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Albemarle County Community Digest
June 2024
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Welcome to another monthly edition of the Albemarle County Community Digest. Thank you for subscribing and being an engaged member of our community! Please share this email with any friends, family, and neighbors who might be interested in staying informed. | |
Upcoming Events & Opportunities | |
Extended Juneteenth Celebration at Simpson Park – Happening this Sunday, June 30 | |
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The Extended Juneteenth Celebration at Simpson Park is a fantastic opportunity to come out and enjoy an afternoon honoring the legacy of James Elias (J.E.) Simpson. Join us as we unveil new signage in the park that recognizes Mr. J.E. Simpson, the park’s namesake.
There'll be something for everyone including live music from the Horace Scruggs Band, food trucks, fire truck demos, a spray pad, and more.
So, mark your calendars for this Sunday, June 30, from 4 - 7 pm, and head down to Simpson Park at 2410 Simpson Ln, Esmont, VA 22937.
We hope to see you there! Learn more at www.albemarle.org/county-calendar.
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Current Job Openings: Join the Albemarle County Team | |
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Residential Combination Inspector II performs various functions relating to the enforcement of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (VUSBC) that ensures the safety of life and property from all hazards incident to building design, construction, use, repair, removal, or demolition. Learn more about this opening and apply here.
Civil Engineer I performs professional engineering, technical, and administrative work related to the planning, design, and inspection of land development and public improvements; assures compliance with County ordinances; and other related work. Learn more about this opening and apply here.
Family Preservation Services Worker assesses the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning of children and their families and develops and implements sophisticated psychosocial case plans that integrate psychodynamic, systemic, medical, and social-ecological intervention approaches. Also provides direct counseling, applying family-systems treatment models to complex family situations, in such a way as to strengthen families and prevent family dissolution. Learn more about this opening and apply here.
The Albemarle County Police Department is actively recruiting a Police Services Specialist to join our team. This is a full-time entry-level position in the Services and Activities Center responsible for the function of records and communications. **THIS POSITION IS ELIGIBLE FOR A $5,000 SIGN-ON BONUS** Learn more and apply here.
View all the current job openings and apply today!
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Fireworks Safety Reminder
The safest way to view fireworks is to attend a professional show. It is important to remember that fireworks are hazardous in the hands of consumers. Fireworks cause thousands of injuries each year.
If you do opt for at-home fireworks, please remember:
- Only use legal fireworks.
- Always have adult supervision.
- Never aim fireworks at another person or structure.
- Have a water source handy.
- Never attempt to re-light a firework.
- Use only one firework at a time and keep your distance from others after you light it.
Here are a few ideas to get into the patriotic spirit, without fireworks:
- Use glow sticks, they glow in the dark and are a safe alternative to a sparkler.
- Outdoor movie night with a screen and projector.
- Red, white, and blue silly string.
- Throw a birthday party for the USA - with cake!
⚠️Special Note on Dry Weather Conditions: During dry weather, the risk of fire increases significantly. Please consider attending public fireworks displays conducted by professionals instead of using fireworks at home. An apparatus and fire marshal from ACFR will be on-site at each professional fireworks show in Albemarle County. If you choose to use fireworks, take extra precautions to avoid igniting dry grass or foliage. Your vigilance can prevent a wildfire and protect our community.
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Be sure to check out these tips to keep your friends and family healthy and safe this summer. Our community's health and safety is a top priority. Let's all commit to a safe summer - share this flyer with your neighbors. | |
Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority: Water Supply - Conservation is Encouraged | |
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Dry weather throughout our area and central Virginia has resulted in moderate drought-like conditions, as indicated by the U.S. Drought Monitor. On Tuesday, June 25, the Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority (RWSA), declared a drought watch. A drought watch is declared to increase public awareness about the climatic conditions and stream flows that indicate there is a concern for an impending drought.
Recovery from drought-like conditions may take several months, depending on the amount of rain we receive and the severity of the dry conditions in the watershed. To continue to sustain acceptable levels in the water supply, we encourage Albemarle County Service Authority (ACSA) customers to undertake conservation activities such as limiting washing vehicles and pavement surfaces, operating decorative fountains, outdoor watering, and filling pools.
