Goochland Supervisors hold emergency meeting

On Monday, March 23, the Goochland Board of Supervisors waived the five-day advertisement requirement to hold an emergency meeting about the impact of Covid 19 on the county. Notice of the meeting was made via social media. The session was livestreamed on the county website http://www.goochlandva.us/ all supervisors participated via electronic means.

County Administrator John Budesky explained that the meeting was convened electronically because it was deemed impractical and unsafe to gather the board in person. Those present: Budesky; Deputy Board Clerk Lisa Beczkiewicz; County Attorney Tara McGee; Fire-Rescue Chief Eddie Ferguson; and Deputy County Administrator Derek Stamey sat far apart in observance of social distancing.

“These are very unusual circumstances,” Budesky observed. Goochland County is observing the state of emergency declared last week by Governor Northam, while maintaining government operations under safe conditions, even though county buildings are closed to the public.

Operations continue by phone and internet with drop offs for documents. Per the governor’s order, all DMV services have been suspended. County parks remain open with the caveat that those who use them take great care to practice social distancing.

Budesky said that, as of 3 p.m. on March 23, three Goochland residents have tested positive for the Corona virus. He had no details on their identity or how they became infected.

Goochland Public safety—our deputies; fire-rescue providers; animal protection officers; and 911 dispatchers—are doing a great job dealing with the crisis. Ferguson said that first responders and deputies have adequate personal protective equipment and that he expects additional supplies to be forthcoming.

Budesky said that the governors’ latest decree about the closure of non-essential businesses, which were not clearly defined beyond the current exemptions of pharmacies; grocery stores; and restaurants offering only carry out or delivery service, are still a bit vague. He expects to share detailed information as it becomes available.

The purpose of the meeting, McGee explained, was to obtain guidance from the supervisors to craft an emergency continuity of government operations ordinance, that could be in effect for up to six months from its adoption. This would change rules for public hearings, and other normal governmental meetings contrary to the discouragement of gatherings of ten or more people. The ordinance would apply to meetings of the supervisors and subordinate boards.

Non-essential land use matters with public hearings scheduled for the April planning commission meeting will be deferred to June. These include conditional use permit applications filed by: Salem Baptist Church to build an electronic message board sign on its Broad Street Road property; by GCJ Holdings to operated a camp on property on Cardwell Road (formerly Camp Little Hawk); and the Benedictine Society of Virginia to increase the number of buildings on its River Road property and request an increase in county water allocation. While these applicants would prefer to move forward, they understand the unprecedented situation.

Public hearings previously scheduled for the April 7 supervisors’ meeting include CUP applications from Grace Chinese Baptist Church to allow an additional building on its Broad Street Road property and Orapax Plantation to operate a place of public assembly and short term unhosted rentals. Applicants were amenable to deferral to June. An application for an Elk’s Lodge on Pouncey Tract Road near Parkside Village and Aw Shucks, was withdrawn.

Ways to conduct essential public hearings, like that scheduled for April 7 on the FY 2021 budget, electronically were discussed. Budesky said that the hearing could be livestreamed with citizens able to comment via telephone or email in real time. Those without broadband access will be able to listen to the hearing via phone and able to ask questions during a telephonic public hearing. Emails accepted during the hearing will become part of the record. The supervisors supported this concept, which McGee will address in the emergency continuity of operations ordinance.

Board Chair Susan Lascolette, District 1, said it is important that citizens have a variety of ways to participate in these hearings. Neil Spoonhower, District 2, suggested the use of Facebook advertising to broaden the county’s contact among residents. Sharing information at the local level is vital during these uncertain times. He was concerned that too few residents were able to view the You tube videos produced by the county in recent days. Budesky will investigate this option and report back.

Goochland Schools said Budesky are contemplating the use of Facebook Live to conduct public meetings. More details will be shared as they are available.

Budesky said that the assessor, treasurer’s office, and county finance staff are discussing ways to address tax and other decisions affected by the current emergency.

The supervisors will hold another electronic meeting on Thursday, March 26 at 2 p.m. to review and adopt the emergency continuity of operations ordinance.

Lascolette thanked Budesky, McGee, and county staff for their hard work in these trying times.