public hearings before both the planning commission and supervisors, who vote to implement the update. Several workshops, open to the public, were held earlier this year to explain and discuss sections of the proposed updated ordinance. The supervisors held workshops on the matter in May, June, and July. On August 26, a joint work session between the supervisors and planning commissioners was held to discuss the proposed final product. Hunter has also met with various engaged community groups to share information and obtain citizen input on the proposed changes.

On September 19, the planning commission will hold a public hearing on the proposed zoning ordinance rewrite, which could lead to the supervisors holding their public hearing and vote in October. The goal is to have the rewrite adopted by the end of 2019 with an effective date of January 1, 2020.

The stated purpose of the zoning ordinance is to provide for: “the efficient process of development; preservation of agricultural lands; appropriate use and occupancy of buildings for protection against land overcrowding and undue population density in relation to the community facilities; the creation of a convenient, attractive and harmonious community; economic development activities that provide desirable employment and enlarge the tax base; and  good, harmonious civic design.”

Behind wise use of tax dollars, land use is the most important, and most complicated issue facing supervisors. Only two candidates, Neil Spoonhower and Wendy Hobbs, both seeking the vacant District 2 seat, bothered to attend the August 26 session. Hobbs left before the meeting ended.

The August 26 session dealt with a myriad of topics.  During the past year, accessory apartments, “mother-in-law” quarters, currently requiring a conditional use permit (CUP), were often on the agendas of both the supervisors and planning commission. None were denied. Hunter suggested that this use could be treated like short term rentals located inside a home, by right with development standards and limited to occupancy by family members. This would also require notification of the county upon the sale of the property.

District 5 Supervisor Ken Peterson asked if the return for the county and property owners on the time and effort is expended is justified. If not, is there a way to simplify things without having a backup safeguard to prevent abuse? Board of Supervisors’ Chair Manuel Alvarez, Jr., District 2 and Board Vice Chair Susan Lascolette, District 1 have received negative feedback about the CUP requirement and supported limiting supplemental dwellings to one per lot.

County Attorney Tara McGee, who is involved in the ordinance rewrite, said if the neighbors of a home with one of these arrangements are not troubled by it, should the county care?  If there is a problem, the neighbors will complain. Zoning enforcement is complaint driven.

A useful addition to the proposed ordinance is a rules of measurement section with graphic representations of subjects including: setbacks, height ratios; types of signs and how they may be used; floor area ratios; calculation open space; sight distance at intersections; building projections; lot types and yards;  and examples of acceptable dark sky light fixtures. This will complement written requirements for greater clarity. (See the proposed ordinance for complete details.)

In the past, Hunter explained, proposed land uses not specified in the zoning ordinance were approved as “special exception” CUPs for expediency. This, she contended, is not good land use practice and recommended that in the future, ordinance amendments be crafted to address the specific use and go through the entire process with community meetings and public hearings. She cited solar farms—there is one near Hadensville—and brew pubs as examples where CUPs were granted instead of creating an appropriate zoning use.

Some existing definitions were expanded in the rewrite, others were deleted. The forestal zoning district, for instance, which was never used, is gone.

As both the supervisors and commissioners have been kept up to speed on the various revisions, there was not a lot of discussion on most of the items.

The topic that generated the most discussion was electronic message board signs.  People like them, Hunter said, because it is easier to change the message. Hunter received concurrence to allow gas stations to use electronic signs—most already have them—to display price only.

Other electronic signs are not currently allowed in Goochland. The exception are two electronic message boards with scrolling text at the entrances to the Goochland campus of Reynolds Community College.  These signs are on state property, which is exempt from local zoning rules.

This scrolling message board is on state property and exempt from local zoning regulations.

Hunter “benchmarked” standards applied by surrounding jurisdictions for the use of the electronic signs. Albemarle does not permit LED signs by right in any area but requires a special use permit. Only Goochland does not allow them.  Some people feel that they are too intrusive, do not fit in with rural character, and can lead to driver distraction. Board of Supervisors’ Chair Manuel Alvarez, Jr. observed that electronic signs with changing messages seem to erode the county’s rural character but perhaps could be limited by requiring a CUP.

Hunter recommended allowing electronic message boards by right with development standards in agricultural, business and industrial districts only. Churches, fire-rescue stations, and schools, which tend to be in agricultural districts, want to use the signs.

Changing the message on signs like this is labor intensive and sometimes the letters fall off

 Alvarez said Fire-Rescue Company 5 wants one of these signs because the little plastic letters on its existing message board often blow away.

Hunter recommended restricting brightness of any permitted signs to one half foot candle at property lines. Currently, dimming signs after a certain time is part of the Centerville overlay district. No scrolling, animation or video would be permitted, only text that cannot change more often than once per minute.

Lascolette said that if these signs are permitted by right, you cannot walk it back. Planning Commission Chair Matt Brewer, District 2 argued that a property owner should have input if a neighbor intends to deploy an electronic sign. Concerns were raised about placing electronic signs on venues located in residential areas including Dover Hall and the Deep Run Hunt Club on Manakin Road.

District 3 supervisors, John Lumpkins, Jr.  contended that the supervisors should not get deeply involved in the CUP process with signs. Major issues should be addressed with design standards. Sign content may not be addressed, he said.

 Peterson pointed out that electronic signs are permitted by right in West Creek but said he is not comfortable removing public input into policy allowing their deployment elsewhere.

Curt Pituck, District 4 planning commissioner said that electronic signs are expensive, he estimated in the $30 k range, making the issue self-regulatory.

District 4 Supervisor Bob Minnick argued that the supervisors have many more pressing issues before them. Their overarching responsibility is to set policy and design standards and they should not become the sign police. “The Board can say no signs, or signs in certain areas. Anything else would be a waste of executive and staff time,” Minnick said. Alvarez concurred and cautioned against overregulation.

Peterson agreed that micromanaging is a bad idea, but so is removing public input. He suggested incorporation public input and comment into creating the policy, which would govern approval of future electronic signs.

Lumpkins concurred. “We need to set design standards and then get out of the business of approving each one.” He supported allowing the signs by right in commercial and industrial areas and requiring a CUP everywhere else until the board is comfortable with the results. A majority of planning commissioners and supervisors agreed with this approach to the issue.

The county, said Lascolette, has survived without electronic signs, “do we really need them?” District 5 Planning Commissioner Tom Rockecharlie said that he believes the signs do not reflect the county’s rural character.

A great deal of time and effort has gone into the zoning ordinance rewrite. The subject is important for every property owner in the county. Please take a look at the proposed ordinance.

(If you would like to provide comments or have questions, please email jhunter@co.goochland.va.us or call (804) 657-2006. For additional information please go to www.goochlandva.us  The entire proposed ordinance is available under the planning and zoning tab.)