Honor those who make America possible

On Tuesday, November 11, 2014 Goochland American Legion Post 215 will present a Veteran’s Day ceremony at Goochland High School. The event will begin at 11 a.m. This follows the tradition of pausing at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month to honor all veterans of our armed forces.

Tuesday will also mark the beginning of a new tradition in Goochland. The Veteran’s Day observance will be conducted by the newly instituted Goochland High School Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer’s Training Corps.

The keynote speaker will be Col. Catherine Hundley, who was the first female to attain the rank of colonel in the Virginia Army National Guard and the first woman in the Army National Guard to attend the Army War College. She served 32 years as an Army Nurse.

Our veterans--from the Minutemen of the Revolutionary war to those brave souls currently deployed--left the comfort and safety of home to go in harm’s way in defense of the liberties we take for granted. Please take a few minutes from your day to honor their service.

In pursuit of "rural"

The strategic plan recently adopted by Goochland’s Board of Supervisors includes the intent to preserve the county’s rural character. (See the county website www.co.goochland.va.us for the entire plan.)

The notion of “rural” has different meanings to different people. For many, it goes hand in hand with agricultural pursuits, which tend to be noisy, smelly, and sometimes messy. This runs counter to the sterile perfection of concentration camps for the affluent that means “rural” to others.

Goochland is a big place—we have more land area than Henrico and a fraction of its population—there should be room for all versions of “rural” to dance around each other without stepping on toes. The trouble is, too many people want to impose their version, whatever that may be, on everyone else.

Although some form of "preservation of rural character" has been on the lips of elected and appointed officials for decades, the current review of the county’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan (Comp Plan) addresses the issue for the first time. The Supervisors are considering ordinances and fee structures that encourage agribusinesses.

Some of these initiatives were sparked by the findings of the Rural Economic Development Committee, formed last year to focus on enhancing the commercial aspects of agriculture. Yes, commercial. When people put their land in enterprise use, it is far less likely to sprout a crop of houses.

Agribusinesses provide jobs, generate tax revenue, and tread gently on the land. Ideally, they go hand in hand with soil, water, and natural resource conservation.

Designating the majority of the county “rural enhancement” gives decision makers justification for denying intense land use in certain places.
The “village concept” that has been the foundation of the last few Comp Plans seeks to concentrate growth, especially commercial development, in places like Centerville, that have public water and sewer to support high density uses.

A concurrent matter under consideration by the Supervisors and Planning Commission is multifamily and mixed use zoning. Currently, the only sanctioned apartments in Goochland exist in the Retreat opposite the Wawa on Broad Street Road.

Opponents of high density housing fear that the county will be overrun with apartments and our schools inundated with new students. This is a valid concern. However, given the small portion of the county served by the public water and sewer than make high density housing possible, the threat is manageable.

Given the higher cost of housing in Goochland, we do need some starter living options to help our young people who grew up here stay in the county for cultural continuity.

Residential rezoning applications must include a fiscal impact statement that projects the need for additional county services and offers mitigation strategies.

The villages will not be theme park renditions of Christmas card New England towns. However, they should be as aesthetically pleasing as possible while providing services to the surrounding population.

Development is driven and funded by private dollars reacting to market forces. People disparage the fast food and other “downscale” businesses in Centerville. They overlook the fact that these establishments provide goods and services, pay taxes, and support the community. They located in Centerville because they saw an opportunity and risked their money. Fast food venues also offer job opportunities to our young people.

The variety of viewpoints on issues is what makes Goochland a vibrant community, where citizens care about what happens here. Pay attention, stay engaged in the process.

Choices

The candidate forum sponsored by the Goochland Chamber of Commerce at Benedictine Preparatory High School on October 23 for those seeking to represent the Virginia 7th Congressional District was not intended to produce a “winner.”

(The forum will be rebroadcast in its entirety on WCVE 88.9 FM on Sunday, October 26 at 6 p.m.)
Kudos to the Chamber for inviting all three candidates:Dave Brat, Republican (Davebrat.com); James Carr, Libertarian(www.jamescarrforcongress.org);and Jack Trammel, Democrat (http://www.trammellforcongress.com)to participate.

The auditorium was nearly full; Brat’s Tea Party supporters were notable by their absence, perhaps caused by the firearms free venue.

While “victory” in the event was in the eye of the beholder—few in attendance probably changed their minds—Carr definitely won the congeniality award. His remarks were thoughtful and free of rancor. He generously took issue with democrat hecklers who rudely disrupted Brat’s remarks a few times.

Regardless of political or attitudinal preferences, heckling has no place at events like this forum. It only belittles those making the fuss.

