Turning a page

 

Four weeks into his tenure as Goochland County Administrator, Dr. Jeremey Raley Ed.D. was quite at home seated at the right hand of Board Chair Tom Winfree, District 3 for the July 1 supervisors’’ meeting.

“I never thought I’d be back in this chair serving as county administrator,” he said at the start of the meeting.  He thanked both The Hon. Manuel Alvarez, Jr., who served as interim county administrator since February, and Lisa Beczkiewicz, executive assistant/deputy clerk, for dedicating time to ensure that when he walked in the door he had everything he needed to get started. “Both Lisa and Manny have been there to support me, counsel me, calm me down when I got a little excited, and been tremendous teammates. I’m grateful for all you’ve done for me.”

Raley presented his formalized entry plan “designed to provide for an intentional and purposeful process for the transition to serve as County Administrator for Goochland County.” This will explore what Goochland is doing well, how it can do better, and what steps need to be taken to ensure the county’s ongoing success. He emphasized the need to understand and work with all stakeholders—citizens are first on the list—as well as business and regional partners to better serve the community and make it even stronger.  Raley said he is analyzing operations to ensure that Goochland’s government is structured to provide excellent customer service to all those with whom the county interacts.

He acknowledged that Goochland must be a regional partner on significant issues that impact us all. Raley said he has already been warmly received by counterparts in other counties and looks forward to meeting the rest of the neighbors.

“We want a seat at the table, we want to be part of the conversation and the work, so that ultimately what happens in one county affects us all.”   Go to the county website https://www.goochlandva.us/ and click on transition plan to read the full document. Even better, listen to the remarks in his own words under the “watch county meetings” tab. All work will be shared with the public.

Charlie Vaughters, District 4, commended Raley for prioritizing customer service to all stake holders including citizens, business, and those who are guests of the county.

“Too often in our processes people only see the individuals who are at the dais or in the crowd. What it takes to make these complex decisions is a dedicated county administrator leading a dedicated staff with touchpoints throughout the county, region, and state. We need to draw in as many minds as possible and consider all the people who will be impacted when making decisions.”

Vaughter commended Raley for the work he has done in his short tenure as county administrator, citing incredible progress already made in deliverables and continuous improvement. He was “thrilled” with the entry plan.

This unprecedented approach to assuming the reins of government—the county administrator serves as Goochland’s chief executive officer charged with executing goals, priorities, and strategies of the board of supervisors—bodes well for the future. There is new energy and optimism in county government.

Fireworks

Goochland’s annual fireworks display will be held on Thursday July 3 rain date July 5. The Independence Day celebration will take place behind the sports complex on Sandy Hook Road. Pyrotechnics are visible from many places in Courthouse Village. See https://www.goochlandva.us/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1275 for details. Arrive early for the best spot and pack your patience as crowd disbursement takes a while.

Fire-Rescue

Many members of Goochland Fire-Rescue attended the board meeting, resplendent in dress uniform in anticipation of recognition for being nationally recognized for its commitment to quality care for heart attacks and strokes in Central Virginia. The department received the Mission Lifeline gold award from the American Heart Association for proven dedication to ensuring access to best practices and lifesaving care.

Mission Lifeline is the American Heart Association’s national initiative to advance the system of care for patients with high-risk time sensitive medical conditions like severe heart attacks and strokes.

This is one of many awards earned by Goochland first responders for their exceptional commitment to patient care. This does not happen by accident but is the product of hard work by all involved to ensure that Goochland residents, and those that work and travel through the county, receive the highest level of care.

Instead of the usual reading of such recognitions followed by a photo of Fire-Rescue folk present with supervisors, Raley and Winfree praised and thanked Fire-Rescue providers for their work and moved on.

Park and Rec month

The supervisors approved a proclamation recognizing July as Parks and Rec month with Winfree and Vice Chair Jonathan Christy, District 1, posing for a photo with Parks and Rec Director Tom Cocke.

Treasurer

Goochland Treasurer Pam Duncan and her team were recognized for being accredited for the 10th consecutive year by the Treasurer’s Association of Virginia. The rigorous accreditation process requires proof of continuing education such as completion of an ethics course by the treasurer (or a principal officer) and educational requirements for all staff. Accredited offices are required to have written policies in place addressing areas such as personnel, customer service, and delinquent collections. Kudos to all the fine people who made this happen. This too is the result of excellent leadership and attention to detail every day.

New County Staff

Recent additions to team Goochland were introduced to the supervisors. They are Patrick Longerbeam, Transportation Manager; Adam Barber, Planner III; Rachel Tripp, an engineering technician in the utilities department; Susan Phillips administrative assistant in the extension office, firefighter Jeffrey Lewis; and two new communication technicians in the Sheriff’s Office. A warm welcome to all.

 

Reports

Updates about broadband expansion, agriculture, and a summary of planning and development activity are included in the July 1 board packet, available on the county website under the “minutes and agendas” tab.

Consent agenda

This contains routine items that require formal action by the supervisors. The July list included authorization for the county administrator to execute a contract to purchase a parcel of land on Whitehall Road adjacent to the Sandy Hook Fire-Rescue Station 8; set a public hearing for August 5 to consider an ordinance amending the county fee schedule; and a request to initiate and refer to the Planning Commission amendments to the county’s comprehensive land use plan and zoning ordinances to create a technology overlay district; and a request to set a public hearing for October 7, or earlier if necessary, to consider an ordinance amending the count code to add an article establishing a technology zone.

Technology Zone

A community meeting will be held on Monday, July 7 in the board room of the county administration building beginning at 6 p.m. to discuss proposed amendments to various documents to establish a technology overlay zone.