Public Meetings - Hampton, Virginia

The Hampton Planning Commission met on June 21, 2018, at 8:30 PM. Vice Chair Southall presided due to Chairman Carter's medical reasons. The commission approved minutes, recognized three retiring city officials, and voted on four zoning and comprehensive plan amendments, all of which passed unanimously. Consent Calendar - Minutes of May 17, 2018: Approved unanimously by roll call vote. Public Comments & Testimony - Zoning Amendment 18-0003 (Tattoo Parlors in Phoebus): Jeff Sanford, a business and property owner in Phoebus, spoke in opposition. He argued that tattoo parlors were intentionally excluded from the PH1 district during its creation, that numerous tattoo parlors already exist in the region, and that the change could open the door to other undesired uses. He noted that only 27 people voted at the community meeting (64% in favor) and emphasized a need for more retail. Gus Haboush, a property owner, spoke in support, stating the prospective buyer is a veteran police officer with good character. Robin Carpenter, president of the Partnership for New Phoebus, provided context: the partnership supported the amendment after multiple meetings, and three major restaurant owners on the main drag favored the change. He noted that perceptions of tattoo parlors have evolved. Discussion Items - Zoning Ordinance Amendment 18-0002 (Flood Zone Small Projects & Definition): Staff (Steve Shapiro) presented the amendment, which addresses a FEMA requirement stemming from a 2015 Community Assistance Visit. FEMA had deemed that even minor projects (e.g., painting, cabinet installation) in the Special Flood Hazard Area required permits. After a multi-year effort involving the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission and congressional representatives, the city developed a RAD (Review, Assess, Document) process accepted by FEMA, removing the serious finding. The amendment codifies this process and adds a definition for “regulatory flood protection elevation.” Staff recommended approval. Vice Chair Southall noted that no other locality had received a similar finding. Commissioner Peterson commended staff for their efforts. No public speakers. The commission voted unanimously to approve. - Zoning Ordinance Amendment 18-0003 (Tattoo Parlors in Phoebus PH1): Staff (Tolu) presented the amendment to allow tattoo parlors as a use-permit use in the PH1 district. The request came from a business owner interested in opening on Mellon Street. A community meeting in May drew 27 attendees; 64% voted in support. The Partnership for New Phoebus also submitted a letter of support. The amendment aligns with the Hampton Community Plan and Phoebus Master Plan, which call for mixed-use, specialty retail and support for small businesses. Discussion included questions from commissioners about the original exclusion (during PH1 creation) and other prohibited uses. Commissioner Coleman expressed support for attracting younger demographics. Commissioner Kellum noted that similar uses (e.g., billiard halls, Turkish baths) are permitted. The public hearing included the two speakers noted above. The commission voted unanimously to recommend approval to City Council. - Zoning Ordinance Amendment 18-0004 (Mobile Food Vendors at Hospitals in Coliseum Central): Staff (Anna) presented the amendment to allow mobile food vendors as an accessory use to hospitals in the Coliseum Central Overlay District, prompted by Sentara Hospital’s request to provide late-night dining options for third-shift employees. The Coliseum Central Business Improvement District submitted a letter of support. No public speakers. The commission voted unanimously to approve. - Comprehensive Plan Amendment 18-00001 (Resiliency): Staff (Lucy) presented the amendment to update the Hampton Community Plan to incorporate resiliency goals and policies from the “Living with Water” report endorsed by City Council in January 2018. The amendment adds resiliency as a ninth key element to the city’s vision, updates land use and environmental stewardship sections with information on sea-level rise, flooding, and storm surge, and introduces new policies. Commissioner Garrison praised the proactive approach. Commissioner Kellum noted a formatting inconsistency. No public speakers. The commission voted unanimously to approve. - Community Development Director's Report: Youth Planner Janaria Licky presented the monthly report on the Hampton Youth Commission’s activities, including a budget public hearing appearance, a unity event, and work on an end-of-year report to City Council. She announced her graduation and plans to attend the University of Virginia. The commission thanked her and wished her well. Key Outcomes - Approved unanimously: Minutes of May 17, 2018. - Adopted unanimously: Resolution recognizing Vanessa ValdeJulie, retiring City Attorney. - Adopted unanimously: Resolution recognizing Sharon McSmith, retiring Planning staff member (37 years of service). - Adopted unanimously: Resolution recognizing James “Pete” Peterson, retiring Assistant City Manager and Planning Commissioner. - Approved unanimously: Zoning Ordinance Amendment 18-0002 (flood zone small projects and regulatory flood protection elevation definition). - Approved unanimously (recommendation to City Council): Zoning Ordinance Amendment 18-0003 (allowing tattoo parlors in Phoebus PH1 with a use permit). - Approved unanimously: Zoning Ordinance Amendment 18-0004 (allowing mobile food vendors as accessory use to hospitals in Coliseum Central Overlay District). - Approved unanimously: Comprehensive Plan Amendment 18-00001 (adopting resiliency goals and policies). - Information Only: Youth Planner Janaria Licky presented the June youth planning report.