Brat, who turned the world of Virginia Republican politics upside down with his decisive primary defeat of House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, began his remarks by condemning Obamacare. He pledged to repeal it and replace it with options including Health Savings Accounts and reduce health care costs through free market access.

Trammel contended that the Affordable Care Act--what Democrats call Obamacare--saved everyone in America at least $1,000 last year. He said that the ACA is here to stay. Many of the gray heads in the audience shook an astonished “no” in response to that comment.

Carr said he absolutely favors repeal of ACA and characterized the notion that the system individual mandates can be fixed as “ridiculous.”
None of the candidates favored tax hikes to reduce the federal deficit. Carr literally waved a copy of the Constitution while saying that he favored a reduction of the federal government functions to those enumerated by the Founding Fathers. He advocated intelligent cuts and elimination of crony capitalism.

Trammell said that the federal government needs to balance its checkbook like everyone else. Taming the deficit, Trammell contended, is not a democrat or republican issue.

Brat, who figuratively waved the Constitution, said he favors unleashing the free market system by getting rid of governmental controls that stifle productivity, which would increase revenue without raising taxes.
The candidates generally agreed that Social Security, Medicare, and veterans benefits for those currently receiving them are untouchable entitlements.
Trammell said that those programs are “a promise we have to keep.”

Brat, who sniped at Trammell for falsely accusing him of wanting to eliminate benefits for current seniors, acknowledged that the programs will have soon have funding issues and need to be tweaked for future recipients by raising the retirement age. (Remember that 65 was an arbitrary number selected as retirement age more than a century ago because few people lived that long.)

Carr said he believes that the term entitlement has a negative connotation. He favors allowing people to opt out of Social Security and manage their own retirement benefits, which, he contended, provides a better return.

On the efficacy of background checks to prevent gun related violence:
Carr said that there is no need for additional checks when those currently in place are not being enforced and have no material impact on gun violence. He contended that the federal government’s “Fast and Furious” program that put guns into the hands of criminals is a blatant example of failure. “Do you want to trust the government that did that?” Carr asked.
Brat contended that the federal government’s job is not to manage, but rather protect, rights. He said that background checks should prevent guns from being in the hands of those who are a danger to themselves and others. He would make mental health a high priority.

Trammell said that the checks have an appropriate role in the management of Second Amendment rights, but mask a mental health epidemic.

Trammell and Brat both support the notion of impartial redistricting, probably knowing that it will never happen. Trammell decried the years of republican domination that resulted in gerrymandered majority republican districts, conveniently forgetting the days when things were the other way around.

Carr quipped that he has yet to see a majority libertarian district. He contended that more voters adhere to libertarian principles than those of the two dominant parties. “They just don’t know it yet.” He supports a truly transparent redistricting process.

Brat said that he already ran on his principles and won an election. Trammell said that he will “reach across the aisle” to work with like-minded legislators of both parties on important ideas.

Carr quipped that there are twelve people who run the Federal Government. “I will never get to talk to any of them.” But he also will not be beholden to power brokers. He acknowledged that the other candidates had made some valid points and, if elected, would take them to Washington with him.

Moderator Curtis Monk, president and CEO of Commonwealth Public Broadcasting, deftly handled the program. Timekeepers were Keith Flannagan and Robin Lind of the Goochland Electoral Board. Thanks to the Chamber and its president Ed Lawton and executive director Bonnie Creasey for staging the event. Thanks to the citizens who submitted questions for the candidates.

Citizens have the right to vote, which carries the responsibility to cast educated ballots. Please take the time to research each candidate and decide for yourself how to vote on November 4.

Homework

Homework
NEWS FLASH: A public hearing on a conditional use permit for Taco Bell in Centerville scheduled for the November 5 supervisors’ meeting has been deferred until the application completes the Design Review process.

The District 4 Town Hall meeting that kicked off the latest round of these sessions at the Grace Chinese Baptist Church on October 16 provided an interesting snapshot of citizen reaction to issues facing Goochland County.Supervisor Bob Minnick began the session with an overview of things going on.

County Treasurer Pam Johnson explained that, going forward, the car licensing fee, will only be levied on cars garaged in the county on January 1 and not prorated as it has been. This change, said Johnson, eliminates confusion for people who change cars during the year.
Johnson also said that bills for the second half of real estate taxes, which are due on December 5, should be in the mail soon.
If you have not received your bill, and do not escrow taxes, call her office. “Taxes,” said Johnson, “are still due even if you do not receive a bill.” Late penalties are stiff. She also explained that the Tuckahoe Creek Service District pay ad valorem tax is a tax, not a utility fee and mortgage companies should show it as such on statements.

