River Forrest Shores/Wayside Manor/Easton Place
General Membership Meeting Minutes April 13, 2026
President Edith Lizalde called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. and led those attending in the Pledge of Allegiance. The invocation was delivered by Liz Albert.
Guest Speaker :Mary Keough, Norfolk Utilities Department
Mary Keough, Assistant Director of the Norfolk Utilities Department, along with members of her team, provided a detailed and informative presentation on two major initiatives impacting residents: the Lead Service Line Replacement Program and the upcoming Automated Meter Reading (AMR) Program. Ms. Keough explained that the city is continuing its efforts to identify and replace lead service lines as part of a broader commitment to public health and infrastructure modernization. Residents were encouraged to participate in the city’s self-reporting process to help determine the material of their service lines and improve the city’s overall inventory. A contractor, Accumark, is responsible for providing representative samples of material composition of supply lines, via their vacuum trucks. It was noted none were seen in our neighborhood boundaries. Residents were assured the contractor would come down to assess. It was asked if residents could be given prior notice, so they can be on the lookout for these trucks. As more samples are obtained, the Norfolks database would be updated
In addition, she introduced the Automated Meter Reading (AMR) Program, which will modernize how water usage is measured across Norfolk. As part of this program, existing meters will either be replaced or retrofitted to allow for automated readings. This transition will eliminate the need for contracted workers to manually read meters throughout neighborhoods and will provide more accurate and consistent billing based on actual usage. Ms. Keough noted that as the system transitions to more precise readings, residents may see differences in their billing that reflect actual water usage rather than estimated readings. She emphasized that residents will receive advance notice and clear instructions prior to any work being completed.
She also shared that the AMR program will begin with a pilot rollout in portions of Easton Place, meaning only certain residents will see this implemented initially. The full citywide rollout is expected to take approximately 4–5 years as meters are replaced or retrofitted across Norfolk.
Q&A: Residents asked several practical questions about the AMR program. Ms. Keough explained that the new meters are powered by a 20-year battery provided by the Utilities Department, and that homeowners do not need to be present during installation. She also advised that residents should briefly flush their water after installation, but only for a short period of time. Additional questions focused on timelines, participation, and how the program will improve long-term service reliability.
Members expressed appreciation for the detailed presentation and the opportunity to better understand upcoming changes affecting their homes.
Community Police Report: Officer Charles Dreer reported that no crimes were recorded within River Forrest Shores, Wayside Manor, or Easton Place during the previous month, noting that all reported incidents in the surrounding area occurred at nearby apartment complexes. He shared that efforts are underway to update the current reporting map to include those areas so that residents have a more accurate understanding of activity impacting the community.
Officer Dreer encouraged residents to use the non-emergency police number to report ongoing concerns, particularly issues such as homeless encampments on public or private property and car meetups occurring throughout Norfolk. He emphasized that consistent reporting helps law enforcement track patterns and respond more effectively.
Business: The January and February meeting minutes were approved as corrected to reflect the recorded vote regarding a Conditional Use Permit presentation. A proposed amendment to the civic league bylaws regarding publication of meeting minutes was introduced and brought forward for a membership vote.
Announcements: Second Vice President Liz Albert shared updates on ongoing Eastside budget advocacy efforts, noting continued coordination among civic leagues to push for a dedicated funding line item for Eastside projects, including the redevelopment of Military Circle. She also referenced a commitment from Mayor Kenneth Alexander to provide a fitness and wellness center and emphasized the importance of continued community advocacy.
Residents were encouraged to attend two upcoming meetings with city leadership to ensure that Eastside priorities are represented:
- April 20 with Councilman Carlos Clanton
- April 22 with Councilman JP Paige