The Hampton Planning Commission met on May 17, 2018, at 8:30 PM. The meeting included approval of previous minutes, a public hearing for a use permit application by Hampton University for a residence hall, a youth planner report, and a motion to convene a closed session for legal consultation. Consent Calendar - Approval of minutes from the last meeting: motion by Mr. Lunillo, seconded, unanimous vote (all present: Dr. Coleman, Miss Garrison, Ms. Kellum, Mr. South Hall, Mr. Gray, Mr. Peterson, Chairman Carter). Public Comments & Testimony - No public speakers signed up for the public hearing item. Discussion Items - Use Permit 18-00003 – Hampton University Residence Hall at 717 Orchard Road: Staff member Corey Block presented the application. The property is zoned R-13 single-family residential, which allows private college/university with a use permit. The proposed two-story brick residence hall will house 56 occupants (13 two-bedroom units, one one-bedroom unit, plus RA and director units). The Hampton Community Plan supports coordination with Hampton University for expansion. Staff recommended approval with seven conditions. Bob Miller, representing the applicant, spoke in support, noting the $5 million project and adequate parking (3,000 spaces on campus, requirement 1,800). Commission members asked about parking, and Miller confirmed sufficiency. No public speakers. The commission voted unanimously to approve the use permit with seven conditions. - Youth Planner Report: Simone Gibbs presented the May Youth Planning Report. She summarized activities from April: meetings to form relationships with youth advisory group, creating vision statements, listening to Councilman Moffitt's presentation, preparing for a candidates forum on April 23rd, and the forum itself where candidates answered questions on bullying, internships, and youth-friendly venues. Youth voted for their desired candidates. Next meeting scheduled for May 21st at 1 Franklin Street. Commissioners thanked Gibbs and encouraged her continued involvement. Key Outcomes - Approved Use Permit 18-00003: Unanimous vote (7-0) to approve the use permit for Hampton University's residence hall with seven conditions. - Closed Session: Motion to convene a closed meeting pursuant to Virginia Code § 2.2-3711(A)(8) for consultation with legal counsel regarding a zoning matter. The commission voted to enter closed session and reconvene in open meeting afterward. (Note: The transcript ends during the closed session motion, so no further actions are recorded.)

The Hampton Planning Commission met on April 19, 2018, to consider several agenda items including a zoning ordinance amendment, two use permit applications, and the five-year Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) for fiscal years 2019-2023. All items were recommended for approval to City Council. Consent Calendar - The minutes from the previous meeting were approved unanimously by roll call vote (9-0). Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public signed up to speak on any of the agenda items. Discussion Items Zoning Ordinance Amendment 18-00001 - Proposed amendment to Chapter 1 of the zoning ordinance to allow increased fence height up to six feet in front yards of RMD and RT districts for specific uses: commercial communication towers, utility infrastructure, structures to house government functions, and utility buildings/substations. Currently, front yard fences are limited to four feet; rear and side yards allow six feet. The amendment aims to improve safety and security for these sensitive uses. Staff recommended approval. The motion to approve without conditions passed unanimously (9-0). Use Permit 18-00002 – Private Driving School - Applicant Alicia Thomas seeks a use permit to operate a private driving school for up to 20 students at 66 West Mercury Boulevard (C1 zone). The school will offer classroom and on-road instruction for teens and adults. Staff recommended seven conditions, including limiting vehicles used for education to five, and a community meeting scheduled for April 24 at 5 p.m. Commissioners asked about parking and class size. The motion to approve with seven conditions passed unanimously (9-0). Use Permit 18-00004 – Commercial Daycare - Applicant Sandra Mitchum proposes a commercial daycare for up to 35 children (37 occupants per staff) in the Hampton Woods Plaza Shopping Center at 1184-1186 Big Bethel Road. The facility will have three classrooms, 535 sq ft of outdoor play area enclosed by a six-foot fence, and hours of operation from 5 a.m. to 1 a.m. (staff clarified a discrepancy in documents, confirming 5 a.m. to 1 a.m. as the standard condition). The property lies within the 65 dB noise contour of Langley Air Force Base, which raised no concerns. Staff recommended 10 conditions. The motion to approve with 10 conditions passed unanimously (9-0). Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) FY 2019-2023 - The proposed five-year CIP totals $288,706,286, funding projects in seven council priority categories: educated and engaged citizenry ($33.3M, 11.55%), economic growth ($61.4M, 21%), good government ($107M, 37%), living with water ($26M, 9.03%), placemaking ($26.7M, 9.25%), safe and clean communities ($34M, 11.77%), and family resilience and economic empowerment. Notable projects include Coliseum Drive extension ($1.8M), Coliseum Drive redevelopment ($12M), Crossroads parking expansion ($2.4M), downtown investments ($12M), salt pond dredging and inlet improvements ($2.7M, which will replace the south jetty and extend dredging frequency from 2 to 5 years), Freeman Drive realignment ($660K), and the sports tourism aquatic center ($22M). Staff presented an analysis of how the CIP aligns with the community plan, showing $77M allocated to master plan areas. Commissioners discussed project details, including the distinction between Coliseum Drive extension and redevelopment, the Crossroads parking project to replace surface parking near the interstate, and the need for equitable attention to all master plan areas such as Kecoughtan. Commissioner Gray noted his vote as a planning commission member may differ from his future City Council vote. The motion to recommend the CIP to City Council was approved unanimously (9-0). Key Outcomes - Zoning Ordinance Amendment 18-00001: Approved without conditions (9-0). - Use Permit 18-00002 (Driving School): Approved with 7 conditions (9-0). - Use Permit 18-00004 (Daycare): Approved with 10 conditions (9-0). - Capital Improvements Plan FY 2019-2023: Recommended to City Council (9-0). Director's Reports - Joint Land Use Study (JLUS) Resiliency Update: Staff provided an update on the addendum to the 2010 JLUS, focusing on resilience to recurrent flooding and sea level rise in partnership with Langley Air Force Base. The study identifies critical infrastructure and natural environment conflicts, such as bird-air strike hazards. Meetings with utilities and stakeholders are complete; a draft is expected end of April, with a goal of presenting to the Planning Commission in June and City Council in July. - Youth Planner Report: The Youth Planner presented the March activities of the Hampton Youth Commission, including work on the Adventure Hampton app, marketing for the Hampton Candidates Forum, and a financial literacy program survey. The Youth Commission also attended the Urgency of Now Resource Expo to recruit for the 2018-2019 year. Note: The transcript also included unrelated promotional segments (e.g., "Round Robin" interviews, fitness videos) that were not part of the meeting proceedings.

The March 15, 2018, meeting of the Hampton Planning Commission and City Council covered a range of topics, including a use permit for a telecommunications tower, zoning amendments for bed and breakfasts, and public comments on animal control and quilting facilities. The Planning Commission recommended approval of the tower use permit, and the City Council approved several zoning items and a use agreement, while also addressing staffing and equipment concerns raised by residents. Consent Calendar - The Planning Commission approved the minutes from the February 15, 2018, meeting. - The City Council approved the consent agenda items 2-6, which included: - Transferring VDOT funds from LaSalle Avenue at Kit Katan Intersection Improvement and local funds from North King Street Phase 3 to Mercury Boulevard Phase 2. - Approving and appropriating grant funding for citizen corps programs. - Amending and re-enacting Chapter 2 to incorporate state code provisions for construction procurement. - Determining Accident Support Services International Inc. as the sole source for an accident reporting center. - Approving minutes from two prior City Council meetings. Public Comments & Testimony During the public comment period, several residents addressed the council on animal control and quilting programs: - Linda Seely expressed strong concerns about cat overpopulation, stating it was like 2002 and that animal control was inadequate. She called on the council to get involved and criticized the lack of information provided about animal pickups. - Chris Reese (a Newport News resident who works in Hampton) recommended increasing the number of trappers for feral