Beth Hardy, who represents District 4 on the Goochland School Board, reported lots of good news from our school system. She said that the school board meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays and everyone is invited. (The meetings are live streamed, see the county website www.co.goochland.va.us for details.) All Goochland Schools, said Hardy, are 100 percent accredited, one of 22 such divisions in the Commonwealth’s The graduation rate is 95 percent and Goochland Schools outperformed Henrico and Chesterfield in the top three required categories of testing.

She said that the school board is very vocal, plugged in to education leadership at the local and state level. “They know who Goochland is.”
Dr. James Lane, Superintendent of Schools, recently named one of the “40 under 40” by Style Weekly added to the recital of achievements by our schools, students, and staff. He reiterated thanks for the fiscal support from the Board of Supervisors to implement the Marine Corps Junior ROTC program at the high school. Right now, Lane said, 20 percent of the student body at GHS participates in this program. Visit glnd.k12.va.us to see details about our schools.

Our school board and school staff are definitely doing their homework to the betterment of our kids and community.

Marshall Winn, a representative of VDOT reported that the long awaited traffic signal at the corner of Hockett and Broad Street Roads in Centerville should be operational by Thanksgiving.

Bids for the construction contract to replace the failing corrugated metal pipe under Ashland Road, whose fragile condition caused imposition the current detour for vehicles weighing four or more tons, will be advertised in January. If all goes well, he expects installation of a sturdy box culvert will be complete by the end of August, 2015. The contract, said Winn, will include an incentive for early completion.

Most of the meeting time, however, was absorbed by residents of the Parke at SaddleCreek in Centerville who are angry about McDonald’s and the possibility of a Taco Bell.

They are worried about what sort of people fast food outlets open to all hours of the night attract to Centerville, especially “vagrants from I-64.”

Ironically, when the land that is now The Parke at SaddleCreek was rezoned in late 2006, residents of the equestrian enclave on the southern border of the subdivision opposed the change because it would have a negative impact on their property values, would destroy the rural character of Centerville.

They said that those homes would overwhelm narrow roads roads with traffic, and increase crime because, who knew what kind of people would want to live in houses on tiny lots.

Speakers from SaddleCreek arrogantly contended that they live in an upscale rural subdivision and expect upscale amenities. (For truly upscale rural, see the homes to the south of SaddleCreek, valued upwards of seven figures on acreage with imposing homes, beautiful barns and generous fenced paddocks.)

As one gentleman, who lives west of Centerville, pointed out, there is nothing rural about the Parke at SaddleCreek. It is a suburban subdivision, albeit a nice one, no different from those in Henrico. Wonder how they like the Fall Festival of Firearms, which should start any day now.

The new residents complained that they “were told,” no doubt by someone who lives elsewhere eager to sell them a house, that Centerville would have upscale shops and restaurants. Instead, we have McDonald’s. They demanded that the county put “better” businesses there. Goodwill, Dollar General, and Food Lion are enough, they declared. Wonder if they realize that the corner behind them is zoned for a strip shopping center? CVS anyone?

Ironically, without the homes in SaddleCreek, Centerville’s population density might have been too low to meet McDonald’s “rooftop to retail” threshold.

Minnick and Board of Supervisors’ Chair Manuel Alvarez, Jr., District 2, tried to explain that the county does not decide which businesses locate here. Development is funded by private money and market driven. A landowner takes the risk that money invested will generate a reasonable rate of return.

“It’s not like we had a choice between McDonald’s and Ruth’s Chris,” said Minnick. “We don’t pick and choose.” Local government cannot be arbitrary and capricious in land use matters.

Fragile conditions in the rest of the region have an impact here, Minnick contended. With the Richmond region glutted with existing office space, why go to the bother and expense of building more in Centerville?

Longtime Centerville resident Joyce Gregory asked if the new residents patronize exiting local businesses, or turn up their noses at old buildings and take their business to Short Pump.

Places like McDonald’s bolster a meager supply of starter jobs for our young people so they can learn how to work. Upscale restaurants, with the complication of adult beverage service may need older workers.

Maybe they could pool their money and open a business to their liking.

The SaddleCreek folks were also upset about the ongoing odor issues with TCSD water, which supposedly takes 15 days to reach Goochland taps from the Henrico source. Minnick, who gets regular reports on the problem from Mrs. Minnick, said completion of a utilities master plan, and other changes in the mechanical aspects of the system are in the works. This is a very valid concern, and should be corrected.

The Taco Bell CUP application is on hold until the aesthetics issues are addressed, which is a wise move.

