Priority Projects - APPROVED Capital Improvement Program FY

At City Council’s retreat in November 2020, a list of high-priority capital projects and focus areas (ex.

connectivity - sidewalks, trails, and gateways) was presented to Council. City Council endorsed these projects and focus areas as important to achieving the City Council’s vision of making Chesapeake an exceptional place to live, learn, work, farm, and play. The FY 2022 - 2026 CIP includes additional funding for several of these high priority projects as shown in the table below:

Project

Number Project Title Previously

Programmed 01-150 Public Works/Public Utilities Operating Facilities

Replacement/Relocation 36,200,000 - 36,200,000

36-240 Enhanced Signage & Landscaping at Entrances

to the City 200,000 1,000,000 1,200,000

02-150 Facilities - High Priority Renewal and

Replacement - Phase III 24,128,501 4,000,000 28,128,501

16-230 Public Safety Facility Issue Studies - Feasibility &

Conceptual Design 750,000 - 750,000

04-220 City Fiber Optic Broadband Network 5,583,867 - 5,583,867

06-220 Tax System Modernization 10,750,000 14,000,000 24,750,000

08-260 Arterial and Collector Roadway Rehabilitation - 2,500,000 2,500,000 26-220 Citywide Sidewalk Installation 2,500,000 2,500,000 5,000,000

New Funding Added in Priority Areas $24,000,000

As the table shows, $24 million is being added in the FY 2022 - 2026 CIP to address these areas. Several of these projects are critical to maintaining the City’s existing assets and infrastructure, while others look to expand the City’s ability to provide outsanding service. While the CIP includes significant

investment in many priority areas, several of the priority projects are not receiving additional funding in the 5-year plan. Additional information on priority areas that remain unfunded is discussed later in this section.

While addressing high-priority projects is critical in the CIP, these projects only make up a fraction of the total funding included in the 5-year plan. Each of the nine functional sections of the CIP contains a number of projects designed to achieve community outcomes that are aligned with City Council’s vision and are necessary to make the City of Chesapeake a great place to live, learn, work, farm, and play. The following summaries provide some of the desired outcomes related to each section, any significant changes, and how projects align with the stated outcomes.

Community Facilities Desired Outcome

 Operational Success - Facilities and equipment are maintained or constructed to ensure the operational success of the programs for which they are utilized

This year’s CIP includes funding for several important renewal and rehabilitation projects that address critical facilities needs. CIP 01-150 “Public Works/Public Utilities Operating Facilities

Replacement/Relocation” provides for the design and construction of new operational facilities for Public Works and Public Utilities. The new facilities will replace the current operations facilities at the Greenbrier/Butts Station Yards that have deteriorated to the point of being functionally inadequate for safe and efficient provision of services. The newly constructed operations facilities will be

hurricane-resistant to ensure the provision of continuity of government services. The new facilities will also be more efficient than the multitude of modular buildings and sheds that currently occupy the campus. The new facilities will also improve the longevity of major equipment that is currently stored outside due to the lack of sheltered storage space.

Another critical Renewal or Rehabilitation project receiving additional funding is CIP 02-150 “Facilities - High Priority Renewal and Replacements – Phase III.” Funding in this project is used to perform routine and major maintenance projects on many of the City’s facilities including roofing, HVAC, and flooring.

The increased funding will be used to begin addressing the backlog of maintenance as identified by the Public Works Department.

CIP 21-200 “ADA Door & Restroom Retrofits at Various Facilities – Phase I,” CIP 01-220 “ADA Facility and Infrastructure Retrofits,” and CIP 04-210 “Social Services Building Restroom Renovation” all address ADA compliance needs across several City facilities. These projects are intended to increase the accessibility of City facilities and public sidewalks to meet current ADA standards and create more equitable access to public facilities and amenities. Equitable access ensures the City is able to provide excellent service to customers, City Council, and to employees.

The FY 2022 - 2026 CIP also includes two new Community Facilities projects. CIP 07-260 ”Voting Equipment Replacement” will facilitate the replacement of voting equipment in order to comply with State and Federal guidelines. This project was created in anticipation of the need to replace the existing voting equipment within the next several years. This will ensure that the technology needed to engage in an orderly and efficient voting process is in place prior to the technological or legal obsolescence of the current equipment.

