Public Meetings - Hampton, Virginia

This work session focused on strategic community partnerships and operational updates from city departments. Council members heard presentations from Christopher Newport University (CNU) regarding a new K-16 pipeline program with Hampton City Schools, followed by detailed reports from the Public Works and Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Services departments highlighting past accomplishments and future placemaking projects. Consent Calendar - Routine approvals and unanimous actions were not separately listed during the work session segment; the meeting proceeded directly to public presentations and discussion items. Public Comments & Testimony - Councilmember Harper: Expressed concern regarding citizens' reports of dangerous road conditions and vehicle damage caused by repairs following waterworks and utility projects (specifically citing Chapel Street and Apple Street). Councilmember Harper sought assurance that these issues were being addressed. Interim Public Works Director Michael Bowery confirmed that the city holds utility companies accountable for repaving entire streets when damage exceeds a certain percentage of the roadway and assured that specific affected areas would be repaired. - Councilmember Bowman: Raised questions about recruitment opportunities within Public Works, specifically noting the successful in-house CDL training program. - Vice Mayor Brown: Asked about potential upgrades to tennis courts and sports fields at Briarfield Park, as well as the preservation of historic integrity at the Virginia State School park project. Discussion Items - Christopher Newport University Partnership (Hampton Captains Program) - President William G. Kelly (CNU): Presented CNU's five-year strategic plan, emphasizing a 70% graduation rate in business and STEM fields and the upcoming 83,000-square-foot science and engineering research center. President Kelly highlighted a 50% increase in Hampton City high school seniors attending CNU and thanked Dr. Raymond Haynes (Hampton City Schools Superintendent and CNU alum) for his partnership. He stated CNU's goal is to be the most inclusive university in Virginia and ensure financial barriers do not prevent students from attending. - Brandon Jones (Senior Director of School Partnerships, CNU): Described the "Hampton Captains Program" as an evolution of the Lead Ambassador program. He detailed three prongs of the partnership: the "Biz Talk" event, the student leadership program, and a K-16 task force to build a "cradle to career" pipeline. He clarified that the program does not directly recruit for CNU but prepares students for their "next step," which may include college, work, or the military. - Shemika Pollard (Chief of Secondary Education, Hampton City Schools): Confirmed CNU's status as a "fully immersed partner" in the division's engagement framework. She emphasized the goal of aligning with economic outcomes and fostering a collaborative K-16+ pathway. She noted the program's focus on elevating student voice and that the partnership is based on the needs of the students. - Councilmember Theraby: Expressed excitement based on her background as a CNU liberal arts graduate and former NASA employee, emphasizing the need to bring people back to the region to live, work, and play. She asked about participation targets. - Q&A Summary: - Scholarships: President Kelly and Brandon Jones indicated that while no formal CNU-specific scholarship tied to the program was active at the time, a "PIV grant" exists to provide funding for Hampton City school students attending CNU. The university's mindset is to eliminate financial struggles for interested students. - Dual Enrollment: Jones stated no official seamless transfer process for dual enrollment credits currently exists, though Virginia public universities generally accept credits earned through community colleges. CNU plans to build such processes based on student needs as the partnership grows. - Targets: The program expanded to K-12, with high school students serving as lead ambassadors (50 initially, plus 20 younger "buddies") to guide younger peers. The goal is to create a scalable model where student leaders guide their own communities. - Public Works Department Update (Interim Director Michael Bowery) - Presented a review of projects falling under strategic priorities: Excellence in Government, Living with Water, Safe and Clean, and Placemaking. - Key Stats/Projects: Completed 3,600+ work lists, upgraded 1,400+ lighting fixtures to LED (saving $35,000/year), replaced 150,000 sq. ft. of flooring, and purchased 6 ambulances ($2.3M). Waste-to-energy reduced landfill waste by 70%. Conducted 7,600 volunteer hours in community cleanup. Replaced over 380,000 feet of pavement markings and performed trenchless wastewater pipe rehabilitation. - Staffing: Recruiting for facility superintendents, wastewater positions, infrastructure inspectors, and equipment operators; offering an in-house CDL training program with a 100% success rate. - Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Services Update (Director Darrell Crennum) - Highlighted placemaking efforts and special events, including the Blackbeard Pirate Festival (approx. 