There’s lots of homework for everyone to do. Pay attention to what’s going on, and ask questions about the reasoning behind the decisions.
The District 2 and 3 Town Meeting will be on Wednesday, October 22 at Reynolds Community College; District 5 October 29 at Manakin Company 1 Fire-Rescue Station; and District 1 October 30 at Byrd School. All begin at 7. Stay informed!

Recognition

Goochland is getting noticed--at last--in a good way.

A letter dated September 25, 2014 announced that Goochland County, under the leadership of our intrepid County Administrator Rebecca Dickson, has received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the current (FY 2015) from the Government Finance Officers Association.

Goochland is one of 1,424 government entities to receive this honor for budgets beginning in 2013. According to a press release, to receive the award, the reporting unit must meet guidelines that assess how well the budget serves as: a policy document; a financial plan; an operations guide; and a communications device. Proficiency 14 mandatory criteria within those areas must also be demonstrated.

The budget also meets a locally imposed goal, transparency, by being posted in all its glory on the county website. Go to www.co.goochland.va.us to see for yourself. The budget contains a great deal of useful and interesting information about Goochland and is well worth a perusal.

Thanks and congratulations go to Dickson and the entire team that crafted the budget. Stewardship of public funds is vital for cost effective government and can only be achieved through hard work, dedication, and good leadership at all levels.

Speaking of leadership, Goochland School Superintendent Dr. James Lane has been named one of Style Weekly’s “top 40 under 40.” Go to http://www.styleweekly.com/richmond/2014-top-40-under-40 for details.

The Goochland School Board is to be commended for hiring Lane two years ago and recently extending his contract to ensure continuing dedicated and innovative excellence in education.

Goochland is changing for the better. Good schools and competent, accountable government are just the beginning.

Blood moon

The October 7 meeting of the Goochland Board of supervisors ended a few hours before the “Blood Moon” eclipse.

A stirring and appropriate invocation by the Rev. Jeff Spence, the Supervisors began the proceedings.

County employees marking five year service anniversaries were recognized. This year’s group represents over 275 combined years of working for the citizens of Goochland County.

Board Chair Manuel Alvarez, Jr. District 2, mentioned that the next round of town meetings will be held this month. Another meeting to discuss the future of the Old Central High School building on Dogtown Road will be held on November 18 at 7 p.m. in the Reynolds Community College meeting room. The building itself will be open for tours on October 18 from 11:30 to 1 p.m.; Monday October 20 from 9-11 a.m. and 6-8 p.m. for those interested in the matter.

On November 12, a meeting about the Centerville area arterial management study will be held at Centerville Company 3 fire-rescue station at 7 p.m.

County Administrator Rebecca Dickson reported that the 2014 edition of The Goochland Observer is available on the county website www.co.goochland.va.us. A limited number of hard copies are available. The shift to a primarily electronic publication represents a significant cost savings over mailing a copy to every household. This is essentially the county’s annual report to its “stockholders,” the citizens. It contains a great deal of useful and interesting information, but is written from the county’s point of view.

The board voted to authorize Dickson to execute a contract to spend $13,000 for the 2015 Fourth of July fireworks that is expected to improve the grand finale of the pyrotechnic display. The contract is included in the board packet.

Several fire-rescue items were addressed during the meeting. The Board approved a request to use $37,158 of funds generated by EMS revenue recovery to purchase a 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe to replace a 2004 vehicle used by the Deputy Chief of Operations. Goochland Fire-Rescue Chief Bill MacKay reported that the emergency medical technician (EMT) class currently underway is full, but, so far, none of the students have joined Goochland rescue squads.

The Supervisors adopted a resolution to establish a standard for EMS response times in the county. Going forward, a 15 or fewer minute response time for areas of the county east of Rt. 522 south of the Louisa line to its intersection with Jackson Shop Road to Route 6 and 20 or fewer minutes for areas to the west is the goal. There is no sanction for failing to meet the goal, but this is the first time that response time standards have been established. The supervisors will receive periodic updates on response times.

MacKay said that three career EMS crews will be on duty 24/7 by November 1 and augmented with volunteers when available. The career crews will be deployed east, central and west in an attempt to cover the whole county.

Every EMS crew wants to be instantly at the side of a patient. Many factors go into response time beyond the number of crews on duty at any given time. Weather, geography—a major obstacle in long, narrow Goochland—and what else is going on plays a part. If you are in a jurisdiction with 1,000 career staffed ambulances and your call happens to be the 1,001th, you will have to wait your turn.

