Covid
A year ago, we expected that the pandemic would be in our
rearview mirror when vaccines became available. Here we are 12 months later, and
that spiky virus is still in the news. Cases—defined as testing positive—are soaring
for the omicron variant. It remains to be seen if there will be another wave of
hospitalization and death, or if everyone will get it and have greater immunity. Have you noticed that the Times' Square New Year's ball looks a little like a Covid molecule?
When vaccines first rolled out, people went to great lengths
to get jabbed. Vaccination rates rose steadily, then leveled off as folks had
second thoughts. Mandates for the shot remain a contentious subject. Goochland
County worked closely with the Chickahominy Health District to stage local clinics.
Later in the year, booster clinics were also held.
Schools
In early February, the Hon. William Quarles, Jr., former District
2 Supervisor and school board member, passed away suddenly. The loss of his
gentle wisdom leaves a void in the community. Among the many accolades paid
this dear man was that by Del. Lee Ware who said that Quarles was able to
disagree in a way that sparked constructive conversations.
Billie Jo Leabough was appointed by the school board to
represent District 2 until the general election. In November, Angela Allen, was
elected to the seat.
Goochland Schools kept on through Covid thanks to creative
and intrepid administration and staff. Though masked, students attended in person
classes. Extra curricular activities continued with a new look. The high school
drama department, for instance delighted audiences with ZOOM performances.
Goochland High School held in person graduation outside in
the football stadium on a perfect summer evening in June.
In August, students retuned to school for "the best
year ever".
The supervisors adopted a nuisance noise ordinance on
May 4 thanks to a committee comprised of citizens on both sides of the issue
working closely with County Attorney Tara McGee. The new law provides a
mechanism to address noise issues but exempts all lawful shooting.
Broadband expansion was a hot topic this year. The
RISE/ Firefly (fireflyva.com) initiative got a lot of attention but was not the
only game in town.
Evan Weiner's Port80 Internet began to plant fiber
optic cable in the central part of Goochland, over a year ago and continues to
connect users in the Crozier area. Port80
was awarded a Virginia Telecommunications Initiative (VATI) grant earlier this
year. Reporting to the supervisors at their December 7 meeting, Weiner explained
that there are two parts to internet expansion, the backbone, fiber optic cable
that goes down the road and the "drop," which connects homes and
businesses "passings". Weiner said that, thanks to dry fall weather,
Port80 is ahead of schedule. Of the 19 miles of cable in his project, 13 miles have
been installed. He said that of the 288 passings in the scope of his project,
188 are serviceable. Weiner said that although his VATI grant covers one side
of a road, Port80 will connect both sides. "We're picking up the tab for
that extra cost," said Weiner. Port80 purchased adequate materials before
supply chain issues erupted, so it is in good shape to complete the project. Go
to http://port80.us/ for details.
Staffing issues
Kenny Young, hired as county administrator in September
2020, left the post in late June with no explanation. In August, the supervisors
appointed The Hon. Manuel Alvarez, Jr., former District 2 supervisor, as
interim county administrator, so there is no hurry to find a permanent
replacement. The supervisors have retained a search firm to fill the position.
Goochland rejected the notion of defunding the police and instead
increased compensation for our Sheriff's Office, which earned its fifth
reaccreditation continuing the agency's commitment to excellence.
Raises were also approved for fire-rescue, which, like the Sheriff's
Office needs to retain talented people and compete for new hires from a limited
candidate pool. Raises and bonuses for county and school employees were also
approved.
Recreation
The under-bridge walkway connecting the east and west sides
of Tucker Park was dedicated in June.
In July, Goochland Youth Athletic Association hosted the
2021 Dixie Youth Baseball State Tournament at Hidden Rock Park. Volunteers
worked very hard to showcase the county and make the event a rousing success.
After a few Covid delays, the "beta test" of the resurrected
Goochland Day took place in September. Big plans are afoot for the May 12, 2022,
event. Visit https://www.goochlandday.com/
often to see what's up.
Elections
Voters overwhelmingly approved referenda on the November
ballot to allow the county to issue general obligation bonds to fund a new Goochland
Elementary School; improvements to the high school/middle school complex; a new
circuit courthouse; and West Creek fire-rescue station. Thanks to securing a third
AAA bond rating from Fitch Ratings, Inc., in October, Goochland, the smallest
county in the country to have a hat trick of AAAs, will be able to get the best
terms on this debt and save some tax dollars.
Helping
Ann Casey, Goochland's 2021 Christmas Mother, and her faithful
elves, brightened the holiday season for families in need. Thanks to all who
generously support this superb grassroots organization.
Redistricting
The Virginia Supreme Court approved the final map redrawing district
lines for state and federal offices on December 28. Go to https://vacourts.gov/courts/scv/districting/redistricting_final.pdf
for the complete document. Goochland will now be in the 5th Congressional
District, the 10th Virginia Senate District and split between the 56th
and 57th districts for delegates.
The proposed redistricting map for Goochland election districts
is available at https://www.goochlandva.us/1191/Redistricting.
A series of meetings will be held, beginning on January 5, to gather citizen
input on the local changes. Please plan to attend one or more of these sessions
or watch the livestream. To make the local process as transparent as possible,
all comments will be posted on the redistricting website. Please pay attention
and participate.
The future
Approval last summer of approximately 170 additional homes
in Courthouse Village, and continued growth around Centerville highlight the
need for a plan of development in these areas. In 2022, Hill Studio, P.C. is
expected to be retained by the Department of Community Development, to seek feedback
about the needs of residents in Courthouse and Centerville Villages and incorporate
them into development schemes. Please keep an eye out for these sessions and
participate.
May your 2022 be filled with good health, good things, and
good cheer. We need to stop yelling at each other and listen!
2 comments:
No rush to fill the County Manager role? The County had had no leadership since September 2020. No rush? Way to let the supervisors off the hook. It's been 16 months.
The county administrator works for the supervisors, not the other way around.
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