12,000 attendees) and new events like the Veterans Day Parade. - Projects: Completed renovations at Buck Road Beach Playground and Darling Stadium. Replaced units at Sandy Bottom. Ongoing projects include senior center renovations (exterior complete, interior/parking upcoming) and playground replacements at Mary T. Christian Elementary and Peak Elementary (focusing on ADA compliance). - Future Plans: Discussing sports turf and field realignment at Briarfield Park to attract tournaments. Addressed concerns about tennis court lighting at Briarfield (paving scheduled in 2-3 weeks). Confirmed the department will engage stakeholders to preserve the historic integrity of the Virginia State School park. Key Outcomes - Partnership Formalization: Christopher Newport University and Hampton City Schools solidified their "fully immersed" partnership through the "Hampton Captains" program, aiming to create a cradle-to-career pipeline and elevate student voice in K-12 schools. - Recruitment & Retention: CNU committed to exploring scholarship pathways and credit transfer improvements for Hampton City students, while the Public Works department opened recruitment for specific technical roles and CDL training. - Infrastructure Accountability: The city reaffirmed its policy to hold utilities accountable for roadway damage, with specific repaving commitments made for neighborhoods affected by over-limit utility work. - Capital Planning: The council received updates on ongoing and conceptual placemaking projects (Briarfield, Virginia State School, senior center) which will require future manager review and council vote before formal community implementation. - Meeting Procedural Action: The council voted unanimously (6-0) to convene an executive (closed) session to discuss real property acquisitions in the Greater With area, disposition of public funds/investment in the LaSalle Quarter, and appointments/performance of a local border commission appointee.

The Hampton City Council convened for a legislative session featuring a public recognition for Mayor Greg Gray on workforce development, the unanimous revocation of a restaurant's use permit due to safety violations and violence, and routine administrative appointments. The session began with a prayer and special acknowledgments for Hampton University's homecoming, medical assistants, and Mayor Gray's recent career milestones before proceeding to the formal agenda. Consent Calendar - Amendments to the FY2026 budget to appropriate funds for transportation initiatives and the West Queen Street Quarter Improvements Project, including the adoption of the VDOP six-year improvement plan. - Approval of an encroachment agreement involving the Thomas family within city easements and rights-of-way. - Adoption of minutes from two prior city council meetings. Public Comments & Testimony - William Moore (Blue Flamel LLC): Expressed frustration and requested support to rent a lane at the Hampton Aquaplex for swim instruction, arguing that current denial of service potentially violates laws regarding fair access to public facilities. - Dennis Green (Property Owner): Expressed a desire to establish a partnership with the city to provide food and refreshments at the Big Bethel Blue Way trailhead and requested contact with appropriate city staff. - Chris Bowman (Councilman): Expressed the position that proposed Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) should be 1,100 square feet to accommodate families of four or emergencies, rather than the currently proposed 800 square feet which he argues only allows for two bedrooms. Discussion Items - Workforce Development Recognition: A video presentation highlighted Mayor Gray's contributions to the Hampton Roads region, including the Academy of the Advanced College Experience at Fevus High School and the college internship program. Councilmember Hope Harper and Steve Cook (Chief Innovation Officer) expressed full support and appreciation for Mayor Gray's advocacy, citing his pivotal role in merging workforce development boards and his personal origin story in public service through a CETA program. - Revocation of Use Permit for Chances Restaurant and Lounge: Staff presented a detailed case for revoking Use Permit 24-0026 due to repeated violations of permit conditions. - Stephen Lynch (Deputy Director of Community Development): Outlined a pattern of violent incidents, including firearm offenses and a homicide on May 5, 2025, and multiple shootings on September 20, 2025. Staff positioned the security team's response as critical failures, specifically noting that security failed to notify law enforcement and blocked exits during a shooting. - Officer Zminkowski (Hampton Police Division): Expressed strong opposition to the current business operations, citing 25 calls for service in 2025, a suspended and subsequently revoked Virginia ABC license, and specific incidents where security personnel pointed firearms at patrons and the suspect, exacerbating public safety risks. - Positions on Grounds: Staff and police presented evidence of violations regarding Condition 7 (insufficient security), Condition 9 (ABC license violations), Condition 10 (legal existence and reporting), and violations of state air and visibility laws. Key Outcomes - Motion Carried: The Council unanimously voted 7-0 (Councilman Bowman, Vice Mayor Brown, Councilwoman Campbell, Councilwoman Theraby, Councilwoman Harper, Councilwoman Mudler, and Mayor Gray) to revoke Use Permit 24-0028 for Chances Restaurant and Lounge. - Administrative Appointments: The Council unanimously approved appointments and reappointments to various boards, including: - Clean City Commission (Gail Mooney). - Hampton Economic Development Authority (Balda Claiborne). - Board of Zoning Appeals (Joy Kirch Kelling, Alicia Miller, Romeo Toro). - Wetlands Board (Stephen Hughes). - Grievance Board (Tiffany Knott). - Citizens Police Advisory Group (Dr. Ray DeWitt, Scott Keller, Saudia White, Ann Cherry). - Public Comment Follow-up: The City Manager confirmed that staff will follow up with William Moore regarding policy review and with Dennis Green to explore the trailhead partnership opportunity.

