OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Chesapeake City Council Meeting - November 12, 2024

City Council — Tuesday, November 12, 2024
BodyChesapeake, Virginia
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, November 12, 2024
StatusFILED
Video Record
Meeting Thumbnail
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Transcript — Verbatim
0:00

Or you can send them an email at Dominion Energy.com under the tab Report and Outage.

0:06

As Admirant Energy repairs and replaces street lights in your neighborhood, our crew will determine if it needs to be repaired or replaced with an LED.

0:14

LED lights are more efficient, cost effective, and friendlier to the environment.

0:20

Thanks again for watching, and remember we need your help.

0:22

To recap, before contacting Dominion, we need first the poll number, second, the nearest street sign, and thirdly, a description about the problem.

0:31

Once you have the information, you can contact our customer support team at 1866 Dom Help.

0:38

Let's keep the lights shining.

0:45

You're watching Chesapeake Television.

0:48

Accessibility for our customers when it comes to our concealed handgun permits online.

0:55

That means for 24 7, they don't even have to come to this office.

0:59

They can do it at the home at their convenience, which is very easy to do.

1:03

They don't have to come here and park a card.

1:06

Oh my gosh, my permit has now expired.

1:09

What am I going to do?

1:10

Everything can be done online.

1:12

Accessibility, easy, comfortable, and it actually is a safeguard for you to get through the process securely.

1:21

So everything that they can come in here and do, they can now do online.

1:25

Our city council uh voted that we'd reduce the cost to $25.

1:29

It used to be $50.

1:30

We've actually already seen an increase in the permits.

1:33

So our citizens are very excited.

1:35

We get feedback all the time.

1:37

We're so glad that you all have started doing this, and we get a lot of positive comments, and it's faster.

1:43

Now a permit used to take as long as 45 days.

1:46

We actually last week printed five cards within two days.

1:50

The Virginia code requires that we accept something that is in writing.

1:55

So if someone wants to bring something in and it's in writing, we will, of course, take it.

1:59

And then we will put it in the system for them because that way they'll get all the uh information in the text messages when their permit is ready.

2:07

Not only is it cheaper, it's easier, it's faster for them to receive their card.

2:11

So the process to receive a handgun permit is much easier now through the use of Permidium.

2:17

We have a portal that we receive the application into the police department and it goes to our V C CEN unit.

2:22

They will run the criminal history on the applicant and then they'll answer some questions that are specific in the portal of Permidium to respond back to the courts for that to go to the Commonwealth Attorney's Office for final review.

2:36

Those disqualifiers can be found in our state code or look at the website at City of Chesapeake.net and you can research handgun permits.

2:43

Some of the disqualifiers will be committing any felony or misdemeanor fence and having a conviction.

2:49

Some of the instance could be assault, uh brandishing of a firearm, and then some of your mental health history could also be a disqualifier, like if you receive treatment at a residential setting.

3:00

It's what I do.

3:02

But there are some things that are undebatable, like your mental health, my own mental health.

3:11

I was in a dark place when my brother passed away in a car accident.

3:15

I've never been more devastated than the day I lost my mom.

3:19

I was depressed, miserable, in ways I never imagined.

3:28

My pastor, my therapist.

3:31

They helped me get through it.

3:33

I found that the more I spoke up, the healthier my mind became.

3:37

The chaos that was in me began to subside.

3:40

I was more focused, clear.

3:43

You love your mind.

3:44

You can go so much further.

3:46

That's not up for debate.

3:52

Find mental health resources at loveyourmindtoday.org.

4:03

We got a number of projects that are going on right now, and we're so excited about the Chesapeake Arboretum where we'll be doing a full renovation of the facility, the building, the farmhouse, adding a new porch, putting a new roof on, doing a lot of work to the inside, putting new restrooms and all in there, making it a very nice attraction to come in and just see how life was in the 1940s.

4:24

The Arboretum will stay open during that time.

4:26

The farmhouse, of course, will be closed off and sectioned off, but the trails, the gazebo, and all of the beautiful plants here at the Arboretum will remain open throughout the constructions, which should finish up next spring.

4:38

Well, this spring we're going to be finishing up the Cordland School in the first phase of the historical village at the Dismal Swamp.

4:45

We're very excited about that.

4:46

Hopefully around Memorial Day, we'll be opening up the Cornland School to visitors and the museum.

4:51

This week alone, the electricity was put in, uh, the building was painted on the inside, and the exhibits are now being made.

5:00

After the first phase of the historical village is done with the Cornland School opening, we'll be getting into building the visitor center, finishing up the BMP, which will have a lot of native landscaping and all there, a walking trail, an outdoor classroom with exhibits that will talk about the underground railroad and the maroon communities to complete the rest of the historical village.

5:19

Another park we've got coming online later this fall will be Blue Heron Landing Park in Indian River.

5:24

We're very excited about this park.

