COUNTY OF HENRICO, VIRGINIA BOARD OF SUPERVISORS SPECIALI MEETING April 11, 2024  The Henrico County Board of Supervisors convened a special meeting at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday,April 11, 2024, Echo Lake Park, 5701 Springfield Road, Glen Allen, VA 23060  Members of the Board Present: Tyrone E. Nelson, Chairman, Varina District Roscoe D. Cooper, III, Fairfield District Misty D. Whitehead, Three Chopt District Jody K. Rogish, Tuckahoe District Member of the Board Absent:  Daniel J. Schmitt, Vice Chairman, Brookland District  Other Officials Present: John A. Vithoulkas, County Manager  Tanya N. Brackett, CMC, Assistant to the County Manager/Clerk to the Board Cari M. Tretina, Deputy County Manager/Chief of Staff Steven J. Yob, Deputy County Manager for Community Operations Terrell Hughes, Director of Public Works Kristin Owen, Floodplain & Dam Safety Manager Ben A. Sheppard, Director of Public Relations  Mr. Nelson thanked everyone for coming. He recognized the members of the Board of Supervisors and stated he knew Mr. Schmitt would be with us ifh he was not under the weather. He wished him a speedy recovery. He highlighted Henrico County's exceptional management of environmentally sensitive properties and how the County's efforts are having a positive impact for our residents and property owners - specifically, those efforts will save them money when Mr. Nelson was excited to announce Henrico has received an exemplary rating from the Federal Emergency Management. Agency's Community. Rating System thati is among thel highest ratings in the state. The FEMA rating is just another example of Henrico County's outstanding record ofenvironmental stewardship, which includes buying and preserving open space, like Varina on the James, which encompasses more than 2,000 acres of! historic, environmentally sensitive land along the James River. Mr. Nelson stated the County has invested millions of dollars in improving drainage and reducing flooding across the County. In 2022, the bond referendum which passed overwhelmingly thanks to voters included over 50 million dollars for stormwater and drainage improvements throughout the County. He listed several projects:  they buy flood insurance.  Working with Schools to establish the Center for Environmental Studies and Sustainability at Varina High School, and building a world-class environmental  education center at Wilton Farm    Restoring streams toi improve neighborhoods and communities and ultimately toj provide Cobbs Creek Reservoir is nearing the end ofc construction and will soon begin operations tol help meet public water needs and promote a healthier James River Putting solar panels on schools, County buildings, and other sites to capture renewable energy and reduce dependence on grid-generated electricity Building sidewalks, trails, and bike lanes to provide convenient, safe, and sustainable Supporting the County's HEART Committee tol lead new environmental initiatives  ac cleaner, healthier James River and the Chesapeake Bay  travel options throughout the County  He next: recognized Terrell Hughes, Director of] Public Works.  Mr. Hughes thanked everyone for coming and stated this would not be possible without the support of the Board and the County Manager. He noted the County has been a part of the FEMA Floodplain program since 1981 and what Kristin Owen has done in joining the Community Rating System ("CRS")p program is ai true milestone. Mr. Hughes recognized Kristin Owen, Floodplain & Dam Safety Manager with the Department tof Public Works. Mrs. Owen stated she was excited to announce a new chapter with the County joining the CRS program, which is a testament to how the community prioritizes the well-being and safety of One of the most tangible outcomes is the potential for significant savings on flood insurance premiums with up to 25% discount for anyone with a National Flood Insurance Program insurance policy, the discount will automatically go into effect starting October 1, 2024, for new policies. Ifyou're an existing policyholder, it will go into effect when your policy is renewed. Mrs. Owen continued explaining by enhancing the floodplain management practices, the County is also making the community safer and more resilient against flood events and protecting the environment. By securing a 5* rating, the program reflects our collective Mrs. Owen stated the focus of the CRS program is to serve the residents by enhancing safety measures, ensuring everyone is well-informed about flood risks, and helping them benefit from reduced insurance rates. All helping to make sure Henrico is not just a place you live, but a place where you feel supported and secure. Also, participating in the CRS program means we are committed to maintaining and improving our standards and ensuring that we have robust emergency response plans, sustainable development practices, and effective public information services. She explained the * next to the rating, which means, although we are a Class 5, we Mrs. Owen explained the County will continue to improve our class rating and increase the insurance discount, and the next steps are about serving: you better and making sure that our community remains a safe, vibrant place to live, work, play, and visit. She welcomed residents tos stay connected through the County's website and noted residents' engagement is a valuable  every resident: in Henrico by responsibly managing our floodplains.  dedication to excellence, particularly how we serve the community.  actually have enough points to be Class 4, which provides a 30% discount.  part of shaping the floodplain resilience efforts.  2    Mr. Sheppard thanked everyone for attending and concluded the meeting. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned/at 11:21 a.m.  Board of Supervisors  Herrieo County, Virginia  gub  3