On October 22, 2025, the Hampton City Council convened for a ceremonial session dedicated to "Spotlight on Hampton Citizens," focusing specifically on family resilience and the Healthy Families Fatherhood Program. The meeting featured presentations by city officials and representatives of the program, highlighting the contributions of volunteer facilitators and the community of fathers who have participated since 2023. The session concluded with a group photograph and remarks from the Mayor emphasizing the program's role in filling community guidance gaps. Consent Calendar - No specific routine approvals or unanimous actions were recorded in the transcript. Public Comments & Testimony - Mayor Gray: Expressed a desire to have been more familiar with the program in the past and indicated a willingness to be invited out to see the work "in action." The Mayor acknowledged that the program fills a vital void for young people in the community who may lack a father figure, stating it is "really great" that individuals step in to fill that role with guidance and mentoring. - Brian Marcese (Marketing and Outreach Coordinator): Did not express a personal position but described the program's impact, noting that fathers and families chose to attend the meeting specifically to show support for the facilitators and celebrate their journeys. He highlighted the "heart of this program" as the connection and brotherhood built among participants. Discussion Items - Highlight of the Healthy Families Fatherhood Program: Brian Marcese presented details on the program, noting that since 2023, Antonette Edwards has transformed participation from "only a few sign-ups" to "nearly 600 fathers and family members." The program is funded in part by a one-time grant from the Virginia Department of Social Services. - Program Structure and Facilitators: The 24-7 Nurturing Dad series is described as a 12-week journey covering men's health, positive discipline, co-parenting, and mindfulness. A special winter workshop focuses on child development and financial literacy. The effort is led by five dedicated facilitators: Derek Neville, Samuel Acombong, Tyrone George, Arthur Edwards, and Darius Swift. - Facilitator Participation: Facilitators Derek Neville and Tyrone George were noted as currently working and unable to attend, while Darius Swift was confirmed as unable to make it tonight. Antonette Edwards was invited up to speak. - Program Impact: The discussion emphasized that the program is a "community movement" where fathers build confidence and strengthen relationships. It was noted that the fathers attend the council meeting (which coincides with their program time on Wednesday evenings) to support the facilitators. - Future Actions: The Mayor mentioned the need to "tease out" programs like this that are "flying under the radar" but doing remarkable work. Key Outcomes - Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned following the ceremonial spotlight. The next session is scheduled to begin at 6:30 PM. - Group Photo: A group photo was taken with the council members, facilitators (present), and fathers in attendance at the conclusion of the session.