CIP 06-260 “Libraries - Russell Memorial Library Addition” is the second new project included in the FY 2022 - 2026 CIP and will fund the expansion of existing facilities at Russell Memorial Library in order to facilitate provision of library services at an increasingly high level of demand in the Western Branch area. The project is one of seven active library projects in the Community Facilities section of the CIP, which provide for the maintenance of current Library facilities, expansion of the Russell Memorial Library and parking at that location, and installation of Library Book Lockers in outlying areas to provide greater access to residents in more remote portions of the City.

As these highlighted projects demonstrate, investments in community facilities such as the buildings and equipment utilized by City employees and customers ensures that these tools are operationally

prepared for the successful provision of the multitude of programs and services offered by the City of Chesapeake. Maintaining and improving these facilities helps to make Chesapeake an exceptional place to live, learn, work, farm, and play.

Total appropriations for the Community Facilities Section in FY 2022 is $18.1 million with a 5-year total programmed amount of $44.4 million (excluding previously appropriated funds).

Economic Development Desired Outcomes

 Retention of Current Businesses – Businesses currently located in Chesapeake stay in Chesapeake and continue to prosper

 Expansion of Current Businesses – Businesses currently located in Chesapeake are able to expand

 Attraction of new Business Investment – Businesses move to or expand in Chesapeake investing new capital in the City

The Economic Development Section of the CIP contains projects focused on business retention, expansion, and new development. A project included in the section aligned with these outcomes that will be fully funded in FY 2022 is CIP 06-250 “Industrial Waterfront Study.” This study is anticipated to yield recommendations for better use of under-utilized properties to enhance the economic viability of the City’s industrial waterfront along the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River. Study outcomes will include a "highest-and-best-use" analysis of waterfront properties based on land use, zoning,

infrastructure, and risks and implications of documented sea level rise and recurrent flooding to

vulnerable areas. Given its proximity to the Port of Virginia, the economic development potential for this area is significant.

Another project included in this section focused on redevelopment is CIP 04-250 “Great Bridge Village Plan Implementation Seed Funding.” This project provides seed funding to spur implementation of the 2008 Great Bridge Village Design Guidelines, supported by the Great Bridge Historic Gateway Overlay District. Seed funds will be used to encourage private investment in the area that promotes the adherence to the established guidelines.

FY 2022 appropriations in this section total $2.7 million with a 5-year total programmed amount of $4.8 million.

Education

The Education section of the CIP is determined by the School Board of Chesapeake Public Schools.

Education capital projects are appropriated by City Council as required by state law, however, spending from these projects is directed by the Schools.

For FY 2022, the total appropriation to the Education CIP is $36.9 million. CIP 03-180 “Non-Routine Renewal & Replacement Projects – Schools,” which receives a large portion of this funding, provides for maintenance of major building systems and grounds at school facilities including HVAC and other mechanical systems, roofs, and parking lots/driveways.

The Schools also have three additional projects receiving funding in FY 2022. CIP 29-190 “School Bus – Replacement” and CIP 30-190 “School Technology - Replacement” will both receive $1 million, which is utilized to ensure that school buses and the technology used by students, teachers, and administrators are replaced on a regular basis. These projects are critical as they help ensure that students can safely be transported to and from school and that modern technological tools are available in the classroom.

CIP 69-230 “School Technology, Security & Equipment Replacements” is receiving $1.3 million in FY 2022 and this funding will be utilized for security vestibules for middle schools and the Chesapeake Center for Student Success (CCSS). In the out years, CIP “Modernization/Renovation of Schools” is programmed to receive $89.5 million over a two-year period (FY 2024 and FY 2025). It should be noted that the specific use of these funds has yet to be determined by the School Board.

The CIP also includes the addition of a new project in the FY 2022-2026 CIP for the renovation or

replacement of an existing building to be determined at a later date. The building chosen for renovation or replacement will be an existing building identified in the Joint Facility Study. CIP 16-260 “Schools – To Be Determined” is receiving $14 million in FY 2022.

