By Heather Michon
Correspondent
Recognition for fire and rescue volunteers was at the top of the agenda at Wednesday evening’s Board of Supervisors meeting (Aug. 7).
Supervisors unanimously approved a resolution recognizing volunteer firefighters and paramedics for their “unwavering commitment and bravery” in service to Fluvanna County and praised their “professionalism, expertise, and selflessness.”
Director of Emergency Services Jim True said he had almost 300 challenge coins to pass out in the coming days as a token of the county’s appreciation.
Collectively, the volunteers at all three Fluvanna County fire companies and Lake Monticello Fire & Rescue have contributed thousands of hours of service and saved the county millions of dollars over the years.
Traffic studies
Supervisors also approved two motions that may help prevent accidents on two of the county’s most heavily traveled roads.
The county will ask VDOT to conduct a traffic study on Rt. 15 from East River Road (Rt. 6) and Winnsville Drive (Rt. 612) in Fork Union and on Rt. 53 from Lake Monticello Road (Rt. 618) and Oldfield Drive on the Fluvanna/Albemarle county line.
After the study, VDOT has the authority to set new speed limits and rules to increase safety.
Supervisor Mike Sheridan (Columbia) suggested a separate study of the section of Rt. 53 between Commons Boulevard and the traffic circle. He said that over the years, that stretch of highway has seen several accidents and at least one fatality.
Storm preparations
The outer bands of Tropical Storm Debby were hitting the county courthouse as the meeting was underway on Wednesday night.
County Administrator Eric Dahl said they had been talking with state officials and that the predictions for Fluvanna were for high winds and between 4-6 inches of total rainfall.
He asked supervisors to approve a Declaration of Local Emergency, which would allow him and his staff to purchase storm-related supplies and services outside the standard procurement rules and could expedite any FEMA reimbursements arising from storm impacts.
The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0.