This meeting of the City of Hampton Planning Commission convened on October 16, 2025, to review the September 2025 minutes, amend the agenda order, hear a youth planner report, and conduct public hearings on two use permit applications (a private museum and the revocation of a restaurant permit). The commission also voted on four ordinances regarding the creation of Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) regulations and the mandatory requirement of community meetings for land use applications. Following the formal proceedings, the commission adjourned and participated in a city broadcast segment regarding local puppets and fitness. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The commission unanimously adopted the minutes for the September 18, 2025 meeting. - Approval of Special Meeting Minutes: The commission unanimously adopted the minutes for the September 24, 2025 special joint meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - Youth Planner Report: Commissioner Griffith expressed support for the Hampton City Schools, Emergency Services, and Law Enforcement for their quick response to a recent school incident involving a firearm, stating they "did a great job" moving children quickly. - Private Museum Hearing (Item 25-0266): - Jamie Joyner: Representing residents at 20 Edgewood Drive, Ms. Joyner expressed concern regarding traffic impact on their residential cul-de-sac and questioned the applicant's interest in the property adjacent to the site (State Farm). She requested a future meeting at a time more accessible to working families. - Sandra McKenzie: The applicant for the Margaret Lefranc Art Foundation expressed her position that the museum is essential for preserving art history and building legacies, emphasizing its educational value for students and the community. - Howard Smith: As the premises owner, Mr. Smith expressed that while he appreciated the applicant personally, the clientele became unruly late at night. He expressed a position of concern regarding the impact of the permit decision on prospective tenants for the property. - Unidentified Partner: A partner in a nearby building expressed support for the police response, noting they were a victim of property damage from a recent incident. - Restaurant Revocation Hearing (Item 25-0305): - Howard Smith: Reappeared as the applicant (Lessee) for Chances Restaurant. He expressed regret regarding the unruly clientele and stated he was already in the process of terminating the lease. He expressed confidence in the planning commission's judgment to revoke the permit. - Unidentified Partner: Repeated a position of strong praise for the Hampton Police Department, stating they "acted so very responsibly." - ADU Ordinances: No public comment was recorded during the public hearing portion of the ADU ordinance presentations. - Community Meetings Ordinance: - Commissioner Coleman: Expressed concern that the new community meeting requirement might add an "unnecessary layer" of red tape and hinder business development, despite acknowledging the merit of community engagement. - Commissioner Griffith: Expressed support for the requirement to ensure all neighborhoods are notified, citing past gaps in community engagement where citizens were unaware of applications. Discussion Items - Youth Planner Report: Director of Planning reported on the progress of the Youth Commission, including the completion of the youth master plan, a teen town hall in response to a school firearms incident, and the appointment of a junior youth planner. - Private Museum Application (25-0266): - Staff Position: City Planner Hanbu recommended approval of the use permit for a private museum at 1609/1611 Aberdeen Road with 15 conditions, noting the site is zoned C2 (limited commercial) and intended for mixed use. - Commissioner Coleman: Stated that while the initiative is fantastic, she was opposed to the location of the museum in a "random shopping space" rather than a planned district, expressing a position that the city needs to be more forward-looking in site selection. - Revocation of Use Permit (25-0305): - Staff Position: Deputy Director Stephen Lynch and Officer Zminkowski presented evidence of a pattern of violence, including multiple firearms incidents, a homicide, and repeated security failures (including officers reporting that security blocked exits). They recommended revocation based on violations of security, ABC license compliance, and cooperation with police. - Commissioner Rogers: Posed procedural questions regarding the legal recourse for the business owner and the status of the business during the interim. - Commissioner Coleman: Expressed that while the decision is unfortunate, it is "necessary" to maintain public safety and the city's reputation, despite a goal of keeping businesses open. - Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Ordinances: - Staff Proposal: Staff (City Planner Quinn Heinrich and Chief Planner Donald Whipple) presented a phased approach to ADU ordinances, capping units at 800 sq ft, prohibiting short-term rentals, and waiving additional parking requirements. They emphasized multi-generational living and housing affordability as key goals. - Commissioner Mugler: Proposed an amendment to increase the minimum side setback for detached ADUs from 3 feet to 5 feet. - Commissioner Rogers: Expressed caution regarding the complexity of the process but acknowledged the value of the community engagement research. The commission accepted the staff's amendment regarding the Buckrow Bayfront district standards. - Community Meeting Ordinance (25-0267): - Staff Position: Staff recommended the new ordinance to mandate community meetings for use permits and rezonings to ensure consistent neighborhood notification and to streamline future council deliberations by preventing deferrals. - Commissioner Mugler: Clarified that the intent of the meeting requirement is to act as a "guardrail" to prevent applications from reaching the council only to be deferred due to a lack of neighborhood notification, thereby expediting the process overall. Key Outcomes - Motion Carried: Approval of agenda amendment to move the Community Development Director's report to the front and place Public Hearing 25-0305 after 25-0266. - Motion Carried: Recommendation to City Council for Approval of Use Permit 25-0266 (Margaret Lefranc Art Foundation) with 15 conditions. Vote tally: Ayes: 5 (Griffith, Rogers, Brooks, Mugler, DeProfio), Nays: 1 (Coleman). - Motion Carried: Recommendation to City Council for Revocation of Use Permit 24-0028 (Chances Restaurant and Lounge). Vote tally: Ayes: 6 (Griffith, Rogers, Brooks, Mugler, DeProfio, Harris), Nays: 0. - Motion Carried: Recommendation to City Council for Approval of all four zoning ordinance amendments regarding Accessory Dwelling Units (25-0018, 25-0019, 25-0268, 25-0269). The motion incorporated Commissioner Mugler's amendment to increase the side setback for detached ADUs to 5 feet. Vote tally: Ayes: 6 (Griffith, Rogers, Brooks, Mugler, DeProfio, Harris), Nays: 0. - Motion Carried: Recommendation to City Council for Approval of Zoning Ordinance Amendment 25-0267, mandating community meetings for land use applications. Vote tally: Ayes: 6 (Griffith, Rogers, Brooks, Mugler, DeProfio, Harris), Nays: 0.

