In case you missed the Aug. 23 Board of Supervisors meeting, here is a brief recap of items from the board’s work session and business meeting:
NASH ROAD EXTENSION
The board authorized the Director of Procurement to award a $25.1 million construction contract to Wagman Heavy Civil Inc. for the Nash Road Extension Project.
As part of Chesterfield’s fiscal year 2018 capital improvement plan, the board authorized staff to proceed with design and right-of-way acquisition for the project, which will relieve peak-hour congestion at the intersection of Beach Road and Route 10 by providing motorists an alternate route.
It includes construction of a new roadway from the current intersection of Nash and Beach roads to Route 10, a roundabout at the Nash/Beach intersection, a bridge over Swift Creek and a new signalized intersection at Route 10.
The county received four construction bids earlier this month, ranging from $25.1 million to $28.4 million. Wagman Heavy Civil Inc. was determined to have submitted the lowest responsive and responsible bid.
This bid exceeded the engineer’s estimate by 23%. Based on the current inflationary environment, staff didn’t recommend re-advertising the project for additional bids. The board transferred $6.1 million of current appropriations to cover the funding shortfall.
ELECTION UPDATE
Missy Vera, Chesterfield’s general registrar and director of elections, updated the board about her office’s preparations for the upcoming November 2023 election. You can watch her presentation in its entirety by clicking on the image below.
SECOND PHASE OF SOLAR INITIATIVE
The board approved leases for installation of solar power generation equipment on six more county schools: Falling Creek Middle, West Area Middle, Swift Creek Middle, Evergreen Elementary, Meadowbrook High and Thomas Dale High (metal roof only).
Through a partnership with Sun Tribe and Dominion Energy, Chesterfield formally launched its solar energy initiative in June with 11 school and municipal facilities, four of which won’t go live until next spring.
The project will be executed via a power purchase agreement. In addition to clean, renewable energy, this will provide the county with cost savings, primarily through securing long-term electric rate stability.
Power purchase agreements require no capital investment from Chesterfield, as the vendor owns, installs, operates and maintains the equipment. School facilities will only use the energy they generate, thus they will not feed the electric grid, and the county will not sell electricity. Utility power remains connected to service the facilities as needed.
The solar initiative will generate approximately 4.6 megawatts at full buildout, which produces a carbon offset of more than 127,000 metric tons during the 25-year life of the program. This is equivalent to the carbon emissions from more than 13 million gallons of gasoline.
SOCIAL SERVICES ANNUAL UPDATE
Kiva Rogers, Chesterfield’s director of social services, presented an annual update during the board’s afternoon work session. Watch the full presentation below.
COUNTY AIRPORT’S SOUTHEAST APRON PROJECT
The board appropriated grant funds from the Virginia Department of Aviation and authorized the award of a construction contract for the Chesterfield County Airport’s Southeast Apron Project.
Development of the southeast apron will enhance customer service at the airport by accommodating current and future operational and tenant demand. All of its corporate hangar locations are currently leased.
The construction contract will be awarded to New Field Inc., the lowest responsive and responsible bidder.
A $5.4 million grant from the Virginia Department of Aviation will fund 80% of the project cost and was approved at the August 11 meeting of the Virginia Aviation Board. The balance of the project, $1.3 million, will be funded from the county’s capital improvement plan and was appropriated through previous board action.
INTRODUCTION OF STEGMAIER FELLOW
Mary Romanello, Chesterfield’s inaugural Stegmaier fellow, was publicly introduced during the board’s afternoon work session. Watch video of the presentation below.
You can learn more about Mary and the Stegmaier Public Service Fellowship by clicking here.