cats and suggested relocating them to farms. She highlighted the urgency as mating season approached. - Misty Collins (identified as a former animal control officer) described instances where animal control was not on duty, leading her to respond to animal emergencies herself. She cited a case of a cat in distress and criticized the lack of 24/7 coverage. She also referenced an incident where police shot two pit bulls, which she attributed to animal control not being available. - Regina Quinn (an approved 501 nonprofit founder) called for partnership between the city and animal advocates. She described her own efforts in rescuing animals and expressed concern about loose pit bulls, stating that an attack on a child was avoided but that the risk remains. - Curtis Harris (Hampton resident, founder of a mentoring outreach program) offered his program's youth to help collect animals and also urged the council to support young people in the fight against gun violence. He stated that young people are "tired and afraid" and need support. - Miss Garrison (quilter, later identified as a council member during public comment) requested the addition of computerization to the long-arm quilting machine in the budget. She noted the machine was unusable and that the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board had not met due to lack of quorum. - Kathy Clark (Hampton resident) supported the quilting request, noting the long-arm machine frequently breaks and that quilting classes are not advertised. She also mentioned the community garden at North Phoebus Center is not advertised and encouraged better marketing of city offerings. Discussion Items - Planning Commission - Use Permit UP 17-00013: The Planning Commission heard a request from PI Tower Development LLC for a 155-foot commercial communication tower at 1821 Cemetery Lane (zoned R11 residential). Staff (Lucy Stoll) presented details on the need, site selection, and coverage maps. The applicant's attorney (Nessa Murphy) and RF engineer (Eric) explained that the Virginia Department of Historic Resources limited the height to 155 feet to avoid adverse impacts on historic properties. They noted that the tower would accommodate at least three users and be designed with camouflage features. The public hearing had no speakers other than the applicant. The commission voted unanimously (7-0) to recommend approval with 12 conditions. - City Council - Naming of Mary Jackson Neighborhood Center: Councilman Hobbes moved to name the new neighborhood center in Old Hampton in honor of Mary Jackson, citing support from the steel workers' union and other groups. The motion passed unanimously. - City Council - Deferrals: Items 7 and 8 were deferred to the March 28, 2018, City Council meeting. - City Council - Zoning Amendments for Bed and Breakfasts: Items 9-11 (18-81, 18-83, 18-85) were presented by Lucy Stoll. The amendments would create two categories of bed and breakfasts (B&B1 and B&B2, with B&B2 allowing events), and impose new signage restrictions in residential districts (max height 6 feet, max area 28 square feet, one wall sign max 5 square feet, and no internal illumination). Planning Commission and staff recommended approval. Council approved each item unanimously. - City Council - Use Agreement with Southeastern Virginia Aquatics (SIVA): The City Council considered a resolution authorizing a use agreement for SIVA to use the Hampton Aquatics Center pool. Councilwoman Schmidt caught an error in the rate ($13 per lane) and successfully moved to amend it to $13 per lane per hour per day. The amended resolution passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Planning Commission: Unanimously recommended approval of Use Permit 17-00013 with 12 conditions. - City Council: Unanimously approved the naming of the Mary Jackson Neighborhood Center, the three bed and breakfast zoning amendments, the amended SIVA use agreement, and the consent agenda. Deferred items 7 and 8 to March 28, 2018. - Animal Control: City Manager Benton addressed public comments, stating that they have 4 fully trained officers, 2 in training, and 1 more slot being recruited for. She projected full staffing by May 2018, which would allow for more evening and weekend coverage. She clarified that animal control is not a 24/7 service and encouraged citizens to request call-backs when calling in. - Quilting Machine: Councilman Gray sent a note to budget staff to inquire about the cost of a computerized long-arm machine. City Manager Benton committed to better marketing Parks and Recreation offerings and to reviewing the advisory board attendance issue.