Albemarle County values stewardship and the protection of our natural resources. We appreciate your mindfulness and encourage the community to help conserve water - both at work and at home. We can all help by being aware of water use during our daily activities:
- Report any plumbing leaks so that they can be repaired as soon as possible.
- Take brief showers.
- Don't leave water running when brushing teeth, washing dishes, preparing food, etc.
- Run full loads in washing machines and dishwashers rather than multiple smaller loads.
For more information on water supply and how you can support water conservation, please visit www.serviceauthority.org and read the related press release.
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Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT): Upcoming Road Closure at Hydraulic Road and U.S. 29 for Transportation Improvements Starts on July 8 | |
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Beginning Monday, July 8, a contractor for the Virginia Department of Transportation will close the signalized intersection of Route 743 (Hydraulic Road) and Hillsdale Drive in the City of Charlottesville to convert it to a two-lane roundabout with pedestrian crosswalks on all four approaches.
Once work begins, drivers will not be able to use the intersection, however, there will be alternative routes around the work zone.
Drivers westbound on U.S. 250 (U.S. 250 Bypass) who wish to use Hydraulic Road to access U.S. 29 (Seminole Trail) will instead travel farther west to U.S. 29. Southbound drivers on U.S. 29 who want to use Hydraulic Road to access U.S. 250 will instead continue south and take the exit to U.S. 250 east.
During construction, the public will have access to all businesses near the intersection. Read more about this transportation project.
The roundabout will open to traffic and the detour will be lifted no later than August 13.
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Thursday, July 4 - Albemarle County offices will be closed on Thursday, July 4, in observance of the Independence Day holiday. Public safety departments will operate as usual.
Offices will reopen on Friday, July 5, 2024, on a regular schedule.
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June 2024 Proclamations and Recognitions | |
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During June meetings, the Board of Supervisors proclaimed June as LGBTQ Pride Month, recognized National Gun Violence Awareness Day, recognized June 19 as Juneteenth, and recognized July 12 as John Henry James Day in Albemarle County, VA. We continue to commit to ensuring an equitable, inclusive community for everyone. We also value and appreciate all members of our community.
These photos are of recipients, along with staff and community members who received these recognitions this month. Learn more about each one and read all the individual proclamations from the June Board of Supervisors meetings at Albemarle.Legistar.com.
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Community Development Department Reminder | |
Restructured Fee Schedule Will Go Into Effect July 1, 2024
The Albemarle County Board of Supervisors approved a restructured fee schedule for all Community Development Department (CDD) fees that will be implemented soon. The unified fee schedule will become Chapter 1, Section 500 of the Albemarle County Code. The new fee schedule takes effect on July 1, 2024, and will be reflected in the system the same day. View the new fee schedule here.
As a reminder, please use the new fee schedule to calculate fees when submitting via our two digital methods:
Please note: Applications received after June 30, 2024, are subject to the new fee schedule. Fees for inspections occurring on or after July 1, 2024, are based on the new fee schedule.
Questions? Email ApplicationServices@albemarle.org or call 434-296-5832 to schedule an appointment.
IMPORTANT NOTE: To implement the new fee structure, the system will be unavailable from Friday, June 28 at 8 am until Monday, July 1 at 8 am.
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Economic Development Office (EDO)
Community Investment Collaborative (CIC) Fall 2024 Entrepreneur Workshop Applications are OPEN! - Apply by July 5
Attention aspiring and existing entrepreneurs in Albemarle County! Do you need a supportive space to learn more about business basics? Do you want to own a business, but are not sure where to start? Our community partners at the Community Investment Collaborative (CIC) have a 16-week Entrepreneur Workshop with you in mind!
Each Tuesday, beginning in August, you'll have the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and learn from experienced professionals in the area.
Visit cicville.org by Friday, July 5 for more information and to apply!
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Albemarle County Parks and Recreation (ACPR) | |
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The 2024 Swim Season has Begun and Summer is Here!
Catch some rays, have some fun, and enjoy a splash-filled summer, all wrapped in one at one of our swimming beaches at Chris Greene Lake Park, Walnut Creek Park, and Mint Springs Valley Park!
