Chesapeake City Council Meeting - July 8, 2025

The Chesapeake City Council held a regular meeting on July 8, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. in City Hall Council Chamber. The meeting included a public hearing on a utility rate increase, approval of several consent and regular agenda items, and public comments on various city affairs. The council also held a closed meeting from 7:45 p.m. to 8:21 p.m. to discuss real estate acquisition and a prospective business. All votes were 9-0 except the utility rate ordinance which passed 8-1.

Public Hearing: Utility Rate Increase

• Ordinance #25-O-069: Amends Chapter 78 of the City Code to increase utility service rates, charges, and fees. The proposal modifies the existing rate plan: adds 2.0% to the previously approved 2.9% increases for 2026 and 2027 (making each 4.9%), then a 4.9% increase for each of the five years from 2028 through 2032.
• Public Comments: Four speakers spoke in opposition: Vic Nicholls (self), Dr. George Reid (New Chesapeake Men for Progress), Cliff Randolph (New Chesapeake Men for Progress), and Markiella Moore (self). They cited lack of transparency, insufficient public notice, the burden on low-income residents, the city's large surplus ($271 million over three years), and questioned the need for a seven-year projection without adequate crisis.
• Discussion: Vice Mayor deTriquet noted two publicly advertised work sessions were held. Director of Public Utilities David Jurgens explained infrastructure aging (some pipes from 1915) and the need for replacement. Acting City Manager Geis clarified that the utility is an enterprise fund separate from the general fund. Council Member Ward questioned the automatic nature of the increases and the cumulative effect. Council Member King suggested shorter projections; Geis replied that a multi-year projection is a best practice and council can amend annually.
• Vote: Motion to approve the ordinance passed 8-1, with Council Member Ward voting no.

Consent Calendar

• Resignation: Anthony Urena from the Parks, Recreation and Tourism Advisory Board.
• Grant #25-O-070: Accept and appropriate $14,370 from the Commonwealth of Virginia for the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Grant.
• Mutual Aid Agreement #25-R-050: Authorize the City Manager to enter into a mutual aid agreement with Surry County for use of the Surry Emergency Communications Radio System across jurisdictional lines.
• Approved unanimously (9-0).

Regular Agenda Items (All Approved 9-0)

• Item 3A (#25-O-080): Approval of the FY 2025/2026 CDBG/HOME Action Plan and appropriation of $8,309 to the FY 2026 HOME Grant.
• Item 3B (#25-O-071): Accept and appropriate $3,007 in additional funding to the FY 2021/2022 HOME-ARP Grant for the Forkids Virginia Eviction Reduction Program.
• Item 4 (#25-O-072): Appropriate $111,776 of HOME Program Income to the HOME Grant.
• Item 5 (#25-O-073): Appropriate $64,013 from the Chesapeake Housing Trust Fund to the Planning Department’s FY 2026 operating budget for the HRPDC Call Chesapeake Home Program. Council Member Ritter thanked staff, noted over $2 million in federal grants, requested updated 2024 figures and projections, and emphasized avoiding duplicative efforts.
• Item 6A (#25-R-051): Resolution authorizing execution of a Commonwealth's Development Opportunity Fund Performance Agreement with LS Greenlink USA, Inc., approving an EDIP grant, and transferring COF grant and EDIP funds to the EDA. Approved unanimously.
• Item 6B (#25-R-052): Resolution authorizing a Development Agreement with LS Greenlink for public infrastructure at the Chesapeake Deepwater Terminal Site. Council Member Newins requested a clarifying amendment to explicitly include signage and lighting as part of “Road Improvements.” The maker of the motion accepted the revision. Approved unanimously with the revised first page.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Agenda items only: Vic Nicholls spoke on items 2, 3, and 6, questioning costs, proof of benefit, and payback for the LS Greenlink incentives, and noting the expiration of Dollar Tree tax breaks.
• Non-agenda (services, policies, affairs):
  • Dr. Charlotte Worley urged the council to reconsider gun safety measures (citing the recent $250 civil fine proposal) and make evidence-based decisions to protect children.
  • Vic Nicholls criticized rate increases, lack of public speak at work sessions, Greenbrier development pressures, and questioned why some areas receive faster service than others.
  • Donald McGuire called for local law enforcement to not cooperate with ICE, citing ICE's “reign of terror” and potential harm to children and immigrants.
  • Anthony McNair announced his nonprofit King Nut Club (Kids in Neighborhoods Growing Need Unity and Trust) to support children, and thanked the council for the new veteran center.
  • Tommy Hart alleged police misconduct in the murder of Alan Forehand, accusing officers of destroying evidence and covering up, and called for oversight.
  • Brad Moore (South Norfolk Civic League president) expressed gratitude to staff and police for making the July 4th parade and picnic a success.

Key Outcomes

• Utility rate increase ordinance approved 8-1 (Ward opposed).
• All consent and regular agenda items approved 9-0, including the LS Greenlink agreement with a clarifying amendment.
• Council held a closed meeting from 7:45–8:21 p.m. to discuss real estate acquisition and a prospective business (both exempt under Virginia FOIA). The closed meeting certification passed 9-0.
• A future closed meeting was set for July 15, 2025, at 5:15 p.m. to interview board candidates.
• Unfinished and new business: none.