PublicSafetyCommMinutes2024Oct17PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE REPORT to the BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Thursday October 17, 2024
8:30 a.m.
1080 COVERSTONE DRIVE, WINCHESTER, VIRGINIA
ATTENDEES:
Committee Members Present: Chairwoman Heather Lockridge, Kermit Gaither,
Josh Ludwig and Al Sibert.
Staff and guests present: County Administrator Michel Bollhoefer, Fire &
Rescue Chief Steve Majchrzak, Volunteer Fire & Rescue President Dan Cunningham,
Major Steve Hawkins, Lt. Warren Gosnell, and Sheriff Lenny Millholland.
ITEMS REQUIRING ACTION BY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS:
1. Blue Line Solution progress and update:
Sheriff Millholland stated that a presentation from Blue Line Solutions had been
given to the Committee in November 2023, followed by a Public Safety
Committee workgroup forum and presentation to the Board of Supervisors in
January 2024. He recapped that this system will initially monitor 4 of the
primary school zone areas with growth in the future. Drivers cited under this
system will receive a civil penalty and fine of $100. Citations do not impact auto
insurance or DMV license points. Lt. Gosnell punctuated that this traffic
enforcement is a focus within the school zones.
Mr. Sibert made a motion to forward the Blue Line Solutions proposal to the Board
of Supervisors for a public hearing. Mr. Gaither seconded the motion and the
Committee unanimously approved.
ITEMS FOR INFORMATION ONLY:
1. Update on the Fire and Rescue RFP assessment:
Mr. Bollhoefer discussed the proposed RFP for the Fire & Rescue department.
There has been dialog about splitting the document into smaller, separate divisions
such as the Dispatch Center, Revenue Recovery and Fleet maintenance which also
affects the Sheriff’s Office. Chairwoman Lockridge, Mr. Ludwig and Mr.
Bollhoefer will be attending the Chiefs Work Group on 10/17/24 to discuss the
proposed RFP with all 11 volunteer Chiefs to obtain feedback, ideas and concerns.
Mr. Bollhoefer will submit additional notes from the Chiefs Work Group to the
Board of Supervisors for their comments and review regarding the proposed RFP.
2. Other business:
Mr. Gaither reiterated his interest in health care benefits for retired law enforcement
officers as a retention tool for personnel. Mr. Bollhoefer stated that benefit is being
phased out due to cost issues and that in prioritizing retention methods, Sheriff
Millholland has created a Master Deputy position. Among the criteria required for
this position include: 10 plus years as a deputy, training certifications, and
achievements. Currently, there are 21 qualifying deputies.
.
Respectfully submitted,
Public Safety Committee
Heather Lockridge Al Sibert
Kermit Gaither
Josh Ludwig