October 8, 2025 | 6:00 PM The Hampton City Council held a work session on October 8, 2025, to receive updates on the public art program, the infill housing plan book, the 2026 General Assembly legislative priorities, and the Living with Water strategic priority. No public comments were heard. The council also voted unanimously to enter closed session to discuss appointments, real property negotiations, and legal matters. Discussion Items Public Art Program Update - Dr. Karen Ward, Chair of the Hampton Arts Commission, presented the proposed theme "From the Sea to the Stars: Past, Present, and Possible" for the city’s first public art initiative. - The commission recommended the Settlers Landing Road Parking Garage in Downtown Hampton as the inaugural location, with funding of $250,000. - The subcommittee reviewed locations including Buckroe Beach, Phoebus Library, Downtown Hampton/Hampton University, and key gateways. - Councilwoman Campbell requested that long‑term maintenance costs be included in future budgets. Councilwoman Harper asked about temporary vs. permanent art and public submission opportunities; Dr. Ward confirmed the inaugural pieces will be permanent and that the public will be invited to submit proposals. - City Manager suggested the commission could partner with a nonprofit (Arts Foundation) to streamline the RFP process, which council supported. Infill Housing Plan Book - Representatives from WPA (Work Program Architects) presented draft recommendations for a pre‑approved infill housing plan book for substandard lots in Buckroe, Phoebus, Downtown Hampton, and Olde Wythe. - Community engagement results (over 200 online responses) showed preference for Colonial Revival and Craftsman styles, a strong emphasis on front porches, and a desire for modern elements blended with traditional character. - Two example infill homes were shown for Locust Avenue in Wythe, demonstrating how different styles can fit existing neighborhoods. - The project timeline includes design development through early 2026, with a plan book rollout targeted for summer 2026. - Council had no questions; a consent agenda action to officially initiate next steps was noted for the evening meeting. 2026 General Assembly Legislative Priorities - Ed Reed, legislative liaison, presented draft policy positions, budget requests, and legislative requests for the upcoming 60‑day session beginning January 14, 2026. - Key new additions include: support for trap‑neuter‑release (TNR) for cats (later deferred), a request for authority to tax vaping products, expanded speed camera protections, and support for a regional aviation authority. - Budget requests include $770,000 recurring to restore the Hampton Health District, $2.5 million for the Safer Communities program, and $4.4 million for Fort Wool repairs. - Council discussed supporting a proposed sales tax increase (from 0.7% to 1%) for secondary road projects through HRTPO, though no formal vote was taken until the November 12 meeting. - Mayor Gray requested adding language to oppose restrictions on license plate readers and to address the telecommunications tax. - Councilwoman Muggler expressed concern that the TNR policy had not been vetted by the Animal Control Advisory Committee; the council agreed by consensus to remove TNR from this year’s legislative package and to revisit after proper community input. Living with Water Strategic Priority Update - Scott Smith, Coastal Resilience Engineer, reported on the 2024‑2025 milestones: completion of Lake Hampton Resilience Park, Aberdeen Gardens Community Resilience Implementation Strategy, and Bluebird Gap Living Shoreline. - The team has leveraged over $56 million in grant funding in five years, with $12 million awarded in 2025 alone. - Projects in design or construction include Big Bethel Blueway, Mill Point Living Shoreline, Honor Park Resilience Park, and Butler Farm Wet Pond retrofit. - The city has initiated the third water plan for Fox Hill/Grandview/Harris Creek and is working on an Energy Assurance Plan and Climate Action Plan. - Vice Mayor Brown asked about Honor Park; Smith explained the design will include a storage meadow and boardwalk while preserving memorial solemnity. Key Outcomes - TNR Deferred: Council agreed to remove the trap‑neuter‑release policy from the 2026 legislative package pending further community and committee review. - License Plate Readers: Council directed staff to add language to the legislative package opposing any restrictions on the use of license plate readers. - Transportation Funding: Council indicated support for including language endorsing a regional sales tax increase for secondary road projects, with final language to be refined by November 12. - Closed Session: Council voted unanimously (7‑0) to convene a closed session under Virginia Code sections 2.2‑3711(A)(1), (3), (7), and (8) to discuss appointments, real property disposition, and legal matters. - Next Steps: The infill housing plan book and public art program will proceed with further community engagement; the legislative package will be finalized for adoption at the November 12 meeting.

