May board highlights

 

Goochland’s Board of Supervisors usually meets on the first Tuesday of the month. In the afternoon, the board deals with housekeeping matters and holds public hearings in the evening.

On May 5, in addition to approving the county budget for FY27, which begins on July 1, the Board adopted proclamations proclaiming May as Older Americans Month; May as business appreciation month; and May 3 to 9 as public service recognition month.

Board Chair Jonathan Christy, District 1 said that the public service proclamation honors the dedication of workers at every level of government and celebrated the talent, commitment, and service that they bring to Goochland government, “we have the best team,” he said.

Following that note, County Administrator Dr. Jeremy Raley celebrated the accomplishments of professionals in attendance by recognizing their achievements. Joe Rozzano recently earned the certified parks and recreation professional designation, and certified playground inspector credential, which qualifies him to conduct playground safety inspections, to ensure that recreational facilities are free from hazards. He completed these credentials at night and on weekends.

Angelia Miller, Assistant Director of Recreation, recently completed the certified farmers market manager program, which equips her with skills to ensure the success of the Goochland Farmers Market.

In April, Chance Robinson, Assistant Director of Economic Development, earned the nationally recognized designation of Certified Economic Developer from the International Economic Development Council. He is one of 1,100 people worldwide to have earned this. Robinson, who has been with Goochland County since 2022, manages business expansion, retention programs, marketing, tourism, and attracting new business.

Raley pointed out that these team members who earned professional credentials outside of business hours, “did not have to do this.”

Kudos to Raley for public appreciation of the accomplishments of members of “team Goochland" who work hard every day to serve county citizens.

Fulfilling his pledge to engage with residents, Raley reported that a citizen advisory committee and round table discussions with residents and business owners have been established. The next community roundtable discussion will be held on May 20 from 6-7:30 p.m. Attendance is limited and registration is required. Please register for the May 20th Community Roundtable Discussion using the following link: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/g/MF8V6dFp6D

A presentation was made by John Riley, President of the Freedom Flag Foundation about the Freedom Flag, which was created by area restaurant owner Richard Melito as a meaningful reminder of the horrors of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on New York, Virginia, and Pennsylvania that took the lives of 2,977 people. As we approach the 25th anniversary of this awful day, Riley said that nearly a quarter of our population was born after 9/11 and the mission of the Freedom Flag Foundation is to ensure that horrific day is never forgotten. Go to https://www.freedomflagfoundation.org/  for details.

The supervisors approved the sale canine Deputy Achilles to Deputy Shawn Whitlock for one dollar. Achilles served Goochland well during his six-year career and will now retire.

A public hearing was set for June 2 concerning donation of approximately two acres of county owned land between Sandy Hook Road and the high school to VDOT to facilitate the extension of Fairground Road to Rt. 6.

Tom Cocke, Director of Parks and Recreation presented the updated master plan for his department. This plan is the product of extensive community input over several years, including results of a countywide survey. In addition to details presented last month, Cocke’s presentation included cost estimates broken down into three funding “buckets” that could be used in the county’s capital improvement plan, which is supported by long term financial strategies.

The bucket for sustainable projects like life cycle replacements, upgrades, and additions at existing facilities was estimated at $3.6 million.

A $455 k bucket for expanded projects such as outdoor investments at Central High Sholl Educational and Cultural Center and Leakes Mill Park.

Visionary projects including a new 60-acre park on the county owned parcel on Hockett Road, a major renovation of the sports complex relocating the skate park and farmers market, major renovations to existing parks, and creating a Courthouse linear park to connect the fire training center and Reynolds Community College, are estimated at $23.7 million.

Cocke pointed out that the plan does not commit the county to any project or funding but provides a framework for decisions going forward. Items in the plan include recreational opportunities for children, older adults and accessible amenities.

The need for county recreation facilities in the east end of the county, where there are none, has a high priority. Jonathan Lyle, District 5 said he would prefer that those get high priority.

Charie Vaughters, District 4 lauded the plan adding a budget to the visionary piece to frame it as a long-term capital improvement project that benefits the health and wellbeing of the citizens as preventative infrastructure. He said the plan is very thoughtful to Goochland showing what we can provide that is different from neighboring jurisdictions.

 The plan is a comprehensive assessment of existing facilities and needs for the next ten years. Go to https://www.goochlandva.us/1390/Parks-and-Recreation-Master-Plan for details.