The meeting began with the Hampton Planning Commission addressing routine approvals, zoning amendments for bed and breakfasts, and a use permit for a commercial communication tower. The City Council later convened to handle consent agenda items, public hearings on condemnation authority for road and drainage projects, and public comments on public safety and animal control. Key decisions included approval of three zoning ordinance amendments and deferral of the cell tower permit to March 15, 2018. Consent Calendar - Planning Commission: Approved the minutes of the November 16, 2017 and December 21, 2017 Planning Commission meetings unanimously. - City Council: Approved a consent agenda consisting of items 1-8 and 10-12, which included appropriations for housing crisis grants, law enforcement equipment, VDOT road maintenance funds, budget adjustments, encroachments, utility easements, code amendments, and approval of six council meeting minutes. Public Comments & Testimony - Planning Commission: No public speakers signed up for the zoning ordinance amendments (ZOA 17-00009, 17-00010, 17-00016) or the use permit application (UP 17-00013). - City Council – Public Hearings: - Item 15 (Pembroke Streetscape Phase 3): One speaker, Mr. Pickens, expressed concerns about the proposed design limiting tractor-trailer access to his business. He stated he was working with staff to find a solution. - Item 16 (Northampton Area Drainage): No public speakers. - City Council – Public Comment Period: - Hugh Bassett voiced concern over the frequency of shootings in Hampton (18 shootings in 81 days since November 25, 2017) and urged the council to address the issue. He noted that the problem is not isolated to one area and affects senior citizens' sense of safety. - Misty Collins requested more funding and staffing for animal control, citing a delayed response to a cat hit by a car. She stated that the city has only four officers for a population of 137,000 and that they lack weekend and holiday coverage. Discussion Items - Planning Commission – Zoning Ordinance Amendments (ZOA 17-00009, 17-00010, 17-00016): - Staff presented a proposal to create two bed-and-breakfast use categories: Bed and Breakfast One (unchanged from current definition) and Bed and Breakfast Two (allows events). The definition of "event" was added. Signage restrictions were proposed for bed-and-breakfasts in residential districts, including height limits (6 feet maximum), a maximum of two signs, no internal illumination, and no electronic messages. Staff recommended approval of all three amendments. Commissioners discussed the difference between monument and pylon signs, and whether existing bed-and-breakfasts would comply. Staff confirmed that the two existing B&Bs likely meet the new requirements and would be grandfathered if not. All three amendments were approved unanimously. - Planning Commission – Use Permit 17-00013 (Commercial Communication Tower): - The applicant, PI Tower Development LLC, requested a use permit for a 150-foot monopole tower at 1821 Cemetery Lane (on Jewish cemetery property) to improve T-Mobile coverage. The site is in an R-11 residential district. Staff presented that the site is low on the preferred hierarchy due to limited alternatives in the highly residential Kecoughtan area. The tower would accommodate at least three users and would be semi-flush-mounted to reduce visual impact. The applicant presented coverage maps showing significant improvement in a coverage gap. Commissioners questioned the need for future towers, the optimal height for coverage, and whether a taller tower could reduce the number of towers needed. A motion to approve with conditions failed 4-3 (Commissioners Coleman, Garrison, Gray, and South Hall opposed; Callum, Peterson, and Carter in favor). A subsequent motion to defer the item to March 15, 2018 to obtain information on tower height optimization and alternative locations passed 4-3 (Coleman, Garrison, Gray, and Carter in favor; Callum, Peterson, and South Hall opposed). - City Council – Item 13 & 14 (Peninsula Town Center CDA Refunding): - City Manager Mary Bunting explained that these items were deferred indefinitely because required consent documents from CDA property owners had not been obtained. The council voted unanimously to defer indefinitely. - City Council – Item 15 (Pembroke Streetscape Phase 3 Condemnation Authority): - Staff requested authorization to acquire easements by negotiation or condemnation for the Pembroke Avenue streetscape project from Old Buckroe Avenue to Skyland Drive. The project will reduce the road from four lanes to three lanes with bike lanes and a turn lane. One property owner (Mr. Pickens) expressed concerns about tractor-trailer access. The council approved the resolution unanimously (Mayor Tuck recused himself). - City Council – Item 16 (Northampton Area Drainage Condemnation Authority): - Staff requested condemnation authority for one remaining property at 37 Northampton Drive, where a 10-foot easement is needed for a 48-inch drainage pipe. Six of eight required easements have been acquired. The council approved the resolution unanimously. - City Council – City Attorney Retirement: - City Attorney Vanessa Valldejuli announced her retirement effective June 30, 2018, citing health issues and family care needs. She noted that her office saved the city over $4 million in outside legal fees in the last fiscal year. The council expressed appreciation. Key Outcomes - Planning Commission: - Approved ZOA 17-00009 (amending definitions), ZOA 17-00010 (amending use table), and ZOA 17-00016 (amending sign regulations) – all unanimously. - Deferred UP 17-00013 (cell tower) to March 15, 2018 for additional information on tower height optimization and alternative site analysis. - City Council: - Approved the consent agenda (items 1-8, 10-12) unanimously. - Deferred items 13 and 14 (Peninsula Town Center CDA refunding) indefinitely. - Approved resolutions authorizing condemnation authority for the Pembroke Streetscape Phase 3 project (item 15) and the Northampton Area Drainage Improvements project (item 16) – both unanimously. - Appointed members to the Peninsula Stadium Authority, Wetlands Board, and Peninsula Airport Commission as listed. - Councilman Moffatt announced he will not seek re-election. - City Manager announced the 2018 Budget Week schedule: February 20 at Hampton High School (6:30-8:30 p.m.), February 22 online chat (6:30 p.m.), and February 24 at Kecoughtan High School (9:00 a.m.).