The Hampton City Council met on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at 6:30 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Jimmy Gray, with all seven council members present. The session included a moment of silence for the mayor's late wife, proclamations, unanimous consent agenda approval, one public comment, and a series of board and commission appointments. The meeting adjourned at 6:54 PM. Consent Calendar - Resolution 25‑0273: Initiated amendments to the Hampton City Zoning Ordinance concerning infill housing design standards and a plan book. Approved 7–0. - Minutes 25‑0272: Approved the minutes from the September 10, 2025 legislative session and the September 24, 2025 special closed session, ceremonial session, and legislative session. Approved 7–0. Proclamations - Lights On After School Day (October 11, 2025): Proclaimed by Mayor Gray recognizing the importance of after‑school programs. Presented to Gwyn Lomax and supporters. - Domestic Violence Awareness Month (October 2025): Proclaimed to raise awareness and honor survivors. Presented to Ayana Morales (Interim Executive Director) and Marcy Wright (Director of Grants and Engagement) of Transitions Family Violence Services. Public Comments & Testimony - Joan Weaver (resident of the Greater Wythe area) expressed condolences to Mayor Gray and his family. She urged the council not to forget the needs of the Greater Wythe community, citing concerns about code enforcement fairness, wildlife issues (e.g., deer, raccoons), and the promise of neighborhood improvements. She questioned whether the city’s code enforcement process is selective or vindictive, and called for inclusive, fair treatment. She also noted that the 2025 Virginia School Engagement Project Award was achieved through community effort. Appointments All appointments were approved unanimously (7–0) by motion of Councilmember Harper, seconded by Vice Mayor Brown: - Neighborhood Commission: Pamela Kelly (first full term through Sept. 30, 2029); Gabriella Hayes and Whalen McDew (second terms through Sept. 30, 2029); Zoraya Meier and Honesty Williams (Bethel High School students, youth representatives through Aug. 31, 2026). - Parks & Recreation Advisory Board: Evan Grummell (unexpired portion through Dec. 31, 2027); Kathryn Wiesmann (unexpired portion through April 30, 2027). - Citizens' Unity Commission: Christopher Smith (unexpired term through Sept. 30, 2027); Stephanie Donati (unexpired term through Aug. 31, 2026); Daniel Washko (replacing Natalie Cumpson, full term through Oct. 31, 2029). - Citizens' Engagement Advisory Review Commission (CEARC): L'Oreal Hardesty (unexpired term through July 30, 2029). - Hampton Youth Commission: Tuong Vi Phan, Naicha Ibrahim, Zaire Harris, Ethan Ahard (through Aug. 31, 2027), and Honesty Williams (through Aug. 31, 2026). Key Outcomes - All six consent and appointment items were approved by a 7–0 vote. - No public hearings, reports, or new business were conducted. - The meeting adjourned at 6:54 PM.