MacKay said that, countywide, the EMS response time is 15 minutes or less 77 percent of the time and 20 minutes or sooner 92 percent of the time. He also cautioned that extenuating circumstances affect this. For instance, if all on duty EMS crews are out of the county transporting patients to area hospitals, response time will be longer.

Goochland fire-rescue is working hard to get care where it’s needed fast. In addition to ambulance crews, all apparatus has some EMS equipment on board because so many of our providers are cross trained in fire and EMS skills. Red and white fire-rescue vehicles staffed by advanced life support providers can reach patients and provide life-saving care while an ambulance, perhaps from the opposite end of the county, is on its way.
Establishing a measurable standard is a better way to determine the need for additional personnel than anecdotal reports of a long wait for an ambulance. It will be interesting to see how this plays out. (Please chime in with comments about this issue.)
The tricky part is that you can’t plan emergencies.

Goochland Fire-Rescue adopted stringent protective protocols concerning Ebola transmission a few weeks ago.
The slope over the close landfill that is now Hidden Rock Park needs work again. The supervisors authorized appropriating up to $110,000 from the parks development fund for mitigation.

Qiana Foote, Director of Information Technology made a presentation about retaining the firm CivicPlus to redesign the county website. This initiative will improve transparency and help increase citizen engagement in Goochland government. The new website will be tied to social media in an effort to get information to citizens in formats that they regularly use.

CivicPlus will also handle live streaming of county meetings. The current system in place, which is a free service, has some issues, and has commercials.

The first year fee for the project package is $25,565. Annual services going forward are $4,734 subject to a five percent annual increase in year three of the contract and beyond.

During the citizen comment period at the start of the evening portion of the meeting, Cathy Crockett and Baird Stokes voiced concerns about the application of biosolids--the end product of municipal waste water treatment plants--and industrial sludge-- stuff too icky to think about—to land in Goochland.

Crockett contended that the county needs to be sure that biosolids are not being over applied to the land to the detriment of surface water. She said that there is a rumor that biosolids could be spread on as many as 8,000 acres of county farmland. Crockett also alleged that there is no strict adherence to or oversight of proper land application of these substances.
Stokes said he is concerned about the negative impact of sludge and biosolids, as differentiated from animal manure, on values of property near the application sites. He worried that people will fearful to live near those sites. “I believe in property rights,” said Stokes. “But you need to be mindful of the effect of your actions on your neighbors.”
Jonathan Lyle, Director of the Monacan Soil and Water Conservation observed that “nutrients are nutrients” regardless of their source. He opposed regulations on farmers, who are also businessman that would lessen their economic competitiveness. (Biosolids are applied to land at no cost to farmers.)
Lyle supported biosolids application that is done safely, property, and does not intrude on anyone else’s property. Industrial sludge, he said, is different and he urged caution until more is known about its contents and long term consequences of land application.

Alvarez said that the Department of Environmental Quality will hold a hearing on the subject at its offices at 4949A Cox Road in Glen Allen at 7 p.m. on October 23. He favors increased testing standards for industrial sludge. The county will request a hearing for application of these substances to land in Goochland.

Board vice Chair Susan Lascolette, District 1, pointed out that the county has no power to regulate or stop application of these substances in Goochland. Putting some regulations on storage is about all local government can do.
The Board approved a lease for Verizon wireless to locate equipment on the Centerville water tower. This does not necessarily mean that cell service in the area will improve.

Celebrate fall for a good cause

This coming Sunday, October 12, Manakin Volunteer Fire-Rescue Company 1 will hold its annual chicken barbecue and field day at Benedictine Preparatory High School, 12829 River Road, rain or shine, from noon to 4 p.m.

Barbecue tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 6-12, little ones eat free. They can be purchased at Portico Restaurant.
Lots of other things will be going on.

As October is fire prevention month, the Manakin fire-rescue providers will have their equipment on display. There will be demonstrations of fire operations including vehicle extrication—cutting up a car with the “jaws of life,” and search and rescue dogs.
Photo ops with fire-rescue providers and apparatus are encouraged.

A MedFlight helicopter will land; its crew will explain the role that they play in saving lives in Central Virginia. (Be sure to offer a prayer when you see a MedFlight helicopter-- the crews deserve it and the patient needs it.)

The kids can enjoy a moon bounce and face painting.

Fire prevention and disaster preparedness displays will provide helpful tips for staying safe, no matter what.

Local organizations including the Goochland Historical Society, Monacan Soil and Water Conservation District, and the Goochland Free Clinic and Family Services will be on hand to explain their role in enriching our community
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This is also a great opportunity to visit the lovely grounds of Benedictine Preparatory High School, greet old friends and make new ones!