Information Technology Desired Outcomes

 Conducting business with the City is easy and convenient – Technology allows customers to do business with the City in the manner and at the time it is most convenient

 Data and transactional security – Customer data and transactions remain private and secure

 Operational Success – Systems and devices utilized by departments and customers allow for optimal performance

The Information Technology section of the CIP includes projects across the spectrum of government.

With an additional $250,000 programmed in FY 2022, CIP 10-240 “Citizen Experience Study – City Digital Content” funds a study to assess the current experience of customers and city employees while

interacting with the City's digital tools. The study will include a stylebook for the City's digital services, including cross-platform branding to ensure that customers experience a consistent look and feel when interacting with one of the City’s many departments or programs. This study will aid the City in the decision making process when developing or acquiring new digital tools in the future, ensuring a focus on customer ease of use and satisfaction.

While the ease of doing business with the City is important, the security of the City’s data and customer information is paramount. CIP 09-230 “Enterprise –Wide Next Generation Identity Access Management”

funds the implementation of a suite of tools and technologies for Identity Access Management (IDAM) across the enterprise. This project will aid with the management of secure user authentication, user management, user authorization, and user access rights. These tools will further help the City adhere to the Center for Internet Security (CIS) Critical Security Controls framework.

Another project focusing on ensuring data security is CIP 09-250 “Data Access Governance Design and Implementation.” The intent of this project is to improve the City’s cybersecurity program by

implementing a data access governance system that will help the City reduce the risk of exposure of sensitive information. This project will expand Information Technology’s visibility to what data exists across the enterprise, its classification under various regulatory requirements, where the data is located, and who has access to it. This will enhance the City's ability to combat both external and internal

threats.

The single largest increase in investment in the FY 2022 - 2026 CIP is in CIP 06-220 “Tax System

Modernization.” This project is now fully programmed at $24.75 million and funds the modernization of the City’s current tax system. This project will completely replace and modernize the existing legacy applications currently running on the mainframe. This funding will support the acquisition of software, system implementation and integration services, and program support. This is a complex multi-year project that will be completed in phases to ensure a successful outcome.

The FY 2022 - 2026 CIP includes appropriations of $8.9 million in FY 2022 for Information Technology. In addition to the projects discussed above, this section includes numerous projects for the upgrade and replacement of equipment and software to ensure departments have the tools they need to provide excellent customer service. The total 5-year Information Technology program totals $42.2 million.

Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Desired Outcomes

 Improve physical and mental health – A variety of recreational amenities ensure the opportunity to exercise strengthening the body and mind

 Improve air quality, water quality, and the physical environment – Open space provides for a balanced ecosystem providing habitats for wildlife and critical floodplains to aid in stormwater management and filtration

 Enhance mobility and connectivity – Pedestrians can move from place to place through an interconnected system of sidewalks and pedestrian paths

 Increased Tourism – First time visitors discover Chesapeake as a destination, while others return year after year

The Parks, Recreation, and Tourism section of the CIP includes projects focused on improving the natural environment, encouraging tourism, and providing facilities for improving physical and mental well-being.

With one of the only public water access areas on the Eastern Branch of the Elizabeth River^, CIP 15-240

“Blue Heron Landing Park on the Indian River” will expand the City’s recreational amenities by creating a public green space for residents to connect with the historic Indian River riparian forests. This project, which is receiving $525,000 over the first two years of the CIP, will provide multiple benefits to both citizens and wildlife such as improved habitat for marine birds and animals, improved air and water quality, a looped trail through marshes and maritime forests for observing nature, and access for kayaking and fishing. This project includes the removal of a broken bulkhead, which will be replaced with a naturally sloped living shoreline (which will restore the shoreline to include a maritime forest).

Park amenities will include a boardwalk, kayak launch, small picnic shelter, portable restrooms, and parking areas.

Another outcome of this project is the provision of improved storm protection as well as stormwater credits. This project aligns with multiple goals of the City's Comprehensive Plan including wetland protection efforts, identifying and facilitating the provision of future public waterfront access areas, and providing a variety of recreational amenities to address the needs of a diverse population.

