The Board of Supervisors met yesterday, July 25. You can review the Board Package here and watch the meeting here. Here are several highlights of the meeting:

Budget Carryover Package:

• The Budget Carryover Package was presented to the Board. It includes a $203.14 million General Fund balance, with recommendations for allocating $200.9 million and a $2.24 million balance available for the Board’s consideration. A public hearing and vote on the package are scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 26. Learn more.

Announcement:

• In the northeast part of Hunter Mill District is a beautiful stream valley that includes Old Courthouse Spring Branch and Raglan Road Park that is owned partially by the Fairfax County Park Authority and also by several commercial and residential property owners. I am creating a community-led Task Force with representatives of property owners (including the Park Authority) and other community partners to develop high-level strategies for the preservation and enhancement of the ecological assets in the stream valley. Learn more. Pictured is a recent tour I made of the stream valley with community members.

My Board Matters:

• Reston Transit Station Area SSPAs and Comprehensive Plan Amendment Work Program
• Recognition of South Lakes High School Women’s Winning Indoor Track and Field State Championships
• Carryover Consideration for Lake Anne Economic Visioning Project
• Carryover Consideration Item for Pre-Development of Permanent Supportive Housing Costs

The Board proclaimed July as Parks and Recreation Month. I recently enjoyed the opportunity to tour one of my favorite parks - Frying Pan Farm Park - with Fairfax County Park Authority Executive Director Jai Cole. Take a look:

NOTE: The Board of Supervisors has committee meetings scheduled for Aug. 1 and then will be on recess until Sept. 12. Also, please note that the Hunter Mill District office will be closed the week of Aug. 7.

Reston Comprehensive Plan Updates Town Hall, Tomorow, July 27

Following a second public hearing last week on July 19, the Fairfax County Planning Commission recommended adoption by the Board of Supervisors of the Reston Comprehensive Plan Amendment, as amended by the Planning Commission. (Watch meeting here). The Board of Supervisors is scheduled to hold a public hearing and have a decision on Sept. 12. If you have questions or comments about the Comprehensive Plan Amendment, I encourage you to attend my town hall on Thursday, July 27 at 7 p.m. at the North County Governmental Center, 1801 Cameron Glen Dr., Reston. County staff and Planning Commissioner John Carter will be on hand to provide highlights of the plan amendment and answer your questions. I will also be there to listen, and I look forward to seeing you there. If you need more information about the town hall, please contact my office at huntermill@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Thanks to Reston District Station Officer Brandi Horita (not pictured) for ensuring that some of our most vulnerable unhoused community members will get much needed emergency heat kits during excessive heat days. She saw information that the Office to Prevent and End Homelessness (OPEH) was providing the kits for the unhoused at libraries and other county facilities. Officer Horita then contacted Gwenn Minton (on left) in my office to see if the Reston Station officers could have some of the kits to provide to people in need that they come across on their patrols. OPEH Director Tom Barnett (on right) dropped off the kits yesterday to Reston Station Commander Mohammed Oluwa and Sergeant Michelle Pastora (both pictured), which include a water bottle, body wipes, sun hat, insect repellent, sunscreen, small battery-powered fan and more.

A heat advisory and excessive heat watch has been issued for Thursday and Friday.

Stay safe everyone and if you see someone in need, contact the Police non-emergency number: 703-691-2131.

Vienna Connect: Town Services

Vienna Connect is the Town of Vienna's resident application to report various requests or problems to Town staff. This service is for non-emergency requests and is monitored on weekdays. Learn more.

Opioid Overdoses Continue; Learn How to Get Help

Last year, there were more than 300 nonfatal opioid overdoses in the Fairfax Health District. Community members are asked to stay vigilant and learn how to access help as the county works to curb fatal and nonfatal drug overdoses. A growing area of concern here in Fairfax County (and around the country) is fatal and nonfatal overdoses involving youth. Learn more.

Mental Health Resources

Mental Health Matters--Resources, Trainings and Videos 

Volunteers and Donations Needed

How to Help Your Neighbors in Hunter Mill District

4-H Fair and Carnival at Frying Pan Farm Park Aug. 3-6

Celebrate Fairfax County's agricultural traditions and enjoy some old-fashioned fun as the Fairfax County 4-H Fair and Carnival returns to historic Frying Pan Farm Park in Herndon, Aug. 3 to 6. Learn more.

The Importance of Flood Insurance – What to Know

Just one inch of water in a home can cost roughly $25,000 in damage. Most homeowners and renter’s insurance does not cover damage caused by flooding. Learn more about the National Flood Insurance Program which provides about $1.3 trillion in coverage to more than 4.7 million policyholders across the nation.

Is an Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Right for You?

If you experience hearing loss, you aren’t alone. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, nearly 30 million adults in the United States have some degree of hearing loss, but only a fifth of those who could benefit from a hearing aid seek help. Read the latest Golden Gazette for more information.