5:25

It'll give us water access to the Indian River branch of the Elizabeth River.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural██████████████████████████████30%
Public Safety█████████████████████████25%
Land Use and Zoning██████████10%
Transportation Safety████████8%
Public Engagement██████6%
Parks and Recreation████4%
Legislative Priorities████4%
Waste Management███3%
Senior Services███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Chesapeake City Council Regular Meeting - November 12, 2024

The Chesapeake City Council met on November 12, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chamber. All eight voting members were present (Council Member Ike excused). The meeting covered a range of actions including charter clarification, property acquisition for a municipal building, approval of a public-private water/sewer project, fire department staffing increases, budget adjustments, a joint fleet maintenance lease, multifamily housing bonds, the city's 2025 legislative program, and zoning ordinance referrals. Public comments addressed multiple agenda items and city affairs.

Consent Calendar

  • Resignations: Accepted resignations of Savannah Newbern (Natural Event Mitigation Advisory Committee) and Jessica Woodyard (Parks, Recreation and Tourism Advisory Board).
  • Refunds: Approved refunds of $15,038.88 to Buckeye Terminals LLC and $28,652.73 to Eska USA B V Inc.
  • Grant Application: Authorized application for an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant from the U.S. Department of Energy.
  • Appropriations:
    • $228,000 from E-911 fund balance to Information Technology FY 2025 operating budget.
    • $300,351 from Fee Supported Activities Special Revenue Fund to Police Department FY 2025 operating budget for equipment/services.
    • $105,000 from Fee Supported Activities Fund to Fire Department FY 2025 operating budget for Hazardous Environmental Action Team program.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Brad Moore (self) spoke in support of the South Norfolk Municipal Building Project resolution (Item B) during the public hearing, thanking council and staff for commitment to the project.
  • Vic Nicholls (self) during public hearing on charter amendment (Item A) asked to fix all dates in the charter and advocated for a volunteer program to report handicapped parking violations.
  • Markiella Moore (citizens of Chesapeake) during public hearing on the Garney Companies proposal (Item C) expressed confusion about why the project was not in the public utilities franchise area and questioned whether it met requirements of the Public-Private Educational Facilities and Infrastructure Act.
  • Vic Nicholls (self) during public hearing on Item C echoed questions about the Coastal Virginia Commerce Park project and inquired about potential conflicts of interest.
  • Markiella Moore (citizens) during Citizens Comments on Agenda Items thanked Council Member Ritter and the council for prevailing in a federal court case (SAS Associates 1, LLC v. City Council), quoting the judge's opinion that the city had properly considered quality-of-life factors.
  • Vic Nicholls (self) during Citizens Comments on Agenda Items criticized the photo monitoring placement (legislative program) and questioned the need for a real-time crime center; also opposed limiting sovereign immunity and questioned the origins of new business item B on non-self-propelled vehicles.
  • Markiella Moore (citizens) during non-agenda comments further praised the federal court ruling and reiterated concern that the subject property was in a Transportation Corridor Overlay District and should not have been recommended for approval per the comprehensive plan.
  • Maxine Colston (self) during non-agenda comments requested a zoning amendment at 553 Longsdale Crescent to open a specialized home for high-acuity foster youth, urging the city to allow her business, Peaceful Parenting Connect LLC, to proceed.
  • Vic Nicholls (self) during non-agenda comments thanked several council members for service, raised concerns about Deep Creek traffic management, alleged city employees not working or misreporting, and urged council to address government spending.
  • Tommy Hart (self) during non-agenda comments described a neighbor shooting an AR-15 rifle near his property and claimed police did not respond adequately; he asked the city to pass an ordinance regulating shooting, citing bullet holes in his roof and safety threats.
  • Brad Moore (self) during non-agenda comments criticized the use of Patrick Henry imagery in local political mailers, arguing Henry was a hypocrite, and condemned anonymous attacks in the recent election.

Discussion Items

  • Fire Department Complement Increase (Item 5): City Manager Price requested approval to add 18 full-time Firefighter/EMT positions. Council Member Newins disclosed that her spouse is a fire department employee but stated no conflict. Motion passed 8-0.
  • Dock Landing Fire Station #11 Replacement (Item 6): Request to appropriate $3,000,000 for capital improvement. Passed 8-0.
  • Joint Fleet Maintenance Facility Lease (Item 7): Resolution authorizing City Manager to lease 22,394 sq. ft. of office/warehouse space at 3316 South Military Highway from Chesapeake Public Schools for a joint fleet maintenance facility. Passed 8-0.
  • FY 2025 Budget Amendments (Item 8): Four sub-items: A) $1,632,825 for Public Works vehicles/equipment; B) $154,897 for HR wellness initiatives; C) $250,000 for Mosquito Control Commission amphibious vehicle; D) $106,682 for Central Fleet health/safety improvements. All approved 8-0.
  • Peaceful Village Multifamily Housing Revenue Bonds (Item 9): Resolution approving bond issuance for renovation/rehabilitation of Peaceful Village. Deputy City Manager Solis explained the item had been previously approved in December 2023 but required an extension because federal funding was delayed. Approved 8-0.
  • 2025 Legislative Program (Item 10): Request for approval of the city's legislative priorities. Council Member Ritter asked for timeline for submitting additional items. City Manager Price noted sponsors have been identified for top priorities and would provide a written update. Approved 8-0.
  • Zoning Ordinance Amendments – Clerical/Technical Corrections (New Business A): Initiating resolution to refer corrections and updates to the Planning Commission. Passed 8-0.
  • Prohibition on Non-Self-Propelled Commercial Vehicles in Residential Districts (New Business B): Initiating resolution to amend Article 6 of Zoning Ordinance to require common ownership between vehicle and property. Council Member Ward asked that large non-operational vehicles also be addressed. City Attorney Lindley noted those are covered in a separate code section and suggested handling separately. City Manager Price confirmed staff would investigate and potentially bring a separate item. Approved 8-0.