In addition to the development of Blue Heron Landing Park, the CIP also includes funding to renovate one of the City’s oldest park facilities, Northwest River Park. CIP 11-230 “Northwest River Park Improvements” allocates $3.4 million over the next three years (in addition to the $2.6 million in previously appropriated funding) to renovate and rehabilitate park structures and systems. Specifically the project will address the failing sanitary sewer system, reconstruction of the Marjorie Rein scenic overlook and bridges, and replacement of the Camp Store/Ranger Station/Restroom, shop offices, and the activity building with a facility that provides meeting spaces, a laboratory, and multi-purpose room rental facility (for weddings, parties, etc.). The renovations will focus on making the facility safe and enjoyable, which will make the park competitive in the market.

While these park development and renovation projects will help to encourage tourism to Chesapeake, the CIP includes a significant investment in one of the City’s most critical tourism assets, the Chesapeake Conference Center. The Conference Center, which opened in 1997, has received little investment toward the upgrade and replacement of the aging facility infrastructure since that time. CIP 12-200

“Conference Center Renovation” provides funding to make numerous improvements at the facility to include new signage, replacement of the ballroom doors, new flooring and carpet, and replacement of the HVAC system. Current project plans include expanding the storage facility, remodeling the rotunda

canopy and public space, replacing the exterior doors, and replacing the exterior sidewalk. This work will be performed over a six-year period and will include phased expansion and refurbishment of the facility.

A project centered on place making is CIP 36-240 “Enhanced Signage & Landscaping at Entrances to the City.” For FY 2022, this project was transitioned from the Economic Development Section to the Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Section of the CIP as the Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Department is responsible for the City’s landscaping efforts. In conjunction with the City’s branding initiative, this project is receiving a new allocation of $200,000 annually to ensure that major activity centers and thoroughfares are aesthetically pleasing and provide enhanced identification of City borders. This project will replace, enhance or add signage and landscaping at strategic bridges, waterways, intersections, and at City borders.

The only new project in this section is CIP 04-260 “Renovation of the Mann Drive Maintenance Facility.”

This project funds the renovation and replacement of the maintenance shops, restrooms, storage bins, warehouse, and office space for the park maintenance and housekeeping staff located at the Mann Drive complex. It will allow for the proper storage of supplies and equipment which in turn will prolong the useful life of these items. Proper supplies and equipment are needed to meet environmental standards and requirements and to ensure the proper maintenance and beautification of City facilities and grounds.

In addition to these important Parks, Recreation, and Tourism development and maintenance projects, this section of the CIP includes a number of additional projects for the maintenance and upgrades of neighborhood parks and community centers throughout the City. Such improvements include

playground equipment, shelters, field fencing, lighting, and building renovations. The Parks, Recreation, and Tourism section is receiving an appropriation of $7.2 million in FY 2022 with a 5-year total

programmed amount of $28 million.

Public Safety Desired Outcomes

 Lives and property are protected – Public safety response times exceed national standards and patients and/or victims receive excellent care

 Citizens and visitors feel safe anytime, anywhere – Citizens are aware of and utilize prevention techniques causing crime rates to decline

 Order is maintained within the City of Chesapeake – When crimes are committed, those responsible are found and prosecuted

The Public Safety section of the CIP includes funding for apparatus, equipment, technology, and buildings for the City’s Police, Fire/EMS, and Sheriff’s departments necessary to maintain public safety and to respond to emergency incidents.

The CIP includes over $2 million in additional funding (this increase is in addition to what was previously programmed for this project for FY 2022) necessary to fully fund the replacement of Fire Station #11 at Dock Landing, CIP 28-190. The new Dock Landing station will be a modern station that can comfortably expand the number of firefighters assigned each day and accommodate gender separation. This new facility also provides a significant safety upgrade important to the long-term health of the staff by including a modern ventilation system in the apparatus bays to ensure that the exhaust from vehicles and equipment does not spread into the living areas of the building.

In an effort to ensure the City’s firefighting apparatus are replaced on a regular basis, ongoing funding is included in the FY 2022 - 2026 in CIP 39-200 “Fire – Vehicle Replacement.” This funding will ensure that ladder trucks, telesquirts, and pumpers are replaced on a regular basis. Replacing aging vehicles will also help to ensure the apparatus meet National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards. In addition to the vehicles, hoses and other equipment on each apparatus are also replaced to ensure they do not exceed the service life expectancy. The availability of these assets contributes to the protection of lives

In document APPROVED Capital Improvement Program FY (Page 57-78)