2nd Precinct Citizens Advisory Committee
Recap of Second Precinct CAC Meeting of September 11, 2024
The Citizens’ Advisory Committee met in VBVRS Station #14 Conference Room on September 11, also known as Patriot’s Day. Twenty-three (23) people attended in person.
All present observed a Moment of Silence in honor of the thousands of lives lost on September 11, 2001. Three hundred forty three (343) first responders and 71 law enforcement officers lost their lives that day and more than 1,000 have since succumbed to illnesses associated from their efforts in the toxic environment created by the building collapses.
CAC President, M. C. “Connie” Agresti introduced Messrs. L. J. Hansen, Director, VB Department of Public Works (DPW), and Seth Edwards, Administrator of Development Service Center (DSC), who were invited to discuss stormwater issues.
Mr. Hansen discussed that DPW must focus on the accumulation, storage, and dispersion of stormwater in terms of both quantity and quality. He stated that the VB stormwater system has over 800 miles of piping that must be inspected, maintained, and (if necessary) replaced to ensure that stormwater is captured, stored for peculation via arable retention ponds, etc., and eventually dispersed in a manner that does not damage the environment.
Mr. Edwards discussed how the DSC reviews development projects with staff and vendor professional engineers and designers to ensure that both the design (“to be”) and construction (“as built”) meet industry standards. DSC holds the surety bonds for such projects as a means to hold developers and builders accountable.
Mr. Hansen stated that Virginia Beach designs and builds stormwater infrastructure with a 20% overage factor to the NOAA[1] One-Hundred Year Flood models. The 100-year flood concept states that within any given year, there is a one percent (1%) chance of catastrophic flooding.[2] For Virginia Beach, 100-year flood level of stormwater is 11.34 inches.
Messrs. Hansen and Edwards fielded questions from the attendees, but after 20 minutes devoted to two questions, Mr. Agresti sought to move on with other business and asked the presenters for their offices contact information so that detailed issues could be addressed individually. The Stormwater Engineering Center phone number is 757-385-4131, but 3-1-1 is an option. Citizens can also submit stormwater/flooding mitigation requests online at “Report a Problem” found on Public Works | City of Virginia Beach (pw.virginiabeach.gov).
Second Precinct Commander Captain Bradley Wesseler spoke about Something in the Water (SITW) preparations, but on Friday, 9/13 SITW sponsors announced that the multiday event scheduled for October has been postponed until c. April 2025.
Asked about School Resource Officers (SROs), Capt. Wesseler stated that Virginia Beach has officers assigned to all Middle and High Schools but lacks the staff to meet SRO requirements in all 87 city schools.
Not discussed during the meeting, but a private school in Virginia Beach has received threats this past week. In past meetings, law enforcement officials have discussed the potential life-long impact at all jurisdictional levels (local, state, federal) of such sophomoric stunts, because officials can no longer treat such incidents as jokes. Impacts include entry onto No-Fly lists, failure to be accepted to college, inability to receive a security clearance, difficulty finding employment, SWATing,[3] etc.
Asked about cameras in school zones such as other Hampton Roads’ jurisdictions have adopted, Capt. Wesseler said that although the police would appreciate this force multiplying safety initiative, the decision remains with City Council, which faces opposition from various citizen groups.
Other upcoming oceanfront events are:
- NAS Oceana Airshow (9/21 – 9/22) – watch for periodic road closures (e.g., London Bridge Rd)
- Neptune Festival (9/27 – 9/29)
- Boardwalk Art Show (10/4 – 10/6)
- Warbirds over the Beach Air Show (10/5 – 10/6)
Capt. Wesseler recommended visiting Know Before You Go What You Need To Know Before You Go | Visit Virginia Beach and also downloading the Waze app to your smartphone.
Ms. Jenny Perry, Adopt-a-Muster Coordinator, seeks support for Neptune Festival weekend, September 27 - 29. She can be reached at rhclpresident@gmail.com.
Ms. Ruth Ann Steenburgh, VB Crime Solvers, stated that August was a relatively slow month for tips and rewards but highlighted one award for a Virginia Beach-sourced tip that led to an arrest in a Texas murder cold case. Ms. Steenburgh highlighted the interconnected network of Crime Solvers and said that Texas sent the $5,000 reward to Virginia Beach for presentation to the anonymous tipster.
Crime Solvers obtains its funds through two charity events per year. Their Golf Tournament is scheduled for Thursday, October 3, 2024. Please see attached flyer.
