Chesterfield County council approves multiple ordinances, bid awards and software spending in brief special meeting

The Chesterfield County Council met in a short special session on Dec. 18 and approved several ordinances and procurement actions, and approved using remaining AARP grant money to buy a new permitting and inspection software system.

Council adopted the meeting agenda and then approved multiple second‑reading ordinances related to county property and a flood‑prevention program. The body also approved two procurement awards: a $94,500 contract for a metal shell building to Henley Construction and a roads contract recommended to FER grama for $440,003.84, with staff confirming the roads funds would come from CTC money. All of these items passed on motions followed by voice votes recorded as "aye."

On unfinished business, staff member Stanley said the county had budgeted $5,000 for building‑codes software but that the vendor’s full price was about $19,000. Stanley recommended a three‑year contract offered at a reduced rate; she said taking the three‑year approach would require increasing the line item by about $15,000 after the contract term. Stanley described the software as a marked improvement for permitting and inspections: “The contractors can actually do their permits online and even pay online,” she said, and inspectors can note results on tablets in the field. A commissioner added that online permitting would reduce wasted travel and administrative delays. The council approved using the remaining AARP funds to proceed with the contract by voice vote.

Counsel Ruffin asked the council to move into executive session under Code section 30‑4‑70(a)(2) to discuss and receive legal advice about negotiations concerning the sale of property L and the purchase of property I. The council entered executive session and later returned to open session; the chair announced that no motions were made and no votes were taken while in executive session.

The meeting closed after the chair entertained a motion to adjourn.

Votes at a glance - Adopt agenda — motion passed (voice vote: aye). - Ordinance, purchase of property I (second reading) — approved (voice vote: aye). - Ordinance, purchase of property A (second reading) — approved (voice vote: aye). - Ordinance, sale of property V (second reading) — approved (voice vote: aye). - Flood prevention program ordinance amendment (second reading) — approved (voice vote: aye). - EUG properties: fee‑in‑lieu amendment / add company name — approved (voice vote: aye). - Bid award: metal shell building — Henley Construction, $94,500 — approved (voice vote: aye). - Roads contract: FER grama, $440,003.84 — approved (voice vote: aye). - AARP funds: permitting software 3‑year contract (approx. $19,000) — approved (voice vote: aye). - Enter executive session under Code §30‑4‑70(a)(2) — entered; no formal actions taken during executive session.

What happens next Staff will proceed with the contract awards and the permitted procurement process; the permitting software contract will be implemented according to the vendor agreement and the county’s budgetary approvals. The council did not record votes or motions from the executive session on the property negotiations.