Note: The meeting minutes and transcript indicate the meeting occurred on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at 6:30 PM. This summary uses the date provided in the instruction (September 25, 2025) as directed, reflecting a discrepancy between the source materials and the assigned date. The Hampton City Council held a legislative session presided over by Vice Mayor Steven L. Brown, in the absence of Mayor Jimmy Gray (personal matter) and Councilmember Martha M. Mugler (city business). Deputy City Manager Brian DeProfio sat in for the City Manager. The meeting covered a consent agenda, a public hearing on federal housing grant reports, a resolution for easement acquisition for a flood resilience project, deferral of a camping ordinance, and appointments. Consent Calendar - Item 25-0254: Ordinance vacating the City’s interest in an unnamed street/right-of-way (12,268+/- sq. ft.) off Martha Lee Drive and approving a vacation agreement with West Mercury LLC. Approved unanimously (5-0). - Item 25-0257: Resolution to amend the FY2026 budget to appropriate $11,240.65 from General Fund balance (Bluebird Gap Farm vending feed revenue) to Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Services. Approved unanimously (5-0). - Item 25-0265: Approval of the 2026 City Council Meeting Calendar. Approved unanimously (5-0). - Item 25-0253: Approval of minutes from the legislative session of April 9, 2025, and work session of July 9, 2025. Approved unanimously (5-0). Public Comments & Testimony - Jocelyn Scott introduced "Hello Sunshine," a proposed eight-week pilot intergenerational program connecting seniors (60+) with young adults (20-year-olds) to reduce loneliness and isolation. She requested access to city spaces, endorsements, and support, noting potential funding from the Eisner Foundation and Foundation for Aging. Time expired before she could finish. - Chris Bowman reported on the Supernova Ska Festival (Sept. 12-14, 2025) at Fort Monroe, with 39 bands and 11,420 attendees. He urged the Council to pursue something similar to the "Something in the Water" festival, citing potential multi-million dollar revenue for Hampton. Discussion Items - Item 25-0259: CDBG & HOME 2024 CAPER – Community Development Department Division Manager Monica Meharg presented the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) for the period July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025. Key accomplishments included assisting 4 homeowners with rehabilitation, 8 households with homebuyer assistance, completing 2 new affordable housing units (with 2 more underway), and serving all 353 clients originally on the waitlist. An additional $2 million from the Council supported critical repairs (57 families, including HVACs, roofs, water heaters, etc.). Councilmembers praised the collaboration and asked about waitlist removals (income ineligibility, declination), weatherization programs (WEEP, funding line shared with ramp program), and homebuyer assistance (training, down payment/closing cost aid, lower interest rates). No public speakers. Approved unanimously (5-0). - Item 25-0255: North Armistead Avenue Raising Resilience Project – Deputy City Manager DeProfio explained that Armistead Avenue floods during storms; the project will raise the road using grant funds. Needed: a temporary construction easement (0.085 acres) and permanent drainage easement (0.056 acres) from HD Development of Maryland (Home Depot). The city has been unable to negotiate with the property owner. The resolution authorizes condemnation (eminent domain) if necessary, per state code. No public speakers. Approved unanimously (5-0). - Item 25-0170: Ordinance to prohibit camping and storage on public property – Staff recommended deferral to allow a stakeholder group to continue its review (next meeting October 7, 2025). The item was deferred without a specified return date (possibly December). Motion carried unanimously (5-0). - Appointments – Glenda Watson and Zechariah Brown were appointed to first terms on the Hampton Animal Response Team Advisory Committee, expiring September 30, 2028. Approved unanimously (5-0). Key Outcomes - Consent agenda and all regular agenda items passed with a vote of 5-0 (all present members in favor). - The camping ordinance (Item 25-0170) was deferred to a future date pending stakeholder input. - The Council authorized use of condemnation authority for the North Armistead Avenue Resilience Project if negotiations fail. - Assistant City Manager Kwasi Obeng was directed to follow up with Jocelyn Scott regarding her "Hello Sunshine" proposal. - The meeting adjourned at 7:09 PM.

