VDOT and E‑911 brief supervisors on crash data, call volume and staffing; board considers courthouse repairs

Representatives from VDOT and the county’s E‑911 office briefed the Board on road maintenance, crash data and public‑safety communications; staff also presented bids for courthouse repairs linked to a Hurricane Michael grant.

VDOT’s Scott Frederick said crews completed routine maintenance and plan an asphalt ditch on Route 47 to address drainage. Frederick presented statewide and county crash statistics: 968 statewide fatalities in the referenced period (247 alcohol‑involved, 234 unrestrained, 445 speed‑related) versus Charlotte County’s report of 181 accidents including 6 fatalities; he emphasized seat‑belt use and avoiding drunk driving.

E‑911 Coordinator Chris Russell said 2021 produced 10,567 calls for service (5,947 via 911) plus roughly 27,000 administrative phone calls, and that the department reached its goal of installing a new communications system and text‑to‑911. Russell said 163 address signs and markers were replaced (73 due to vandalism), and reported a goal to separate dispatcher and jailer roles to help reduce turnover—he said he has lost 19 employees in four years. Russell asked citizens to sign up for the Code Red system and offered tours of the facility for Board members.

Heather Brown presented procurement bids funded by a Hurricane Michael grant: copper gutters — Gupton Sheet Metal (low bid $17,000); excavation/landscaping at five Courthouse Square locations — Grounds & Maintenance Solutions (low bid $9,875); HVAC replacement to address mold — Riddleberger Brothers (low bid $44,745). Supervisor questions included whether dehumidifiers would be added; the vendor’s plan was to deter moisture but did not include dedicated dehumidifier installation.

What happens next: Board approved the grant‑funded procurement items (motions recorded in meeting minutes) and staff will schedule work and monitor E‑911 staffing and Code Red enrollment.