Chesterfield County, Virginia's Weekly E-Newsletter
|
|
|
Stay Connected with Chesterfield!
|
|
Scroll to the bottom for more helpful links and resources to stay up to date on all things Chesterfield!
|
|
Vote Early at the General Registrar's Office Now
|
|
The office, located 9848 Lori Road, Chesterfield, is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; and will be open the two Saturdays (Oct. 24 and Oct. 31) before the election from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Early voting starts at the four County Libraries listed below on Monday, Oct. 19. The libraries are open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday – Friday and will be open the two Saturdays before the election. The Saturday hours are 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
|
|
|
Absentee ballots may also be returned to these locations beginning Oct. 19 through Nov. 3.
North Courthouse Road Library | 325 Courthouse Road, North Chesterfield
LaPrade Library | 9000 Hull Street Road, North Chesterfield
Meadowdale Library | 4301 Meadowdale Blvd, North Chesterfield
Ettrick-Matoaca Library | 4501 River Road, South Chesterfield
Saturday, Oct. 31 at 5 p.m. is the last day of early voting.
|
|
Funds Allocated to Improve Otterdale Road
|
|
At the Sept. 23 meeting, the Chesterfield Board of Supervisors approved the allocation of $30 million in bonds for road and drainage improvements throughout the county due to historic flooding that occurred on Aug. 15. A significant portion of these funds will be used to improve the crossings on Otterdale Road which routinely flood during heavy rain storms.
This allocation by the Board supports a larger effort to improve historic drainage problems throughout the county. In addition to Otterdale Road, this funding will be used to improve other areas of concern throughout the county.
Now with this funding, the county can begin field work to develop a design plan with the goal of having a conceptual design to share with the public by spring 2021. Construction would be anticipated to start in fall 2021 and community meetings will be held before then to explain construction timelines and potential traffic impacts.
Also, watch the video below to hear Board of Supervisors Vice Chair Kevin Carroll discuss the planned improvements.
|
|
Next Week is Fire Prevention Week
|
|
Kitchen fires are the leading cause of fires in the county, and Chesterfield Fire and EMS wants all residents to learn how they can be proactive in protecting their families and their homes.
Check back next week for fire prevention tips and educational opportunities from Chesterfield County firefighters. In the meantime, be sure to follow Chesterfield County Fire and EMS on Facebook and Instagram.
|
|
|
Robert Smet Named Parks and Rec Director
|
|
After a nationwide recruitment, Chesterfield County announced Robert Smet as its new director of Parks and Recreation. Smet, who currently serves as the county’s assistant director of Parks and Recreation, will begin his new role effective Oct. 1. He will replace Dr. James Worsley, who was appointed deputy county administrator for Human Services by the Board of Supervisors in August.
With more than 25 years of management experience across various industries, Smet joined the Department of Parks and Recreation in 2012. As manager of the Rockwood Nature Center, he increased the center’s revenues by nearly 300% while greatly expanding the range of programs offered to Chesterfield County’s residents. Promoted to chief of finance in 2016, Smet was responsible for the department’s financial management, including report preparation, budgeting, purchasing, accounting, fixed assets and multi-year planning. In 2018, Smet became assistant director and played an instrumental role in the department’s attainment of national accreditation, the opening of the Stonebridge Recreation Center and the operational overhaul of River City Sportsplex.
Before joining Chesterfield County Government, Smet accumulated significant management and leadership experience in the private sector, holding positions with Dominion Energy, aluminum producer Alcoa, Inc., heavy marine construction contractor Skipjack Marine Development and Evergreen Enterprises, Inc.
As the director of the Department of Parks and Recreation, he will serve as a key advisor to the county administrator and the Board of Supervisors while leading the county’s sports tourism efforts and overseeing maintenance of more than 180 parks, playground, and athletic facilities.
Smet is also a published author, with over thirteen articles appearing in nationally circulated publications in the last seven years. His work in recreation and conservation has received awards from the National Association of Counties, Virginia Association of Counties, National Association of County Parks and Recreation Officials and the National Parks Conservation Association.
A certified Parks and Recreation professional, Smet holds a B.S. degree from the University of Wisconsin, He earned a graduate certificate in public management from Virginia Commonwealth University’s L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs, where is currently finishing working to attain his MPA.
|
|
Utilities Director Wins A.H. Paessler Award
|
|
Chesterfield County’s Director of Utilities George B. Hayes, P.E., was awarded the A. H. Paessler Award from the Virginia Water Environment Association on Sept. 15. President Laurissa Hoyle, presented this award in recognition of Hayes’ commitment to protecting the environment and endless contributions to the wastewater industry. This is the first time a Chesterfield County employee was presented with this distinguished award, which is only presented once a year to a single recipient for the entire Commonwealth of Virginia.
Hayes is a registered Professional Engineer and has worked for Chesterfield County Utilities for over fourteen years, serving as the Director of Utilities since 2015. Under his innovative leadership, the department completed numerous projects to improve water quality and protect the environment. The biological nutrient removal upgrade projects at the county’s wastewater treatment plants have been successful in removing over 2 million pounds of nutrients each year, protecting the water quality in the James River and Chesapeake Bay.
Most recently, Hayes has been focused on long-term wastewater and water-supply planning. Projects are underway for the expansion of the county’s wastewater treatment facility, providing environmentally protective wastewater treatment for the next 90 years. The department also is in the permitting phase for a fourth potable water supply on the tidal Appomattox River, anticipated to provide an additional century of safe and reliable water supply.