The City Council held a ceremonial session on September 25, 2025, to recognize individuals whose contributions were critical to Hampton being named a 2025 All-America City. Vice Mayor Steven L. Brown presided, as Mayor Jimmy Gray, City Manager Mary Bunting, and Councilwoman Martha Mugler were excused. The meeting began at 6:00 p.m. and adjourned at 6:10 p.m. Ceremonial Items - Brian Marchese, Marketing and Outreach Coordinator, highlighted the work of several community members who helped present Hampton as an authentic, innovative, and resilient community, embodying the theme "Being Resilient Together." - Those recognized in person: Velva Goodman, Wendy Iles, and Betsy McAllister. Also recognized but not present: Olivia Askew, Claire Neubert, Mary-Carson Stith, and Anne-Marie Dwyer. Each honoree’s contributions were described, ranging from citizen advocacy on flooding resilience (Velva Goodman) to environmental stewardship (Wendy Iles), STEM education and oyster restoration (Betsy McAllister), and graphic design for the presentation (Anne-Marie Dwyer). Olivia Askew, Hampton's resiliency specialist, was recognized for framing the city's flooding challenges and was not in Denver due to welcoming a new baby. - Vice Mayor Brown thanked the honorees, emphasizing the value of volunteerism and the city's ongoing work on coastal resiliency, using green, gray, and brown infrastructure to address sea level rise and flooding. Key Outcomes - No formal votes or decisions were taken. The session served as a ceremonial recognition. - The meeting adjourned at 6:10 p.m., with the next legislative session scheduled for 6:30 p.m.

The Hampton City Council convened a special joint work session on September 25, 2025, at the Hampton Roads Convention Center, running approximately from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. This educational retreat brought together the City Council, School Board, Economic Development Authority, Planning Commission, and Hampton Redevelopment and Housing Authority. Facilitated by renowned urban planner Mitchell J. Silver, the session aimed to align the various governing bodies on a new "blueprint for growth," placemaking strategies, updated zoning regulations, and improved public engagement. Discussion Items - Presentation 1: Planning with Purpose and Blueprint for Growth Mr. Silver discussed national demographic trends (aging population, rise of single-person households), arguing that cities must fall in love with problems before jumping to solutions. He contrasted "plan-making" cities with "deal-making" cities, advocating for a predictable blueprint to attract development. He highlighted Raleigh, North Carolina's successful transition using a clear framework and the "Power of 10" concept for creating destinations. - Presentation 2: Implementation Strategies Silver outlined a "reality-based planning" approach, emphasizing that implementation must be considered at the start of any planning process. He recommended limiting the number of active recommendations to match staff capacity, using a strict project queue, and prioritizing immediate "quick wins" to build public trust. He stressed that implementation relies on three levers: policy guidance, development code, and funding. - Question and Answer Period Council and board members asked about gentrification, managing opposition from long-time residents, integrating school facilities into city planning, and leveraging Hampton's history as the oldest continuous English-speaking settlement in America. Silver advised using proactive anti-displacement strategies and ensuring diverse demographic engagement to counter reactive vocal minorities. - Afternoon Group Exercises The afternoon consisted of two consensus-building exercises among the attendees. - Exercise 1: Top Implementation Challenges: Groups ranked Hampton's top five challenges. A strong cross-board consensus emerged: 1. Lack of staff funding and resources to implement projects. 2. Reactive concerns competing with proactive planning. 3. Having too many plans to track and implement. 4. Master plans being outdated. 5. Recommendations not vetted through a reality-based test. - Exercise 2: Master Plan and Zoning Code Review: Groups selected master plans to update and retire. - Plans to Update (Strong Consensus): Buckroe Beach, Coliseum Central, and Downtown Hampton. - Plans to Retire (Strong Consensus): Armistead Point Park and New Market Creek Park. Several tables also recommended retiring Fort Monroe (due to state authority) or the Kecoughtan Corridor. - Zoning Code Action: An overwhelming majority of tables recommended a complete rewrite of the zoning code. Key Outcomes - Alignment on Priorities: The exercises revealed strong cross-board consensus on the city's primary challenges, the need to prioritize, retire outdated plans, and overhaul the zoning code. No formal votes were taken, as this was an educational work session. - Next Steps: City Manager Mary Bunting announced that staff will begin internal meetings to process the feedback. Consultant Mitchell J. Silver will compile his observations into a focused set of recommendations (limited to five). An active, ongoing dialogue involving all boards will be established to track progress against the priorities identified. - Adjournment: Each participating board (School Board, EDA, Planning Commission, HRHA) met briefly on the record to adjourn their respective meetings. Vice Mayor Steven Brown adjourned the City Council portion of the session, noting an immediate closed session for council members.