Key Outcomes

  • All public hearing items and regular agenda items were approved unanimously (8-0), with Council Member Ike excused.
  • Consent Agenda approved 8-0 without any items removed.
  • Fire Department Staffing and Station Updates Requested: Council Member Ritter requested a comprehensive update on Fire Station 4 (land near Chesapeake Regional Medical Center), the fire department's long-term plan, and the feasibility of combining Fire Station 1 and the Second Precinct. Council Member Newins added a request to include the priority of fully staffing Rescue 15 and other fire department staffing needs. City Manager Price agreed to provide a report.
  • Follow-up on Gunfire Complaints: Mayor West directed staff to follow up on Tommy Hart's concerning statements about gunshots in his neighborhood.
  • Further Zoning Review: Staff will examine concerns about non-operational vehicles in residential districts and potentially bring a separate initiating resolution to council.
  • Charter Amendment Resolution Passed: Resolution requesting the General Assembly to clarify the resignation date for mayoral candidates and the election date for council vacancies was approved.
  • Property Acquisition for South Norfolk Municipal Building: Resolution authorizing acquisition by agreement or condemnation passed.
  • Garney Companies Unsolicited Proposal Approved: For water and sewer facilities under the Public-Private Act.

Meeting Transcript

Or you can send them an email at Dominion Energy.com under the tab Report and Outage. As Admirant Energy repairs and replaces street lights in your neighborhood, our crew will determine if it needs to be repaired or replaced with an LED. LED lights are more efficient, cost effective, and friendlier to the environment. Thanks again for watching, and remember we need your help. To recap, before contacting Dominion, we need first the poll number, second, the nearest street sign, and thirdly, a description about the problem. Once you have the information, you can contact our customer support team at 1866 Dom Help. Let's keep the lights shining. You're watching Chesapeake Television. Accessibility for our customers when it comes to our concealed handgun permits online. That means for 24 7, they don't even have to come to this office. They can do it at the home at their convenience, which is very easy to do. They don't have to come here and park a card. Oh my gosh, my permit has now expired. What am I going to do? Everything can be done online. Accessibility, easy, comfortable, and it actually is a safeguard for you to get through the process securely. So everything that they can come in here and do, they can now do online. Our city council uh voted that we'd reduce the cost to $25. It used to be $50. We've actually already seen an increase in the permits. So our citizens are very excited. We get feedback all the time. We're so glad that you all have started doing this, and we get a lot of positive comments, and it's faster. Now a permit used to take as long as 45 days. We actually last week printed five cards within two days. The Virginia code requires that we accept something that is in writing. So if someone wants to bring something in and it's in writing, we will, of course, take it. And then we will put it in the system for them because that way they'll get all the uh information in the text messages when their permit is ready. Not only is it cheaper, it's easier, it's faster for them to receive their card. So the process to receive a handgun permit is much easier now through the use of Permidium. We have a portal that we receive the application into the police department and it goes to our V C CEN unit. They will run the criminal history on the applicant and then they'll answer some questions that are specific in the portal of Permidium to respond back to the courts for that to go to the Commonwealth Attorney's Office for final review. Those disqualifiers can be found in our state code or look at the website at City of Chesapeake.net and you can research handgun permits. Some of the disqualifiers will be committing any felony or misdemeanor fence and having a conviction. Some of the instance could be assault, uh brandishing of a firearm, and then some of your mental health history could also be a disqualifier, like if you receive treatment at a residential setting. It's what I do. But there are some things that are undebatable, like your mental health, my own mental health. I was in a dark place when my brother passed away in a car accident. I've never been more devastated than the day I lost my mom. I was depressed, miserable, in ways I never imagined. My pastor, my therapist. They helped me get through it. I found that the more I spoke up, the healthier my mind became. The chaos that was in me began to subside. I was more focused, clear. You love your mind. You can go so much further. That's not up for debate. Find mental health resources at loveyourmindtoday.org. We got a number of projects that are going on right now, and we're so excited about the Chesapeake Arboretum where we'll be doing a full renovation of the facility, the building, the farmhouse, adding a new porch, putting a new roof on, doing a lot of work to the inside, putting new restrooms and all in there, making it a very nice attraction to come in and just see how life was in the 1940s.

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