We’re open this summer 7 days a week, from 10 am to 6 pm - through August 18. After August 18, we will transition to being open only on weekends until Labor Day, September 2.
Fees for Albemarle County residents are $3 for adults, $2 for children (ages 4-12), and free for swimmers under 4 and over 62. Fees for non-Albemarle County residents are $5 for adults, $3 for children (ages 4-12), and free for swimmers under 4. All fees are cash or check only.
😎⛱️☀️Did you know we also have season passes for Summer Swim? Grab your season pass and fully enjoy the summer swim season! Passes are available for purchase in person at the lake entrance booth when you arrive.
We also offer kayak, canoe, and paddleboard rentals at Walnut Creek and Chris Greene Lake for $15 per hour! Learn more about this and other Summer Swim details for this season!
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Albemarle County to Implement Usage Fees for EV Charging | |
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Beginning in July 2024, Albemarle County will implement usage fees at the electric vehicle (EV) charging stations located at the Albemarle County office buildings. This measure is part of our ongoing efforts to practice responsible fiscal management while also promoting sustainable transportation, which is aligned with our Climate Action Plan. These fees are designed to cover the operating costs of our EV charging stations and encourage efficient use, ensuring broader access for all users.
Current Usage and Costs
In the past three years, the EV chargers have hosted over 8,000 unique drivers and dispensed over 771 megawatt hours of electricity. This has saved an estimated 528 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, equivalent to approximately 59,430 gallons of gasoline or 1,350,791 miles driven by an average internal combustion engine vehicle.
As the demand for EV charging grows, our stations now experience an average usage of over 40 megawatt hours per month, costing approximately $5,000 per month (or $60,000 per year). Initially, when the chargers were installed, the Virginia code did not allow state agencies and localities to assess fees for the distribution of electricity, resulting in free service to the public. However, recent amendments to Virginia code § 2.2-614.5 now allow localities to operate fee-based EV charging infrastructure. With the growing use, it is time to recover the costs of operating the chargers.
Approved Charging Fees
Effective July 1, 2024, Albemarle County will implement the following fee structure:
- Charging Rate: $0.147 per kilowatt hour.
- Dwell-Time Fee: $2.00 per hour, capped at $25.00 per session. This fee will apply once the EV’s battery is fully charged and a 30-minute grace period has expired.
By implementing these fees, Albemarle County will be able to recover operating costs and invest in additional charging infrastructure on publicly owned properties, further enhancing accessibility and supporting our goal of a sustainable future. Read the full email and learn about the EV charging stations.
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Real Estate Property Assessments Underway in Albemarle County | |
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We are committed to enhancing the quality of residential real estate data to improve the accuracy of property assessments. Each year, as part of the routine assessment process, we inspect approximately 20% of properties. This year, County staff plans to visit over 8,000 properties. Onsite inspections are needed to ensure that property information on file with Albemarle County is accurate and up to date. Please note: inspections are of the exterior buildings on the property.
To keep our community informed, here are some details about what to expect during the assessment period, which takes place from March to August each year.
Staff completing the assessments will have County identification and drive vehicles marked with the Albemarle County seal. The appraisers will knock on residents' doors to notify individuals they are there and, in some cases, to ask specific questions about the basement finish or other general details when needed.
If no one answers the door, the appraiser will place a door hanger on the home's doorknob with details on the date and time of the visit, then proceed with the exterior inspection and will not return to the front door when the inspection is finished. If the appraiser sees a “no trespassing sign,” and no one answers the door to provide permission or if permission is not granted, they will not continue with an inspection.
If you have any questions, please contact the Assessor’s Office at 434-296-5856.
Learn more from this related email.
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People & Project Spotlights | |
Albemarle County Fire Rescue (ACFR) Recruit Graduation | |
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Albemarle County Fire Rescue (ACFR) is pleased to introduce its newest firefighters. This group of 27 all received training on emergency technician skills, firefighter survival, car seat installation, emergency vehicle operations, and more. ACFR celebrated their accomplishments during a graduation ceremony on June 27.
Are you looking for a rewarding career in fire and rescue? ACFR’s next application period will open July 16 through August 16. Experience is not necessary. Learn more at www.WorkForACFR.com.
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