Hayes was recognized at the Sept. 23 Board of Supervisors meeting.
|
|
Updates from Virginia Governor Ralph Northam
|
|
Governor Northam Announces Expansion of Rent and Mortgage Relief Program for Landlords
"Governor Ralph Northam today announced the expansion of the Rent and Mortgage Relief Program (RMRP), which first launched at the end of June with $50 million in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding to assist households facing eviction or foreclosure due to COVID-19. Landlords can now apply to receive financial assistance for current and past-due rental payments dating back to April 1, 2020 on behalf of their tenants who qualify for RMRP. This new application is available in addition to the existing tenant-based application."
|
|
The 2020 general election will be conducted on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020, and residents have three ways to cast their votes:
- Absentee Ballot Voting
- Early Voting
- General Election Day Voting
|
|
|
Ballots will be mailed-out to county voters beginning Friday, Sept. 18, and the last day to request a mailed ballot is 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23.
Once you receive your absentee ballot, follow the instructions carefully in voting and returning your ballot.
Voters are encouraged to immediately vote and return their ballots to the Registrar’s Office.
There are several ways to return your ballot:
- Mail your ballot back via the U.S. Postal Service by using the return envelope sent to your residence by the Registrar’s Office. Voters also can use a commercial delivery service such as FedEx or UPS to return your ballot.
- Return your absentee ballot in-person at the Chesterfield Registrar’s Office at 9848 Lori Road, Chesterfield, Va. 23832.
- Return your ballot to the following secure drop-off locations beginning Oct. 19 during hours of operation:
- North Courthouse Road Library | 325 Courthouse Road, North Chesterfield
- LaPrade Library | 9000 Hull Street Road, North Chesterfield
- Meadowdale Library | 4301 Meadowdale Blvd, North Chesterfield
- Ettrick-Matoaca Library | 4501 River Road, South Chesterfield
Your ballot must be returned, or postmarked, to the Registrar’s Office in-person by 7 p.m. Nov. 3.
|
|
Early Voting and Satellite Locations
|
|
Registered voters may vote early at the General Registrar’s office beginning Friday, Sept. 18. The office, located 9848 Lori Road, Chesterfield, is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; and will be open the two Saturdays (Oct. 24 and Oct. 31) before the election from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Early voting starts at the four County Libraries listed below on Monday, Oct. 19. The libraries are open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday – Friday and will be open the two Saturdays before the election. The Saturday hours are 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- North Courthouse Road Library | 325 Courthouse Road, North Chesterfield
- LaPrade Library | 9000 Hull Street Road, North Chesterfield
- Meadowdale Library | 4301 Meadowdale Blvd, North Chesterfield
- Ettrick-Matoaca Library | 4501 River Road, South Chesterfield
Saturday, Oct. 31 at 5 p.m. is the last day of early voting.
|
|
General Election Day Voting on Nov. 3
|
|
If you cannot early vote or miss the deadline to request an absentee ballot, all of Chesterfield’s polling locations will be open from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Nov. 3 for in-person voting.
The number of voters allowed inside the polling place at any time will be limited to adhere to social distancing and give poll workers time to sanitize machines and equipment for use. All voters are asked to wear a mask and adhere to social distancing protocols.
If you voted early in person or submitted a marked absentee ballot to the Registrar’s office, you can neither cast another ballot, nor change your vote in person on Election Day.
|
|
Become an Officer of Election
|
|
Chesterfield County announced a $100 recruitment bonus to poll workers selected to work during the Nov. 3 General Election.
|
|
Chesterfield currently boasts more than 1,300 officers of election. However, an overwhelming number of those officers are over the age of 65, and with the growing concerns about the resurgence of COVID-19 in the fall, the Registrar’s Office is preparing for several of those officers to potentially sit out this election.
Learn more by watching the linked video.
|
|
|
|
Meet Earl Grey!
This handsome boy is Earl Grey—Grey for short. He is a very energetic boy and has a ton of happiness to go around! Grey loves to go outside and play fetch and run around the yard.
Grey would prefer a home with a fenced-in yard so that he can trot around and sun bathe. Grey is very particular on the company he chooses to keep and would need to do a meet and greet to go home with another dog. He cannot go to a home with children because of his high energy. He is very gentle when taking treats. He also knows "sit" and "down!"
Earl Grey is a 2 year old Catahoula Leopard Dog/Pitbull mix and weighs 53 pounds. Animal #580774.
|
|
County Response to COVID-19
|
|
Other important information and updates on resources for Virginians can be found at:
|
|
Chesterfield Health Department
Free COVID-19 Testing in October
|
|
As part of a statewide push to increase testing across the commonwealth, the Chesterfield Health Department is hosting free COVID-19 testing events in the month of October.
The free indoor, walk-up testing events will occur on the following days and locations:
Mondays: Oct. 5, 12, 19 and 26 – 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Cornerstone Church
10551 Chalkley Road
Tuesdays: Oct. 6, 13, 20 and 27 – 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Walmsley United Methodist Church
2950 Walmsley Blvd.
Thursdays: Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29 – 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Cornerstone Church
10551 Chalkley Road
Saturdays: Oct. 10, 17, 24 and 31 – 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Faith and Family Center
7900 Walmsley Blvd.
No reservation is necessary. Additional testing events are pending and will be announced once finalized.
|
|
Remember to Complete Your U.S. Census!
|
|
The deadline to complete the U.S. census is fast approaching, and Chesterfield encourages residents who have not yet completed their 2020 U.S. Census to do so as soon as possible.
Completing the Census is easy!
Households should have received official U.S. Census Bureau mail with detailed information on how to respond to the 2020 U.S. Census online, by phone or by mail.
Pay close to attention to the unique number given to your household and be prepared to use it during your response.
The 2020 U.S. Census is mandatory and responses are based upon the members of a household as of April 1 (Census Day).
|
|
|
To learn more about the 2020 U.S. Census, visit the official website at my2020census.gov.
|
|
Learn More About Your District
|
|
|
|
|
|
|