Deputy Commonwealth Attorney Michael Defricke announced that he will be moving from supporting the Second Precinct to supporting the DUI and Traffic Fatality office effective January 1, 2025. We wish him well. He has been a superb asset to the CAC and the citizens of the Second Precinct catchment area.
Mr. Defricke stated that the case against a former attorney from their office who is facing multiple financial exploitation crimes is being prosecuted by the Chesterfield, VA Commonwealth Attorney to preclude the appearance of any conflict of interest.
Mr. Defricke mentioned two high profile cases: Mr. Kim Lewis – charged with burglary and sexual assault - has been judged incompetent to stand trial and has been referred to a state mental institution, and; Mr. Blake Hughes – found guilty of felony abduction, assault and battery, and impersonating a police officer was sentenced to approximately 2.5 years confinement of a 7+ year sentence.
Mr. Bobby Hill, VB Volunteer Rescue Squad, mentioned that first responders from across Virginia will be in Virginia Beach, September 18 – 22 for a statewide convention.
Mr. Mark Stevens, Human Rights Commission, mentioned that nominations are being accepted for VB Human Rights Awards. These awards “recognize noteworthy individuals and organizations who have aided in the understanding of cultural diversity and advocated for human rights of the City’s residents.” Visit virginiabeach.gov/HRCawards or contact Dominique McKinnon at 757-385-1158 or dmckinnon@vbgov.com .
Mark mentioned that the VB Department of Human Services is sponsoring Champions for Change, a fun-filled fair empowering youth over addiction at the VB Sports Complex (1045 19th Street - 23451) on Saturday, September 28 from 10:00 AM until 3:00 PM. This event will offer free food and parking, as well as games and other activities. Register at PreventionServices@VBgov.com or see the attached notice (QRC on notice is best available).
Lastly, Mark spoke of recently losing a 21-year-old employee to an opioid overdose despite Narcan (Naxalone) being in the house. Two take-aways from this tragedy:
- Police are focused on saving lives over arresting users, therefore anyone “partying” should immediately administer Narcan and simultaneously call 9-1-1 if a companion ODs.Your “stash” may be confiscated, but you won’t be arrested for mere possession.
- Human Services Pathways Center, 409 Birdneck Circle (23451), offers free Naxalone and fentanyl test strips “no questions asked.”Many street drugs are being laced with fentanyl and unsuspecting users are dying from the impact of this powerful drug.
Ms. Lisa McDonnell, CAC Treasurer, who also sits on the Animal Control Unit Advisory Board, stated that the City’s Animal Care and Adoption Center (341 S. Birdneck RD – 23451) needs volunteers to wash towels, as the center’s washing machine is currently out of commission. She also mentioned that the Second Precinct CAC is the 501(c)3 conduit whereby monetary contributions may be made to the center. The center is currently full and has reduced adoption fees to just one dollar.
Mr. Mike Leigh, Great Neck Recreation Center, announced their Center will close for maintenance from September 23 – 29, but the pool will be closed September 16 – 29.
VB Parks and Recreation is hosting Peaceful Poses in the Park, an outdoor relaxation event at Mt. Trashmore Park. Participants must bring their own yoga mat and water. Meet at the new stage on Thursday evenings at 5:45 PM, through October 17.
Their Halloween Fair will be held at the Great Neck Recreation Center on Saturday, October 19, from 11:00 AM until 2:00 PM. This is a free event with vendors, a bounce house, a petting zoo, and other attractions.
Final note: Virginia Beach has experienced several bicycle and motorcycle fatalities within the past month. If you’re on two wheels, ride sober, ensure that you can be seen during both day (bright colors) and night (lights and reflectors), and expect the unexpected. If you’re on four wheels, drive sober and look twice for cyclists and bikers.
The next CAC meeting will be Wednesday, October 9 at 7:00 PM in the conference room at the VBVRS Station #14, 740 VB Blvd (17th St), VAB, 23451. We anticipate Ms. Nancy Bloom, Director, Virginia Beach Communications, as a guest speaker.
[1] NOAA – National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
[2] Scientists compute that there is an approximate 63.4% chance of one or more 100-year floods occurring in any 100-year period.
[3] SWATing – is where Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) officers are called to respond to threats that end up being bogus. Regardless, despite their training and restrictive rules of engagement, innocent individuals can and have been shot and killed during these pranks. (See Swatting - Wikipedia )
MARK YOUR CALENDAR: Next meeting – October 9, 2024 @ 7:00PM
Location:Rescue Squad, Sta #14, Conference Room, 740 VB Blvd, 23451